Lithuania lifts restriction on people in one car to travel for COVID-19 jabs

VILNIUS – An unlimited number of people will be able to travel in one car to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the country's government decided on Monday.

Up until now, no more than two people or members of more than one family or household have been allowed in a car, with several exceptions.

Health Minister Arunas Dulkys says the latest exception is necessary because "for many people, especially elders, it might be hard to travel to COVID-19 vaccinations places), and it is also aimed at creating better conditions for other people to get vaccinated as well.

Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte says such a hasty decision was needed for the changes to come into force on Tuesday. "It's a technical thing for it to come into for tomorrow and to avoid discussions with officers on lockdown compliance," she said.

Last week, President Gitanas Nauseda, as well as NGOs assisting elders, called on the government and residents to create more possibilities and help elder people to get vaccinated.