| Title |
Evaluating the potential impact of COVID-19 passports in Lithuania / |
| Authors |
Stankūnas, Mindaugas ; Džiugys, Algis ; Skarbalius, Gediminas ; Misiulis, Edgaras ; Navakas, Robertas |
| DOI |
10.1016/j.jinf.2022.05.039 |
| Full Text |
|
| Is Part of |
Journal of Infection.. London : Elsevier BV. 2022, vol. 85, iss. 3, p. 334-363.. ISSN 0163-4453. eISSN 1532-2742 |
| Abstract [eng] |
In this journal, Mendez-Brito and colleagues reviewed the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19. [[1]] We would like to contribute to this discussion with analyzing the recent experience of applying NPIs in Lithuanian. Lithuania has been relatively successful in managing the first peak of a COVID-19 outbreak (March – May 2020). [[2]] However, the subsequent wave had much worse consequences. In December 2020, Lithuania had recorded unacceptably high COVID-19 morbidity and mortality indicators. The main reason for this was that previous Government seriously lagged behind in implementing adequate non-pharmaceutical measures. The newly elected Government imposed a strict lockdown (December 16, 2020), which lasted until June 30, 2021. [[3]] In order to prevent a long lasting lockdowns and to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections and to motivate for an uptake of vaccination, Lithuania introduced the COVID-19 vaccination passport (in Lithuanian “Galimybių pasas”). The COVID-19 passport was issued to people, who 1) are fully vaccinated; or 2) has a laboratory confirmed previous COVID-19 infection. Holders of these passports had the right to visit shopping malls, concerts, restaurants and other facilities. The use of COVID-19 passport was terminated on February 4th, 2022. The aim of this study was to evaluate a potential impact of COVID-19 passports to epidemiological situation in Lithuania. |
| Published |
London : Elsevier BV |
| Type |
Journal article |
| Language |
English |
| Publication date |
2022 |
