New coronavirus cases have hit a new record-high in Lithuania over the past 24 hours when 950 new cases and six more deaths were recorded, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
"We should probably no longer use that word "record" as those numbers will definitely go up. (…) As wee see certain behavior of our people, the virus is really spreading fast. (…) We see what's happening during sports matches, at clubs, cafes," Razmuviene told journalists on Thursday. "We should have been more responsible earlier, now we have the consequences of that not always responsible behavior."
The NPHC data shows the biggest share of patients come from the age group of over 65, meaning that they are socially active, Razmuviene said.
Members of the public did not follow all previous recommendations in Lithuania, the specialist said. She says it's now impossible to distinguish areas where the virus is spreading at the fastest pace. "The virus is spreading everywhere," the NPHC representative said.
In her words, around 700 medics are now ill with COVID-19. "If that chain falls out, (…) so we see the biggest threat in here," she said.
Razmuviene also welcomed the president's decision to establish an expert council. "It's difficult for those who are working now, and it will definitely be difficult for the incoming government. So, such a group, I believe, in this existing transition period, would be very beneficial," she said.
Earlier in the day, the presidential office announced its decision to establish an advisory council of health experts for the management of the coronavirus crisis. It should include some 20-30 experts who will advice the government and will help "to ensure as smooth as possible the handover of the crisis management from one hands into the other" as the governments set to change after the recent parliament election.
The new council is expected to start work next week.
Lithuania has so far recorded a total of 13,088 COVID-19 cases. The country currently has 8,301 active coronavirus cases and 4,582 recoveries, the Health Ministry said.
The coronavirus death toll stands at 150, and another 55 coronavirus-infected people have died of other causes, including three over the past 24 hours.