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The head of state said he discussed the new measures with Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Sunday and voiced his support.

"Ahead of the Cabinet sitting, we discussed with the prime ministers the new quarantine-tightening measures proposed by experts. I agree that they are necessary right now," the president posted on Facebook.

He also underlined that the duration of the quarantine measures should depend on the epidemiological situation.

"The government will have to review the quarantine measures adopted today when we will slow the spread of the virus through joint effort," the president said.

The president also urged people "to avoid pre-holiday shopping marathon" and to spend the holidays "modestly and cosily with the closest family".

"This way we can reduce the burden for medics. We can give a bit of relief to medics, interns and nurses fighting COVID-19".

Earlier on Sunday, the government decided to ban the operation of the majority of shops and services providers as of the upcoming Wednesday, and also ban people from meeting with members of other households.

The majority of shops, with the exception of those selling food, will be closed in Lithuania as of Wednesday as the country is tightening the existing lockdown. People will be allowed to leave their homes only for serious reasons but families will be allowed to go for walks in open spaces within their municipality, without meeting with other people.

Such a decision was made by Lithuania's new government led by Ingrida Simonyte, which held its first sitting on Sunday night.

In addition to food stores, also pharmacies, veterinary clinics, opticians and stores selling orthopedic equipment will be allowed to continue operating. They will need to ensure a space of at least 10 square meters for one person.

Online stores' pickup points will also be allowed to operate.

Educational establishments will work remotely and kindergartens will have to except children if their parents have no possibilities to work from home.

As of Wednesday, people will be banned from leaving their municipalities, except for work-related reasons, funerals, urgent medical assistance or trips to their homes situated in another municipality.

People will be banned from leaving their homes, unless for work-related reasons, to buy food, attend funerals or go to a medical establishment. Members of one family will be allowed to go for walks in open spaces.

Contact with members of a separate household will be banned, except for emergency cases.

Any contact-type services will also be banned, and accommodation services can only be provided for isolation.

Individual physical activity sessions will also be banned, but high-level sports training will be allowed to continue.

These conditions will be in place until January 31. Simonyte says that if the situation improved sooner, the government would consider a review of the lockdown restrictions.