Residents of Vilnius stocked up on groceries before the NATO summit and decided to stay at home

“Taxi drivers refused to work, companies transferred employees to remote work”

On the eve of the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, unprecedented security measures were introduced in the city. Modern weapons were sent to the capital of Lithuania: anti-aircraft missile systems, an air defense system, self-propelled howitzers. Severe restrictions have been introduced for citizens: do not go outside without documents, the city center will be blocked. We talked with local residents about the situation in Vilnius.

Our interlocutor is a local resident Laurynas. The man lives on the outskirts of the city.

– Will restrictions be introduced at the airport during the summit?

– Yes, flights will be suspended from noon on July 11 until noon on July 12. This information has long been announced. Those who planned trips these days will fly from Kaunas airport.

– Roads are blocked in Vilnius now. Are people complaining about the inconvenience?

– Someone is calm, someone is dissatisfied and swears. But I can not say that the city is completely blocked. Traffic is limited in the Old City and at the places where the summit will be held. Many companies these days have transferred employees to a remote work format. Interactive maps were made for residents, where all the overlaps in the city are indicated. Many people bought groceries in advance so that they would not leave their homes these days.

– Delegations will service 800 vehicles. Plugs are provided. Will people on this day refuse to travel by private cars?

– Since the restrictions were announced in advance, many left the city or preferred to work online. I admit that some small shops in the center may also close. Many taxi drivers refused to work these days, took a day off for two days due to the fact that it would be difficult to travel. So it’s better not to call a taxi.

– Are residents given recommendations on how to behave these days in connection with tougher checks on the streets?

– Please carry documents with you in case of inspections. The situation in the city will be similar to that which usually happens in a concert hall or a stadium, where things are also subject to a thorough inspection.

– Are they also tightening control at the border?

– Tight control returned for 3-4 days. But if someone really needs to go, then there is no problem.

– Pedestrian traffic will be prohibited near the presidential palace on July 11 from 15:00 to 24:00. Are there usually a lot of tourists walking there?

– There are tourists, but this is not the most popular place for travelers in Vilnius.

– Free hotels remained in the city?

All hotels are booked for next week. I doubt that there are places left in the hotels.