During an infectious disease pandemic, states may restrict freedom of assembly by banning all or some public gatherings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic states, including Lithuania, banned large public gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and public events indoors and outdoors. Such measures may be necessary to protect public health and to limit the spread of a disease. Large gatherings, especially in confined spaces, were recognized as a particular risk for spreading a highly infectious virus.
An emergency caused by an infectious disease pandemic may justify such measures. However, the necessity and proportionality of these measures must be regularly reassessed in the light of the current situation.
example A nearly total ban on public gatherings may be justified at the peak of a pandemic, with high numbers of people infected, hospitalized or dying. However, a total ban may no longer be justified where infection rates are low and mitigating measures such as the obligation to organize a gathering outdoors, minimum space requirements or the obligation to wear protective masks, can be equally effective without banning a gathering altogether.