Portugal is again imposing restrictions despite high vaccinations

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COVID-19. PHOTO: Reuters

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Portugal has reintroduced some restrictions imposed by the pandemic, less than two months after most bans were lifted and the goal of vaccinating 86 per cent of the population against KOVID-19 has been reached, the Associated Press reported.

The recent increase in the number of infected has forced the government to take these measures, said Prime Minister Antonio Costa, stressing that the increased number of infected is still below the levels reported in other European countries.

From 1 December, wearing a mask in indoor public places will be mandatory, and entering digitalis, cinemas and hotels will require a digital certificate proving vaccination or recovery from the coronavirus. But even vaccinated people will have to take a negative test to visit hospitals, nursing homes, sporting events, bars and discos.

All those arriving by plane from abroad will have to show a negative test. In this case, in addition to vaccination, a negative test will be required – urinary or rapid antigen, made 72 hours or 48 hours before departure. Airlines will be fined 20,000 euros for each passenger carried without the necessary test.

In addition, the government recommended that citizens be tested regularly and work remotely whenever possible.

Kosta added that booster doses have been accelerated. He stressed that the measures are necessary due to the growing number of cases in other EU countries and the approach of winter, when the number of respiratory infections usually increases. In addition, families will be in close contact during the Christmas holidays.

Authorities say a new lockdown is not needed at the moment because hospitals are coping.

Portuguese health authorities reported 3,150 new cases and 15 deaths from the coronavirus today. On 1 November, Portugal reported less than 500 new cases.

Nearly 18,400 people have died as a result of KOVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in the country, which has a population of 10.3 million.

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