Portugal: Face masks to be compulsory in Madeira in all public places from August 1 /update 20

Event

Authorities in Madeira have announced that face masks will be compulsory in all public places from Saturday, August 1, in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Masks were already compulsory nationwide on public transport and in enclosed spaces. 

Separately, prior to arrival in Madeira, travelers have to complete a traveler questionnaire 12-48 hours before departure. Furthermore, travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which is to be carried out 72 hours before departure. Similarly, travelers entering the Azores will have to complete a health form 72 hours before traveling, in order to receive a code which is then to be presented to authorities on arrival. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test will also be required 72 hours before departure, or on arrival which would then entail self isolation until results become known. 

Additionally, Portuguese authorities have extended partial restrictions in place in the metropolitan area of Lisbon until at least July 31. Stay-at-home orders have reportedly been imposed in 19 parishes in Lisbon, Sintra, Amadora, Loures, and Odivelas. Individuals in these areas are only permitted to leave their homes to go to work or to conduct essential services e.g. purchasing food or medical supplies. Gatherings in these areas are restricted to no more than five people whereas in the rest of the region, gatherings of up to ten people are permitted. In the rest of the country up to 20 people may meet.

As of Friday, July 31, Portuguese authorities have recorded over 50,868 confirmed cases of the virus, and 1727 associated fatalities. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.