Portugal: Government downgrade to state of alert July 1 /update 17

Event

The Portuguese government announced on Wednesday, July 1, that the state of alert has been decreed amid the easing of some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The state of alert is the lowest in a three-tier emergency level plan for the country. Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced that the downgrade has been implemented following no new significant increases in COVID-19 cases. However, some areas including the Lisbon Metropolitan Area remain under additional restrictions.

Portuguese authorities announced on June 22, that some lockdown measures would be restored in Lisbon following an increase in COVID-19, cases in the city. Gatherings are limited to 20 people, except for religious ceremonies and family events, such as weddings and christenings.

Social distancing measures and the use of non-surgical face masks remain mandatory in enclosed space.

As of Saturday, July 4, health authorities have confirmed 43,156 COVID-19 cases with 1598 associated deaths in the country. 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). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

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

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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.