Portugal: Authorities to impose COVID-19-related weekend curfew in all but 25 municipalities and ban interregional travel Jan. 9-11 /update 25

Event

Authorities in Portugal will impose a 1300-0500 curfew in all municipalities with more than 240 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) per 100,000 inhabitants (high risk) on the weekend of Jan 9-10. The vast majority of the country, including Lisbon and Porto, will be subject to the curfew. Additionally, residents nationwide are prohibited from traveling between municipalities from 2300 Jan. 8 to 0500 Jan. 11 regardless of the level of local disease activity; travel for medical or other emergencies is permitted.

Authorities previously classified each municipality as being at one of four COVID-19 risk levels based on local disease activity, namely extremely high, very high, high, and moderate. More than 250 of the country's 278 municipalities are currently classified as high, very high, or extremely high, including Lisbon and Porto.

In addition to the nationwide measures, municipalities classified as very high or extremely high are also subject to a 2300-0500 curfew on weekdays and a 1300-0500 curfew on weekends and public holidays; residents are advised to only leave their homes for work, school, and essential shopping. All nonessential businesses must close from 1300 on weekends; pharmacies, healthcare facilities, grocery stores with floor space under 200 sq. meters (2,153 sq. feet), and fuel stations may remain open.

Authorities in Portugal previously extended the state of emergency and associated restrictions introduced to combat COVID-19. The measures, which were scheduled to expire Jan. 7, will remain in force until at least Jan. 15.

Specific nationwide restrictions include a five-person limit on public gatherings except for certain events such as weddings and baptisms, which are limited to 50 attendees unless otherwise indicated. Commercial establishments must close between 2000-1100, and restaurants must not permit new customers to enter after 2359. The sale of alcohol is prohibited after 2000; there is also a ban on consuming alcohol in public areas. Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and all crowded outdoor public spaces; employees must work from home where possible.

Authorities in Portugal permit entry for travelers from the EU and Schengen Area countries, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay; these arrivals do not require a COVID-19 test unless their final destination is the Azores or Madeira. Travel from other countries remains prohibited, except for limited essential reasons, including EU citizens and residents returning home, reuniting with family, and commuting to essential work or study. All such arrivals are required to submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding; however, Portuguese nationals and residents may arrange to take the test on arrival at their own expense.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e. covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.