Portugal: Authorities extend restrictions in Lisbon Metropolitan area until July 31 /update 18

Event

Portuguese authorities have extended partial restrictions in place in the Metropolitan area of Lisbon until at least July 31, amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 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, such as purchasing food or medical supplies. Gatherings in these areas are restricted to no more than five people, unlike in the rest of the region where gatherings of up to ten people are permitted, and the rest of the country where up to 20 people may meet.

Further, in efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the Metropolitan area of Lisbon, alcohol consumption is prohibited in public spaces and the sale of alcohol is banned after 20:00 (local time) in the capital. Similarly, commercial establishments such as shops and cafes must close at 20:00. Exceptions include restaurants utilizing take away services, petrol stations, clinics and veterinarians, pharmacies, funeral homes, and sports equipment. Supermarkets must close by 22:00. According to media sources, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has also announced that the Champions League final tournament scheduled for Lisbon from August 12-13 will be held behind closed doors as a precaution.

The Portuguese government decreed the country's state of alert on July 1 to the lowest in a three-tier emergency level plan for the country. Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced that the downgrade was implemented following no new significant increases in COVID-19 cases.

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

As of Wednesday, July 15, there have 47,051 been confirmed cases of COVID in Portugal and 1668 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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.