Portugal: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 movement restrictions from Dec. 23 /update 23

Event

Authorities are tightening domestic restrictions from Dec. 23 in an attempt to minimize the spread of coronavirus disease (COVD-19) over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. On Dec. 23, a curfew will apply from 2300, during which people will be prohibited from leaving their accommodation unless for essential purposes; on Dec. 24-26, the prohibition will apply 0200-0500, and then 2300-0500 on the night of Dec. 26/7. On Dec. 31, the curfew will be in effect from 2300, and from Jan. 1-3, it will apply 1300-0500. People will also be banned from traveling between municipalities 0001 Dec. 31-0500 Jan. 4. Existing movement restrictions dependent on the level of local COVID-19 activity will continue to apply outside of these dates.

Officials have extended the ongoing state of emergency through at least Dec. 23, and will likely extend it through Jan. 7. Nationwide, there is currently a five-person limit on public gatherings, except for family events, such as weddings, which are limited to 50 attendees unless otherwise indicated. The sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars remains banned after 2000; there is also a ban on consuming alcohol in public areas. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public areas and are strongly encouraged in outdoor public areas. Authorities also recommend employers allow staff to work from home on these dates and have made facemasks mandatory in the workplace. In addition, the country is currently divided into four different zones depending on the epidemiological risk in each municipality, namely extremely high, very high, high, and moderate.

More than 100 municipalities, largely located in the north of the country, are listed in the extremely high and very high-risk zones, including Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Setubal. In addition to the nationwide measures, these municipalities 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; pharmacies, healthcare facilities, grocery stores with floor space under 200 square meters, and petrol stations may remain open. Working from home is mandatory whenever possible.

Authorities in Portugal permit entry for travelers from the EU and Schengen Area countries, the UK, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, 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. From Jan. 1, 2021 it is possible that UK nationals based in the UK will also be prohibited from nonessential entry, reflecting the end of the Brexit transition period, after which the UK will no longer be classed as an EU/Schengen associated state.

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.