Portugal begins to open again

  • 5 August, 21

Restrictions which have been in place across Portugal to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are being gradually lifted from 1 August as part of a three phase plan to open up the country again.

Prime Minister António Costa explained that from now on a countrywide approach will be adopted so there will no longer be different rules in place for municipalities based on their incidence rate.

What are the new rules?

One of the main changes at the national level is related to time restrictions for commerce, restaurants and shows, which will now all be able to open until a maximum of 2am and the removal of the nightly curfew across the country.

What are the new phases?

António Costa has announced that the easing of lockdown in Portugal will take place over three phases, based on vaccination rates in the country and when these levels are expected to be reached.

Phase 1 (beginning on 1 August)

– End of nightly curfew between 1pm and 5am

– Sporting events are now open to the public, according to the DGS rules

– Cultural shows now have a capacity of 66%

– Weddings, baptisms and other similar festivities have a capacity of 50%

– Entertainment equipment — including bumper cars and popular fairs — can now return in authorised locations in municipalities

– Remote work is no longer mandatory but recommended

– Bars and clubs are still closed

But despite the advances in vaccination, the prime minister also warned that it is necessary to keep the pandemic under control and that, for this, it remains “indispensable” to maintain the individual protection measures adopted since the beginning of the pandemic, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance and washing hands.

Cre: Portugalnews

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