3 stages for the new lifting of COVID measures

On the 29^th July 2021, the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has announced a new plan to lift the Covid-19 rules. The new strategy is composed by 3 stages and the criteria is now based on the percentage of the population fully vaccinated, as follows:

Phase 1: More than 50% of the population with complete vaccination (1^st August)

• Working from home is recommended, whenever activities allow it;
• End of traffic restrictions on public roads from 11pm onwards;
• End of limitation on opening hours and establishment of 2am as closing hours;
• Audience at sporting events, according to rules to be defined by the DGS;
• Cultural events with 66% capacity;
• Bars subject to restaurant rules.

Phase 2: More than 70% of the population with complete vaccination (September)

• End of mandatory use of mask in public outdoor spaces;
• Restaurants and cafes have a maximum limit of 8 people per group inside and 15 people per group on terraces;
• Public services without prior appointment;
• Public transportation without capacity limits;
• Cultural events with 75% capacity;
• Events (namely weddings and baptisms) with 75% capacity.

Phase 3: More than 85% of the population with complete vaccination (October)

• Restaurants and cafes with no maximum number of people per group, either indoors or on terraces;
• Establishments and equipments without capacity limits;
• Cultural events with unlimited capacity;
• Events (namely weddings and baptisms) with unlimited capacity;
• Bars and clubs reopen upon presentation of the EU COVID Digital Certificate or a negative test result.

The following general rules also apply:

• Rules become the same throughout the continental national territory;
• It is also mandatory to present the EU COVID Digital Certificate or a negative test result to have access to:
• Events with more than 1000pax (outdoors) and 500pax (indoors)
• Weddings and baptisms with more than 10pax
• Travel
• Hotels and other tourist accommodations
• Dining indoors after 7pm on Fridays, weekends, and holidays
• Gym group classes
• Thermal baths and spas
• Casinos
• Alcohol consumption in public spaces remains forbidden after 8pm.