New lift of Covid measures in Portugal
Portugal is rapidly reaching the goal of having 85% of its population fully vaccinated. With that in mind and with the Covid outlook getting more optimistic, the country is moving from a “State of Emergency” to an “Alert Situation” status.
An additional important vaccination measure is that Portugal will start vaccinating all immigrants not yet legalised in the country, which means that all of those who are not yet registered with the National Healthcare System (SNS) and do not possess a Social Security Number (NISS) can now go to an “Open House” vaccination centre to get their vaccine.
Within this context, on the 23rd September 2021, the Portuguese Prime Minister spoke to the country about the third phase to reopen the country after the tight measures to control de pandemic. These will apply from the 1st October onwards.
This plan had already been disclosed back in July and it is reaching the last stage, as follows:
- Restaurants and cafes with no maximum number of people per group, either indoors or on terraces, with no need to present a Certificate or test;
- Establishments and equipments with unlimited capacity;
- Cultural events with unlimited capacity;
- Events (namely weddings and baptisms) with unlimited capacity;
- Bars and clubs reopen with no time limitations.
Nevertheless, it is mandatory to present the EU COVID Digital Certificate or a negative test result upon entry at:
- Bars and clubs;
- Larger cultural, sports or corporate events;
- Air and sea travels;
- Visits to elderly homes and other healthcare facilities;
Moreover, it remains mandatory the use of mask at:
- Public transportation;
- Retail shops;
- Cultural and events venues;
- Elderly homes and hospitals.
