New State of Emergency – What Changes from 15th January Onwards
15 January 2021
A new State of Emergency has come into force at 0:00 on 15th January until the end of the month.
What changed from the previous State of Emergency?
Portugal has seen an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases for the past weeks. Therefore, tightened measures are in place:
- Home retreat is a duty for all citizens, except for a set of authorised movements, namely: acquisition of essential goods and services, performance of professional activities when there is no possibility to work from home, participation in the upcoming Presidential election, school attendance, fulfilment of parental responsibilities, among others;
- Mandatory curfew for people who tested positive for COVID-19 or on active surveillance;
- It is also mandatory to work from home, whenever possible, with the exception of essential services workers;
- Exceptional and temporary system of early voting for people who are in compulsory curfew, in particular citizens residing in elderly homes;
- A wide range of facilities and establishments shall remain closed, including for cultural and leisure activities, sports activities and spas;
- Retail and service providers open to the public, with the exception of authorised establishments, are suspended;
- Restaurants should operate exclusively for home delivery or takeaway;
- Public services are available by appointment only, since the priority is the use of digital platforms;
- Events and celebrations are forbidden, except for religious purposes.
What if I do not comply?
Heavier fines are now applied:
- Not complying with working from home is now a very serious offence;
- Not taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport is subject to a fine between 300€ and 800€;
- Fines are doubled during the State of Emergency
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Danielle Avidago | Lawyer