AMAL – the Algarve Intermunicipal Community has expressed "its concern over the arrival of citizens of other nationalities, coming from countries where the Covid-19 issue is highly worrying", these are the words of António Miguel Pina, mayor of Olhão and president of AMAL.
He believes that “with the declaration of quarantine in the neighbouring country (Spain), there will be a large influx of Spanish citizens. Given this situation, the group of Algarve mayors are asking the government to take more drastic measures to control these flows, whether at land or airport borders”.
With this in mind, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Eduardo Cabrita announced today that the land borders between Portugal and Spain will be reduced to nine points along the border, which will be under strict control.
Crossing the border will be limited to those transporting goods and workers, explained the Minister. "The economy must be kept running, so it is essential to guarantee the maintenance of the transport of goods, namely the circulation of food products", said Mr. Cabrita. This restriction on movements will be applied, in conjunction with participation of the Spanish authorities.
Meanwhile, Faro Airport has been struggling to keep up to date with tight public health measures, which are being updated on a near daily basis. The temperature checking of passengers entering the country through certain countries has not yet started.
Furthermore, airport employees were denied masks and gloves. It deems despite the strict measures being requested, very few big steps have been taken in order to limit the spread of the virus on the part of government aid, the airport is relying on the admirable loyalty of their employees.
