“If we applied to the world the criterion that some Member States are applying to Portugal - which is the number of new cases reported by the authorities in the last 15 days - we would have opened borders to North Korea tomorrow, which has no reported cases. It is absurd reasoning, but it serves for the spectators to understand well the lack of foundation” declared Augusto Santos Silva, in an interview to SIC Notícias this week.
Regarding a possible air corridor with the United Kingdom, the minister admitted that “there is no information”, but underlined the work done “weeks ago” with the British authorities, in order to “provide the information they need about the evolution of the pandemic situation. in Portugal, according to the applicable criteria ", taking the opportunity to criticize the decision that" some Member States are applying to Portugal ".
Still on the United Kingdom, he said that the talks are "at an important moment", as the British authorities are preparing to announce their decision, reinforcing that this decision is not bilateral, but rather sovereign, and that the work of the ministry on this side has been “realizing the UK's concerns and seeking to respond with the measures taken” and which the Government is in a position to take.
According to Santos Silva, an “very important” aspect is the fact that “the current outbreak that occurs in Portugal is very geographically confined”, referring to the fact that the country has told British authorities that “the traditional and priority destinations for British tourism, such as Madeira, Algarve, Azores and Porto”, are not experiencing outbreaks.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs guaranteed that the flights for the repatriation of Portuguese citizens will continue, emphasizing the need to ensure safety due to the pandemic. “The repatriation, humanitarian and exceptional flights, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organizes or supports with the local authorities, will continue. On Sunday a flight came from Mozambique, tomorrow [Wednesday] one will arrive from Cape Verde. We are facing a very serious crisis and we must have the essential security elements”, stated Augusto Santos Silva.
On the lifting of some European air traffic measures, in force from Tuesday and lasting until July 16, allowing flights to and from Portugal to countries of the "European Union, Schengen Area and the United Kingdom", the head of Portuguese diplomacy indicated that exceptions were provided for in the decision taken by the European Union (EU).
“In relation to other countries, trips that allow the return of European citizens and essential trips must be allowed, which are trips for health, humanitarian, study, professional or family reunions”, said the minister.
As for the United States and Canada, restrictions will be lifted for these essential trips, while for countries such as South Africa and Venezuela, as they keep the borders closed, there are no “developments expected during the next fortnight”, he said.
“In relation to Portuguese-speaking countries, Portuguese or European citizens residing in Portugal may return. Tourism does not. We have to keep limitations because we are in very contrasting epidemiological situations in the world”, continued Santos Silva. In all these cases of essential travel, a “proof of having performed a test of Covid-19 with a negative result, up to 72 hours before the trip” will be required, something that the government official says is an “additional element of adequate security” for the Portuguese and for travellers.
Comments
Apologies for the nomination, it should go to JC.
I did, seems inconclusive. Maybe stress induced? One study, in Turkey... peer reviewed? Surgeons, doctors and nurses all affected... I don’t think so. Would be a litigators fantasy!!
Check out the link below to debunk another fringe theory.
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/05/30/fact-check-wearing-face-mask-not-cause-hypoxia-hypercapnia/5260106002/
Thank you, but I didn't make that comment so I couldn't possibly claim the credit. And in response to your other comment, on the study and the conclusions it draws, I haven't read the whole thing, just the abstract, and if you think that it backs up your idea, I don't. It says ...'may have a clinical value..' The study dates back to 2008. Anything else? As per Stuart's comment, surgeons don't exactly seem to be collapsing from oxygen deprivation.
Dear Norman I was referring to the size of the virus(between 0.06-0.14 microns) compared to size of holes in the fabric of a mask. And yes virus don't travel on it's own they catch a ride in the moisture of your breath. Can you feel the warm air that you exhale through the mask?
unfortunately I cannot draw pictures to try explain you better, but hey you just let your imagination run wild.
I do wish to nominate your comment "If you are down wind of someone carrying the virus,you just got it too." for funniest comment made last month.
Hard to think of all those oxygen deprived medical personnel responsible for our health care!
Tongue in cheek Steve, but if the shoe fits...
If you are down wind of someone carrying the virus,you just got it too.
Lol It's not how it works!! Even if it was wearing a mask is like putting up a chain link fence to stop mosquitoes.
David. The above is a quote from your mate Steve, earlier last month, on the subject of masks. Can't you breathe through a chain link fence? Or do masks actually help to keep infection from spreading because they let very little pass?
Seriously, and of course they're all in the pocket of...... (insert name of particular organisation/individual in the global conspiracy) there are dozens of articles debunking that particular canard.