As of today, mainland Portugal has moved to the last stage of lifting restrictions imposed to control the pandemic, a plan which has been dependent on the pace of vaccination, which is now very close to reaching the target of 85% of the population.
This deconfinement plan consisted of three phases: the first came into force on August 1st, with 57% of the population having completed vaccination against Covid-19, and the second began on the August 23rd, when 70% of the Portuguese had received the two doses of the vaccine.
In view of the current epidemiological situation, the mainland territory will remain in a state of alert, in effect until 23:59 on October 31st. This is the lowest level of response to disaster situations provided for in the Basic Civil Protection Law.
What's Changed?
Restaurants and stores have no limit on the number of customers
Commercial establishments, restaurants, cafes and in general commerce are no longer subject to a maximum limit of customers or people per group, and restrictions on their opening hours are also lifted.
The end of this capacity limitation also applies to family events such as weddings and baptisms.
Shows can have 100% capacity and certificate for large events
Cultural shows no longer have limited capacity, but a digital certificate will be required for major cultural events, and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) is responsible for defining what these events are.
Bars and clubs reopen
Nightlife spaces, closed since March 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, may reopen as of today, October 1st 2021.
On July 29th, the Government announced that night entertainment spaces would reopen in full in October, when authorities predicted that 85% of the population would be fully vaccinated against covid-19.
Mandatory mask in high risk places and in large concentrations of people
According to the measures of the third phase of deconfinement, the use of masks is mandatory in public transport, in Citizens' Offices, in schools (except in outdoor recreational spaces), in concert halls, cinemas, conference rooms, event venues, health establishments and services, residential and reception structures or home support services for vulnerable populations, elderly or disabled people.
The mandatory use of a mask is also maintained in commercial spaces with an area greater than 400 square metres, including shopping centres. Also in places with a high frequency of people, such as public transport stations, including airports, high risk places such as care homes and hospitals, and places with large amounts of people for longer periods, such as concert halls.
Digital certificate is no longer required in restaurants and hotels
Restaurant customers and hotel guests will no longer have to present the vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 test.
This document or test with a negative result is also no longer necessary for group classes in gyms, gambling establishments, casinos, spas andhealth clubs.
Access to bars and nightclubs with a certificate
Access to bars and nightclubs, which are now resuming their activity, requires the presentation of the digital certificate, but only for customers, workers and suppliers are exempt from this rule.
Digital certificate required for travel and hospital visits
The presentation of the Digital certificate will be mandatory for travel by sea or air, and for visits to care homes and health establishments, since hospital visits to inpatients are now resumed.
Among other measures, regular Covid-19 screening will be carried out for staff, and medical professionals, who are required to wear a surgical mask.
End of telecommuting recommendation and testing in large companies
The Government have decided to end the recommendation of telework. However, people who are immunosuppressed, or with children or dependents with a disability or chronic illnesses are entitled to telework, whenever applicable, without an agreement with their employer.
The rule that imposed testing in companies with more than 150 workers in the same workplace is now eliminated.
End of limitation on alcohol sales
The sale and consumption of alcohol on public roads is another restriction that also ends, as well as the 8PM time restriction on alcohol sales.
Lifted restrictions on the capacity of sports venues
Sports venues will no longer have restrictions on their capacity, but the mandatory requirement for a vaccination certificate against Covid-19 and the use of a mask remains in place.
The seating capacity can be in accordance with the total licensed capacity of the venue, as can be seen in the guidance on indoor and open sporting events.
Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/
