Details were released on Monday of this week about a mobile application that alerts users in Portugal that they have been in contact with someone infected with the novel coronavirus. The project, which started in late March, is coordinated by the Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC). To be effective in detecting new cases of COVID-19, at least 60% of smartphone users in Portugal will need to have this application installed.

Crime has halved since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with pickpocketing theft being one of the crimes that fell the most, while fraud grown the most, according to a government report.

A group of major Portuguese authors have found a way to keep themselves and their readers busy during the lockdown: they’re writing a serial novel, with each writer given 24 hours to respond to the previous chapter.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said, this Tuesday, that the country will enter a third phase of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the "closure" of businesses and institutions is no longer a focus. However, the resumption of activity "in small steps" will have to be accompanied by the control of the situation, with permanent assessment of epidemiological data.

The Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG) announced today their plan for the progressive resumption of the practice of the sport, which includes in the first phase the conditioned reopening of the courses, in May, and in the second, the return to competition, in July.

Poverty and social problems are a worrying side effect of the pandemic, especially in big cities like Lisbon. As in most urban environments, there is a significant homeless population. Moreover, skyrocketing unemployment has meant more people than ever are in need of some assistance – families are struggling to pay their rent and put food on the table.

The Algarve is in a "comfortable" situation in the fight against COVID-19, with a rate of recoveries higher than the national average, said today the regional health delegate, at a time when the region is gearing up to possibly reopen the economy.

The Government is set to adopt the same travel restrictions that were in force at Easter for the long weekend of the 1st of May.