What has changed in Portugal since December 1 with the “state of calamity”?

From Wednesday, December 1, Portugal will resume the “state of calamity” with a package of restrictions that seek to stop the expansion of the pandemic in coronavirus. These norms include teleworking and negative tests COVID-19 to enter the country.

In addition, the digital certificate will be mandatory to access restaurants or tourist accommodation and a negative test to enter nightclubs and bars.

The most restrictive measures will come after the Christmas holidays, between January 2 and 9, just before the start of the campaign for the general elections on January 30.

Only those under 12 years of age are exempt from presenting certificates and negative tests.

At the same time, the country, with more than 86% of its population vaccinated, accelerates the third dose among risk groups and is studying moving forward with vaccines for children.

What has changed in Portugal since December 1?

CALAMITY STATE

As of December 1, Portugal will enter the phase of a state of calamity (below the highest level, a state of emergency).

The Government recommends that the more than ten million Portuguese inhabitants take regular tests and telework when possible.

The use of a mask in closed spaces will also be mandatory.

SPORTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE

To access restaurants, tourist accommodation and gyms, it will be mandatory to show the digital vaccination certificate.

Capacity is not limited in large closed events without marked places or in sporting events, but in addition to the certificate, a negative test will be required with a maximum validity of 72 hours.

In cinemas and theaters, the vaccination certificate and the mask will suffice as long as the seats are assigned. Otherwise, a test will be required.

It will also be necessary to have a certificate and a negative test inside bars and clubs. Nightlife is the most punished with restrictions because, between January 2 and 9, it will have to close its doors.

The negative test will be mandatory in visits to residences and hospitals.

STRENGTHENING CONTROLS AT AIRPORTS

To enter Portugal, by air, sea or land, a vaccination certificate and a negative test (PCR or pharmacy antigen, self-tests are excluded), carried out at most 72 hours in advance, will be necessary.

Portugal will strengthen controls at its airports and will require passengers to submit a negative test before embarking on flights to the country.

The Government has announced sanctions of up to 20,000 euros for airlines that do not comply with the regulations and do not require tests from their passengers.

In the case of cruises, tourists arriving in Portugal must also show a negative test.

BORDER WITH SPAIN

The land border between Spain and Portugal will remain open and with free movement, although Portuguese agents may carry out random checks and request the vaccination certificate and the negative test at any time.

“CONTAINMENT” WEEK, JANUARY 2 TO 9

After the Christmas holidays, the restrictions are tightened with what the Government has baptized as “containment week”.

Between January 2 and 9, just before the start of the campaign for the general elections called for January 30, the Government recommends reducing social contacts, recovering compulsory teleworking and delaying the start of classes in the schools.

In addition, bars and clubs will remain closed.