Portugal on alert again: new measures entered into force today

Portugal on alert! There are now new rules to follow to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in Portugal. This Wednesday, October 14, at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting, they were immediately announced to the country by the Prime Minister, António Costa and, after a few hours, entered into force.

These new rules of this state of calamity should remain in effect during the months of October and November 2020, at a minimum.

A 10-day isolation in quarantine

Isolation will last up to 10 days in asymptomatic cases or with mild symptoms.

Asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms of COVID-19 will have a 10-day isolation period, according to the Directorate General of Health (DGS) standard updated today.

According to the DGS standard, the end of isolation measures (without the need to be tested again for the coronavirus) of asymptomatic patients or patients with mild or moderate symptoms occurs after 10 days, provided that, in symptomatic cases, antipyretics were not used for more than three consecutive days and with "significant improvement in symptoms".

Cases of severe or critical illness should be isolated for 20 days from the onset of symptoms, at the same time as defined for patients with severe immunosuppression problems, regardless of the severity of the illness.

The new law also specifies that, in asymptomatic patients, the 10 days start from the date of the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19.

So far, the deadline for prophylactic isolation has been 14 days.

Ban on gatherings

Gatherings of more than five people in the street and 50 at family events prohibited.

In a "state of calamity" since midnight, there can no longer be gatherings on the public highway of more than five people, a limitation which also still applies to spaces of a commercial and catering nature.

From now on, there will also be a limit of 50 people in family events, such as weddings, baptisms and the like. A measure that responds to the greatest concerns revealed by the Directorate General of Health last week, after admitting that 67% of new infections were the result of precisely these types of meetings.

Restrictions in schools

Academic celebrations and activities of a non-academic or scientific nature are prohibited.

In universities and polytechnics, which are also at the center of the most recent known clusters, all non-university initiatives and activities in the university space are prohibited, including the practices of sports and other leisure activities, so common at this time. of the year.

Fines up to € 10

Stricter enforcement and heavier fines.

Commercial establishments that do not respect these rules face fines of 10 euros, the Prime Minister also announcing the strengthening of inspection by the security forces and ASAE, the Food and Economic Security Authority.

Masks remain optional

Two recommendations can pass the obligation: masks in the street and the installation of the Covid Stayaway application.

The government recommends the use of masks on the street, whenever it is not possible to maintain the necessary social distance, as well as the installation of the Stayaway Covid app and the communication of a positive test through this one.

The intention of the government is that the use of the mask on the street and the use of the covid stayaway app in work and school contexts become mandatory, after sending an urgent proposal to parliament.