As reported on various journalism websites and official government websites, in addition to social networks, the Covid-19 pandemic has been evolving sharply in Portugal over the past few weeks.
The new Omicron variant is the main driver of this growth. Preventive and anticipating what may be to come in the coming weeks, the government called this Tuesday, 21, an extraordinary Council of Ministers to adopt new measures to combat and prevent the Covid-19 pandemic.
Soon after the Council of Ministers, the prime minister, António Costa, made a statement in which he informs the approved additional measures and updated data on the pandemic in Portugal. He emphasizes that these measures to combat the pandemic are intended to be applied in a preventive manner, to minimize the potential risks of dissemination of the new variant.
Thus, and in addition to the measures already announced or in force, the Council of Ministers decided to adopt the following measures to face these weeks: Free tests in pharmacies go from 4 to 6, per person, throughout mainland Portugal.
- Free tests in pharmacies pass from 4 to 6, per person, throughout mainland Portugal.
- Reduction of capacity in all commercial spaces: 1 person / 5 m².
- Anticipation of the containment period from midnight on December 25:
mandatory telecommuting;
closing of clubs and bars;
closure of day care centers and ATL;
- Mandatory negative test for access to:
tourist establishments and local accommodation;
weddings and baptisms;
corporate events;
cultural shows;
sports venues, unless decided by the DGS.
- For the Christmas and New Year period (24th and 25th, 30th, 31st of December and 1st of January):
mandatory negative test for access to restaurants, casinos and New Year's Eve parties;
ban on gathering more than 10 people on public roads on New Year's Eve;
ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages on public roads.
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Mandatory Testing
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is testing mandatory for home visits?
Yes. Visits to home users are allowed, provided that:
Digital Certificate presented in the form of test or recovery certificate;
Another proof of laboratory test performance with a negative result was presented; or
Test performed with negative result, according to DGS/INSA criteria, at the time of access.
Is testing required to access large events?
Yes. Access to large events is allowed, provided that it is:
Digital Certificate presented in the form of test or recovery certificate;
Another proof of laboratory test performance with a negative result was presented; or Test performed with negative result, according to DGS/INSA criteria, at the time of access.
What is a large event?
An event is considered large from 5,000 people indoors or 1,000 people indoors.
Large-scale events are also sporting events with more than the same number of participants (5,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors). The same rules also apply to events that do not have marked places, to events that involve the mobility of people through different spaces or to events that take place in temporary or improvised venues.
Is a test mandatory to access bars, clubs and dance halls?
Yes, access to bars, other drinking establishments without a show and establishments with a dance space, regardless of the day of the week or time, is allowed provided that it is:
Digital Certificate presented in the form of test or recovery certificate; or
Another proof of laboratory testing with a negative result was presented.
Are workers in these spaces required to present a certificate or proof of test?
No, the requirement to present a Certificate or proof of test is waived for workers in spaces or establishments as well as any suppliers or service providers that enable the operation of the same, except, in both cases, if this is required under other standards.
Is testing mandatory for visits to healthcare facilities?
Yes. Visits to users admitted to health care establishments are allowed, provided that:
Digital Certificate presented in the form of test or recovery certificate;
Another proof of laboratory test performance with a negative result was presented; or
Test performed with negative result, according to DGS/INSA criteria, at the time of access.
Who is responsible for performing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests?
The responsibility for carrying out diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, as well as for the respective charges, rests with the participants in the events.
Who is responsible for monitoring compliance with the obligation to provide proof of testing in these establishments?
Those who have to verify that the test receipts are presented are responsible for the respective establishments. Security forces and supervisory authorities for these activities, such as the ASAE, verify compliance with this requirement.
Do children under 12 years old have to provide proof of having a negative test result or do they have to undergo a test?
No. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the obligation to present proof of a test with a negative result or from the obligation to perform a test in order to access places and establishments where this is required for those over 12 years of age.
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