As part of the modification of the state of emergency in force from 14 January and the extension for a further fifteen days until 30 January, the government has today determined a series of extraordinary measures to "limit the spread of the pandemic and protect public health".

Among the measures are restrictions on the movement of the population, compulsory teleworking and the closure of trade, with the exception of establishments of essential goods and services.

General rules include staying at home, limiting household contacts, reducing travel for essentials, wearing a protective mask, maintaining physical distance, washing hands and complying with respiratory etiquette.

Mandatory confinement

- General duty to stay at home, where "the rule is to stay at home", except for authorised movement

- Authorised movement is considered to be buying essential goods and services, to perform professional activities, to attend school, to engage in physical activity and sport in the open air or to participate in the electoral campaign or the election of the President of the Republic;

- Compulsory confinement is applied to people infected with Covid-19 or under active surveillance by decision of health authorities.

Education

- All educational establishments - nurseries, schools and universities - are open for face to face teaching;

- A "permanent campaign" of antigen tests in schools to detect cases of Covid-19 infection.

Work

- Obligation to work from home where the functions concerned so permit, without the need for agreement of the parties;

- Failure to comply with teleworking is considered to be a very serious offence.

Public services

- Public services provide face-to-face service by appointment and the provision of services through digital media and contact centres is strengthened;

- Courts remain open

Commerce and services

- Establishments that are able to remain open include grocery shops and supermarkets, with a capacity limited to five people per 100 square metres, but without restrictions on hours;

- Trade fairs and markets are allowed in the case of food sales;

- Dentists and pharmacies open;

- Hairdressers and barbershops closed;

- Closed cultural facilities;

Restaurants, bars and cafés

- Restaurants and similar establishments are able to operate exclusively for the purpose of food intended for consumption outside the establishment through home delivery or 'take-away'.

Sport

- Gyms closed;

- Pavilions and other sports venues, except for individual outdoor sports and training and competitive activities are closed;

- National teams and 1st senior division are still active, including the 1st Portuguese Football League, but without an audience.

Religious ceremonies

- Religious ceremonies are allowed according to the norms of the General Directorate of Health;

Support for economic activity

- Creation of extraordinary support measures for workers and economic activity, taxpayers, the cultural sector, consumers and trade;

- Automatic access to the simplified 'lay-off' for companies forced to close.

Aggravated penalty system

- Altered misdemeanour regime and doubled fines during the state of emergency for non-compliance with measures to combat the pandemic;

- Administrative offence for failure to submit to a test upon arrival at the airport, with a fine of between 300 and 800 Euros.

Fees and prices

- On home delivery services, restaurant commissions limited to 20% and delivery charges cannot be increased;

- Bottled gas (LPG) subject to maximum prices.

Presidential Elections

- Exercise of the right to vote in advance for voters who are in mandatory confinement, namely citizens residing in residential structures for the elderly;

- Permitted events in the context of the electoral campaign and the election of the President of the Republic.