In his speech to the nation Costa stated that it is “unacceptable to maintain the levels of circulation within the public as was seen over the weekend”. He highlighted data from public transport and mobile networks which showed that over the past weekend there was only a reduction of around 30% in the circulation of people in Portugal.
He reiterated that what is important is not what prohibitions are being put in place but instead the importance of everyone protecting themselves, others and the National health Service (SNS) at this time.
The new rules include:
The prohibition of the sale or delivery or click and collect service of any non food goods, including clothing stores.
All food areas in the shopping centres are to be closed, even for take away.
All promotional campaigns and sales are prohibited that would encourage the movement of people.
Parks may remain open but nobody may stop in these areas.
Local councils are to limit access to areas that attract large concentrations of people such as riversides or sea fronts. The use of benches, play parks, sports equipment, even tennis and padel, are prohibited.
All workers who have to work outside the home must have a valid declaration to go to work. All service companies with more than 250 employees have 48 hours to submit a list of their essential workers.
It is prohibited to move between municipalities during the weekend.
All establishments of any type must close at 8pm on week days and at 1pm on weekends, with the exception of food stores that may remain open until 5pm on weekends
The government will now also reinforce the presence of police on the streets to enforce the lockdown rules across the country.
“This is not the time for parties or birthdays, the safety of the country is dependent on everyone, use a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distance, protect yourself and others, our health and that of everyone else is at stake,” said Costa.
Originally from the UK, Daisy has been living and working in Portugal for more than 20 years. She has worked in PR, marketing and journalism, and has been the editor of The Portugal News since 2019. Jornalista 7920
I’m confused...so right now in Lagos during the week can I move between municipalities?How far can I travel for exercise eg can I drive to the beach to walk my dog?
By Ian Madeley from UK on 18 Jan 2021, 19:24
Are you sure the statement: "The prohibition of the sale or delivery or click and collect service of any non food goods, including clothing stores" is correct. This does not seem to be mentioned anywhere else or reflected in the new rules that were just introduced. Please verify.
By MC from Algarve on 18 Jan 2021, 19:50
Let's see how these go down in the Algarve. It seems to be a bit of a jungle out here.
By Annie from Algarve on 18 Jan 2021, 21:20
How come construction is still allowed to go ahead??
By Dan from Lisbon on 18 Jan 2021, 23:36
PM doesn't mention any sport in his speech. Your article says "even tennis and padel, are prohibited." Can you tell at what part of speech is mentioned that phrase? Interesting to hear it again if you find that.
By Juha Malinen from Lisbon on 19 Jan 2021, 00:08
Can people go surfing?
By Cynthia D from Lisbon on 19 Jan 2021, 08:10
Are the ITV Test stations still open and garages to get the work done if needed
By John simmons from Algarve on 19 Jan 2021, 09:20
Brought to you by the same people that said "the people won't accept another lockdown"
By Fred Doe from Algarve on 19 Jan 2021, 10:33
So shut down a sure fire way of stopping people going out: home delivery of goods. How on earth can people occupy themselves at home for a potential month without the means to do do? I could have used that month to redecorate my home! Stop penalizing those doing the right thing and focus on those ignoring the rules.
By Ian from Other on 19 Jan 2021, 15:19
I live in a town of 19,000 inhabitants and have yet to see a GNR officer either on foot or in a vehicle enforcing the lockdown, its a normal 'do as you please day' here. Outside the Intermarche store this lunchtime there were 12 teenagers ( I counted them) all had masks but only three had then covering their faces, the rest had them under their chins!
By Greg from Other on 19 Jan 2021, 17:14
We have access to world bank document, according to The World Bank COVID-19 STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PROGRAM (SPRP) (P173789) the Covid 19 project started 31 March 2020 and shall end on 31 March 2025.
The current situation shall increase and continue for 5 years.
By Eva from Other on 19 Jan 2021, 18:55
To Ian: walking the dog on the beach is generally not allowed, whether there are restrictions or not.
By Nina from Other on 20 Jan 2021, 06:22
If masks are effective, why to promote global shutdown?
Economy will fall to zero.
How then will families, communities and country in general survive?
If masks are effective, if majority of people complys, why global shutdown?
Freedom can not be negotiated. Health must be achieved by focusing on spot malfunctioning areas and/people, not on general country.
By Ana from Lisbon on 20 Jan 2021, 18:54
I am living u lisbon and see that delivery boy stand in groups. If one have covud 19 he will transfor to onther same situation is when they are going to deliver order . Then can take covid 19 from client.
Every whete resturent is open for take way and delivery .
By Ali from Lisbon on 21 Jan 2021, 08:04
It is important to accept that (a) COVID is a virus that kills (b) that it can kill anyone - it is not selective (c) and it is passed on from one human to another.
So if people ignore the Government Authority rules, anyone who is infected can pass it on to another - and just imagine that, that person dies (as could you from another). HOW CAN ONE CONTINUE LIVING KNOWING YOU WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING A HUMAN BEING - and possibly be accountable. THINK. PLEASE BE SAFE FOR YOURSELF AND PLEASE DO NOT KILL SOMEONE ELSE, who has a family just like yours.
By NS from Other on 21 Jan 2021, 11:25