In a press conference that brought together several public entities, in Lisbon, the coordinator of the task-force created by the Government to promote the testing plan due to the pandemic explained that, from 28 May, “a program of awareness and testing” will be developed with the delivery, taxi and transport service providers (TVDE).
"This means that we are going to test in proximity in the places where these professionals work, in collaboration with the Lisbon City Council", said Fernando Almeida, also underlining the articulation, in this process, with the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and private laboratories.
According to the chairman of INSA's board of directors, mass testing in the Lisbon region also covers areas where young people usually get together, such as Avenida 24 de Julho, Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto or the viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara, nightlife spots in the city centre of Lisbon.
"We will direct our attention through mobile units, with the collaboration of the Regional Health Administration, the Lisbon City Council and Red Cross teams, in order to have two actions: test and raise awareness of the need for social distance", said Fernado Almeida.
High traffic areas and transport interfaces are also the target of the authorities' attention, so “mobile testing stations” will be placed, which can be used by passengers, in places like Gare do Oriente.
The reinforcement of the testing also starts on 31 May, with mobile teams, in the sectors of catering, commerce, hotels and fairs, not going “restaurant to restaurant, but in areas with clusters of restaurants”.
The government is so worried about testing, why? I'm watching TV and all I see in Porto are hundreds of English men NOT wearing masks, drinking, yelling etc. I will not be surprised when the government announces that Covid19 numbers are up in Porto! You would think that the Police would be out there enforcing the Mask law no matter if you are Portuguese or a Tourist. Hosting the Champions league in Portugal right after the Portuguese people spent so many months in confinement is dangerous, reckless and stupid!!! All these Covid19 laws should be for everyone including and especially Tourists!!!!! I am so disgusted!!!!
By Alda from Lisbon on 28 May 2021, 15:36