Portugal, which has the highest COVID19 immunization rate in the world, announced that it would reintroduce restrictions to prevent the proliferation of cases and urged all passengers flying in the country to submit a negative test certificate upon arrival. I did. “It doesn’t matter how successful the vaccination is, we must be aware that we are at a higher risk stage,” Antonio Costa said in a press conference Thursday.
“We have seen significant growth (in some cases) in the EU, and Portugal is not an island,” he added. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.
Portugal reported 3,773 new cases on Wednesday. This is the maximum number per day in the four months before it dropped to 3,150 on Thursday. But when the country faced the toughest battle with COVID 19, the death toll was well below January levels.
About 87% of Portugal’s population of just over 10 million are fully immunized against the coronavirus, and the country’s rapid rollout of vaccinations has been widely praised. This allowed it to lift most of its pandemic restrictions.
However, as another pandemic wave swept through Europe, the government reintroduced some old rules and announced new ones to limit the spread as the holiday season approaches. These measures go into effect next Wednesday, December 1.
Speaking about the new travel rule, Costa said airlines will be fined 20,000 euros ($22,416) per passenger if they carry anyone who doesn’t carry proof of a COVID19 test, including who are fully vaccinated.
Passengers can take PCR test or rapid antigen test, respectively 72 hours or 48 hours before departure.
Costa also announced that fully vaccinated persons must also present proof of a negative coronavirus test to enter nightclubs, bars, large events and nursing homes, and their digital certificate. The EU will be required to stay in hotels, go to the gym or dine indoors at restaurants.
Remote work, now recommended where possible, will be mandatory the first week of January and students will return to school a week later than usual to control the spread of the virus after the festival .
Costa said Portugal must continue to bet on vaccinations to control the pandemic. Health officials hope to have a boost in COVID19 vaccinations for a quarter of the nation’s population by the end of January.
“Vaccinations have saved our lives,” said the prime minister.
