Portugal will re-tighten COVID-19 curbs at Christmas if needed -PM
Reuters
Published Dec 01, 2021 12:37
Updated Dec 01, 2021 17:41
By Sergio Goncalves
LISBON (Reuters) -Portugal's government will not hesitate to increase restrictions over Christmas if needed to control a recent jump in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Wednesday.
Despite having one of the world's highest COVID-19 vaccination rates, Portugal has reimposed some restrictions due to a recent rise in infections and the emergence of the Omicron variant.
The country of just over 10 million reported a total of 4,670 new infections on Wednesday, the highest daily jump since the beginning of February, when it faced its toughest battle against the virus.
Deaths and hospitalisations, however, remain far below levels seen during that period.
When asked if the government might take further restrictive measures during the Christmas period, Costa told reporters: "We all wish that these measures were not necessary, but if they become necessary, we will take these measures."
To tackle the latest surge, the government reimposed on Wednesday mandatory mask-wearing in indoor public spaces, recommended remote work whenever possible, and ordered all air passengers to show a negative test on arrival even if they are vaccinated.
The only exemptions are for people who have a recovery certificate after having caught the virus, as well as children aged 12 or below.
Although the new rules are being widely respected, Police Superintendent Valente Pinho told reporters that on Wednesday morning a total of 20 passengers have been fined 300-800 euros for travelling to Portugal, through Lisbon airport, without a COVID-19 test.
He said airlines that transported the untested passengers have also been fined 20,000-40,000 euros per person.
Get The App
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.