Today and until the end of Saturday, 1 January, it will be mandatory to submit a negative test to enter restaurants, casinos and New Year's Eve parties.
On public roads, gathering of more than 10 people is prohibited, as well as the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
For the next few days, the Government also recalls the recommendations given at Christmas, namely the incentive to carry out diagnostic tests, avoid encounters with a lot of people, in closed, small and poorly ventilated spaces and avoid being without a mask for too long.
In addition to the measures decreed by the Government, several municipalities have been cancelling New Year's Eve parties in public spaces.
Azores
The entire Azores archipelago has been in a contingency situation since Wednesday, and it is therefore mandatory to present a negative test to access social events and New Year's Eve festivities on the nine islands (PCR carried out within 72 hours or antigen within 48 hours above), regardless of vaccination.
The presence of the public is limited to three-quarters of the capacity of the space where the initiatives take place (in unique events or in clubs, which are open) and celebrations and gatherings on public streets are prohibited.
Madeira
In Madeira, where hotel occupancy is around 90%, the festivities will take place without additional restrictions to those already in force since November, such as the obligation to present a negative antigen test (valid for one week) and a vaccination certificate to access to most public and private venues.
In 2020, the Regional Government appealed to Madeirans to watch the traditional fireworks show at home and also defined 2,060 squares designed on the pavement in the most popular places, for a maximum of five people each, preferably family members, but this year this year measure does not apply.
Portugal measures
In addition to the measures announced by the Council of Ministers specifically for the Christmas and New Year period, other restrictions have been in effect since December 25 on the continent, initially planned only for the first week of January, such as the return to mandatory teleworking, the closure of crèches and leisure time workshops (ATL) and bars and clubs.
Until January 9, a negative test is also mandatory for access to hotels and local accommodation establishments, for business events and family parties, such as weddings or baptisms, and for sporting and cultural events, regardless of the number of spectators.
The capacity of commercial spaces is limited to one person for every five square meters to avoid gatherings that take place the week after Christmas.
Unbelievable that this nonsense is still being widely accepted. Yaaawn... People wake up, open your eyes, use your thinker. Are there people dropping dead on the street? No! Are there ambulances driving through your local streets? No! Has your government invested in health care? No! Who's paying the bill here? You, and not just with your money.
By Oliver B from Porto on 31 Dec 2021, 13:34
You state: On public roads, a gathering of more than 10 people is prohibited, as well as the consumption of alcoholic beverages. So are you saying that ten people cannot gather on the roads of Portugal and you cannot consume alcohol on the road with more than ten people? This makes no sense. First, ten people should never stand on the road, ten people should never be gathering on the road, and drinking and driving on the road?
By Helena M von Schuler from Algarve on 31 Dec 2021, 13:42
I agree with Helena M von Schuler. No gathering on public roads. It’s safer to gather off tongue side of the road on the sidewalks.
Is “on public roads” a literal translation from what was said or written in Portuguese? Or is it Bringlish for “in public areas?”
I truly want to know where this bizarrely specific phrase comes from and what it means.
By Joseph Barfield from Algarve on 31 Dec 2021, 17:43
These policies impose misery and hardship while delivering absolutely, mathematically no benefit. If the goal is to impose performative suffering, wouldn't it be easier just to break every child's favorite toy?
By Nevadifornia from USA on 31 Dec 2021, 19:31
This is being widely ignored. And quite rightly so! The real pandemic is the hysteria running through a group of selected scientists and government officials. Lunacy!!
By Ian from Lisbon on 01 Jan 2022, 06:56
OK! WISEGUY! Funny how SOO many people seem to be born brainless!
Try telling your IMAGINATION to my DEAD WIFE! She died in my arms after 65 hours treatement for her Corona at the Hospital in Portimao. She had NO PREVIOUS record of severe illness or anything related to for example, obesity, heart problems or any other disease that usually lies behind long suffering and death. Asks you to re-evaluate your "layman's theories" and instead do everything to get the Coronan back to Wuhan's bat farms!
And asks you to SHUT UP! I and MANY with me want peace in our grief and avoid reading "drunk talk"!
By Urban Lurve from Algarve on 01 Jan 2022, 07:33
I agree with the previous comment. The problem with a lot of governments including Portugal is the lack of investment in hospital infrastructure and staffing. Sort this out and we can do away with ridiculous measures that are totally unacceptable. Vaccinate , sanitize and wear your mask in crowded areas.
By ASantos from Algarve on 01 Jan 2022, 10:39
But ASantos, isn't Portugal supposed to be the "perfect" paradise on earth??? Or is it that only marketing to lure foreigners into buying over priced properties while the Portuguese are treated like 2nd or 3d class citizens????
By K from Algarve on 01 Jan 2022, 14:26