According to a statement issued on 26 February by the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI), the decision to open two more Points of Authorised Passage (PPA) was taken after meetings with the mayors of the municipalities in the border areas.

Thus, circulation between Portugal and Spain will remain limited at the land and river borders until 16 March, with 18 PPAs operating from 2 March, either permanently or opening at set times.

Movement between Portugal and Spain - and only at the PPA - remains limited to international goods transport, cross-border and seasonal workers duly documented, and emergency and rescue services," the statement said.

During the new period of the state of emergency, cross-border rail traffic remains suspended, except for transport of goods, as well as river transport between Portugal and Spain.

However, the limitations do not prevent the entry into Portugal of nationals and holders of residence permits in Portugal, as well as the exit of citizens residing in other countries, states the MAI.

There are seven PPA functioning 24 hours a day throughout the week: Valença, Vila Verde da Raia, Quintanilha, Vilar Formoso, Caia, Vila Verde de Ficalho and Castro Marim.

The PPA of Marvão operates on weekdays from 6am to 8pm and the authorized crossing points of Monção, Melgaço, Montalegre, Ponte da Barca and Marvão operate on weekdays from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 8pm.

There are also four other authorised crossing points that operate on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm, Miranda do Douro, Termas de Monfortinho, Mourão and Barrancos, while the PPA of Rio de Onor is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.

The government has announced, on 26 February, a new period of state of emergency, in force between 2 and 16 March, after the President of the Republic, in a statement to the country, advised against ending lockdown before Easter, for "prudence" and "security".