The Directorate General of Health (DGS) in Portugal has withdrawn 16 guidelines for Covid-19 infection and revised public health measures, making “responsibility of all the adoption of behaviors that reduce the risk of transmission of the virus”.
At the same time, according to a report of the Covid-19 monitoring group of the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) released on Thursday March 10th by Portuguese agency Lusa, the pandemic is “worsening significantly” in Portugal, with the transmissibility index (Rt) to reach 1.09, which could result in a sixth wave of infections.
According to the IST, the worsening of the pandemic situation is due to the BA.2 Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which is already dominant in Portugal and has “some reinfection rate”, the lifting of restrictions and the decrease in vaccine protection, “which is beginning to be felt”
It is the responsibility of each individual to adhere to behaviors that reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.
Portugal’s Directorate General of Health
The threshold of 20 deaths per one million inhabitants every 14 days, established by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), is one of the references that the Government has set for the country to move to an unrestricted level.
1. Vaccination and cleanliness
According to the document, these individual behaviors include getting vaccinated against Covid-19, keeping areas ventilated, wearing masks when the risk of infection increases, staying home and washing hands if symptoms persist, and disinfection. Ensure that surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently and regularly.
2. Digital certificates
The guidelines now eliminate the requirement for digital certification for access to food and beverage companies, theaters, hotels and similar establishments, places such as bars and nightclubs, although it is mandatory in situations where mobility and international access are expected. Also for visits to nursing homes and health care facilities.
3. Use of mask
It is mandatory in many indoor spaces, except for customers in bars and nightclubs.
4. Teleworking
The new guideline adds that “a remote working regime that makes it possible to maintain employment and avoid crowds of people has conditions for the worker to perform the actions in question, and is in agreement with the employer.”
The directive now published repeals the 2020 and 2021 guidelines on the use of entertainment equipment in sports halls, bars and clubs, major events, sporting events, places of worship, places of cultural activity, public transport, day care centers and restaurants, and hotels.
