Portugal is anticipating the lifting of some restrictions, the government announced on Friday, August 20th. This was confirmed by Jean-Pierre Pinheiro, director of the Portuguese Tourist Office for France, to the French L’Echo Touristique. Portugal has vaccinated 70% of its population against Covid-19 earlier than expected.
From Monday, August 23rd, the allowed capacity at museums and theaters was raised from 66% to 75%. In addition, restaurants and cafes can now accommodate groups of up to 8 people inside and 15 on the terrace, whereas it was 6 and 10 previously. A health pass or a negative test is still required to enter a restaurant on weekends, a hotel or other tourist accommodation.
We crossed the 70% threshold earlier than expected, hence the lifting of restrictions
Jean-Pierre Pinheiro, director of the Portuguese Tourist Office for France
The health pass is no longer required to participate in an event hosting up to 500 people, which concerns the international conference “A World For Travel” in Evora organized by Eventiz Media Group. Portuguese public transport is no longer subject to any capacity limitation.
The government initially anticipated the current easing of restrictions at the beginning of September, as part of a three-stage decontamination plan that would evolve in line with the progress of the vaccination rate.
“The first phase of the easing of measures began on August 1st, when 50% of people were vaccinated,” said Jean-Pierre Pinheiro to French media. The curfew, which was in place in restaurants and bars from 11pm on weekdays – from 3pm on Saturdays and with total closures on Sundays, has been lifted. The second phase was supposed to start as soon as the target of 70% of people vaccinated was reached, which was anticipated at the end of August.
The third and final phase of easing of measures is scheduled when the 85% mark of vaccinated people is reached. Discos will then be able to reopen, and will be accessible upon presentation of a Covid certificate or a negative test. By that time, there will be almost no restrictions.
The country is confident, but remains attentive to the global pandemic evolution. Portugal is one of the countries with the highest vaccination rate in the world
Jean-Pierre Pinheiro, director of the Portuguese Tourist Office for France
Among the first European countries where the Delta variant has become dominant, Portugal experienced a resumption of contagions last May. Authorities reacted by accelerating their vaccination campaign.
The month of June was positive for tourism in Portugal but activity slowed down in July due to spikes in contagion. In August, two markets have reacted well: France and Italy. The United Kingdom is only picking up: the end of the 14-day isolation for vaccinated travelers is helping to boost demand.
