With 85% of the population in Portugal reached, the Government have decided to move the country into the new phase of deconfinement on October 1st, with further easing of restrictions. So what will change?
The plan drawn up by the Government is as follows:
- Restaurants and stores no longer have limitations on the number of customers
Commercial establishments, restaurants, cafes and the generality of commerce no longer have a maximum limit of customers or people per group.
The end of this occupancy restriction also applies to family events such as weddings and baptisms.
- Shows with 100% capacity and certificate needed for large events
Cultural shows will no longer have capacity limitations from October 1st, but a digital certificate will be required for large cultural events, and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) is responsible for defining of what these events are.
The use of a mask in shows will be mandatory whenever there is no distance of two metres between people.
- Bars and clubs reopen (still to be confirmed)
Nighttime entertainment venues, closed since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, may reopen as of October 1st.
On July 29th, the Government announced that night entertainment spaces could reopen in full in October, when authorities predicted that 85% of the population would be fully vaccinated against covid-19.
- Mandatory mask only in risky places or large concentrations
From October 1st, mandatory mask use is limited to public transport, supermarkets, homes and hospitals, concert halls and large events.
This decision is based on criteria for places with a high frequency of people, such as public transport, including air, risky places, such as homes and hospitals, and places with large agglomerations for longer periods, such as concert halls.
- Digital certificate is no longer required in restaurants, hotels and gyms
Restaurant and hotel customers will no longer have to present a vaccination certificate or negative Covid-19 test.
The end of the vaccination certificate or virus screening test also covers group classes in gyms, but will be required in clubs and bars, as well as at major sporting events.
The presentation of the document will also be mandatory for travel by sea or air and in visits to homes and health establishments, as hospital visits are resumed.
- Finish telework recommendation
The Council of Ministers have also decided to end the recommendation of the option to telework if possible, and to eliminate testing in workplaces with more than 150 workers.
In August, a step had already been taken towards reducing the use of telework, with the Government deciding that this only mandatory in higher-risk municipalities, being only 'recommended' throughout the continental territory.
- End of limitation on the sale of alcohol and timetable
The limitation on the sale and consumption of alcohol ends and the time limits that had been imposed due to the pandemic also end.
