Portugal, one of the countries with the highest vaccination rates in the world, has re-imposed some restrictions to stop the outbreak of COVID-19 cases, ordering all passengers traveling by air to the country to take a negative test on arrival .
“No matter how successful the vaccination campaign has been, we must be aware that we are entering a phase of greater danger,” said Prime Minister Antonio Costa at a news conference today.
“We have seen a significant increase (in cases) in the EU and Portugal is not an island.”
Portugal recorded 3,773 new cases yesterday, the highest daily report in four months, while today the number of infections fell to 3,150. The death toll, however, remains much lower than the level recorded in January, when the country fought its hardest battle against Covid-19.
About 87% of Portugal’s population of around 10 million have been fully vaccinated against the new coronavirus.
However, as a new wave of pandemics sweeps Europe, the government has reinstated some old measures and announced some new ones, aimed at limiting the spread in view of the festive season. The measures will take effect on Wednesday, December 1st.
Speaking about the new travel regulations, Costa said airlines would be required to pay a fine of 20,000 euros per passenger if they carry someone who does not have a Covid-19 test certificate with them, including those who have been fully vaccinated.
The Portuguese prime minister also announced that fully vaccinated people should also undergo a negative coronavirus test in order to enter nightclubs, bars, participate in major events and visit nursing homes.
In addition, the European digital certificate will be required to stay in hotels, go to the gym or dine indoors in restaurants.
In addition, it re-imposed the mandatory use of the mask indoors, while teleworking will be mandatory during the first week of January, to control the spread of the virus after the holiday season.
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