The state of alert has been extended until April 22 by the Portuguese government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the current COVID restrictions remain in place until at least the end of the state of alert in Portugal.
This includes mandatory use of face masks in interior spaces, health service locations, and public transport. Those without a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine must test negative to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and health centers.
The state of alert had already been extended at the end of March until at least April 18, after the Council of Ministers found that the prior March 30 date was too soon to lift restrictions.
With Easter approaching, the head of the Directorate-General of Health of Portugal, Graça Freitas, has said: “We ask that citizens have strategies to protect the most vulnerable: the elderly, the sick, and those in institutions. During Easter there will be more contacts, so we recommend that those with COVID-19 remain isolated. We recommend airing out closed space, using face masks, and social distancing”.
The “open house” strategy for vaccination is still in place. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.
