COVID-19: driving in – and out

Drive-in for testing

The new drive-in coronavirus test centre in the Algarve is dealing with up to 300 people each day without risk of passing on the disease to others.

Located next to the Algarve Stadium, in the Parque das Cidades between Faro and Loulé, the centre is only testing individuals referred by doctors because of suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Those being tested have samples taken for analysis without getting out of their vehicles.

Organised by the National Health Service (SNS), the service is open between 9 am and 9 pm seven days a week. 

Anyone who hasn’t been referred should not attempt to access the centre. The same rules apply as in other test centres opened earlier in the country’s worst affected region, the north of Portugal. 

Moving back home

Permanent residents of campsites and motorhome parks in Portugal will be allowed to remain when all such sites officially close this Friday, March 27.  Camping and motorhome visitors, however, will have to move on.

All British nationals currently visiting Portugal are being strongly advised to return to the UK immediately and by any legitimate means possible. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office notes that in response to the coronavirus pandemic any country or area may restrict travel without notice. 

Most but not all international flights in and out of Faro, Lisbon and Oporto have been cancelled. 

The regional governments of Madeira and the Azores have recommended against all but essential travel to and from the archipelagos until further notice. Travellers arriving in these regions will be subject to health screening and mandatory rantine for a period of 14 days.

Cruise ships and yachts will not be permitted to dock at any of the ports in Madeira, Porto Santo or the Azores.

PORTUGAL NEWSWATCH is well aware of the extreme seriousness on the coronavirus pandemic and that news of it is being extensively covered by the mainstream media. Our focus is only on positive aspects, locally as well as regionally.