The mainstream media are naturally focusing on the most distressing and devastating aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, but at least here in Portugal it is not all bad news.
Portuguese authorities are doing their utmost to maximise control of the disease while minimising disruption to the daily lives of all citizens.
The impact of the crisis in the Algarve has so far been relatively limited compared with most of the rest of Portugal and Europe.
“The situation is completely different to that in the North,” said Ana Cristina Guerreiro of the ARS regional health authority.
Fifteen of the 29 confirmed cases of the disease in the Algarve at the end of the week were in hospital, though none in a critical condition.
Of the 29 confirmed cases, 10 were in Faro, 8 in Portimão, 4 in Albufeira, 2 each in Lagoa, Silves and Loulé, and 1 in Tavira.
The familiar message to persons over seventy and those with any chronic illness has not changed. They are told to stay in self-isolation and rigorously observe social distancing until further notice.
The border is closed with Spain where the pandemic is far more severe, but flights are continuing between Faro and airports in other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister António Costa has confirmed that essential services, such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and petrol stations, will be allowed to remain open while appropriate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of the virus by staff and customers.
Pharmacies and supermarkets are controlling the incoming numbers and distancing of customers. Closed restaurants are being encouraged to offer take-away meals.
Municipalities are arranging teams to deliver shopping and other service to persons in self-isolation, especially those who are unable to depend on family or friends.
The organisation representing Algarve hotels, AHETA, has asked the government for a number of measures to help lessen the impact on holiday facilities, tourism being by far the Algarve’s biggest economic sector.
Various foreign governments have issued advice on websites to their citizens in Portugal. For example the Canadian Ambassador in Lisbon, Lisa Rice Madan, has put the word out that any Canadian citizens in this country in distress about the fast-moving COVID-19 situation should contact the embassy at lsbon@international.gc.ca
The ambassador also wants Canadians to register with the Government´s Registration of Canadians Abroad so that the embassy can contact them in the event of an emergency or other significant development.
The ambassador also wants Canadians to register with the Government´s Registration of Canadians Abroad so that the embassy can contact them in the event of an emergency or other significant development.
PORTUGAL NEWSWATCH welcomes any local or regional information relative to the coronavrus crisis provided it is accurate, positive and potentially helpful.
Please email lenport@gmail.com
1 comment:
Thank you Len for your invaluable information. I appreciate, as I'm certain everyone does, all your research to give us accurate news. It's wonderful as a foreigner living in Portugal, to have the luxury of knowing what's going on around us through reading your articles. A big thank you.
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