Possible lockdown changes in May, and the lowest daily increase in cases yet
English language coronavirus news in Portugal on April 17, 2020.
Don’t get too excited because one day’s figures don’t mean much, but there are only 181 more confirmed COVID-19 cases in Portugal today. That’s an increase of just under 1%, the smallest since the start of the outbreak, according to Diário de Notícias. Another 28 people have died from the disease, the fewest in a day since April 10.
Prime Minister outlines possible changes in lockdown restrictions for May
The next 15 days are crucial for Portugal to begin a slow and gradual reopening in May, Público reports. As the state of emergency was officially renewed last night, Prime Minister António Costa echoed the President’s cautious optimism, saying he wanted to “revive the economy without letting the pandemic get out of control”. He went on to describe a rough outline for some possible changes to come in May.
Over the next fortnight, the government wants to implement hygiene standards for workplaces, public spaces and public transport, according to Público. Mr Costa also floated the idea of alternating workplace timetables - either morning-afternoon or week-to-week - to avoid public transport peaks.
Assuming the next fortnight goes to plan, Diário de Notícias reports the PM is looking at May for a possible reopening of some shuttered parts of the economy, such as small neighbourhood shops. He is also considering the reopening of creches, pre-schools and cultural facilities and the return of in-person assistance in the public service. Anyone who can work from home should continue to do so.
Health bosses urge caution over small increase
Health Director-General Graça Freitas says today’s 1% increase in cases is consistent with the “plateau phase” of the pandemic but calls for caution, Diário de Notícias reports. She says we’ve been seeing a flattening of the curve but need to wait longer to understand the significance of today’s figure. The number is reliable but “we can’t be too optimistic”, she warns, adding that even when the lockdown begins to lift, we’ll need to keep taking all precautions.
Graph: Diário de Notícias.
Plan to limit profits and maximise availability for masks and gel
Alongside #FiqueEmCasa, the one phrase us estrangeiros should know the meaning of by now is “não há máscaras, nem álcool”. It’s been a massive struggle for pharmacies to stock masks and hand sanitiser, with half a litre of gel going for €25 at one point last month and masks for €10. The government wants to fix both issues. It is imposing a limit of 15% profit on masks, gel and other goods needed to fight the spread of the virus, Diário de Notícias reports, and is also aiming to ensure abundant supply, according to Público.
In brief
Portugal’s flight ban has been extended for another 30 days. The only exemptions are the EU (minus Italy and Spain), USA, Venezuela, Canada, South Africa and Portuguese-speaking countries.
167 people have been detained for the crime of disobedience in the second state of emergency period
If countries aren’t prepared for a second wave of COVID-19, the recession could be even worse, a Portuguese economist and former minister warns
On a lighter note
If you have “saudades” for Portugal’s seemingly endless array of weekend markets, here’s a little bit of good news. The world of markets is still (sort of) alive through, you guessed it, the magic of the internet.. Time Out has a list highlighting some of the best, from the Veggie Vibes street food festival, which has turned into a platform to donate delicious food to doctors and nurses, through to various artisan markets promoting local, independent brands. It might give you some inspiration for an upcoming iso-birthday (or just some self care).