Portugal is now in the first phase of deconfinement with the second phase due to start on April 5.
The Portuguese government has prepared a six-month plan for moving out of lockdown with each phase only starting if numbers are kept to, or below, the transmission rate (Rt) of 1.
The second phase will allow museums, art galleries and shops with over 200m2 of area, that have their entrance onto a road (rather than shopping malls), to open. Cafés and restaurants with terraces will be allowed to serve groups of up to four outside only and will have reduced opening hours. Outdoor activities will be able to resume for groups of up to four people.
Should all be well, on April 19 cinemas and theatres will open with restaurants and cafés allowed to serve groups of up to four people inside and six outside. Outdoor events will be allowed but with reduced attendance limits.
The fourth phase, should the Rt allow, is set to begin on May 3 when restaurants and cafés will be able to open and close as they wish with groups of six allowed to be served inside and up to ten outside. Large outdoor and indoor events will be allowed to resume at 50% capacity.
Travelling to Portugal
Portugal has now been taken off most countries’ red list allowing people to travel however, Portuguese borders will only open up fully for all travelers at the beginning of May. Currently, only those who are Portuguese citizens or hold a residency permit (Residência) are allowed to enter, with a negative test within 72 hours of arrival.
Cleaning protocol
For those who will be visiting one of our properties this year, your well-being is of prime importance to us.
We are following all up-to-date Portuguese environmental health department guidelines when cleaning and preparing all accommodation. This also allows us to support you whilst you are on holiday should the need arise.
Our housekeeping team follow a strict and enhanced cleaning regime, in line with government guidelines. They will be wearing gloves, masks and at times visors. This may mean that changeovers may take longer and we ask for your understanding if this is the case.
All bedlinen, including pillow and mattress protectors, together with towels, are washed at the highest temperature possible recommended by the manufacturer.
And whilst the situation is ongoing, we will continue to minimise person-to-person contact during guests’ stay.
Suggestions of items to bring on holiday
In the past, a few of the following items would not have made your holiday essentials list but we think it wise to consider packing them this year.
- Face masks
- Hand sanitiser
- Disinfectant wipes
- Contactless card
- First aid kit, although there will be one at your holiday property
- Thermometer
All our properties have hand sanitiser for guests’ use and also soap in all bathrooms. We can also supply gloves and masks should you need require them.
Current protocols in place
The use of masks is mandatory in all public spaces.
Social distancing is required in public spaces when possible, you will see markings to help guide you.
And as a reminder, continue washing your hands regularly as suggested, for a minimum of 20 seconds, using soap or sanitising gel when you do not have access to washing facilities. Should you need to cough or sneeze, respect respiratory etiquette by doing so using a paper tissue or your elbow.
For up-to-date information in English click here.
Image courtesy of Neringay | Pixabay