***UPDATED 5-11-20 Portugal’s response to the Coronavirus Pandemic was truly incredible. I could not think of a better place to be and this just reinforced my decision to move to Lisbon. That being said, we are not out of the water yet, so the government has announced a schedule of openings meant to mitigate the risk of the virus while allowing for economic activity. As of this Saturday (May 2, 2020) at midnight, we will move from a “State of Emergency” to a “State of Calamity” which apparently is better. I know we have all been asking ourselves “when will things start to open up in Portugal after the Coronavirus?” This is the latest information (as of May 11) on what will open and when. The primary source is here. ***One note, this can change if the number of infections increases…so I beg everyone to be prudent and follow safety precautions so we can keep the country open.
COVID-19 May 4 Business Openings & Loosening of Restrictions
- Stores that measure no more than 200 square meters
- Hair salons, barbers, and beauticians by appointment only and they can only be at 50% capacity.
- Bookstores
- Car-related businesses.
- Sports spaces (like tennis courts) as long as their spas don’t open
- Public services (for example, the AT). Lojas de Cidadao will remain closed.
- Libraries and parks.
- We will also be allowed to take part in ‘individual open-air sports’ (surfing and bodyboard).
- Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed
- Funerals can have as many people as desired BUT they must all be relatives of the deceased.
COVID-19 May 18 Business Openings
If everything works out and we don’t revert, we can expect to see the following businesses and activities open up on May 18 in Portugal.
- Nurseries will open part-time. Parents can still get support if they choose to stay home with their kids, but this will end on June 1 when the nurseries are scheduled to open back fully.
- Restaurants, cafes & bakeries (this means going to the restaurant and being able to sit at a table to eat), at 50% capacity only to 11 pm.
- Stores that measure up to 400 square meters can open their doors.
- Museums, monuments, galleries, palaces, exhibit halls.
- Secondary education
COVID-19 May 25 Quarantine Changes
This part is not really “business” related, but I thought you’d all want to know.
- Religious gatherings can start again
- Football games to resume, but there will be no fans in the stadium
COVID-19 June 1 Business Openings
This is the final phase of Portugal’s plan to reopen after the COVID-19 quarantine. Again, it all depends on how COVID-19 numbers go as the partial opening progresses.
- Stores with an area of more than 400 sq meters and stores in malls
- Shopping Centers
- Cinemas, theaters, concert halls, auditoriums (at reduced capacity, with assigned seats, and social distancing)
- Lojas de Cidadão
- Daycares/Nurseries to open fully
- Pre-schools
- Working from home will begin to be loosened.
- Football games, particularly the 1.ª Liga (premier league) & Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup)
COVID-19 Not Yet Announced Business Openings
There is no announced date of reopening for the following types of businesses, but it was said that they will remain closed through the month of May.
- Gyms
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Spas & Pools (indoor & out)
- Massage Places
- Elementary education + 10th-year classes
- Congress centers and conference rooms
- Casinos and bingo halls
- Bullring (I wish this would remain closed)
- Indoor sports events and sports events with spectators.
Post COVID-19 Business Restrictions
Starting Monday, for the businesses that do open, there are restrictions. Here is what I found online:
- Only four people at a time will be allowed per hundred square meters.
- Workers and customers must both wear masks.
- There must be antibacterial gel at the entrance of stores.
- Changing room in stores will either have to remain closed or will have to be disinfected after each use. Clothes that are tried on will also have to be disinfected.
- If you are taking public transportation, shopping, in a school, at a government office (like Finanças or the SEF), at a service provider (like a nail salon or hairdresser) or in a closed-door environment where there are multiple people you must wear a mask. Not wearing a mask can result in a fine anywhere from €120-350.
Post COVID-19 Beach Restrictions
So far, the only thing I have seen is that for those who practice water sports like surfing and bodyboarding can go back to the beach…BUT…they can’t hang out on the beaches.
Nothing has been said about when Portugal’s beaches will open after the COVID-19 Quarantine.
If you have heard something different or have more info on business reopenings in Portugal after the COVID-19 state of emergency, leave a comment to let us know.
For more information on COVID-19 in Portugal, check out what the Health Department has to say.