As of yesterday, there was a new decree put out by the Portuguese government, that made the laws and regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Portugal a lot stricter than the Covid rules passed on November 4th. I’ll be cleaning this up throughout the day, but this comes exactly from the Portuguese decree. This applies to the at-risk municipalities (they’re listed on the November 4th post).
A quick note: I linked to the source because I am only a B2 Portuguese speaker. and because the document is 7 pages long. These are only the rules for going out. There are many other interesting and important things there, so definitely check out the original source.
November 8 COVID-19 Rules & Regulations in Portugal
People are to stay home daily between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am.
On Saturday and Sunday, people are to stay at home from 1 pm to 5 am.
- To go to work with a certificate that is issued by your employer; by yourself if you are self-employed, an entrepreneur, or if you are “committed to honor” which is the case for those who work in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
- If you need to travel due to work in certain cases. There is no need for a declaration from your employer. This includes health professionals and social workers, civil protection (police, military and the like), those in politics, religious professionals who fall under the 2nd article 15 of Law no. 16/2001, of 22 June, and those who are diplomats, consuls, and staff of international organizations.
- For health reasons, particularly to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy or to go to the doctor or hospital.
- To go food shopping at grocery stores or supermarkets or pet food.
- To help those who are victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, child endangerment, and the like.
- Travel to help vulnerable people, people with disabilities, children,
parents, elderly, or dependents. - To abide by a joint custody agreement.
- Travel by veterinarians and animal keepers for medical assistance. If your pet has a veterinary emergency, zoo volunteers and animal shelter volunteers when it comes to related duties, and animal rescue teams for urgent assistance.
- The Press to exercise freedom of the press.
- To take quick walks to enjoy some fresh air.
- To walk your pet.
- When there is absolute urgency, but you must be ready to justify it.
- Car travel is allowed to go get gas in your car, go to work, to the doctor, or conduct the above-approved activities.
- The above-approved activities are to be done unaccompanied (so one person by his or herself) while maintaining social distancing rules and all other health regulations.
It is legal for your temperature to be taken (in a non-invasive way) prior to entering work, public services and institutions, schools, shopping-cultural-and sporting venues as well as transportation, condos, and co-ops, health establishments, and prisons.- If you refuse to have your temperature taken, have a fever or temperature above 38°C, it is completely legal for you to be denied entry to where you are trying to go.
Are There Fines For Those Who Don't Follow The Rules?
If you don’t follow the rules, you’re a jerk. Yup. And unfortunately, as of right now you won’t be fined. However, the police will escort you back home. This may change…so I’d urge everyone to obey the rules.