If you are in Portugal and think you may have COVID-19, call 808 24 24 24 before doing anything. This is the number for the SNS, they are handling any cases and helping those affected.
Wednesday, the Portuguese government approved a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus situation. On that day, we knew there would be restrictions, but we were not made aware of what they were. They were recently announced. This is a basic translation (not perfect since I am only at B2 level), but something that you can use as a guideline. Things may change as of today (3/20/20), but we will do the best to keep this list updated. If you have been asking yourself “Can I walk my dog during Portugal’s COVID quarantine?” or “Is there rationing in Portugal due to Coronavirus?” you will find most of the answers here. If you have questions ask them below and if you have answers, go ahead and answer. This is the time for all of us to work together to help Portugal overcome this trying time.
Rules for Going Out in Portugal During the Covid Quarantine
You’re not really stuck indoors completely. There are a few exceptions when you may leave the house. Try to stay indoors as much as possible, but here are the exceptions:
- Food/medicine shopping, essential services.
- Work (if you can’t work from home)
- To buy things you need for work if you are working from home.
- To see your doctor or to take family members to the doctor.
- If you are in a domestic violence or human trafficking situation.
- If your pet has to see the vet.
- If you are a vet and are authorized by the municipalities.
- To help family members who are vulnerable (those who are sick, kids, parents, grandparents).
- If you have children and have partial custody to adhere to the rulings.
- To go to the bank or insurance company.
- Short stints to exercise (no more than 2 people at a time).
- To take your pet out for potty breaks (short trips – not really defined)
- If you are a diplomat, consul, or in a related role for tasks attached to that role.
Can I Travel By Car in Portugal During the Coronavirus Quarantine
You can go out in your car for all the above and:
- To get gas.
- For the items above, while respecting the mandates above.
Rules for Those Who Are Showing COVID-19 Symptoms in Portugal
- You are ordered to isolate.
- If you violate this, you will be committing a crime.
Work Rules in Portugal During the Mandatory Quarantine & State of Emergency
Employers must allow workers to work from home if it is at all possible.
Rules for the Elderly (people over 65) in Portugal During the Coronavirus National Emergency
- Supermarkets, pharmacies and bans will be open to the elderly ONLY for their first 2 hours of operation.
- If you are over 70 and living in Portugal you are to stay home.
- If you are over 65 and are infected, you should stay home and contact the National Health System to arrange for treatment.
Mandatory Business Closings in Portugal During the COVID-19 Quarantine
- Public services where there is face to face interaction.
Businesses with Restrictions in Portugal During the Coronavirus State of Emergency
The following types of businesses can stay open (for now as of 3-20-20) with restrictions.
- Cafes, canteens whose food services are practiced under a contract of continuous execution (still haven’t deciphered this).
- e-commerce since there is no contact with the public.
- Retail and services that are on the highways, railways, airports, river, and hospitals unless those have been closed.
Businesses in Portugal who Follow The Rules Below Can Also Stay Open During COVID-19 Quarantine
- People are at least 2 meters away from each other.
- If the people get in and out quickly.
- When following the rules of access stated in Ordinance No. 71 / 2020, of March 15.
- Restaurants who offer take-away and delivery only.
- Companies and services of transportation of products who follow the mandated hygiene and sanitation rules.
- Businesses that say open must give priority to pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with kids, medical personnel, the elderly, and those who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
- All public services considered essential can stay open (medical, security, relief, safety forces).
- Wholesale providers are exempt from the rules as long as they are providing goods to the hotel sector, restaurants that offer food delivery) as long as health and sanitation rules are followed.
Things That Are Prohibited in Portugal During Coronavirus State of Emergency
- Religious meetings where crowding would happen (mass, etc).
- Funerals have restrictions on number of attendees, safety distances, etc.)
Are there other restrictions?
So far, there are no rationing laws here in Portugal due to Coronavirus. People have been very rational and have not been hoarding, so as long as things stay this way, we should be ok.