If you love the holidays as much as I do, you may not be feeling as merry as you normally would. There’s a pandemic, economic unrest, and now…restrictions on the holidays. It’s sad, it’s true, but it is necessary. There was already an update on Covid-19 restrictions on Nov 24th for at-risk regions in Portugal (which include Lisbon) and you’re probably wondering what you can and cannot do in Lisbon during the Winter holidays. I’ll break it down as best as possible and include links to the original sources in case you have any doubts or questions.
Winter Holiday Restrictions in Portugal During the COVID-19 Pandemic
1. There is a ban on driving between municipalities starting today (November 27, at 11 pm). It ends on December 2 at 5 am.
2. The ban resumes on December 4 at 11 pm and continues to December 9 at 5 am.
3. Schools are closed from Nov 30 to Dec 7.
What is Lisbon's Level of Coronavirus Risk?
There are 4 levels of risk: moderate, elevated, very elevated, and extremely elevated. Unfortunately, Lisbon falls into the last. That means we have to follow stricter rules than other places. The link below can help you find out which level of risk other places in Portugal are under.
https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/lista-de-concelhos-nivel-de-risco/
What Rules are in Place in Lisbon Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic During the Winter Holidays?
Since Lisbon falls into the “extremely elevated” level, we need to follow national restrictions with some additions.
- A curfew between 11 pm and 5 am on weekdays.
- Curfew Saturdays and Sundays between 1 pm and 5 am.
- Curfew from December 1 and 8 between 1 pm and 5 am.
- On November 30 and December 7, commercial establishments must close at 3 pm.
Shopping & Restaurant Restrictions in Lisbon Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic During the Winter Holidays?
- Stores must close at 10 pm during the week
- Restaurants must close no later than 10:30 pm during the week.
- On weekends, stores and restaurants must close no later than 1 pm on weekends and on the holidays of December 1 and 8.
- Stores and restaurants must close at 3 pm on November 29 and December 6.
- Restaurants for take-away service (exclusively) and establishments of food, natural or dietary, health and hygiene, with less than 200 square meters and direct door to the street fall within the restrictions.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to this rule, of course:
- Hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics, dental clinics, and urgent medical-veterinary care centers, and pharmacies.
- Educational, teaching, and vocational training establishments, daycare centers, centers for occupational activities, and spaces where full-time school responses are provided.
- Tourist and local accommodation establishments, as well as establishments that guarantee student accommodation.
- Establishments providing funerals and related activities.
- Service areas and fueling stations.
- Charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Car rentals.
- Stores and shops in the airport located in the national territory, after controlling passengers’ security.
What Are Things Really Like In Lisbon During The Covid Holidays?
It’s crazy to think of just how many cases of Covid-19 we have here in Lisbon. Walking outside seems almost normal. Or at least I have already gotten used to things.
It is important to divide the city in two: Below and above Marques de Pombal. Tourists don’t go past the circle and this makes a huge difference in how you see the city.
For example, if you go to Santos on a Saturday you will see tons of people at brunch. In Bairro Alto and Principe Real you will see lots of people walking around. Once you go past MDP where it is more residential (and usually quiet on weekends anyway) there are a lot less people out.
Most people wear masks, but respecting distances…not so much.
And on weekends, when things close at 1pm, everyone takes advantage of the morning…so while the streets are pretty much desserted after 1pm (at least in my area), there are people everywhere in the morning.
Also, supermarkets are packed or the lines to get in are around the corner on weekends.
I think that now that there is talk of a viable vaccine people aare getting careless. That, or they are Covid-fatigued.
I do feel (at least when compared to what I see on TV) that things are manageble here. That is until I look at the numbers. I’ll keep wearing my mask out, disinfecting hands like a madwoman, and staying way from busy indoor places. I went to a restaurant once in November (and only because it was my 17th anniversary with Antonio, and because we went to a Michelin starred restaurant, so distancing was not an issue).
I just wanted to give you a look at Lisbon through my eyes. Others may have different experiences. If you are one of those, leave a comment. If you have a question about Covid in Lisbon or in Portugal, do the same. I’ll do my best to get you an answer.