Portugal announces suspension of Covid-19 restrictions with three-step plan

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Portugal announced a three-step plan to suspend Covid-19 restrictions, including an end to nighttime curfews, as vaccination in the country progresses to help control a recent outbreak of infections.

Starting Sunday at 11 PM local time, curfews will no longer be in effect, and restrictions on restaurant and store opening hours will also be suspended, Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa said at a press conference.

Fans will be allowed to return to sporting events under certain conditions, which have not yet been announced; while remote work is still recommended, it will no longer be mandatory.

“Vaccination has contributed significantly to these measures…but we cannot ignore the fact that…the virus is still circulating…the pandemic has not disappeared,” Costa said.

More restrictions will be gradually lifted in coming months as more and more people get Covid-19 vaccines. About half of the population is now fully vaccinated, and everyone over 18 can now schedule vaccination.

In the second phase of the plan, which will begin in September when 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, masks will no longer be required outdoors but will still be required in large gatherings. Masks will remain mandatory indoors.

Nightclubs and bars, which have been closed since March of last year, should reopen the following month. Still, a digital certificate from the European Union or a negative coronavirus test will be required to gain entry.

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