Health officials in Portugal have reportedly warned that they are mulling reintroducing some COVID-19 restrictions that had previously been used to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections if the epidemiological situation in the country deteriorates until autumn, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Travel regulations were not specifically mentioned.
The health officials’ comments came after Portugal made the decision to extend its state of alert until August 31, including keeping the mandatory face mask requirement in place for those travelling by air, in taxis or private car hire, as well as for entry to medical facilities, retirement homes, and nursing homes.
Due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections, the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Sella Kyriakides, urged the EU Member States to start preparing for a new COVID-19 wave that is expected to occur in the autumn and winter.
Kyriakides stressed that the EU Member States had been recording a significant increase in terms of infections, and has been advising all persons to get vaccinated to avoid hospital admissions.
“We need to act now to address this and be prepared for autumn. Vaccination remains our strongest protection against severe disease and death,” the Commissioner pointed out.
Regarding travel and entry restrictions, the Portuguese authorities have abolished all COVID-related restrictions for travellers from all countries, regardless of whether they are EU or non-EU nationals.
