Currently, Portugal has 15 confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus (Covid-19), after two new cases were confirmed this morning (a 20 year old and a 60 year old woman). The two women had links to one of the previously confirmed cases. Yesterday, four hospitals of the National Health Service began to restrict visits to protect hospitalized patients from the virus. This measure will be implemented gradually, in all hospitals of the National Health Service. Some already have the measure in place, others will implement it over time. The purpose of this measure, in practice, is to protect patients who are hospitalized for any type of infection and reduce the number of non-essential people serving in hospital institutions.
The director-general of health stated that, for now, there is no need to limit visits to nursing homes and other social solidarity institutions because of the new coronavirus.
The reason, he told journalists, is that the risk of infection is still low in Portugal. "To date, we have established mechanisms for joint cooperation to decide the most appropriate measures day by day. When necessary, we will advise the restriction of visits. At this time, the risk is reduced, since the virus does not circulate in the community."
Diretora-geral da Saúde diz que, para já, não há necessidade de limitar as visitas a lares de idosos e instituições. Alguns hospitais já estão a restringir visitas.
rr.sapo.pt
I live in Algarve and so far I have not seen people wearing face masks or people hoarding TP, thank goodness.
However, TAP Portugal, the national air carrier, has cancelled 1,000 outbound flights, mainly to France, Spain and Italy.
Is Portugal safe as coronavirus infects nine and flights are cancelled. Also, there are already many cancellations of summer bookings. I am sure tourism here will be hit hard.