Algarve Situation Report Saturday 30th January 2021
Covid 19 situation
Yesterday in the Algarve there are over 327 confirmed cases, for a total of 16,356. There are another ten deaths, now totalling 193.
Gambelas Private Hospital will have a testing post for Covid-19
As of next Monday, February 1st, the HPA Group, in partnership with Unilabs, will provide another testing station for Covid-19 this time at the Hospital Particular de Gambelas, in Faro.
This fixed post, with access by foot (walk-thru) will operate daily, from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. According to a statement from the Group, the tests may be carried out by RT-PCR (swab) or Antigen (IgG and IgM antibodies through blood analysis), with the results available between 24H to 48H and about 2H after testing (within opening hours).
It also warns that the IgG and IgM Antigen serological tests should not be performed in the acute phase of the infection, as they may give a false negative result.
Anyone wishing to opt for the drive-thru system, not needing to leave their vehicle to perform the test, can do it in Portimão at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições, also from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00.
Both methods always require prior booking through the call centers (282 420 400; 222 401 401) or the website (https://www.unilabs.pt/marcacoes-covid-19#).
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/hospital-particular-de-gambelas-vai-ter-posto-de-testagem-a-covid19/36529-1

Covid-19: Loulé Hospital continues to provide face-to-face consultations in all medical specialties
The Loulé Hospital reported that even in times of pandemic and general confinement, it continues to ensure that face-to-face consultations are held in all medical specialties, and its medical staff is currently available to assist users in accordance with health hygiene and safety rules, required by health authorities.
In a statement, the hospital administration says that with the start of the pandemic, it reorganized services “in order to guarantee a safe and properly hygienic functioning and service model for the public, in line with the best international practices”.
In the same document he stressed that the postponement of consultations, surgeries, treatments and exams “has the consequence of worsening the disease, which can and should be avoided, for the sake of public health”, and that “regardless of the current situation that the world faces, it remains imperative to treat people who suffer from other pathologies, under pain of their health condition getting complicated “, he concluded.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/covid19-hospital-de-loule-continua-a-assegurar-consultas-presenciais-em-todas-as-especialidades-medicas/36531-1

Loulé provides psychological support for students and parents
With schools closed and most of the families in confinement in their homes, the Loulé City Council promotes access to Line Solidarity Education.
This telephone line, accessible by contacting 966 951 913, operates from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and is intended for all students who attend school groups in the municipality of Loulé, constituting a psychological counselling service for young people and guardians.
It also intends to combat misinformation about the new coronavirus and to mitigate feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, as well as the social impact of the pandemic. It also has a study support component, namely access to photocopies, prints and other study documents for students who lack these means.
It should be noted that this initiative is an integrated service and provided by the School Psychology Support Program (PAPE), with the involvement of psychologists who provide psychological and psycho-pedagogical support to students in schools.
“Based on the premise that the school is a safe, welcoming space that promotes development and physical and mental health, the psychological dimension is essential at this particularly difficult time for the whole community”, stress the city officials.