Madeira Situation Report 24th – 26th February by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were 185 new Covid-19 cases, 243 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. All new Covid-19 cases were cases of local transmission. It has been nearly a week since there was a Covid-19 imported from outside the Region.
On Wednesday, there were 74 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Nepal, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 72 cases of local transmission), 86 recoveries and 1 death. An 82 year-old male patient, who had pre-existing conditions, died at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça from Covid-19. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 42, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
On Thursday, there were 53 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 95 recoveries. Although the number of patients in hospital remained 44, the number of patients in intensive care increased to 5.
And on Friday, there were 58 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from France and 56 cases of local transmission) and 62 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 40, 5 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,346 active cases, of which 27 had been imported while the other 1,319 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Friday, there had been 7,144 cases, 5,734 recoveries and 64 deaths.
On Friday, there were 26 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,279 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 40 patients in Covid-19 units, 5 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.
There are currently 201 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening.
At the moment, 3,623 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,555 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 162,722 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). By Friday, 302,782 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 483 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has received 40,123 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 38 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has received 2,990 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/24/sobe-para-64-o-numero-de-vitimas-mortais-da-covid-19-na-madeira/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/24/74-novos-casos-de-covid-19-86-recuperados-155-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/25/53-novos-casos-de-covid-19-95-recuperados-211-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/26/58-novos-casos-de-covid-19-62-recuperados-201-suspeitos/
Curfew extended & some changes to lockdown rules
The curfew was extended until March 8th at 23h59 (curfew is from 19h00 until 05h00 during weekdays and from 18h00 until 05h00 during weekends & commercial, industrial and service activities and businesses must close at 18h00 during weekdays and at 17h00 during weekends). There were also some changes on take-away deliveries, which can take place until 22h00 from Monday to Sunday, and on individual sports practice, which will be allowed from March 4th.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/25/gr-continua-recolher-obrigatorio-ate-8-de-marco-permite-retoma-de-desporto-individual-a-partir-do-dia-4/
Vaccination update
Pedro Ramos, Madeiras’s Health and Civil Protection Secretary, announced that more than 6,000 people have already been administered both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. He also said the Region has so far received more than 29,000 vaccine doses and is expecting to receive 43,550 vaccine does by the end of March.
It was also announced that updates on the vaccination campaign in the Region will be provided once a week, on Mondays, to ensure better data processing on the weekends.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119986/Seis_mil_receberam_ja_as_duas_doses
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/26/dados-sobre-vacinacao-na-ram-passam-a-sair-as-segundas-feiras/
Individual sports that will be allowed next week
Athletics, canoeing, bodyboarding, swimming (in open waters), surfing, triathlon are some of the sports that citizens will be allowed to practice individually. More details are expected to become available in the next few days.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119986/Seis_mil_receberam_ja_as_duas_doses
Whale Museum to reopen its permanent exhibition
The Whale Museum will be reopening its permanent exhibition for viewing by visitors. It has launched a discount campaign to attract visitors. Children up to 11 will now have free entry, tickets for young people aged 12-17 will cost 
€5, adults who do not live in the Autonomous Region of Madeira will have a 10% discount and the Region’s residents will have a 50% discount when purchasing a second ticket.
The opening hours will be from 13h00 to 18h00 from Tuesday to Friday and from 13h00 to 17h00 on weekends, in order to ensure compliance with the current pandemic restrictions. The Museum will be closed on Mondays and on bank holidays (although temporarily).
In addition, the temporary exhibition called “30 Anos de Memórias” (30 Years of Memories), which was organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Museum, is once again opened for public viewing. Entry to this exhibition is free of charge.
The Museum may also accept visits at other times (except on Mondays) but it must be booked beforehand.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/25/museu-da-baleia-reabre-exposicao-permanente-ao-publico/
Festival do Atlântico cancelled and Festa da Flor postponed
The Regional Tourism and Culture Secretariat (Secretaria Regional do Turismo e Cultura) informed current pandemic situation in the main countries where most tourists to Madeira come from and the current pace of vaccination in Europe are reasons why some previously scheduled events are now being postponed or even cancelled.
For instance, “Festa da Flor da Madeira” (Madeira Flower Festival), which had been scheduled to take place in May, was postponed due the pandemic situation that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to have a safe event. At the moment, it is thought that the festival is unlikely to take place until the end of summer. The Regional Health Authority (Autoridade Regional de Saúde) must approve any new requests for the event to go ahead, as long as it can be safe for both residents and tourists.
As for Festival do Atlântico (Atlantic Festival), which had been scheduled to take place in June, it has been cancelled.
The Madeira Regional Government stressed once again that ensuring public safety has been at the forefront of every decision taken since the start of the pandemic, and that it has also worked to ensure a “favourable and consistent” pandemic evolution through the current vaccination process with the aim of achieving group immunity.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/25/festival-do-atlantico-cancelado-festa-da-flor-adiada/
Traffic disruptions
The following traffic disruptions will take place next week:
FUNCHAL
– March 1st to March 3rd – Caminho de São Martinho (Parish/Freguesia of São Martinho) on the stretch between Cemitério (Cemetery) and Caminho do Papagaio Verde (due to paving work)
– March 4th (08h00 – 18h00) – Rua Acciauoli (Parish/Freguesia of Santa Maria Maior) on the stretch between Avenida Santiago Menor and Rua Conde Carvalhal (due to private building work)
CALHETA
– March 1st to March 3rd (09h00 to 12h00 & 13h00 to 17h00) – Estrada Regional 222 (Parish/Freguesia of Estreito da Calheta) on the stretch between the junction with Caminho do Lameiro and the crossing with Caminho dos Reis
ER 103 (Estrada Regional 103) – Construction work on the water supply network at “Caminho dos Pretos” (along Estrada Regional 201) means there will be traffic disruptions at ER 103 (Estrada Regional 103). Traffic will be limited to one-way traffic (alternating one-way traffic). And large/heavy vehicles such as lorries and buses will be banned on the the stretch between Terreiro da Luta and Poiso (junction with ER 203-Estrada das Carreiras)
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/26/cmf-comunica-interrupcoes-a-circulacao-rodoviaria/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/26/transito-condicionado-no-estreito-da-calheta/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/120086/Transito_encerrado_entre_o_Terreiro_da_Luta_e_o_Poiso_para_viaturas_pesadas
Power cut
(Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed.
The following areas will be affected:
GAULA
27th February – 09h00 to 09h35 & 11h30 to 12h00 (TODAY)
– Sítio de São João Latrão
– Sítio da Lombadinha
– Sítio das Lajes
– Zona do Mercado (Market Area)
27th February – 09h00 to 12h00 (TODAY)
– Sítio da Fazenda
FUNCHAL
28th February – 09h00 to 11h30
– Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (number 220-A)
2nd & 3rd March – 09h00 to 11h30
– Travessa do Tanque (numbers 18 to 51)
– Beco do Abrigo de Nossa Senhora de Fátima (number 16)
5th March – 00h00 to 07h00
– Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas (numbers 668 to 849)
– Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 145 to 242)
– Estrada da Fundoa (number 58)
– Caminho de Água de Mel (number 108)
– Caminho das Courelas
– Caminho da Fundoa de Cima
– Caminho da Igreja Nova (numbers 1 to 15)
– Caminho da Igreja Velha
– Caminho do Lombo Segundo (numbers 34 to 69)
– Caminho de São Roque (numbers 105 to 168)
– Caminho da Terça
– Ladeira da Terça
– Beco da Igreja Nova
– Beco do Lombo Segundo
– Beco da Terça
– Travessa do Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 6 and 12)
– Travessa do Lombo Segundo
– Travessa da Terça
– Vereda da Igreja Velha
– Vereda do Calhau
– Vereda da Capela do Rosário
– Vereda da Cova
CAMACHA
3rd March – 09h00 to 11h30
– E.R. 102 (numbers 68 to 82)
– Caminho da Constança (Ribeiro Fernando)
– Caminho dos Tanques
– Vereda da Eira Velha (number 14)
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/25/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-13-2021/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/27/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-14-2021/
Madeira Situation Report, Wednesday 24th February, by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were 213 new Covid-19 cases, 359 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. All new Covid-19 cases were cases of local transmission. It has been nearly a week since there was a Covid-19 imported from outside the Region.
On Saturday, there were 53 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission), 93 recoveries and 1 death. A 52 year old female patient died from Covid-19 at her home. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 42, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
On Sunday, there were 62 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 62 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 49, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
On Monday, there were 43 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 108 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 52, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Tuesday, there were 55 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 96 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 54, although the number of patients in intensive care decreased to 3.
There are currently 1,405 active cases, of which 28 had been imported while the other 1,377 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 6,959 cases, 5,491 recoveries and 63 deaths.
On Tuesday, there were 29 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,322 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 54 patients in Covid-19 units, 3 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.
There are currently 233 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening.
At the moment, 3,652 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,567 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 162,111 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h00). By Tuesday, 300,301 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 638 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 39,640 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 37 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 2,952 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/20/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-no-seu-domicilio/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/21/mais-62-casos-de-covid-19-igual-numero-de-recuperados-187-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/22/43-novos-casos-de-covid-19-108-recuperados-322-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/23/55-novos-casos-de-covid-19-96-recuperados-233-suspeitos/
Vaccination update
The vaccination citizens aged 80 or older and aged 75-79 who have pathologies is in its second week and so far, more than 800 people from these age groups have been vaccinated. Each municipality has a specific vaccination day. Today, those from the municipalities of Ribeira Brava and Machico will be vaccinated, tomorrow it will be the turn of those from the municipalities of Santana and Santa Cruz and on Friday it will be citizens from the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol. Vaccination in the municipality of Funchal will take place during weekends.Pedro Ramos, Madeira’s Health and Civil Protection Secretary, is pleased with the vaccination process in Madeira and said its speed will be intensified as soon as more vaccines arrive. He revealed he is in permanent contact with Rear-Admiral Gouveia e Melo, who is in charge of the national vaccination task-force.
The Region will soon receive 4,650 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca and 1,825 doses from Pfizer, which will be enough to vaccinate 2.5% of the population. So far, about 18,000 people have been vaccinated in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
Pedro Ramos also said immunisation quotas have been introduced in the Civil Protection service, public office holders and in critical services. He explained that cab and public transport drivers will be vaccinated when the Region has enough vaccine doses for both the first dose to be administered and for the second dose to be administered within the recommended timeframe.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119476/Regiao_conhecera_esta_segunda-feira_novo_agendamento_da_vacinacao_contra_a_covid-19
Curfew
A reminder that the curfew times changed on Monday, after the Carnival week. This means that the curfew in the Region takes place from 19h00 until 05h00 during weekdays and from 18h00 until 05h00 during weekends. Commercial, industrial and service activities and businesses must close at 18h00 during weekdays and at 17h00 during weekends.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119550/Recolher_obrigatorio_as_19h00_e_encerramento_do_comercio_as_18h00_a_partir_de_hoje_na_Madeira
Covid-19 restrictions
Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government announced that restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic will continue until Easter. However, there will be a weekly evaluation of the restrictions.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119550/Recolher_obrigatorio_as_19h00_e_encerramento_do_comercio_as_18h00_a_partir_de_hoje_na_Madeira
Funchal Mayor in prophylactic isolation
Miguel Silva Gouveia, the Funchal Mayor, went into prophylactic isolation after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday morning. According to a press statement by the Municipality, he called the SRS24 as soon as he was informed of the development and he complied with all of the instructions. He does not have any symptoms and is working from home.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119736/Air_Nostrum_com_rota_Espanha-_Madeira_entre_17_de_julho_e_11_de_setembro
Road closures
The Municipality of Funchal announced there will be a number of road closures in the following days:
– From February 22nd until March 31st (installation of electrical infrastructure) – at Caminho das Virtudes, in the Parish (Freguesia) of São Martinho, on the stretch between Rua Dr. Pita and Rua 4 de Abril (except public transport)
– From February 23rd until February 25th (paving work) – at Rua da Levada dos Barreiros, in the Parish (Freguesia) of São Martinho, on the stretch between Rua Dr. Pita and Rua dos Barreiros
– From February 24th until February 27th, between 09h00 and 17h00 (paving work) – at Caminho da Ladeira, in the Parish (Freguesia) of Santo António, on the stretch between Caminho das Encruzilhadas and Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas & at Ladeira da Chamorra
– On February 25th (work on communications infrastructure) – at Caminho de Santo António dos Capuchos, in the Parish (Freguesia) do Monte
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119587/Transito_interrompido_em_varias_zonas_do_Funchal_nos_proximos_dias
Air Nostrum to resume flights from Barcelona to Funchal
Air Nostrum has scheduled flights Barcelona/El Prat to Funchal, which will take place once a week and from July 17th and September 11th. It will be operated by a CRJ1000 aircraft that can carry up to 100 passengers. In the coming weeks, Air Nostrum is likely to announce the return of flights from Bilbau and Madrid to Funchal, which have been taking place every summer in the last few years.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119736/Air_Nostrum_com_rota_Espanha-_Madeira_entre_17_de_julho_e_11_de_setembro
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be affected:
FUNCHAL
24th February – 09h00 to 11h30 (TODAY)
– Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas (number 242)
– Caminho da Ladeira (numbers 8 to 136)
– Rua do Poço das Fontes
– Vereda do Poço das Fontes
– Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas (numbers 4 to 35)
– Rua da Encosta do Pico dos Barcelos (numbers 1 to 20)
SANTANA
24th February – 14h00 to 14h30 (TODAY)
– Avenida 25 de Maio
– Impasse C do Barreiro
– Caminho da Travessa
FUNCHAL
25th February – 09h00 to 11h30
– Rua Dr. Barreto (numbers 47 to 60)
26th February – 09h00 to 11h30
– Caminho São Roque (numbers 1 to 84)
– Rua Dr. Barreto (numbers 48 and 50)
– Rua das Pinheiras (number 3)
– Travessa das Pinheiras
26th February – 00h00 to 07h00
– Caminho do Meio (numbers 1 to 114)
– Caminho das Voltas (numbers 2 to 18)
– Rua do Bom Sucesso
– Rua do Jardim Botânico
– Travessa do Jardim Botânico
– Vereda da Bela Vista
– Impasse do Caminho do Meio
– Impasse do Jardim Botânico
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/20/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-12-2021/
Madeira Situation Report, Saturday 20th February, by our Special Correspondent
Covid-19 update
There were 197 new Covid-19 cases, 213 recoveries and no deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. This is the first time in several weeks that no deaths have been reported in an entire week, which highlights the improving Covid-19 situation in the archipelago.
On Wednesday, there were 72 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland and 71 cases of local transmission) and 87 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 47, although the number of patients in intensive care increased to 5.
On Thursday, there were 59 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 67 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 45, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Friday, there were 66 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 59 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 46, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,552 active cases, of which 33 had been imported while the other 1,519 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Friday, there had been 6,746 cases, 5,132 recoveries and 62 deaths.
On Friday, there were 24 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,482 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 46 patients in Covid-19 units, 4 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.
There are currently 257 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening. As of Friday, there had been 8,206 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.
At the moment, 3,910 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,667 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 160,996 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h00). By Friday, 296,484 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 561 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has received 39,002 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 33 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has receive915 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/17/72-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-181-suspeitos-97-recuperados/
https://covidmadeira.pt/publicacao/covid-19-relatorio-de-situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-em-17-02-2021/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/18/59-novos-casos-de-covid-19-67-recuperados-236-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/19/66-novos-casos-de-covid-19-59-recuperados-257-suspeitos/
Vaccination update
As of Friday, 17,521 vaccine doses had been administered in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, of which 12,262 were first doses and 5,259 were second doses. Groups such as care home residents, healthcare professionals, members of the security forces and civil protection, elderly citizens aged 80 or older and citizens aged 75-79 who have pathologies are being vaccinated and will continue to be vaccinated. So far, 3,232 elderly citizens have been vaccinated in different municipalities. In addition, medical students on their residential with SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) were vaccinated this week.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/19/17521-vacinas-administradas-ate-hoje-na-ram/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/18/estudantes-de-medicina-a-estagiar-no-sesaram-ja-foram-vacinados/
Curfew at 19h00 from Monday
The Regional Government amended the curfew rules. This means that from Monday at 00h00 the curfew must start at 19h00 and the closing hours of business activities must be at 18h00 (instead of 17h00).
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119232/Recolher_obrigatorio_na_Regiao_as_19_horas_a_partir_da_proxima_segunda-feira
Covid test mandatory for ferry travel to Porto Santo
It was announced that all passengers traveling from Funchal to the Island of Porto Santo must have evidence of the negative PCR-test that had taken place up to 72 hours before boarding. The following exceptions will be applicable to: Children up to 11 years old; travellers who are resident in the Island of Porto Santo and who return to the island within 7 days (because they must have a PCR test on the 5th day after returning – must be in prophylactic isolation until then); and travellers who have a medical document, written in the last 90 days, showing they have recovered from Covid-19 or showing they have been vaccinated against Covid-19).
Travellers must book a PCR test at least 4 days in advance (96 hours) by emailing Unidade de Emergência e Saúde Pública (Public Health and Emergency Unit – saudepublica.drs@madeira.gov.pt). This test will be free for the traveller.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/19/quem-viajar-de-barco-para-o-porto-santo-vai-ter-de-fazer-teste-a-covid/
Heavy seas warning
A heavy seas warning has been issued for today and will be in place until 18h00. Winds are expected to blow from South-West and to become stronger in the morning, before blowing from North-West and becoming weaker at the end of the alert period. Visibility is expected to be good and moderate, becoming moderate and weak, often bad, from midnight. Waves in the north shore are expected do be 2-3 metres high and to rise to 3.5-5 metres high. As for south shore, the waves are expected to be 1-2 metres high and to rise to 2-3.5 metres high from midnight and to be 4 metres high temporarily. Vessel owners are advised to keep their vessels docked in harbours.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/119348/Capitania_avisa_para_agitacao_maritima_forte
Madeira Situation Report, Wednesday 17th February, by our Special Correspondent
Covid-19 update
There were 296 new Covid-19 cases, 388 recoveries and no deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. This is the first time in several weeks that no deaths have been reported on this bi-weekly situation report, which highlights the improving Covid-19 situation in the archipelago.
On Saturday, there were 85 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 115 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 49, 1 of whom was in intensive care.
On Sunday, there were 60 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passengers who had arrived from Spain, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 58 cases of local transmission) and 58 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital was still 49, although the number of patients in intensive care increased to 4. On the same day, it was announced that the 2 patients who had been airlifted from Lisbon at the end of January have recovered from Covid-19, and have been moved into a non-Covid-19 ward.
On Monday, there were 72 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 109 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 45, 4 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Tuesday, there were 79 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland and 78 cases of local transmission) and 106 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 50, 3 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,568 active cases, of which 33 had been imported while the other 1,535 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 6,549 cases, 4,919 recoveries and 62 deaths.
On Tuesday, there were 35 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,483 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 50 patients in Covid-19 units, 3 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.
There are currently 164 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening. As of Tuesday, there had been 8,009 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.
At the moment, 3,940 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,720 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 160,217 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h00). By Tuesday, 293,864 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 660 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 38,441 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 37 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 2,882 calls.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118737/Covid-19_Madeira_tem_hoje_85_novas_infecoes_e_115_recuperados
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118739/Covid-19_49_estao_hospitalizados_na_Madeira
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/14/60-novos-casos-de-covid-19-277-suspeitos-58-recuperados/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/15/72-novos-casos-de-covid-19-109-recuperados-300-suspeitos/
Vaccination update
On Saturday evening, 5,850 Pfizer vaccine doses arrived in Madeira on a TAP flight. They were kept in the airport until Monday, when they were transported to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
The vaccination plan for the elderly (aged 80 or more and aged 75-79 who have pathologies) was announced by the Regional Health and Civil Protection Secretariat. There are more than 11,000 people in the archipelago who are older than 80 year old.
Yesterday, vaccination took place at the health centre in Calheta. Today, it will be the turn of those who are resident at the health centres in municipalities of São Vicente and Porto Moniz
On Thursday, it will be the turn of those who are resident in the municipalities of Santana and Santa Cruz. The vaccination in Santana will take place at Casa da Cultura de Santana while the vaccination in Santa Cruz will take place at Pavilhão da Escola Básica e Secundária de Santa Cruz. Those entitled to be vaccinated have already been contacted.
Vaccination in the municipality of Funchal will take place on February 20th and 21st at Madeira Tecnopolo.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Covid-19 vaccination helpline (800 210 263) or by email (vacinacao@sesaram.pt).
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118809/_Covid-19_5850_vacinas_que_chegaram_ontem_a_Madeira_transportadas_amanha_para_o_hospital_
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118959/Consulte_o_programa_de_vacinacao_contra_a_covid-19_na_Madeira_para_idosos
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118969/Calheta_idosos_recebem_hoje_vacina_contra_a_covid-19
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118970/Porto_Moniz_e_Sao_Vicente_idosos_vacinados_esta_quarta-feira_contra_a_covid-19
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118972/Santana_e_Santa_Cruz_vacinacao_de_idosos_a_18_de_fevereiro
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118977/Funchal_vacinacao_contra_a_covid-19_prossegue_no_Tecnopolo_a_20_e_21_de_fevereiro
Covid-19 testing capacity
The Regional Health and Civil Protection Secretariat published a press statement on testing capacity in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. It said testing capacity is integrated on a regional strategy that is focused on containing and preventing Covid-19. This capacity has been increasing and has addressed, in a timely and safe manner, countless issues that had come up. The data suggests the testing capacity in the Region is 115,071.5 tests per 100,000 inhabitants. In contrast, the testing capacity on a national level is 75,435 tests per 100,000 inhabitants.
There were weeks when on average less than 1,000 tests were carried out per day, while there were other weeks when on average 1,500 or 2,000 tests were carried out per day. During Christmas week, an average of more than 3,000 tests were carried out per day. This was due to reasons such as airport screening on passengers, which represent nearly 50% of all tests carried out so far.
The decrease in tests carried out is due to a fall in the number of passengers flying into Madeira. On the other hand, more than 23,000 antigen rapid tests have been carried out since January 1st to address outbreaks and to detect cases in places such as institutions, schools, fire stations and prisons.
Crucially, more than 56,000 tests have been carried out in laboratories in the Portuguese mainland on passengers who had been due to fly to the Region. This scheme enabled the detection of 460 Covid-19 cases, which means such passengers ended up not flying into the Region.
According to the Secretariat, testing capacity in the Region is “confident, dynamic and proactive”. The press statement also explained that random testing is not beneficial to the population and that testing must only take place according to epidemiological and scientific criteria.
British tourist undergoing cancer treatment “stranded” in Madeira
Michael Thomas has been undergoing treatment for stage four incurable cancer. He travelled to Madeira in December for a 10-day holiday with his wife and 14-year old daughter. After the number of Covid-19 cases increased in the UK, British Airways cancelled their return flight and rescheduled it for early January. This and other replacement flights also ended up being cancelled As a result, they moved into an apartment in Madeira and Michael began chemotherapy in Madeira. Michael has been advised by his GP and oncologist that it would be dangerous for him to return to the UK and to stay in a quarantine for 10 days. This is because he requires a special diet and access to medical supplies and support. He also fears contracting Covid-10 from another guest or from a member of staff. Additionally, he is unable to access the Covid-19 vaccine he was offered in London and is also unable to get one in Madeira.
More details on this story can be read on:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/17/uk-quarantine-hotels-a-death-sentence-for-at-risk-britons-says-cancer-patient
Water supply disruption
There will be a water supply disruption on February 17th and 18th, from 12h00 to 17h00. The following areas will be affected: Rua dos Frias, Travessa dos Frias and 2ª Travessa dos Frias.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/15/cmf-avisa-para-corte-de-agua-na-freguesia-de-sao-pedro-funchal/
Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes – Wednesday 10th February 2021
Covid-19 update
There were 341 new Covid-19 cases, 419 recoveries and 8 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. One of the deaths was that of a patient who had been airlifted from Lisbon in January. This death was not included in Madeira’s death toll from Covid-19. The vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission. Only 5 cases were from people who had arrived from outside the Region. This also reflects border restrictions and the consequent reduction of the number of flights.
On Saturday, there were 91 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Northern Portugal Region and 87 cases of local transmission), 57 recoveries and 1 death. A 78-year old female patient, who allegedly had pre-existing conditions, died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 66, 7 of whom were in intensive care.
On Sunday, there were 79 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland and 77 cases of local transmission), 152 recoveries and 3 deaths. Three female patients, two of them aged 87 and one aged 88, who had pre-existing conditions, died in hospital from Covid-19. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 61, 7 of whom were in intensive care.
On Monday, there were 83 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission), 72 recoveries and 1 death. An 80-year old female patient died in hospital from Covid-19. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 57, 6 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Tuesday, there were 88 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission for a second consecutive day), 138 recoveries and 3 deaths. A 76-year old man and an 84-year old woman, both Madeira residents, died in hospital. And one of the 3 Covid-19 patients who had been airlifted from Lisbon on January 29th died at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. As for the other 2 patients, one was moved from the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit to the regular Covid-19 unit while the remaining patient remains in intensive care. The number of patients in hospital increased to 61, 6 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,757 active cases, of which 65 had been imported while the other 1,692 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 5,974 cases, 4,160 recoveries and 57 deaths.
On Tuesday, there were 38 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,658 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 61 patients in Covid-19 units, 6 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.
There are currently 239 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 7,434 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.
At the moment, 3,972 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,750 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 158,326 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 19h00). By Tuesday, 286,292 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 793 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 37,181 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 37 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has received 3,810 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/06/ram-com-51-mortos-91-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-218-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/07/mais-79-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-mais-260-suspeitos-152-recuperados/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/07/mulher-de-88-anos-e-a-52-a-vitima-mortal-da-covid-19-na-madeira/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/07/mais-duas-doentes-morreram-hoje-com-covid-19-na-ram/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/08/83-novos-casos-de-covid-19-241-suspeitos-72-recuperados/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118133/Covid-19_Madeira_regista_hoje_mais_uma_morte
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/09/88-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-239-suspeitos-138-recuperados/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/09/mais-tres-mortos-com-covid-19-hoje-na-madeira/
Curfew at 18h00 during Carnival week
Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, announced the curfew will start at 18h00 during the Carnival week, which will be next week. It will start an hour earlier than usual. Commercial activities must close at 17h00. These measures will be officially approved at tomorrow’s Council of Government (Conselho de Governo) meeting. Miguel Albuquerque explained the aim of these changes is to avoid the temptation to hold Carnival festivities.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/09/albuquerque-anuncia-recolher-obrigatorio-as-18-h-na-semana-do-carnaval/
First Covid-19 case at Legislative Assembly of Madeira
On Saturday, a legislator from the Legislative Assembly of Madeira (Madeira’s regional parliament) tested positive for Covid-19. It was the first Covid-19 case in the Assembly. Olga Fernandes, from PS (Partido Socialista), went into prophylactic isolation after testing positive. José Manuel Rodrigues, José Prada, Cláudia Gomes and Clara Tiago, the legislators who had the closest contact with Olga Fernandes, have also gone into prophylactic isolation.
On Monday, 98 rapid Covid-19 tests were carried out on Assembly legislators and staff. All tests came back negative. The Assembly building was disinfected on the same day.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117930/Mesa_da_Assembleia_Regional_em_isolamento_profilatico
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118094/98_testes_covid_realizados_na_Assembleia_deram_negativo
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118082/Hemiciclo_regional_ja_esta_a_ser_desinfetado_
Vaccination update
The Madeira Regional Government set aside 90 vaccine doses so that pharmacy staff could be vaccinated against Covid-19. They started being vaccinated on Sunday, at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. So far, 38 pharmacists and 54 pharmacy technicians have been vaccinated. As a result, at least 1 member of staff from at least 50 pharmacies, which are 78% of the Region’s pharmacies, was vaccinated. Pharmacists aged 50 or over, with or without pre-existing conditions, who are 30% of all pharmacists in the Region, were classed as a priority group for Covid-19 vaccination. There are 65 pharmacies in Madeira. Pharmacy staff from the pharmacy in Porto Santo will be vaccinated this week, during a visit to the island by a vaccination team.
Prison guards from Funchal’s Prison started being vaccinated on Sunday morning. This is part of the vaccination process for the Region’s security forces. There are about 140 prison guards in the Region.
Dentists from the private sector also started being vaccinated on Sunday. It was decided that 75 of the Region’s 220 private sector dentists would be vaccinated.
The elderly, aged 80 or older and aged 75-79 who have pathologies, from the municipalities of Porto Moniz and São Vicente will be vaccinated today (Wednesday). Vaccination will take place in their respective health centres. On Thursday, vaccination will take place in Santana (Casa da Cultura) and in Santa Cruz (Pavilhão da Escola Básica e Secundária – sports hall at Escola Básica e Secundária). On Friday, vaccination will take place in Câmara de Lobos (Pavilhão do Centro Social e Desportivo – sports hall at Centro Social e Desportivo), Porto Santo (Centro de Congressos – Congress Centre) and Ponta do Sol (Pavilhão da Escola Básica e Secundária – sports hall at Escola Básica e Secundária). And on Saturday and on Sunday, vaccination will take place in the municipality of Funchal (Madeira Tecnopolo).
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117941/Covid-19_Madeira_vacina_cerca_de_80__das_equipas_das_farmacias
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117927/Covid-19_Guardas_prisionais_da_RAM_sao_ser_vacinados_este_domingo
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117991/Farmaceuticos_guardas_prisionais_e_dentistas_privados_sao_hoje_vacinados_na_Madeira
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118255/Covid-19_Vacinacao_no_Porto_Moniz_e_em_S_Vicente_esta_quarta-feira
Heavy seas warning
A heavy seas warning has been issued for today. Waves are expected to be 3-4 metre high and to temporarily increase to 3.5-4.5 metres high on the north shore, until the end of the morning. As for the south shore, waves are expected to be 1-2 metres high and 2-3 metres high in the westernmost area. Tonight, there will be small to moderate wind. Visibility is expected to vary between moderate and good. Vessel owners are advised to keep their vessels docked in harbours.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118233/Capitania_emite_aviso_de_agitacao_maritima_forte__para_amanha
Jet2 to resume flights on April 15th
Jet2 has cancelled all flights until April 14th. This means there will not be any Jet2 flights to the Madeira Region until at least after Easter.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118242/Jet2_so_retomara_operacoes_a_partir_de_15_de_abril_incluindo_para_a_Madeira
Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship sailed off the coast of Madeira
Mein Schiff 1, a cruise ship from TUI CRUISES, is well known in Madeira and is currently sailing from Santa Cruz (Las Palmas) to the Strait of Gibraltar. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is unable to dock in Madeira. Once again, it sailed within sight of Madeira and did not dock at the port of Funchal.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/118120/Mein_Schiff_1_ao_largo_da_Madeira
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be affected:
FUNCHAL
10th February (TODAY) – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Estrada da Fajã dos Cardos (numbers 95, 99 and 101)
– Vereda da Fajã dos Cardos (number 21-A)
– Vereda da Fajã do Capitão
– Vereda da Beira do Palheiro
12th February – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Caminho da Barreira
– Caminho do Trapiche (numbers 149 to 176)
– Vereda do Camacho
PORTO MONIZ
10th February (TODAY) – 09h30 to 10h00 & 15h00 to 15h30
– Casa do Elias
– Campo de Futebol
– Câmara de Carga
PRAZERES
10th February (TODAY) – 09h30 to 10h00 & 15h00 to 15h30
– Sítio da Fonte do Bispo
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/06/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-9-2021/
Madeira Situation Report, Saturday 6th February, by our special correspondent
Covid-19 update
There were 295 new Covid-19 cases, 355 recoveries and 3 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission. Only 4 cases were from people who had arrived from outside the Region. This also reflects border restrictions and the consequent reduction if the number of flights.
On Wednesday, there were 90 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 89 cases of local transmission), 123 recoveries and 2 deaths. Two female patients, aged 83 and 89 and who apparently had pre-existing conditions, died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The number of patients in hospital increased to 75, 6 of whom were in intensive care.
On Thursday, there were 97 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived from Germany and 95 cases of local transmission) and 92 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 75, 6 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Friday, there were 108 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Northern Portugal Region and 107 cases of local transmission), 140 recoveries and 1 death. An 88 year old female patient, who had pre-existing conditions, died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 68, 7 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,842 active cases, of which 85 had been imported while the other 1,757 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Friday, there had been 5,633 cases, 3,741 recoveries and 50 deaths. So far, 2% of the Region’s population has been infected with Covid-19.
On Friday, there were 31 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,743 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 68 patients in Covid-19 units, 7 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit. The 3 Covid-19 patients, who had been airlifted from Lisbon on January 29th, remain in the Covid-19 Unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
There are currently 245 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 7,093 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.
At the moment, 4,686 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,047 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 157,207 samples had been collected until Friday (at 19h00). By Friday, 281,628 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 1,739 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has so far received 36,388 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 31 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, it has so far received 2,773 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/03/90-novos-casos-de-covid-19-225-novos-suspeitos-123-recuperados/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/03/madeira-com-mais-duas-mortes-por-covid-19-estamos-quase-nas-50/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/04/97-novos-casos-de-covid-19-continuam-as-discrepancias-dos-numeros-regionais-com-os-nacionais/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/05/ram-atingiu-meia-centena-de-mortos-com-covid-19/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/05/108-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-245-novos-suspeitos/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117822/5_da_populacao_da_Regiao_ja_esta_vacinada_contra_a_covid-19
Vaccination update
Vaccination is starting next week on two new groups of people in Madeira: people aged 80 or older and people aged 50 or older who have chronic pathologies. People who have already been vaccinated but who have not finished the vaccination process will also be vaccinated. These include public and private healthcare staff, care home residents and staff and civil protection and security forces personnel.
According to Pedro Ramos (Madeira’s Health and Civil Protection Secretary), taking into account the number of vaccine doses available, the aim is to vaccinate about 2,000 people aged 75 or older, who are about 10% of the people of this age group in the Region. He added that Madeira is “meticulously” following the Covid-19 vaccination plan and the vaccination of priority groups. He explained the aim is to reach herd immunity by vaccinating 60%-70% of the population.
Pedro Ramos said the Region is expected to receive 51,255 vaccine doses until the end of March. This will enable the vaccination of about 10% of the Region’s population (2 x 25,000). As of Friday, 5% of the Madeira population has been vaccinated. So far, 10,240 vaccine doses have been administered. And 3,203 people have been administered two vaccine doses, 1,027 of whom are older than 80 years old and 10 are older than 100 years old.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117863/Pessoas_com_mais_de_80_anos_ou_com_50_anos_e_patologia_cronica_vacinadas_na_proxima_semana
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117862/Madeira_preve_vacinar_10_da_populacao_ate_final_de_marco
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117822/5_da_populacao_da_Regiao_ja_esta_vacinada_contra_a_covid-19
Madeira to receive another 3 Covid-19 patients
Once again, Madeira has offered to receive another 3 critically-ill Covid-19 patients from the mainland. It is not known yet when they will be transferred to Madeira. The Portuguese Air Force is likely to fly the patients to Madeira, just as it did when the first Covid-19 3 patients who were transferred on January 29th.
https://executivedigest.sapo.pt/covid-19-madeira-recebe-mais-tres-doentes-do-continente/
Hospital staff offered food by bar owners and employees
On Friday evening, the owners and staff of Os Castrinhos bar offered vinha d’alho sandwiches (sandes de 
carne de vinha d’alho – made with pork, wine and garlic – a traditional Madeira dish), juice and chocolates to staff from Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. Each bag had 1 sandwich, 1 pack of juice and 1 chocolate bar. Esmeralda Castro explained the aim was to bring some comfort to those who are working to serve the patients. She said it was an act of recognition for what hospital staff have been doing for others at such a difficult moment that affects everybody. She hoped this generous action will inspire others to carry out similar acts of solidarity.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117887/Covid-19_Os_Castrinhos_mimam_profissionais_no_hospital
Heavy seas warning
A heavy seas warning has been issued for today. Waves are expected to be 3-4 metre high and to increase to 3.5-4.5 metres on the north shore. As for the south shore, waves are expected to be 2-3 metres high and to gradually decrease to 1-2 metres. There will be moderate wind blowing from the north-west. Visibility is expected to vary between moderate and good. Vessel owners are advised to keep their vessels docked in harbours.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117867/Capitania_prolonga_aviso_de_agitacao_maritima_
Snow returned to Madeira
The highest areas in Madeira were hit by snow on Friday. Two roads in the Municipality of Calheta, Estrada Rochão and Estrada da Fonte do Bispo, were cordoned off and some drivers had trouble driving on snow-covered roads. People have been told not to visit these areas. The Police has warned it will be closely monitoring these areas, controlling those entering and leaving these areas and could even fine visitors and drivers.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117853/PSP_ja_esta_a_controlar_idas_a_neve_com_video
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117848/Neve_esta_de_volta_as_zonas_altas_da_Madeira_com_fotos
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117791/Neve_obriga_a_fechar_duas_estradas_na_Calheta_
Stolen items recovered and returned to owners
The Regional Command of the Public Security Police (Comando Regional da PSP Madeira) announced the recovery of several stolen items, including a baby Jesus statue worth approximately €2,000. It had been stolen on January 9th from a nativity set at Avenida Arriaga. In addition to this statue, the Police recovered 10 rings, 
5 watches from several brands, 3 bracelets and 3 necklaces, worth approximately €1,500, which had been stolen from several homes in December. A Honda JF93 scooter, worth approximately €100 and which had been stolen on February 4th, was also recovered. All items were returned to their owners. Three male suspects, aged 39-56, were identified for qualified theft and a 65 year old female was identified for possession of stolen goods. The court in Funchal will deal with them.
The Regional Command of the PSP empathised the importance of citizens immediately alerting the Police as soon as a crime has taken place, so that investigations can start quickly, be successful and result in the identification of suspects and the recovery of stolen items.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117860/PSP_recuperou_Menino_Jesus_roubado_do_presepio_da_Avenida_Arriaga
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/05/psp-recupera-produtos-roubados-e-detem-individuo-por-trafico-de-droga/
Man arrested for drug trafficking
The Regional Command of the PSP (Comando Regional da PSP Madeira) announced the arrest of a 24 year old man from Funchal for drug-trafficking. His arrest took place during a Police patrol in the higher areas of Funchal-Penteada, in the early hours of Friday and during the curfew. Police apprehended 122 individual doses of hashish, 0.65 grams of liamba, 1 Kg of an undetermined psychoactive substance, a precision scale and other materials linked with drug consumption and trafficking. After appearing before a Funchal court, he was subjected to a Statement of Identity and Residence (Termo de Identidade e Residência).
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117858/PSP_apreendeu_122_doses_individuais_de_haxixe_no_Funchal
Sweet potato exports to France
This year, Madeira has so far exported about 4 tons of sweet potatoes to the south of France. Associação de Jovens Agricultores da Madeira e Porto Santo (AJAMPS – Association of Young Farmers from Madeira and Porto Santo) had been contacted by a French businessman, who had visited the Region and who had been very impressed with the quality of the Region’s sweet potatoes. Vitor Castro, AJAMPS’s president, said that due to demand, shipment of sweet potatoes to the south of France could increase in the near future and take place every fortnight, depending on the reopening of borders and easier conditions for freight transport by road.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/04/madeira-exporta-batata-doce-para-o-sul-de-franca/
Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 3rd February by our Special Correspondent
Covid-19 update
There were 352 new Covid-19 cases, 412 recoveries and 7 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission and none were from passengers who had arrived from abroad.
On Saturday, there were 98 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 97 cases of local transmission) and 59 recoveries and 4 deaths. Two female patients and two male patients, aged 80-88 and who had pre-existing conditions, died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The number of patients in hospital increased to 73, 8 of whom were in intensive care.
On Sunday, there were 94 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Northern Portugal Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 91 cases of local transmission), 118 recoveries and 1 death. A 90 year old male patient, an 85 year old female patient and 74 year old female patient died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. They had pre-existing conditions. The number of patients in hospital increased to 76, 8 of whom were in intensive care.
On Monday, there were 61 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 60 cases of local transmission), 149 recoveries (the highest number of recoveries on a single day this year) and 1 death. A 91 year old female patient, who had pre-existing conditions, died in a care home from Covid-19. Her death was the first death from Covid-19 in a care home in Madeira. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 75, 8 of whom were in intensive care.
And on Tuesday, there were 99 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 93 cases of local transmission), 86 recoveries and 1 death. A 70 year old male patient, who had pre-existing conditions, died from Covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 73, 8 of whom were in intensive care.
There are currently 1,972 active cases, of which 102 had been imported while the other 1,870 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 5,338 cases, 3,386 recoveries and 47 deaths.
On Tuesday, there were 40 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 1,859 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 73 patients in Covid-19 units, 8 of whom were in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit. A further 3 Covid-19 patients, who had been airlifted from Lisbon on Friday, remain in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
There are currently 258 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 6,798 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.
At the moment, 4,806 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,505 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 156,171 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 19h00). By Tuesday, 277,982 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 981 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, it has so far received 34,649 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira has so far received 2,742 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/01/30/4-mortos-98-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-295-suspeitos/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117201/Covid-19_Mais_quatro_doentes_morrem_na_Madeira
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/01/31/94-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-170-suspeitos-e-118-recuperados/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/01/31/mais-uma-vitima-mortal-da-covid-19-na-madeira/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/01/61-novos-casos-de-covid-19-149-casos-recuperados-194-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/01/mais-uma-morte-por-covid-19-uma-senhora-de-91-anos/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117401/Registada_a_primeira_morte_num_lar_na_Madeira
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117404/Recorde_de_recuperados_por_covid-19_num_so_dia
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/02/99-novos-casos-de-covid-19-73-hospitalizados-258-casos-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/02/mais-uma-morte-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/
Lockdown renewed in Madeira
The lockdown period was renewed in Madeira and will remain in place until February 21st. The following measures will apply:
– The curfew will remain in place from Monday to Friday (from 19h00 to 05h00) and during weekends (from 18h00 to 05h00).
– In person school classes for 3º Ciclo and Secondary School will remain suspended.
– Industrial, commercial and service activities must also comply with the curfew, with the exception of pharmacies, clinics and veterinaries, services delivering oxygen and medical gas to households and petrol stations (only to fill up vehicles).
– Restaurants can remain open until 22h00 but only for meals to be prepared for home delivery.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117306/Novo_periodo_de_confinamento_entra_hoje_em_vigor_na_Madeira
Vaccination update
On Sunday, a shipment of 11,700 Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Madeira. The shipment arrived on a TAP flight from Amsterdam, which had made a stopover in Lisbon and had landed in Funchal shortly after 15h30. The vaccines were stored at the airport until being taken to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça on Monday, shortly after 10h00. They two boxes were taken to hospital in a cold storage van from Loginsular, under police escort from 
the PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública – Public Security Police). Although 17,550 new vaccine doses had been expected, only 11,700 were delivered. A third box with the remaining 5,850 vaccine doses is expected to arrive in two weeks time. Nevertheless, some vaccine doses from the December’s shipment are still available. A new shipment of 17,500 doses is expected to arrive at the start of March.
Miguel Albuquerque (President of the Madeira Regional Government), Pedro Ramos (Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, Ireneu Barreto (Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of Madeira), José Manuel Rodrigues (President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira), Rafaela Fernandes (President of SESARAM – Madeira Regional Health Service), Herberto Jesus and José Dias (President of the Regional Civil Protection Service) have been administered the Covid-19 vaccine. They have been included in Phase 1 of the vaccination campaign due to the nature of their roles as top political leaders, healthcare and civil protection leaders in decision-making roles. The remaining members of the Regional Government and the Mayors will also be vaccinated.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117265/Aviao_com_mais_17500_vacinas_ja_chegou_a_Madeira
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117280/Segundo_lote_de_vacinas_chega_amanha_ao_Hospital_Dr_Nelio_Mendonca
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117323/Segundo_lote_de_vacinas_contra_a_covid-19_ja_esta_no_Hospital_Dr_Nelio_Mendonca
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117326/Covid-19_Madeira_recebeu_apenas_11700_das_17550_vacinas_previstas
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117450/Representante_presidente_da_Assembleia_e_cinco_membros_do_Governo_Regional_ja_foram_vacinados
Praia Formosa/Socorridos Promenade closed
The 2 km-long Praia Formosa/Socorridos promenade that links the municipalities of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos has been closed as a result of damage caused by rough seas in the early hours of Monday. It will remain closed the next few days for repairs and because weather conditions are likely to remain adverse.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/02/01/estragos-causados-pelo-mar-motivam-encerramento-da-promenade-da-praia-formosa/
SATA Air Açores aircraft involved emergency descent landed safely in Funchal
On Monday morning, SATA Air Açores flight S4 160 was forced to undertake an emergency descent as a result of technical damage linked to a pressurisation issue on the aircraft. Although cabin crew offered oxygen to the passengers, it was ultimately not required. The flight had departed from Ponta Delgada at 08h35 and landed safely in Funchal at 11h40, under the watchful eye of the emergency services that had been deployed in accordance with the emergency procedures for this type of situations. All 9 passengers and 5 members of crew disembarked safely. Paramedics made health checks on the passengers, one of whom is pregnant and had panicked. Aircraft technicians were carrying out checks on the aircraft.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117338/Nove_passageiros_incluindo_uma_gravida_estao_bem_apos_aterragem_de_emergencia
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/117353/SATA_confirma_descida_de_emergencia_para_a_Madeira