Situation Report Azores – 31st October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Wikipedia
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 6,839 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 24th of October, 20 positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel, Faial and Terceira have been diagnosed. All the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay.
A 24-year-old man was also diagnosed following contact with the Azores Health Line, and the epidemiological investigation of how he caught the infection is now underway. A 31-year-old man was diagnosed, not resident in the Region, from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, whose SARS-CoV-2 screening test performed on arrival produced a positive result. However, and according to the practice followed in previous situations, having submitted documentation proving infection and recovery in the country of origin, it is not considered an active case in the Region. Users of a gymnasium have all been tested and the results were negative.
6 recoveries have been recorded, 2 on São Miguel 2 on Pico and 2 on Terceira.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations. So far, 384 cases of infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 80 active positive cases currently, of which 64 on the island of São Miguel, nine on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, two on Pico island, two on Faial island, one on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations. The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ . The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.
Azores
Situation Report Azores – 24th October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Government is keen to point out that taking into account the data known, as of today, on the situation of the pandemic of COVID-19 in the Region, the measures determined for the continental territory, in the scope of the calamity situation, namely those related to the prohibitions of movement between municipalities or circulation in public spaces and roads, do not apply to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The current regulations as of today, are:-
Government Council Resolution No. 275/2020 of October 23rd, 2020
Government Presidency
Summary
Extends the declaration of the situation of public calamity in the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial.
Government Council Resolution No. 275/2020 of October 23rd, 2020
Following the permanent monitoring of the situation of the pandemic of COVID-19 in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as of today, there are a total of sixty-nine positive positive cases, of which forty-six on the island of São Miguel, eleven on the island Third, one on Graciosa Island, four on Pico Island, four on Faial Island, two on Santa Maria Island and one on Flores Island. Furthermore, in view of developments at national and international level, and taking into account the air connections from abroad to the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, the extension of the declaration of the situation of public calamity continues to be justified on these islands, as well as the extension of the alert situation in the Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo Islands.
Thus, under the terms of paragraphs c) of no. 2 of article 59 and b) of no. 2 of article 66 and a), b), d), e) and l) of no. article 90, all of the Political-Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, of paragraph 2 of article 2 of the Basic Law of Civil Protection, of Base 34 of the Basic Law of Health, Chapters IV and V of the International Health Regulations, approved for ratification by Decree-Law no. 299/71, of 13 July, in conjunction with articles 6, 7, 11 and 12 of Regional Legislative Decree no. 26/2019 / A, of 22 November, with article 45 of Regional Legislative Decree no. 28/99 / A, of 31 July, in its current wording, and with points a), e) and f ) of no. 1 of article 4 and c), d) g) and l) of article 7, all of the Regional Regulatory Decree no. 11/2001 / A, of 10 September, in its current wording ,after hearing the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Regional Delegation of the Azores of the National Association of Parishes, the Government of the Azores, in an extraordinary meeting of the Government Council held today, by videoconference, resolves:
1 – Determine, in terms of readiness and response, within the scope of the Legal Regime of the Civil Protection System of the Autonomous Region of the Azores:
- a) The extension of the declaration of the situation of public calamity, in the Islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, until midnight, on the 6th of November;
- b) The extension of the declaration of the alert situation, in the Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo Islands, until midnight, on the 6th of November.
2 – To determine that, after the reopening of the national maritime space to cruise ships and yachts, coming from international ports, the normalization of the mooring of these ships should be promoted, in the ports and marinas of the Archipelago, and provided that the respective passengers test the arrival, unless the regional health authority dispenses so in view of the nonstop travel time and the absence of symptoms.
3 – To determine, for the entire Azores Archipelago, the maintenance, until 24:00 hours, on November 6, of the following measures:
- a) Suspension of all missions by workers of the Regional Administration, including public institutes and public companies, outside the archipelago;
- b) Suspension of all travel to the Archipelago by external entities requested by the Regional Administration, including public institutes and public companies, unless absolutely essential, provided they are authorized by the Regional Health Authority;
- c) Recommendation to other public and private entities in the Region to adopt the same procedure regarding the movement of their workers abroad in the Region.
4 – To determine that the execution of the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Resolution is coordinated, under the terms of Regional Legislative Decree No. 26/2019 / A, of 22 November, by the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service of the Azores, even now authorized to request the collaboration of the security forces, as well as the use of human and material resources from the regional administration.
5 – The measures provided for in this Resolution may be reversed or cancelled, at any time, taking into account the evolution of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region.
6 – Extend the provisions of Government Council Resolution No. 207/2020, of July 31, until midnight on November 6th.
7 – Under the provisions of article 6 of Regional Legislative Decree No. 26/2019 / A, of 22 November, this resolution takes effect as of 00:00 hours on 24 October.
Approved by the Regional Government Council, in Ponta Delgada, on October 22, 2020. – The President of the Regional Government, Vasco Ilídio Alves Cordeiro.
Situation Report Azores – 21st October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 3892 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 17th of October, 13 positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel have been diagnosed.
All the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
There have been 7 recoveries, 5 on the island of São Miguel, one on Terceira and one on Faial.
So far, 355 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 65 active positive cases currently, of which 42 on the island of São Miguel, 11 on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, four on Pico island, four on Faial island, two on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: //www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available at the internet address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.
Situation Report Azores – 17th October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Communiqué from the Government of the Azores
Ponta Delgada, 15th October 2020
Following the permanent monitoring of the situation of the pandemic of COVID-19 in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, on October 14th, 2020, there are a total of 61 active positive cases, of which 33 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on the island of Terceira , three on the island of Graciosa, four on the island of Pico, five on the island of Faial, one on the island of São Jorge, two on the island of Santa Maria and one on the island of Flores.
In addition, in view of developments at national and international level and taking into account the air connections from abroad to the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, the extension of the declaration of the situation of public calamity in these regions continues to be justified. islands, as well as the extension of the alert situation in the Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Coro islands, decisions that should be re-evaluated in a shorter time frame, taking into account the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In view of this situation, the Government of the Azores, in an extraordinary meeting of the Government Council held on October 14, by videoconference, decided:
1 – Determine, in terms of readiness and response, within the scope of the Legal Regime of the Civil Protection System of the Autonomous Region of the Azores:
- a) The extension of the declaration of the situation of public calamity on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial until midnight on October 23rd, taking into account the epidemiological situation that is taking place at national and International.
- b) The extension of the declaration of the alert situation in the islands of Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo until midnight on October 23rd, taking into account the epidemiological situation that is taking place at national and international level.
2- To determine that, after the reopening of the national maritime space to cruise ships and yachts coming from international ports, the normalization of the docking of these ships in the ports and marinas of the archipelago should be promoted, and provided that the respective passengers are tested on arrival, unless the Regional Health Authority dispenses so in view of the non-stop travel time and the absence of symptoms.
The measures provided for in this Resolution can be reversed or canceled at any time, taking into account the evolution of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region.
The Government of the Azores reiterates the need to comply with the guidelines regarding the use of a mask, physical distance and respiratory etiquette.
Vouchers
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism has created a new initiative, “Voucher Destino Açores Seguro”, the platform can be accessed here https://voucher.azores.gov.pt where information about this financial incentive for the taking of screening tests for SARS-CoV-2 prior to shipment to the Azores, usable exclusively for the acquisition of goods or services in the Region, in activities of the tourism sector.
An order was published today in the Official Journal setting out the conditions and the period for the companies to subscribe to the Network of Members, the conditions for the reimbursement for the acquisition of technological equipment, as well as the concession period and procedure for using this measure.With regard to the Network of Members, as of today, establishments with headquarters or with a permanent establishment in the Region, and that operate within the tourism sector, according to the published list of CAE, can make their membership by filling in an electronic form on the portal.
Regarding the entry into force of the Voucher, it will be awarded to passengers who complete the Risk Assessment and Early Detection Questionnaire on the My Safe Azores tool at https://mysafeazores.com , starting on October 21st, when they present a negative screening test for SARS-CoV-2 on entry into the Region. The “Destination Insurance Azores Voucher”, with a global investment amount of 1.2 million euros, is a financial incentive of 35 euros, valid for two months and usable, exclusively, in the purchase of goods or services in the Region, in establishments of the Network of Members that develop their activity within the scope of the tourism sector.
Tourism
According to data from the Regional Statistics Service of the Azores, in the month of August, overnight stays in the region in all the types of tourist accommodation: hotel establishments, rural tourism and local accommodation recorded a year-on-year decrease of 68.7 %. From January to August 2020, overnight stays registered a negative year-on-year change of 74.4%.
In August, hotel establishments recorded 79.2 thousand overnight stays, representing a year-on-year decrease of 70.4%.
Overnight stays by residents in Portugal decreased by 39.5% and overnight stays by residents abroad decreased by 87.5%. The monthly rate of change (relative to July) changed by 120.3%. Total income reached 4.6 million euros and room income 3.5 million euros, corresponding to negative year-on-year changes of 72.3% and 73.5%.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 3918 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 13th of October, 10 positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira have been diagnosed. Some of the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay, others have been detected as a result of close contact with a previously diagnosed case.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
6 recoveries have been recorded on the island of São Miguel, Terceira and São Jorge.
So far, 342 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, and there are currently 63 active positive cases, of which 36 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on Terceira island, three on Graciosa island, four on Pico island, five on Faial island, two on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island. Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/
Situation Report Azores – 14th October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The City Council of Ponta Delgada has joined up with the Portuguese League Against Cancer, Regional Centre of the Azores, marking the 
International Breast Cancer Prevention Month and are lighting the city’s arcades in pink until the last day of October.
“Outubro Rosa” is the name of the international campaign to raise public awareness of the problem of breast cancer. A movement that emerged in the United States, after the American Congress determined October as the month of prevention of Breast Cancer.
One of the characteristics of “Outubro Rosa” is the lighting of important monuments of the cities with the pink colour to support the cause.
In Ponta Delgada, the Arcades of the historic centre will be lit up until October 31st.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 4948 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 10th of October, eight positive cases of Covid-19 on the islands of São Miguel have been diagnosed.
All the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
Eight recoveries have been recorded on the island of São Miguel and one on the island of Pico.
So far, 332 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 61 active positive cases currently, of which 33 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on Terceira island, three on Graciosa island, four on Pico island, five on Faial island, one on São Jorge island, two on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/
Situation Report Azores – 10th October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Azores are once again included in the list of Green Destinations top 100 Sustainable Destinations, according to the regional secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism.
“It is recognitions like this that make us continue with this path towards sustainability with strength and enthusiasm,” said Marta Guerreiro. “I cannot fail to show pride and satisfaction for receiving, once again, this recognition, which places the Azores at a high level with regard to sustainability issues, which we strive for and are recognized for”.
Since last year, the Azores have been certified as a Sustainable Tourist Destination, being the only archipelago in the world and the only region in the country with this distinction”. “EarthCheck is a certifier that is governed by strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, that is, with the United Nations seal, which attests to the quality of its action and our certification as a Sustainable Tourist Destination”.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 3881 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 6th of October, nine positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, have been diagnosed.
All the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay. The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
Three people with covid-19 have returned to the continent by air. There have been four recoveries, three on São Miguel and one on Terceira.
So far, 324 cases of infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 203 recovered cases and 66 active positive cases currently, of which 33 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on Terceira island, five on Graciosa island, six on Pico island, six on Faial island, one on São Jorge island, two on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Situation Report Azores – 7th October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 4481 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 2nd of October, eight positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa and Faial, have been diagnosed.
Some of the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay. Others are from chains of transmission already existing in the region.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
There have been nine recoveries recorded, seven on the island of São Miguel and two on Terceira, bringing to 198 the number of recovered cases of COVID-19 in the Region.
So far, 315 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 66 active positive cases currently, of which 37 on the island of São Miguel, 11 on Terceira island, five on Graciosa island, five on Pico island, four on Faial island, one on São Jorge island, two on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
Situation Report Azores – 3rd October 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Government of the Azores has extended the ‘Living the Azores’ campaign until March 31st, 2021, this incentive now includes holidays on the island of residence, according to a Council Resolution Government published recently in the Official Journal, which comes into force on 1st of October. São Miguel and Terceira were not found to be benefitting from the incentive as much as the smaller islands.
This variation requires the purchase of accommodation, food, tourist activities. The allowance is fixed at 50% of the amount paid, up to a maximum limit of 75 euros per person. Mandatory minimum requirements for granting the incentive under this campaign are the purchase of two nights in a tourist resort, local accommodation or youth hostel on the island, the purchase of two meals in restaurants, per person, worth at least 15 euros each, and the purchase of a tourist activity, per person, worth at least 30 euros.
Travel Exemptions
Scotland will no longer oblige people arriving from the Azores and Madeira archipelagos to comply with a 14-day quarantine, but maintains the measure on mainland Portugal, the authorities announced.
The measure applies from 04:00 on Saturday 3rd of October, this aligns Scotland with the other nations of the United Kingdom, namely England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which had already differentiated the Portuguese islands from the rest of the country in terms travel restrictions.
Wales was the first British region to differentiate Madeira and the Azores, where the number of infections has been reduced, from Mainland Portugal, where there has been an increase in cases.
The British government followed suit on 12th of September, claiming that the more detailed information made it possible to assess islands separately from mainland territories and started to institute “regional travel corridors”. One of the main criteria for exclusion from the list of safe destinations is when the country registers an additional 20 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants over the course of a week.
The update of the list of countries and territories with ‘travel corridors’ for the United Kingdom, that is, exempt from having to quarantine on arrival, made this week, leaves the British only six destinations without travel restrictions. Madeira and the Azores, require negative tests on arrival or a period of confinement while waiting for test results.
Entry requirements can be found here. https://covid19.azores.gov.pt/?page_id=5532
Covid-19 cases
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 3165 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region since the 30th of September, five positive cases of COVID-19 on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Santa Maria and São Jorge, have been diagnosed.
All the cases have been detected at the airports during the required screening procedure or on the follow-up test carried out on all arrivals to the region on the 6th day of the stay.
The cases are all in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for the confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts, as well as all those inherent to the deepening of the epidemiological investigation, have already been carried out by the Local Health Delegations.
Three recoveries were recorded on the island of São Miguel and one on Terceira, bringing to 185 the number of recovered cases of COVID-19 in the Region.
So far, 307 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 73 active positive cases currently, of which 46 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on Terceira island, four on Graciosa island, five on Pico island, three on Faial island, one on São Jorge island and two on Santa Maria island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24. For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region,