Madeira Situation Report Friday 15th October 2021
Covid-19 New rules apply from today until November 30th
There are up the ten changes coming to effect in the Region at midnight tonight after the resolution approved yesterday by the Government Council confirmed the changes to rules already announced Tuesday. In general, the order is to reopen without restrictions, but keeping recommendations from the health authorities and having a negative test and a digital vaccination certificate to enter major events.
The resolution approved on Thursday by the Governing Council states that the new measures will take effect at 0:00 on October 15th (midnight 14th/15th October) and apply until 23:59 on 30th November.
The regulation is subject to constant evaluation by the competent authorities and may be subject to revision in the event of a change in the circumstances that led the Executive to ease the restriction measures now.
No more compulsory curfew and masks only in closed spaces
As anticipated, the resolution approved yesterday puts an end to the “general duty to be home at night”. The same note explains that “there is no longer a ban on circulation on public roads” between certain hours
As for masks, their use is now recommended for citizens over six years of age in access, circulation or stay in closed spaces. This “whenever the physical distance recommended by health authorities proves impractical”, the resolution also explains.
Commercial establishments without any restrictions
It is another measure starting today, “commercial, industrial and service activities, including gambling establishments, casinos, bingos or similar, and hotel and hospitality establishments and local accommodation can operate without any restrictions”. This change is valid for both the capacity of the aforementioned spaces and their opening hours.
Rules relaxed for culture, sport and conferences
The rules are also relaxed for events of a cultural, artistic and sporting nature, including cultural events and conferences. However, there are two circumstances to take into account here:
If there are indoor events with more than 100 people, it is necessary to present an infection screening test with a negative result and carried out within 48 hours prior to the event.
If there are events in outdoor spaces with more than 500 people, tests with a negative result made within the previous 48 hours are required.
Post-religious events with lighter measures
At weddings, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, finalists and other events, the rules are similar to those of culture and sport. In other words, tests will only be requested in events held indoors that have more than 100 people or in outdoor actions with more than 500 people.
Free tests at pharmacies, laboratories and clinics
The tests mentioned by the Government for indoor events with more than 100 people or outdoor events with more than 500 people can be done free of charge for users. All that is required is for interested parties to do so in pharmacies, laboratories, clinics and posts that are part of the Regional Government’s testing campaign.
Unrestricted bars, liquor stores & nightclubs
As of 15th October bars, drinking establishments and venues with dance venues can operate without restrictions. However, the ordinance clarifies that this operation can only happen “provided that the health rules issued by the health authorities are respected” and provided that users present the Covid Digital Certificate of the European Union.
Homecare visits, but with tests
Visits to the Elderly Home Structures, the Integrated Continuous Care Units, as well as the shelters for Children and Youth are now carried out without restrictions, as long as they follow the sanitary rules and visitors present a negative test performed within 48 hours prior to visit.
Thus, the restrictions imposed on the limits on the number of visits fall. However, the resolution is silent on the form of visit, namely if the separation by glass or other restrictions is maintained, such as the impediment of physical contacts.
Spas are back to free use
The resolution approved yesterday allows the use of changing rooms, changing rooms and showers in sports facilities also “without restrictions”. However, the resolution approved by the Government Council explains that, as they are spaces for common use and with frequent contact surfaces, the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of the changing rooms must be increased.
Travel restricted until November 1st
Changes to entries into the Region through the Airport, ports and marinas continue to maintain the restrictions of recent months.
Yesterday’s resolution only indicates that these regulations will be changed from the first of November.