Algarve Situation Report – Wednesday 30th December 2020
Portimão says goodbye to 2020 with music at the door
On December 31st, Portimão will say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2021 without the usual cultural animation and traditional fireworks, however the municipality has prepared an alternative for pandemic times: “New Year’s Eve at Home – Music at the Door”.
In a press release, the city announced that, to mark the New Year and respecting the rules and constraints enacted by the Government, and the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, two large trucks will be circulating, between 3 pm and 9 pm, around Portimão, to the sound of the live concerts starring César Matoso, Filipa Sousa, Gabriel de Rose and Filipe Konx, with DJ Ari Girão and Virgul as headliners.
The same publication advances that, despite the pandemic times, Portimão will not fail to welcome the arrival of 2021.
It should be noted that, although Portimão is still classified as high risk, it is about to return to the list of municipalities at moderate risk, therefore, the municipality warns that “the contribution of citizens is fundamental, based on understanding and responsibility”.
In this sense, the trucks’ itinerary will not be disclosed, “so that everyone has the good sense to comply with the rules and stay at home, having fun at the window with the music that will pass at the door”, stressed the same source.

Covid-19: Operational Program of the Algarve released until October, 19.7 million to minimize the effects of the pandemic
The Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve) published the second edition of the Covid-19 Algarve Bulletin, with the latest information on the socio-economic impact of the pandemic in the region and on public policy measures adopted with funds from European funds allocated to the Algarve Operational Program, in support of companies and institutions in the Algarve.
In a statement, the CCDR explains that the elaboration of the second edition of the bulletin coincides with a period in which Portugal is in a state of emergency, whose measures implemented by Portugal and most countries to contain the spread of the pandemic, «caused a strong contraction of the demand and supply, both domestically and globally, with significant consequences for employment and the economy”.
In recent months, following the country’s trend, the Algarve presented milder negative year-on-year rates of change than in the initial period of the pandemic, in most of the indicators followed. Despite this, the region continues, in many cases, to record falls above the national average, translating into a more marked economic and social impact in the Algarve. According to the same document issued today to the media, September and / or October showed slightly more severe breaks than in previous months.
In this context, until October 31, the Operational Program of the Algarve mobilized 19.7 million euros for the adoption of measures aimed at minimizing the effects generated by the pandemic, with 17 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 2.4 million from the European Social Fund (ESF).
To date, nine notices have been launched and 214 operations have been approved in the three notices already completed, resulting in a total of 7.26 million euros of eligible investment, corresponding to 4.7 million European funds, adding up to all support provided in terms of unemployment benefits, social inclusion income food support.

Algarve Situation Report – Monday 28th December
Covid-19: Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) to start vaccination on Tuesday
The Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) will start vaccination against covid-19 on Tuesday, the president of the centre’s board of directors, which includes hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos, told the Lusa agency today.
“We will start vaccinating on the 29th, Tuesday,” said Ana Castro, clarifying that CHUA has planned to vaccinate “professionals and patients who meet the criteria” defined in the vaccination plan until January 31st.
Asked when vaccines will arrive at the hospital and when time is needed later to operationalize the administration of the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, the same source replied that he is still not sure of the arrival date, but assured that “as soon as they arrive [vaccines], you start vaccinating right away ”.
“From the moment they arrive, we start immediately, because we have a ready and assembled team, which will be dedicated to just that. So, as soon as the vaccines arrive, we start vaccinating, we have the list of people and it is to start calling them, which will be easy and immediate, because we have the list of people, everything is prepared, we know where people are and what services belong, so it’s getting started, ”he said.
Ana Castro acknowledged that she still has no information on when the vaccine will actually be delivered, but guaranteed that the process will start without delay on the 29th.
 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 23rd December
Aljezur Municipality supports institutions in the municipality in the purchase of protective material
The Municipality of Aljezur decided to grant financial support, of approximately 7,500 euros, to the institutions of the municipality, for the purchase of individual protection material and disinfection.
This support was decided under the “Aljezur – Present Municipality” program, created by the municipality to promote support to minimize the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Municipality of Aljezur stresses that this is “a considerable financial effort, not allowing this type of material to be lacking in the municipality’s institutions, namely the Casa da Criança do Rogil (Integrated Long Term Care and Maintenance Unit (ULDM)) Aljezur and nurseries), the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Aljezur and the Association of Voluntary Firemen of Aljezur”.
Also within the scope of the support measures, the Aljezur municipality financially supported the Juventude Clube Aljezurense, in the amount of 978.25 euros, to cover the operating expenses of its headquarters building, namely the payment of water, electricity and telecommunications.
“These measures will continue to be assumed and supported by the autarchy and understood as essential, at this point in the life of the associations, which have been at the forefront of the fight against Pandemic”, adds the municipality.

Albufeira Municipality attributes “Vale Restauração” to professionals who deal with the pandemic on a daily basis
Within the scope of the “Present Municipality” program, a new initiative was approved yesterday, this time aimed at the catering sector. This is the “Vale Restauração”, a voucher with a unit value of 20 euros and which will be distributed by professionals who deal with the pandemic daily.
The initiative results from a tripartite protocol between the municipality of Albufeira, ACRAL – Association of Commerce and Services of the Algarve and AHRESP – Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Services of Portugal.
In a statement, the municipality adds that the investment is around 120 thousand euros and that this is yet another initiative to apply the funds initially planned for the organization of the Christmas and New Year’s events, “in responses that can boost the economy and support the families of the municipality ».
For the Mayor, José Carlos Rolo, “it is a gesture of recognition for those who have given so much for others, often in situations of extreme mental and physical fatigue, but also a way to support restoration local, one of the sectors of activity that has suffered the most from the contingencies of the current economic situation”. In total, more than 5,700 beneficiaries will be covered by this measure, whose investment is around 120 thousand euros.

Faro municipality offers 400 king cakes to security forces, firefighters, hospital and INEM
The municipality of Faro has announced that it will symbolically offer 400 king cakes to GNR, PSP, INEM, Firefighters Sapadores de Faro, Voluntary Firefighters from Faro and Hospital de Faro.
The delivery of these cakes traditionally alluding to the Christmas season will take place on Christmas Eve, December 24, and intends, according to the municipality, to recognize “the extreme importance of the work, commitment, altruism and notion of public cause of the professionals of these entities in a year marked by a very difficult situation due to the situation of pandemic crisis”.
The local authority invested a value of 3,618 euros in the purchase of 400 bolo-rei, plus VAT at the legal rate in force.

 
Algarve Situation Report 19th of December
Three Municipalities at High Risk
Prime Minister António Costa announced this Thursday, new restrictive measures to curb the contagion of the covid.19, namely for the New Year period.
After reviewing the epidemiological situation in the country, the Council of Ministers updated the list of risky municipalities.
In the Algarve there are 3 counties at “high risk”: Faro, Portimão and Loulé, (the latter rose to “high risk”). There are 3 other municipalities that have gone down to “moderate risk”: Lagos, Monchique and Lagoa.
The remaining counties, namely Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Olhão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Stº António, remain at “moderate risk”.
The new measures take effect on November 24.
Covid-19: RTA President predicts “significant impact” on demand for Christmas and New Year
The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) today acknowledged that restrictions to contain the covid-19 pandemic will have a “significant impact” on demand in the region at Christmas, but especially over the New Year.
“There are no specific estimates, but we know that there will be a significant impact,” said considering that the tightening of the restriction measures that the Government imposed on Thursday for the New Year will prevent “some expected activity” in a context more permissive.
The president of RTA regretted that the “less serious” epidemiological situation in the Algarve, compared to other regions of the country, was not taken into account by the Government when, on Thursday, it tightened up the restrictions for the New Year, imposing the 23: 00 as the time limit for curfew on the 31st and limiting the circulation on public roads until 13:00 on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of January.
“I am sure that there will be a lot of people coming to their second homes in the Algarve, but [the decision to tighten restrictions on New Year’s Eve] will have a lot of impact on tourism and is a very difficult year extension”, he said .

João Fernandes considered that, although circulation between municipalities remains the same as predicted before the aggravation decided by the Government on Thursday, “the impossibility of circulating on public roads from 13:00 on 01, 02 and 03 will also limit the enjoyment of what in the Algarve is a special condition, which is being able to walk outdoors for a good part of the day”.
“It was a year in which this demand was obviously very important, the coincidence of the 31st being on a Thursday and 01 Friday allowed for a long weekend, but these measures – which come to condition the period of pre-booked dinners, New Year’s Eve festivities and New Year’s lunch, as well as circulation on the public road in the following days – end up dictating a loss of the potential we had for this period”, he argued.
Arrivals of illegal immigrants to the Algarve do not reveal a migratory route
The arrival in the Algarve of illegal immigrants, less than 100 people, does not yet make it possible to say whether there is a new migratory pattern or whether Portugal is just a transit point, according to the Secretary of State for Migration, Cláudia Pereira.
“There are less than 100 people who have arrived. I know that they had a lot of media visibility, but there are less than 100, which still doesn’t allow us to know if it is a new migratory pattern. We still don’t even have data to understand if they wanted to come to Portugal or if they wanted to leave Portugal and go to other countries. More than half have applied for asylum”, but none of these people have yet been given any status, the Secretary of State for Integration and Migration, Cláudia Pereira, said in an interview to Lusa, regarding the International Migration Day, which is being celebrated today.
Since December 2019, small groups of migrants on boats, originating in Morocco, have sporadically arrived in the Algarve.
This reality led the Portuguese State to decide to speed up a process that was already underway to reach a bilateral agreement with Morocco, to be worked on by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to frame migrations based on the demand for work in Portugal, said Cláudia Pereira, who also mentioned that, so far, the Government is unaware of any other possible route besides this one.
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 16th December 2020
Marcelo: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a lifetime, to thank João de Deus”
I’ve been waiting for this moment for a lifetime, to thank João de Deus for what has changed in me almost 70 years ago. With him, I started to learn to love Portugal more, when I still didn’t know what Portugal was, and I doubt that I would understand better what would transform my life knowing how to read and write in Portuguese. But it transformed my life. Mine and that of millions of Portuguese. Thank you João de Deus!”
That was how the President of the Republic ended, this Monday, his address at the Closing of the Commemorations of the 190 Years of the Birth of João de Deus, which took place in São Bartolomeu de Messines, hometown of the pedagogue and poet.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s first words even went to Algarve researcher Maria João Raminhos Duarte, who would shortly present his most recent work, the book «João de Deus Immortal and Timeless».
The head of state spoke a word “for his work and for his talent in research, writing, concern for the reader, in affective identification with today’s great honouree”.
The President would also commend his hostess Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves, stressing her work in defence of the municipality.
Considering that “there is no future that can dispense with the experiences of the present and the lessons of the past”, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa highlighted the “rich and unexpected life of João de Deus, so well celebrated in his land”.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/12/marcelo-andei-uma-vida-inteira-a-espera-deste-momento-para-agradecer-a-joao-de-deus/

Eight thousand children and young people from Albufeira will receive a gift check from the municipality
The municipality of Albufeira, in collaboration with ACRAL – Association of Merchants of the Algarve, will offer a voucher that will work as a gift voucher directed to the entire school population.
In a press release, the municipality clarifies that the gift voucher will have a one-year value of 15 euros, and is intended for all children and young people who attend institutions in the municipality, from day care centres, kindergartens, 1st, 2nd, 3rd students cycles and secondary.
In total, about 8 thousand children and young people will benefit from this measure, whose investment is around 120 thousand euros. According to the municipality, the objective is to support families in this area, channelling resources in order to boost the local economy.
“We will allocate a substantial part of the resources initially allocated to the organization of events connected to the court, namely Christmas and New Year, to initiatives aimed at supporting families and the local economy» explains José Carlos Rolo. The municipality also hopes to implement other measures aimed at catering and transport, which will be announced shortly.
In the same statements, the mayor argues that “it is necessary to strengthen support for the economy, interconnecting the social needs of current families and working in a network with municipal services, IPSS and business associations”.

Municipality of Vila do Bispo delivers 90 Christmas baskets to needy families
In order to provide a dignified Christmas dinner to the most needy families, the Vila do Bispo City Council promotes the delivery of 90 Christmas baskets, until next December 23.
In a press release, the municipality notes that the baskets, which are appropriate to the composition and characteristics of each household, include foodstuffs such as cod, olive oil, flour, sugar, milk, canned goods, rice, pasta, bolo-rei, among other goods.
According to the same publication, the beneficiaries of the Christmas baskets were identified by the municipality’s Social Action services in conjunction with the local Social Security Service of Vila do Bispo (NLI), the Figueira Cultural and Social Center and Santa Casa da Misericórdia Vila do Bispo – CLDS – Dignitate of Vila do Bispo, through the Food Bank Against Hunger and FEAC.
The council says that this measure of support for needy families, “is part of the strategy that the municipality has been applying in the area of social action, and that is particularly important in this Christmas season”.
 

Algarve Report December 12 of 2020
Regional Covid-19 update
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro yesterday revealed new data on the current epidemiological situation in the Algarve with 1,729 active cases of covid-19.
According to the regional health delegate, 5,838 infected were registered until yesterday, 80 more in the last 24 hours and 4,046 recovered (cumulative).
37 people are hospitalized, 11 in the Intensive Care Units and 4 ventilated. The same source said that since the beginning of the pandemic, 63 deaths have been recorded in the region. Currently, 2,089 people are under active surveillance and 236 (cumulative) were discharged. In relation to last week’s bulletin, another 66 active cases and 428 new cases are confirmed. Another 356 people are recovered. There are less 6 people hospitalized (37), 3 less in intensive care (11) and the same number of ventilated patients (4). Under active surveillance there are 33 fewer people.
Lagoa exchanges Christmas lights for support to the local community

Lagoa Municipality will provide 102 thousand euros to encourage residents to buy in local stores, stimulating the county’s economy. In a statement it said, “in this very unusual year, the Christmas season will continue to be celebrated among all, but with the awareness and responsibility that the current situation imposes, having taken the decision to redirect the funds destined to the Christmas lighting, which in previous years reached expenses between 50 thousand and 65 thousand euros, for a direct support of 102 thousand euros to residents and traders”
This amount will be introduced into the local economy through the approximately 1300 unemployed, registered at the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), residents of the municipality of Lagoa, who will receive at home a voucher to make purchases in the local commerce and through raffles to be held at the end of January, February, March, April and May. In all, the municipality will distribute around 52 thousand euros for the unemployed and raffle 50 thousand euros for the population, awarding prizes ranging from 1500 euros to the lowest, which will be 20 euros. The municipality is preparing the mechanisms to put this initiative into practice, which will involve “the delivery of a coupon for every 10 euros in purchases, in the adhering establishments, in a total of 10 coupons for each purchase, which will be placed in symbols and drawn at the end of each month. Winning citizens will receive vouchers to spend on local businesses”.
In 2020 Christmas spending is higher in the southern region
According to data from Observer Cetelem Natal 2020, the Portuguese intend to spend around 216 € during the Christmas period, 172 € less than the 388 € registered in the previous year. Most of this amount (55%) is expected to be spent on gifts. However, this percentage also decreased compared to the same period last year (minus 6 percentage points). For this category of spending, an average budget of € 119 is set – € 115 less than in 2019. After the gifts, the grocery store is the second largest expense, although like the gifts this category has also suffered a sharp decline, going from 41% of the budget in 2020 to only 36% in 2019, with a budget stipulated for this category of € 88.
Christmas decorations are the category that will gain the least from the Portuguese, as only 4% intend to spend money on seasonal decorations, with an average budget of 9 €. The highest values ​​will be spent by the age groups between 35 and 54 years, while the lowest values ​​are indicated by respondents between 18 and 24. It was also found that the Portuguese intend to spend an average of 64 € on gifts for children, 51 € less than in 2019. With the end of the year festivities, the Portuguese intend to spend an average of 85 € – a break of 90 €. It is in the South that the average value will be higher, around 306 €. Next, respondents from Greater Porto intend to spend € 248 and those from Greater Lisbon an average of € 188. At the end of the table are residents in the North and Center regions with an average spending intent of € 179 and € 172 respectively.

Fund supports companies in Albufeira with 1.2 million euros
The payment for the second phase of the Business Support Fund, promoted by the Albufeira Council, is completed. In total, 591 applications were accepted and support of almost 1.2 million euros was granted. With an initial allocation of 1 million euros, the Fund reached a total of 235 approved applications in its first phase, 131 from individual entrepreneurs and 104 from commercial companies, which translated into support of 470 thousand euros. According to the Albufeira Council, “individual entrepreneurs, commercial companies, cooperatives and professionals were the beneficiaries. The support resulted in the allocation of a two thousand euros non-refundable grant, for each of the approved applications », with« Albufeira being one of the pioneer municipalities in the implementation of this support instrument”.
However, “since the amount allocated to the Fund was not exhausted in the first phase, a second was opened which widened the range of recipients. At this stage, the number of approvals reached 356 applications, with 238 from individual entrepreneurs, 19 from self-employed professionals, 97 from commercial companies and 2 from cooperatives”. Adding the two phases of candidacies, the amount initially stipulated was exceeded by 182 thousand euros, which led the municipal executive “to extend the budget allocation in order to fully respond to all requests under conditions of approval”. This measure allowed a total value of 1,182,000 euros to be reached.
 
 
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 9th December 2020
Moncarapacho and Fuseta to receive 500 Christmas Baskets
The Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta, as has been customary every year during this festive season, will start distributing Christmas baskets to 500 needy families in the parish, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 9 December.
In this year of 2020, this solidarity action was reinforced in relation to previous years, given the increase in the number of precarious situations due to the pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The executive of the Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta intends, above all, to contribute so that those who need it most, can have a happier festive season, providing a more dignified and comforting Christmas dinner, in the best possible conditions.
Orders from more than 100 children await sponsors at Refood in Faro
More than 100 children supported by Refood de Faro can have a happier Christmas if the population sponsors an initiative by the institution to purchase gifts requested by children.
There are many letters hanging on the Christmas tree, all with requests from the children of families supported by the Faro branch, which can be collected by the community to fulfill the wishes of the youngest.
“Anyone in the community who wants to help us and provide a happier Christmas for these children, just go through Refood, take one of these letters, see the children’s wishes and provide one of the requests,” Carlos Reis, one of the coordinators, told Lusa in Faro from the institution, which collects and distributes surplus meals from restaurants, but also made by volunteers, and food baskets.
Refood will “keep in touch” with whoever takes the letter and once it has the gift it will be stored for later delivery to all children.
The idea also emerged in the confinement phase, when the voluntary movement took the baskets to the families’ homes and came across children who “were delirious with a box of cereal”, Paula Matias, also coordinator, told Lusa.
To try to “minimize the impact” that families are having this year with the crisis generated by the covid-19 pandemic, at a time when requests for food aid increased significantly, the organization seeks to provide more “some joy to these children ”.

Unstable cliff repairs at Porto de Mós beach Lagos
The Maritime Police followed, on Sunday morning, the works of controlled collapse of an installable cliff in the area to the east of Porto de Mós beach, in the municipality of Lagos.
Following a partial collapse of this cliff, on the 21st of November, the National Maritime Authority (AMN), said in a statement, that it was necessary to re-establish its stability, using controlled collapse works, which were co-ordinated by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA – ARH do Algarve).
On site were members of the Civil Protection of the Municipality of Lagos and four members of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Lagos with two vehicles, carrying out the security perimeter of the affected area, having interdicted the area to the east of Porto de Mós beach, as well as the access rails to the cliff.

 
Algarve Situation Report Saturday 4th December 2020
Deaths in the Algarve from Covid-19
A 92-year-old man, user of the Lar da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lagos, and a 70-year-old woman, resident in Faro, are the deaths by Covid-19 recorded this Friday, December 4th, in the Algarve.
Source of the Regional Health Authority told the South Information that both people “were hospitalized”. The 70-year-old woman even had “other associated comorbidities”.
Although the Directorate-General for Health recorded three new deaths in the Algarve yesterday, the Regional Health Authority said to our newspaper that “there are only two registered”.
This Friday, December 4th, the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro released its regional situation of Covid-19, where it reports a total of 5410 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic (plus 69).
As for those recovered, there are now over 45, out of a total of 3690. The number of active cases has increased (+22) to 1663.
In Algarve hospitals, 43 people are hospitalized, 14 of whom are in intensive care. 4 are ventilated.
In this situation, it is also advanced that a Rapid Social Security Intervention Brigade was activated to support a Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI) in the municipality of Olhão and a Support Structure for People with Disabilities in the municipality of Lagos.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/12/utente-de-lar-de-lagos-e-mulher-de-faro-sao-os-mais-recentes-obitos-por-covid-19/

Covid-19: Algarve with lowest hotel occupancy in the last 24 years in November
In November, the Algarve recorded the lowest occupancy per room in hotels and developments in the last 24 years, with an occupancy rate of 12.3%, more than 70% below the value registered in the same month in 2019.
According to data released today by the Association of Hotels and Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), since 2010, the year in which the occupation in the month of November in the Algarve was 26%, which was not so low.
Compared to 2019, hotel occupancy in November 2020 fell 71.7%, adds the largest regional association in the sector, one of the activities that has been most penalized by the covid-19 pandemic.
The British market was the one that most contributed to the decrease (86.9% less), followed by the German (84.6% less), Irish (56.1% less) and the domestic market (28.5% less).
Sales volume decreased by 72.5% compared to the same month of the previous year.
In accumulated values, the occupancy per bed has registered an average decrease of 56% since January and the volume of sales a decrease of 58.4%.
The data released by AHETA account for occupation in November since 1996 and until 2020.
Maximum occupancy per room was reached in 1999, with 55.8%.

Covid.19: Portimão implements “pioneering” measure to help lock transmission chains
In order to anticipate a possible increase in cases, following several outbreaks that appeared in the community in early November, the Portimão municipality says in a press release that the Permanent Municipal Subcommittee on Civil Protection for covid-19, decided to reinforce in the last weeks the nucleus of support to public health with six more senior technicians from the city council, dedicated to the areas of sport, culture and education, who join 12 more municipal technicians from other fields, already collaborating with this nucleus since March, a total of 18 elements.
In the same letter, it is mentioned that under the Municipal Emergency Plan for Civil Protection of Portimão, “a municipal command post was activated in the first few days of March, and these technicians are dependent on the operations cell, in a pioneering measure to National level”.
Installed in the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Centre of Portimão, and operating in the fire department, the unit of technicians of the municipality is divided between school health, in view of the high number of classes in prophylactic isolation, due to the emergence of cases isolated in the various educational establishments (public and private) in the municipality, and direct support in monitoring people under active surveillance. It is an operation considered essential to lock transmission chains that could affect various segments of the community “and cause irreversible consequences”, underlines the same source.
The functioning of this exception centre is based on the creation of a dynamic that relies on the technical coordination of a “regulating doctor”, permanently in the room, and who directs the activities, also responding to situations that exceed the skills of the technicians, ensuring differentiated support, whenever the situation justifies it, like the method used in other aspects of the emergency.
The nucleus is reinforced with more health professionals (doctors and nurses) whenever the situation requires it.
Also in the scheduling of tests, a communication / information circuit was established through the Municipal Room for Operations and Emergency Management, with the support of the Humanitarian Association of Voluntary Firefighters of Portimão, whose employees also carry out this «essential» action, underlines the authority.
 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 2nd December 2020
Covid-19 Statistics
An 80-year-old man, resident in Portimão, is the most recent fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve and one of the two deaths reported today by the General Health Directorate. It will not be counted as being caused by the new coronavirus.
“One of the deaths recorded by DGS is that of a person who died and, after that, tested positive for Covid-19. However, this is not the cause of death, so we will not account for it and we will inform the National Health Authority” he said.
As for the man who died at Hospital de Portimão, “he was not connected to any home or to any outbreak” and “there is no information on related fatalities”.
Thus, there are now 55 deaths recorded by the Regional Health Authority, which also adds to the figures of the Algarve people who died from Covid-19 in the region, even though they lived outside the region – the DGS now counts 51, a number that should be corrected to 50 in tomorrow’s report.
Also according to regional data, there are today 37 new cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve, as many as those recovered. Even so, and due to the death that was registered, the active cases dropped by one, to 1,579.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/12/homem-de-portimao-e-a-mais-recente-vitima-mortal-da-covid-19-no-algarve-com-mapa/

 
HIV infections in the Algarve
After the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, the Algarve is the second region in the country with the highest rate of diagnosis of people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. Thus, in 2019, the number of cases diagnosed per 100,000 inhabitants was 13.7 in the district of Lisbon and 13.5 in the district of Faro.
In absolute terms, however, the Algarve is much less prominent, with 59 new cases of HIV infection (aged 15 years and over) diagnosed in 2019, being overtaken by Lisbon (391), North (162) and Centre (110).
Nevertheless, data on HIV infection, which, if left untreated, may give rise to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), is encouraging in Portugal, as the number of new cases has dropped again in 2019, maintaining the downward trend that has been observed since the year 2000. In other words, the year of 1999 is long gone, when 3,358 cases of HIV infection were diagnosed in Portugal.
Given the pandemic situation associated with the economic and social crisis, the municipality said that the usual distribution of the “Cabaz da Consoada” will reach this year a greater number of homes.

In São Brás de Alportel, Christmas will be “even more supportive”
In the impossibility of holding the traditional “Solidarity Dinner”, which seeks to provide the most vulnerable families with a special evening, with the help of local companies in offering all the food for their cooking, the municipality and the parish intend to repay the their solidarity, acquiring from many of these companies – butchers, sweets, food distributors – the foods that make up the basic basket of food needs.
In addition to food, the basket will also bring hygiene products this year. In this perspective, the Local Food Aid Platform launched the appeal to the community to collaborate in this campaign, with the delivery of personal and household hygiene and cleaning products, in the Cineteatro lobby, from Monday to Saturday, from December 3rd.
Also, in partnership with the Salvation Army and with the support of its partners, the solidarity project “Anjinhos de Natal” will be carried out, which awards children from needy families, gifts acquired according to their ages, for Christmas Eve.
Families who are socially vulnerable or who know someone who may need help should contact the Municipal Social Services located at the Community Support Center, through the contacts: tel. 289 840 020 or e-mail: solidariedade@cm-sbras.pt; or the Parish Council, at headquarters or by telephone: 289 842 174.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/em-sao-bras-de-alportel-o-natal-vai-ser-ainda-mais-solidario/35642-1

Algarve Situation Report Saturday 28th November
Covid-19 statistics from ARS
The regional Health Authority released the following statistics and charts today 27^th November
Today, the Algarve registers three more deaths by Covid-19, which occurred in Albufeira, Faro and Portimão, indicates the data from the Regional Health Authority, to which the South Information had access.
In the case of Portimão, our newspaper found that the victim is a 92-year-old woman, who was admitted to the hospital in that city. It is said that she was infected by a maid, who supported her in the house where she lived.
The South Information tried to get more information from the Health Authority on the other two deaths, but so far received no reply.
The Algarve region now totals 52 deaths, since the beginning of the pandemic.
However, according to regional data, the Algarve yesterday exceeded 5000 cases of Covid-19, in cumulative terms. Thus, since March, 5020 infections caused by the new coronavirus have already been registered in the region.
Despite this, since there are now 98 more people recovered (for a total of 3479), the number of active cases has even dropped in 19, to 1489.
As for patients with Covid-19, admitted to the hospitals in Faro and Portimão, there is this Friday minus 3 (total of 40). There is also one less ventilated patient, with the same 11 remaining in the ICU.
In the municipalities of Alcoutim, Aljezur and Castro Marim, there has been no new infection since yesterday. In Monchique, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António there were only 1 new case. Read further information in the report here.

HPA Group provides drive-through Covid-19 screening tests at Portimão Arena
Hospital Particular do Algarve in Alvor is carrying out Covid-19 screening tests in a drive-through system at the Portimão Arena.
“After CLÍDIS in Sines and the Hospital Particular da Madeira in Funchal, the Grupo HPA Saúde now also offers Drive Through Covid-19 Screening Tests at the Portimão Parque de Feiras e Exposições (Portimão Arena),” said the health group in a press statement.
Screening tests are carried out daily, from Monday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm by UniLabs, partner of the Grupo HPA Saúde in the laboratory area.
RT-PCR testing is available for both those carrying a medical prescription issued by the national health service SNS, or individuals who wish to be tested privately (cost is €150).
Prior booking is necessary through this link or by telephoning the Call Center on +351 282 420 400.
This screening system is exclusively for “drive-through” testing and the vehicle’s number plate must be provided, as well as an insurance policy if any. Booking is mandatory and limited to three persons per car. Read further information here.

 
Algarve Report Wednesday November 25th 2020
Covid.19: Portimão has 230 cases accumulated in the last 14 days
The municipality mentions on Facebook that “the outlook is still not very favourable”. The number of cases [230] is not far from 266, a limit that represents the entrance of the municipality to the level of “very high and extremely high risk” and the implementation of more restrictions.
The Câmara de Portimão appeals, “so that each one of us can protect himself, avoiding risky behaviours as much as possible”. It is recalled that in terms of prevention, the mayor Isilda Gomes, was last Saturday morning in an awareness campaign in front of the Market of Av. S. João de Deus, within the scope of the campaign “I want my Christmas. I choose to comply! ”.
More than 50 community masks, among other information products related to the pandemic, were delivered to citizens, kits and distributed.
62 inmates and 4 Faro prison officials test positive for Covid-19
There are 62 inmates and four workers from the Faro Prison Established infected with the new coronavirus, the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP) revealed today.
In a statement, this entity explained that, after a prisoner from the Faro prison tested positive, therefore the prison facility’s contingency plan was activated.
This involved quarantining inmates and testing them, as well as employees, which happened on Saturday.
This Sunday, the results were known, which point to the existence of 66 cases.
The positive prisoners, who are asymptomatic, were all placed in the same wing of the prison, where they are in isolation and under clinical supervision, according to the directorate-general.
In all of the country, there are currently 351 cases of active prisoners, out of a total of 11,226, and 100 cases clinically recovered, including two children, daughters of prisoners in the Tires Prison.
Among the workers on the board, there are 74 active cases, in addition to 10 more external workers.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/11/62-reclusos-e-4-funcionarios-do-ep-de-faro-testam-positivo-a-covid-19/
In a time of pandemic Father Christmas sleighs through Loulé, Quarteira and Almancil
Due to the pandemic, the municipality of Loulé says it has adapted the Christmas animation program in the municipality of Loulé to the new normality, “so that the population can celebrate this season and the commerce develop its activity, in complete safety”.
‘Christmas to stroll’ was the way found for the municipality to celebrate Christmas, because, in this season, and especially this year, it is necessary to reinforce the spirit of mutual help and support the most unprotected”, the municipal executive said in a statement.
On December 5th, Christmas lights will be switched on, which until the Kings Day (January 6th) will bring “a special charm to the cities, towns and villages of the municipality, spreading the spirit of the time and contributing to the dynamism of the local economy”, underlines the same document.
Father Christmas, accompanied by his elves and Mother Christmas, will show himself differently, traveling through the various arteries of the sled locations.
This “Santa Claus Walk” through the city of Loulé will take place on December 5th, in the afternoon. In Quarteira, this initiative will take place on the morning of December 6, and in Almancil it will take place on the same day, in the afternoon. Santa Claus’ sleigh will again take to the streets, on the 19th, in Loulé, and the 20th, in Quarteira and Almancil.

Situation Report Algarve– 21st November 2020
Municipality of VRSA grants support to the Food Bank against Hunger
The Municipal Council of Vila Real de Santo António, in an ordinary meeting, attributed a financial contribution to the Food Bank against Hunger in the Algarve in the amount of 10 thousand euros. The measure aims to reinforce the support provided by this institution in the municipality, which, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has felt a worsening in the social scenario and an increase in requests for help.
Still in this context, the municipality says in a statement that the measure, “aims to respond to the appeal expressed by the Food Bank that, in the absence of food collection campaigns in supermarkets, due to confinement and security measures, it is prevented from collecting goods and so to face the increase in the number of families that have requested food support from partner entities ». In the municipality of VRSA, the Food Bank Against Hunger supplies six Private Social Solidarity Institutions, namely, Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Associação Beneficência Mão Amiga, Refood, the Portuguese Red Cross, SSVP – Confederação Nª. Mrs. Encarnação and Associação Pentecostal Trombeta Eterna.
October unemployment rose 134.2% in the Algarve
 

The number of unemployed registered in October, in employment centres in the Algarve, rose 134.2% in relation to the same month last year, according to data released today, 19 November, by the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP). In all other regions of mainland Portugal, it went down. In relation to September this year, unemployment in the Algarve increased by 13%. The Algarve is really the only region of mainland Portugal in which, compared to last month, unemployment has increased. The same happened in the Azores (+ 0.1%) and Madeira (+ 0.4%).
Lisbon and Tagus Valley, the region that had the second largest increase, stood at + 52.9%. Alentejo registered an increase of 19.4%. At the national level, the increase was 34.5%. According to the IEFP statistical bulletin, at the end of October, there were 24,088 enrolled in employment centres in the Algarve, 13,803 more than in the same month of 2019. In relation to September this year, there are more than 2,778 unemployed enrolled (+ 13%).
With regard to the total number of enrolments in the employment services of the Algarve, in October, the percentage increase in relation to the same period is 43.8%. In all, there were 5660 IEFP registrations, 1725 more than in August 2019 and 1973 (+ 53.5%) than in August this year. However, a worker can make more than one registration during the month, for example, if he leaves the job during the trial period, on his own initiative, or on the initiative of the employer. According to IEFP data, there were 259 job offers in October, 9 fewer than in the previous month.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/11/desemprego-registado-em-outubro-subiu-1342-no-algarve/
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 18th November 2020
GNR Closes down three illegal parties in the Algarve
GNR was forced to end an illegal wedding and birthday parties in Albufeira and Faro this weekend. The events had about 300 people.
According to GNR, in Albufeira 150 people were dressed for a wedding and 60 others in a restaurant, who were also celebrating a wedding, while in Faro the authorities closed a birthday party with 100 people, reads the statement.
GNR revealed that, in one of the parties, which took place in Albufeira, “several gatherings of people dressed for a ceremony were detected in a wedding party that was taking place in a hotel. This celebration had the presence of about 150 people”, according to Lusa News Agency.
Also in Albufeira, GNR caught 60 people in a restaurant, who were also celebrating a wedding as well. In this case, the authorities gave an “indication of closure to the establishment for having exceeded the permitted capacity” explained the Faro Territorial Command of the security force.
“In the third situation, in Faro, GNR went to a birthday party after reports of loud music in the early evening. There were 100 people in the space, the event having ceased and the participants demobilised without offering any resistance”, added the same source.
Two administrative infraction notices were raised in breach of the guidelines of the DGS and the resolution of the Council of Ministers, which sets a limit of 50 people in a marriage. The owners of the spaces are subject to fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 euros.

Tests carried out on the employees of the homes in the municipality of Loulé are negative
All the employees and collaborators of the nursing homes in the municipality of Loulé who carried out tests on the Covid-19 during this last month tested negative, informed the Louletana municipality today.
The initiative of complementarity with the Government, which through the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security is carrying out tests on the employees of all institutions with 50 or more users, the municipality of Loulé allocated a subsidy of 38 thousand euros to the other institutions to also carry out, in the same way, this screening.
According to a statement from the municipality, 80 tests have already been carried out, but a total of 306 employees from 11 institutions will participate in this initiative. This process will take place over the next 3 months, a quarter of employees will be tested weekly, thus ensuring a monthly sample of the epidemiological reality in each nursing home.
All tests are taking place in the Drive-Thru of Parque das Cidades and carried out by the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), with the operational part being provided by the institutions themselves.
The council of Loulé, also advises, that the employees and collaborators of the homes of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Loulé, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Boliqueime and the Social and Cultural Association of Tôr, the IPSS that have a higher number of users and, as such, are all part of the list of institutions where testing is being supported by the central government, tested negative for Covid-19.

Covid-19: Food support increases in the Algarve and not just for those who lost their jobs
Requests for food support have increased in the Algarve and Refood in Faro is no longer coming only from those who lost their jobs, but the structure is having to refuse support due to lack of storage capacity.
Every day during the afternoon, several families are waiting for the delivery of food at the door of the institution’s logistics base, installed in an old house in the city centre and given to Refood by a family from Faro.
Deliveries are made in two shifts and it is in the second that Lusa’s report finds more than a dozen families, many accompanied by their children, such as Marta (fictitious name), who was forced to ask for support after her ex-companion lost his employment and “stop paying the alimony”.
She realized that she “would have to lose her shame” and ask for help, having decided to resort to this voluntary movement that collects and distributes surplus meals from restaurants, but also made by volunteers, and food baskets.
“There is shame, because I work and when working, we don’t think that we will need help and that we can support ourselves and our children. There shouldn’t be, because you are not stealing, but there is” she confesses.
After analysing her situation, she explained that she was at the limit of economic need and, therefore, she would be entitled to support three times a week. However, she opted for “two” because she considers it “enough” and, therefore, “always remains for others”.
Marta keeps her job and the same income, but, without the financial contribution of her ex-partner, she had to start looking for “products that were at the limit of validity” to feed her two teenage children.
At the moment, there are about 200 volunteers distributed over the seven days of the week between collection, packaging and delivery, but Paula regrets having to “refuse any help that comes from the community” due to lack of storage capacity.
Support requests stabilized in August and September, but since the beginning of October new requests continue to arrive: they even receive “five to six” requests daily, says Paula Matias.

Covid-19: Albufeira changes dates and times of shows to comply with more restrictive measures
After having entered the list of new municipalities with a high risk of contamination by Covid-19, the municipality of Albufeira was forced to change times and days of shows taking place in the Municipal Auditorium, in order to respond to the most restrictive measures currently in force, namely with regard to curfew.
Thus, according to the municipality, the ACTA show, “Ardente – Memorial for Pedro and Inês”, scheduled for next Friday, will take place half an hour earlier than originally planned, while the “Cante Alentejano” Workshop and the concert of Celina da Piedade were brought forward to November 26th, at 6 pm and 9 pm, respectively.
The Albufeira Chamber explains that the ACTA show, “will lean towards a mythic approach, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to a reflection on love and death, with a predominance of images, mixing it with music and singing “.
Tickets cost € 5.00 and are on sale at the Municipal Gallery of Albufeira, on weekdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm, or at the Municipal Auditorium, on the same day of the show from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm.

Algarve Report 14th of November
ARS Covid-19 Statistics,
According the Regional Health Authority repot to 23.59 hrs 12^th November the Covid-19 statistics for the Algarve are as follows:

• Active cases – 1245
• Currently In hospital: 48; In ICU- 9
• Deaths to date: 39
• Confirmed cases to date: 3803
• Recovered 2519 – Recovery rate 88.2%

Covid-19: Algarve is hampered by the way population is counted – AMAL
The president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) today considered that the region is hampered by the population count for the definition of municipalities with high risk of contagion by covid-19, as not all resident foreigners are included.
According to António Pina, the Algarve “cannot continue to be seen” as a region with a population of 450 thousand inhabitants, but with 600 thousand inhabitants, “because that is what actually exists”, alluding to the foreign citizens that inhabit in the Algarve but are not registered as residents.
“This leads us to believe that if it were considered [the population count] as we propose, many of the municipalities that appear on this list today would not be”, assured the president of AMAL, referring to the list of municipalities at high risk of contagion, which now covers half of the municipalities in the Algarve.
At a press conference held at the District Civil Protection Centre, in Loulé, the president of AMAL said that he will “present and ask the Directorate-General for Health and the Government to have a weighting factor in relation to the Algarve to be able to incorporate it into the population’s denominator – another number”.
Reassessed every 15 days by the Government, the list of municipalities with a high risk of transmission of covid-19 is defined according to the general criterion of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) of “more than 240 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in the last 14 days “.
In addition to the foreign resident population that is not officially accounted for, the delegate of Health of the Algarve considered that the Algarve should be seen as “a whole” and if it were, the region would not yet reach 240 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Comment
It came as a surprise that according to this statement that there are 150,000 non-registered foreign inhabitants in the Algarve as this seems very high amounting to 33% of the entire registered population. The President of AMAL did not provide the source of the 600,000 figure.
Outbreak of Cov-19 detected at a campsite in Alvor
The most recent covid-19 outbreak in the Algarve was detected at the Alvor campsite in Portimão, involving a hundred people, although only 13 positive cases have already been identified, said the regional health delegate today.
At the fortnightly press conference of the District Civil Protection Commission of the Algarve, Ana Cristina Guerreiro stressed that the number of cases may increase, with tests still underway, indicating that the people involved in the outbreak are “mostly foreigners”.
In addition to this, the outbreaks that most concern the authorities, according to the regional delegate, are related to football clubs, especially at the under-23 level, and to evangelical religious groups in Faro, Olhão and Portimão. Altogether, there are 34 cases identified in religious groups and 31 in football clubs in Almancil (Loulé) – where the largest number of cases are concentrated -, Faro and Olhão, with infections registered among the younger strata.
The cases related to religious groups are due to the fact that people are “in a closed space, possibly with greater proximity than they should and where they sing and speak loudly”, he said, noting that singing “is a risky activity”.
There are still 50 schools with scattered cases, in a total of 86, although there has not yet been an outbreak in the school environment, he stressed, adding that they are not the places with the highest rate of transmission. In the total of schools in the Algarve, the majority of those infected (72) are students, 14 of whom are employees, including assistants and teachers.
Covid-19: Hotel in Portimão will welcome patients without the need for hospitalization
A 550-room hotel in Portimão will start operating “in the next few days” as a back-up support structure (EAR) to welcome people with covid-19 without the need for hospitalization and users of homes, was announced today.
The structure, which is already being used by people with negative test results but who still cannot go home, will now have a “different qualification”, and will also welcome patients whose tests are still positive, said the regional combat coordinator to the pandemic, Jorge Botelho.
The equipment is in the installation phase and should start operating “in the next few days”, estimated the Secretary of State for Decentralization and Local Administration, during the fortnightly press conference of the District Civil Protection Committee of the Algarve.
“In the coming months, this will be the residential back-up structure for covid patients who no longer need hospital care, but who are neither able to go home nor to go to ERPI [residential structures for elderly people] because they have no criteria , that is, they are still positive ”, he stressed.
The new structure, created under a diploma that provides for the installation of a network of back-up support structures throughout the country, will help to alleviate the burden at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA), in the sense of trying to “prevent the scheduled activity may be affected ”.
According to Jorge Botelho, “those people who, being in the hospital and being positive – with a lack of vacancies and without criteria to be in more intensive care – can also be moved by the hospital to this structure”.
“Surprise and indignation” – Câmara de Tavira for inclusion in the list of risky municipalities
The Mayor of Tavira considers it an “injustice” to be included in the list of risky municipalities , as this results from the attribution to her municipality, by the General Health Directorate, of “60 new cases” that are not in the accounts of the authorities of local and regional health.
In a note published on the municipality’s Facebook page, Ana Paula Martins guarantees that “it was with surprise and indignation that the municipality received this information, since it came to contradict the numbers that have been communicated to us by the local and regional health authorities (which are coincident) and that point out that, in the period considered by the Government (between 28/10 and 10/11), the municipality of Tavira has an accumulation of 54 new cases and, consequently, with 220 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It would therefore be below the value to be considered in the list referred to above ».
However, “and we do not know on the basis of what data, as they are not in agreement with those of the local and regional health authorities, DGS attributes, during the period in question, 60 new cases to Tavira”, adds the mayor.
 
 
Algarve Report Wednesday 11th November 2020
Algarve Biomedical Centre has already performed 50 thousand diagnostic tests for Covid-19
The Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC) is currently carrying out between 500 and 600 diagnostic tests for Covid-19 per day, especially in homes in the Algarve, Alentejo and Setúbal, but also in response to requests from the Local Health Unit of Baixo Alentejo, he said in a statement.
Since April, ABC has performed more than 50,000 tests, including homes, day care centres, schools and football clubs in the Algarve.
It was also responsible for the tests carried out on the Portugal Masters 2020 and on events held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. In addition, it has responded to outbreaks in different municipalities in the Algarve and the Alentejo and has tested citizen stores across the country, whenever a positive case is identified, under a protocol with the Agency for Administrative Modernization, the same statement needs.
Turismo de Portugal is in the Algarve supporting innovative ideas in sustainable tourism
The “Green Up” program aims to support students and recent graduates in tourism to create projects that focus on sustainability and environmental economics. The initiative goes through the Hotel and Tourism School of Vila Real de Santo António, Faro and Portimão.
Preparing entrepreneurs with know how to take advantage of tourist demand and direct it towards sustainability is the objective of “Green Up”, the tourism ideation program promoted by Creative Territories and Turismo de Portugal and aimed at hotel and tourism schools from all over the world. The valorisation of endogenous products and services, the sustainability of the territories and the promotion of the circular economy are the pillars of the program, points out a statement from Territorios Criativos, a consulting and support company for entrepreneurship that organizes the “Green Up”.
The “Green Up” passed today, through Vila Real de Santo António and Faro and tomorrow, it will be in Portimão at 3 pm, continuing the “roadshow” through 9 more schools of hospitality and tourism to select 70 entrepreneurs. For the teams that are formed, a two-day Bootcamp will follow in Alvaiázere, in the district of Leiria, between 10th and 11th December, consisting of two intensive days of mentoring and training.
Aljezur joins the “Local SNS Vaccination” program
In a statement, the municipality of Aljezur signed an agreement with Associação Dignitude, under the “Local SNS Vaccination” program to, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, expand the means and resources available for protection, specifically vaccination against seasonal flu, of residents aged 65 and over.
The same statement advances that, one of the objectives of the program is to protect the most vulnerable, through vaccination against seasonal flu, extended to community pharmacies, which in the municipality of Aljezur, are the three pharmacies located in the parishes of Aljezur, Rogil and Odeceixe, who joined the project, he stressed.
This protocol, which has been adopted by several municipalities, which Aljezur joined, also seeks to avoid the concentration of people in health centres and extensions, warns the same source.
According to this protocol, the 3 existing community pharmacies will be able to administer 150 vaccines (50 in each pharmacy), free of charge for the citizen, as in the health and health extension centres, since “the municipality participates in the price administration of vaccines’.
According to the council, 150 people from the municipality in this age group and users of the NHS, will be able to receive the vaccine in any of the community pharmacies, avoiding visits and concentration in local health units.
Missing 84 year old person found after missing overnight
The GNR of São Bartolomeu de Messines located yesterday, Monday, November 9th, an elderly man of 84 years who had been absent since the previous day from his residence at Carrasqueira, municipality of São Bartolomeu de Messines.
The GNR began searching for the man “after a family member reported his disappearance on 8th November, Sunday, at around 5pm, stating that he had been absent at since 9am from his residence””.
At about 3:00 am on November 9th, they man was located by the military in the Barranco Longo site, in the parish of Silves, about four kilometres from his home, visibly disoriented and with principles of hypothermia, and medical assistance was immediately activated via 112.
The man was transported to the Hospital do Barlavento Algarvio, in Portimão, for observation, and was discharged on the same day.
 

Algarve Situation Report November 7 2020
Covid-19 Situation
Covid.19: Algarve has 98 more cases totalling 1,165 active
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, reported earlier today, based on data provided by the Regional Health Delegate that there are 1,165 active cases of covid.19 in the Algarve.
So far, 3,300 people have been infected, 98 more in the last 24 hours with 2,098 recovered (cumulative), equivalent to 63.58%.
33 people are hospitalized, 4 in the Intensive Care Units. The same source reports that there are 37 deaths in the region (cumulative).
Currently, 2,236 people are under active surveillance and 161 (cumulative) have been discharged from the hospital.
In relation to the bulletin of last Friday, October 30, another 286 active cases and 577 new cases of Covid – 19 are confirmed.. Another 288 people are recovered.
There is less 1 person hospitalized (33), and 1 more in intensive care (4). A further 828 people are under active surveillance.
Note: It should be noted that in the statement from the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, 98 new cases are registered in the region, while the Directorate-General for Health confirms 156 in the last 24 hours.
Covid-19: Turismo do Algarve estimates 74million euros loss of revenue with MotoGP without audience
The president of Turismo do Algarve today estimated at 74 million euros the loss of direct revenue for the region, due to the absence of an audience at the Portuguese Grand Prix of MotoGP, in Portimão.The Portuguese race, the 14th and final round of the world championship on motorcycling, will close the season on November 22, a week after the Grand Prix of the Valencian Community. According to João Fernandes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), “there was an estimated revenue of around 80 million euros, but without the presence of people, that revenue should not exceed six million”.
“With the people who are part of the MotoGP motorcycle teams, journalists, people from the organization and who are external to the region, there is a significant impact in terms of accommodation of about 21 thousand overnight stays, vehicle rental, food and consumption, estimating if the value of six million euros ”, he indicated. For João Fernandes, although the revenue is a contribution to the region, “it is far from the 80 million that were estimated to be held for the event with the presence of an audience”.
However, the person in charge of Turismo do Algarve considers that “all is not lost, because what is most important in this event is the ability to gain notoriety for the country and a tourist destination like the Algarve, namely through the television broadcast that arrives to more than 400 million households worldwide”.
State of Emergency forces the postponement of the Casinos do Algarve Rally
The Casinos do Algarve Rally, proves that it closes the Portuguese Rally Championships, and of which the South Rally Championship is also part, which would take place in the municipalities of Lagoa, Lagos, Monchique and Portimão in the next days of 14 and 15 November , had to be postponed due to the implementation of the State of Emergency in Portugal, due to the fight against the covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, Clube Automóvel do Algarve informs that the favorable opinion issued by the Regional Directorate of Health of the Algarve was revoked yesterday, stating that: “a sporting event of this dimension, in addition to being able to increase the number of cases in the region even more, would still occupy essential time of the security forces and other professionals and they are essential today in the prevention of covid-19 “.
In this way, and given the importance that the rally presents for the discussion of the title of national champion, FPAK and Clube Automóvel do Algarve will propose to Solverde – Casinos do Algarve and the local authorities involved, a new date for the event to take place during the next month of December, “provided that the sanitary conditions are met for its safe execution”, underlines the organization, similar to what happened with other events in the last months for the Portuguese Rally Championship.
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday November 4th 2020
Ualg researchers study the impact of quarantine on the mental health of the Portuguese during the Covid-19
Women and young people were twice as likely to be depressed and anxious during imposed confinement to stop the Covid-19 pandemic in Portugal, preliminary data from a study revealed yesterday, by Ualg – University of the Algarve.
Speaking to Lusa, the person responsible for the study in Portugal said that depressive symptoms are more easily found in “women and people dissatisfied with their health and economic income” and who referred to being “unspiritual”, to which young people are added, in the case of anxiety.
“There is a prevalence of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety more evident in women, twice as much as in men, and the younger they are, the more it is evident, being twice as likely as the rest of the population”, revealed Helena José.
The international study on the impact of confinement on mental health, coordinated in Portugal by researchers from the University of Algarve, was based on surveys conducted in May with a total of 918 people, between 15 and 80 years old, residing in mainland Portugal and Islands.
The data seems to reveal that age and marriage are “protective factors”, with the possibility that life experience can “create some resilience” to adversity, as well as a life together, the researcher said.
“The younger they are, the more anxious they are, with women accumulating: they are more depressed and more anxious”, he stressed.
One piece of data that seems to have surprised the researchers was an expected increase in alcohol consumption, still “below what was expected,” added Helena José.
With the final results of this first sampling to be known in three weeks, there are still some “relationships and lessons” that the team will seek to remove from the correlation between the data collected.
The São Brás de Alportel Municipal Committee of the Portuguese Communist Party considers that the measures imposed by the Government “are disproportionate”.
At issue is the approval on the 30th of October, of the resolution of the Council of Ministers that renewed the calamity situation in the entire continental national territory, and extended the special measures that had been adopted to other municipalities, with some additional changes being introduced.
The special measures cover new municipalities taking into account the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants, in which the municipality of São Brás de Alportel was included in the list of 121 “high risk of contagion”. The PCP underlines in a statement that this epidemic outbreak poses health, economic and social problems “that are not resolved by limiting rights and creating climates of fear”.
In the set of measures to be applied, it was highlighted, for example, the penalty of the marketers with the decision to close fairs and markets, keeping on the other hand the large areas in activity, “which would only contribute to aggravate not only the difficulties, the feeling of despair within this sector”, he notes.
With the Government apparently partially backing away, now leaving the decision in the hands of the local authorities, the party consider that “there will be no reason” for this sector to be penalized in São Brás de Alportel, “always guaranteeing compliance with the DGS indications”.
79-year-old foreign national is the first fatal victim of Covid-19 in Olhão
A 79-year-old foreign national, residing in Olhão, is the most recent victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve, being the first recorded death in this municipality, according to a regional Health Authority source.
According to this source, the man, who had other “associated morbidities”, was admitted to the Portimão Hospital.
The most recent data from the Regional Health Authority, indicate that there are 1006 active cases in the region, and the municipality of São Brás de Alportel was the one that registered, this Saturday, the biggest increase in the number of cases (17).
The new cases detected in the municipality of São Brás de Alportel are related to the outbreak in the Lar da Santa Casa da Misericórdia, which, according to the municipality, is already responsible for 28 infections.
The number of people hospitalized has decreased. There are now 29 people in hospitals in the region, three of them in intensive care units. There are no ventilated patients.
 
Algarve Situation Report 31^st October
Covid-19 Situation
The number of new cases in the Algarve reported by ARS yesterday 56. There are noe 879 active cases of whom 34 are in hospital a 3 in ICU.The number of deaths now stands at 34. There are 2723 cases confirmed to date with 1810 recovering giving a recovery rate of 66.5%
Two specific outbreaks
A total of 15 cases of infection with the new coronavirus were detected in the Portimonense under-23 football team and 14 during the Portuguese Formula One Grand Prix, the regional health authority said on Friday.The regional health delegate revealed that “two players” tested positive in the tests carried out before the match for the game in Madeira, leaving the authorities “on alert”. On the return, there was a new test, and the other cases were detected.At the usual fortnightly press conference to assess the epidemiological situation in the Algarve region, Ana Cristina Guerreiro said that the players are “in isolation”, a situation facilitated by the fact that “many live together”, with “active surveillance” being guaranteed.
As the team’s journey involved two plane flights, a communication was required to the Directorate-General for Health, which asked the air carrier to identify the other passengers to be contacted. Asked by journalists about the possible preventive isolation of the team before the flight, she replied that “football has other rules”.
Following the F1 Grand Prix in Portimão, which took place last weekend , the official revealed that “14 cases of covid-19 were identified in team members”, most of them detected in the tests carried out between 20 and 29 October and “one or the other due to symptoms” and use of health facilities in the region. Ana Cristina Guerreiro assured that in case of outbreaks as a result of this event, there is a way to know “in most of the stands”, who was there, since there is “identification by ticket”.
However, the “displacement” of some spectators on the same stand or the “replacement of people” may “make identification difficult” and “it will be up to the person to indicate the contacts”.
Having been present at last weekend’s event in Portimão, the official revealed some situations that “did not work very well” and that she would like to see changed in future events of the kind. The permission that was given to the public to “change places” is one of the points, since the “plan was with tickets with numbered seats”, so that it was possible to relate the place on the bench with the name of its holder.For Ana Cristina Guerreio, the guards were “not very firm in demanding” compliance with the use of the mask and should not have allowed the mobility of the public, in her opinion”. She also considered a possible placement of barriers to make circulation impossible, but that “do not prevent an eventual exit in case of emergency”. “Reduce the number of authorized public”, was another solution pointed out by the regional health delegate.
Quarteira: Covid-19 employee case closes Abelheira School
The Abelheira Primary School, in Quarteira, closed due to a positive case of Covid-19 in an employee who will force all her colleagues to remain in prophylactic isolation. According to a service order, dated today, 28 October, and signed by the director of the School Group Laura Ayres, this decision arises because “the school cannot function without operational assistants”. The Covid-19 employee tested positive last weekend and the local health delegate ended up determining the “prophylactic isolation of all operational assistants”.
The school will be closed “as long as this isolation period lasts. Teachers from the 1st cycle classes and educators must «implement distance learning for students, using, whenever possible, synchronous, daily activity lasting 45 minutes (1st cycle)», says the order of service. In addition, teachers must also “use the available means of contact to ensure communication with guardians and, if necessary, send documents / activities on paper”.
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 28th October 2020
Covid-19: More than 70% of Algarve hotels are expected to close during the winter – AHETA
More than 70% of hotels and tourist developments in the Algarve are likely to suspend activity during the low season due to the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the president of the sector’s main regional association said today.
The president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) noted to the Lusa agency that, “during the winter, before the pandemic, about 50% of the hotels and developments were already closed”, warning that this number may rise and leave only less than 30% of hotels and developments in activity during the coming winter.
“This year our expectations are around 70%, and this number may be even higher”, said Elidérico Viegas about the prospects of AHETA for the low season of 2020/2021, stressing that “at the end of September many units closed the activity and closed”.
The president of AHETA warned, however, that these figures are only based on expectations, because “hotels and tourism enterprises are not obliged to inform about the closure” and this is only part of the “decision of the businessman and management” each unit.
Workers from school cafeterias and cafeterias protested on “national struggle” day in the Algarve
The Union of Workers in the Hotel, Tourism, Restaurants and Similar Industry of the Algarve, said in a statement sent today, that workers from the canteens and cafeterias of schools in the municipality of Lagos protested yesterday, in front of the City Council.
The protest was part of a national strike called by the Federation of Agriculture, Food, Beverages, Tobacco, Hospitality and Tourism Unions of Portugal, a structure that affects CGTP-IN, which decided to move forward to this day of national struggle due to the worsening of the situation that has been taking place in this sector “, resulting in the stopping of all cafeterias in the municipality of Lagos and other municipalities, namely, at the Escola Secundária de Albufeira.
Covid-19: DGS refuses “catastrophe” at the Algarve GP, but appeals to civility
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) refused to agree yesterday that the organization of the Portuguese Grand Prix (GP) of Formula 1, which took place in the Algarve, was “catastrophic”, but appealed to the responsibility of citizens to respect the health recommendations.
“There were things that went well and others less well. And both were visible,” began the General Director of Health, Graça Freitas, when asked about the possible non-compliance with the distance rules in the stands of the Algarve race track, that this end weekend received the Portuguese GP.
At the regular press conference to update the Covid-19 numbers in Portugal, Graça Freitas recalled that the DGS makes “recommendations” and then trusts “in the inspection and organization” of the events, and in the case of the Portuguese GP , there was “some discrepancy between the recommendations and the ability for the organizers to arrange all the benches and inspect them”.
“I observed, from various angles and different ways, the distribution of the audience on the stands and, for the most part, the audience was with the necessary distance and wore a mask. However, these are lessons learned for the future. Perhaps, in the near future, to control the imponderables, we will have to have fewer people in the events”, she affirmed.
Moreover, she considered that there is a “co-responsibility” of several parties for the smooth running of the events, starting with the citizens themselves.
“We have to be careful to keep our distance. If a seat has a sticker there saying ‘don’t sit here’, it would be good if they didn’t sit there. There is a co-responsibility here of the organization [of the event] and also of the DGS. In any case, I do not think that the situation was catastrophic. I do not think that any very dramatic event will emerge from there “, she said.
 
Algarve situation report October 24 2020
ARS Faro District Covid-19 Situation report
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro today sent the usual assessment of the epidemiological situation in the region.In a statement sent and based on the data provided by the Regional Health Delegate, there are 831 active cases of covid.19 in the Algarve. So far, 2,391 infected people have been reported, plus 41 in the last 24 hours with 1,530 recovered (cumulative), equivalent to 63.99%. 29 people are hospitalized, 1 in the Intensive Care Unit. The same source reports 30 deaths in the region. Under active surveillance are 1,187 people and 133 (cumulative) were discharged.
Covid.19: Faro cemeteries limited to 50 visitors during All Saints’ Day
The Municipality of Faro informed that the municipality’s cemeteries will be open for visits on October 31 and November 1 (All Saints’ Day), between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, with limited entries, and reinforced measures for the safety of all those who decide to pay tribute to loved ones.In a statement, the autarchy states that the municipal cemeteries will thus have a limit of 50 people simultaneously, in maximum groups of two to two people, who are obliged to wear a mask during the period of stay inside the space.
The sharing of hand tools such as shovels, spoons or other equipment is prohibited, and disinfection of the hands of visitors with the application of alcohol gel available in dispensers at the entrance is mandatory.The Municipality will also apply waiting distance markings outside the city’s cemeteries, having recommended the same procedure to the parish councils for the others. The municipality also calls for respect for the rules of social distance and hygiene, as well as for the recommendations and recommendations of the authorities, inside, outside and when accessing cemeteries.
 
 
 
 
 
Algarve report Wednesday October 21st
Registered unemployment in the Algarve rose 157.5% in September
The number of unemployed registered in September, in the employment centres of the Algarve, rose 157.5% in relation to the same month of last year, according to data released today, October 20, by the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP).
In relation to August, registered unemployment increased 4.3%.
The Algarve, as it has been happening since March, was again, in September, by a large margin, the region of the country with the highest year-on-year increase in registered unemployed.
Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, the region that had the second largest increase, stood at + 54.7%. Alentejo registered an increase of 27.3%. At the national level, the increase was 36.1%.
According to the IEFP statistical bulletin, at the end of September, there were 21,310 registered in the employment centres in the Algarve, 13,034 more than in the same month of 2019.
In relation to August of this year, there are more 885 unemployed people registered (+ 4.3%), a number that grew slightly due to the drop in tourism activity.
1st cycle teacher infected with COVID-19 in São Brás de Alportel
The municipality of São Brás de Alportel announced that a positive case of COVID-19 was detected in a primary school in the municipality, namely a teacher.
All families of students in this teacher’s class have been duly informed and the children are under surveillance in their homes.
All people in this teacher’s network are also under surveillance, and duly monitored by the Local Health Authority.
The Delegate of Local Health is once again, from the first moment, to monitor and intervene in this situation, in close articulation with the School Group, the City Council and other local and regional entities.
“We further inform you that at the moment the situation is under control and all people are well”, says a source from the municipality.
The municipality wishes the teacher “quick improvements and thanks the families and the whole educational community for understanding”.
Tavira holds information session aimed at UK nationals living in Portugal
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through the UKNSF – British Citizens Support Fund, will hold, on the 4th of November, at 11:00 am, in Tavira, an information session for UK nationals and family members about rights and procedures of residence in Portugal.
According to the Tavira municipality, the program includes the opening and welcome at 11 am, presentation of the project – UKNSF – Support Fund for British Citizens at 11.05 am, general information on residence rights in Portugal, 11.15 am, questions and answers at 11.25 am and closing scheduled for 11:45 am
This action comes from the project, developed by IOM, to support British citizens to finalize their residence requests, in Portugal, at the moment when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The project has the collaboration of the British Embassy and the partnership of the High Commissioner for Migration (ACM).
Interested parties must pre-register by October 30, using the form: https://bit.ly/2Ih1fdV
More information through 913 590 456, anfernandes@iom.int, https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/uknsf-portugal, https://www.facebook.com/oimportugal.
Albufeira event United Kingdom Nationals Support
OM, in collaboration with the municipality of Albufeira, is promoting an Info Session about the UKNSF –United Kingdom Nationals Support Fund, 29th October at 11 am in Albufeira.
The Agenda for the Information Session is the following:
11h00 – 11h05 | Opening and Welcome Remarks
11h05 – 11h15 | UKNSF – United Kingdom Nationals Support Fund – Project Presentation
11h15 – 11h25 | General Information on Residency Rights in Portugal
11h25 – 11h45 | Questions Answers
11h45 – 11h50 | Check Out
To participate it is mandatory to register until the 23th October through the form: https://bit.ly/33Sjq1R
The location will be sent by email following registration.
If you wish to schedule an individual appointment for support with UKNSF team please provide that information on the registration form.
For further information contact us: +351 913590456 or anfernandes@iom.int
We look forward to meeting you!
 
Algarve October 17, 2020
Faro Airport recorded the largest decrease in the number of passengers handled between January and August
The movement in Portuguese airports maintained the recovery trend in August, but still with daily decreases of more than 50% in passengers, according to data released today by the National Statistics Institute (INE).Lisbon airport handled seven million passengers recording a decrease of 66.3%. Considering the three airports with the highest passenger traffic, Faro airport was the one that showed the greatest decrease in the number of passengers handled between January and August 2020 (-77.1%).
According to the INE’s fast statistics, in August 2020, at all airports, there was a movement of 2.2 million passengers, representing a decrease of 65.9% (-79.5% in July).The number of passengers disembarking at national airports on flights from the United Kingdom decreased by 69.1% (-85.5% in July).According to INE, the announcement of the inclusion of Portugal in the list of safe countries to travel (on August 20) contributed to a smaller reduction in the number of passengers disembarked between August 21 and 31 (-47.2%), when compared to that recorded between 01 and 20 August (-79.7%).
In August, according to the data released today, 12.4 thousand commercial aircraft landed at national airports, representing a year-on-year change of -46.4% (-62.0% in July and -86.6% in June).There was a movement of 2.2 million passengers (boardings, arrivals and direct transits), representing a year-on-year decrease of 65.9% (-79.5% in July and -94.6% in June).
President Marcelo visits Ribat da Arrifana, took selfies and debated with mayors
The President of the Republic made this Friday the 15th the penultimate v

isit to an Algarve municipality, to Aljezur, in a tour that started in July and that was intended to “pull through the Algarve” , as he said in his first visit, to the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António.Because, considering that the Algarve, depends so much on tourism, has been the region most affected by the crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the head of state promised that he would visit all the municipalities in the Algarve, to take his support to mayors and to talk more about the region.
Always with the Aljezurean mayor José Gonçalves as host, the President started by meeting, at Espaço +, with people linked to associations and IPSS in the municipality, and then went up the street to Igreja Nova, where he entered and prayed. Then he ate on the outdoor terrace of a pastry shop in that area of ​​the village.After speaking with some of the journalists, the head of state headed to Ribat Arrifana, the ruins of an ancient Islamic monastery-fortress with nearly a thousand years of history, which is a national monument,After Aljezur, today Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will be in Vila do Bispo, to get to know some of the problems and projects in the municipality and for his last dinner with the mayors of the Algarve.
Covid.19: António Pina does not believe that the numbers have gone up due to tourists but “because we are relapsing”
The President of the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, spoke on Thursday at the usual press conference, regarding the situation of the pandemic in the region.António Pina, does not believe that it was tourists, who were responsible for the numbers that have been verified in the last days, “the problem here is us, and in the daily behaviour we have had, we are not going to try to put the problem on tourists now” and added “in the same way that the Portuguese and the Algarve behaved very well in the first phase before the summer, now they are not doing it”, he justified.
The also president of the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve, warned that if people’s behaviour does not change, “the measures will have to be even harder”. The official drew the attention of the young people so that they do not think that the disease does not affect them, “so what about your parents and grandparents, do they not think about them?” he asked.
Covid-19 outbreaks at Faro Hospital affect 5 users and 3 professionals
There are five users and three health professionals infected with Covid-19, following outbreaks that emerged in the Orthopedics and Medicine Services 1 of Hospital de Faro, according to Regional health authority.The outbreak in Medicine 1 is the one with the most associated cases, those of the five users and those of two health professionals “in the field of nursing”, revealed today Ana Cristina Guerreiro, regional health delegate of the Algarve, during the fortnightly press conference of assessment of the epidemiological situation in the Algarve.
In this service, the origin is the employees, one of whom tested positive “on the 11th” and the other “on the 13th of October”. The cases in users, who have already been transferred to a Covid-19 wing of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, «are subsequent».In the case of orthopedics, “there is an infected health professional, a situation detected on 10 October”.Paulo Morgado, president of the Regional Health Administration (ARS), revealed that «there are 17 health professionals infected» with Covid-19, in the Algarve.
All tests carried out on users and employees of the Portimão care home were negative
All the tests done yesterday on the 98 users and employees of Lar Diogo Gonçalves, in Portimão, «gave a negative» revealed to Sul Informação the Mayor of Portimão.The tests were carried out after the death on 14^th October of a patient, a man “in his fifties and with many comorbidities”, who had been admitted to the hospital the day before and died in Faro hospital, victim of Covid-19.In all, according to our newspaper, analysis of the disease caused by SARS-Cov-2 was carried out to 59 home users and 39 employees.
Mayor Isilda Gomes added that these negative tests demonstrate “that we have been doing a good job at home”.The residential structure in question, located in the city centre and belonging to the Portimão Elderly Support Centre network, had recently been tested in late August.According to data from the Regional Health Authority yesterday (the most recent), the municipality of Portimão this Thursday had 74 active cases of Covid-19, while 6 more people had recovered from the disease, with this new death still to be regretted.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/10/todos-os-testes-feitos-a-utentes-e-funcionarios-do-lar-de-portimao-deram-negativo/
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 14th October 2020
There are 24 new cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve
The Algarve has 24 more cases of Covid-19, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) of this Tuesday, October 13th, which has just been released.
The number of cases accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic in the Algarve region is now 2025.
In Alentejo, 32 more cases are reported today, bringing a cumulative total of 1677. These figures make the Algarve today the region of Mainland Portugal with fewer cases.
Covid.19: Municipality of VRSA prolongs the use of a mask on the street
Given the epidemiological evolution of Covid-19 in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, and with the aim of minimizing the chances of contagion, the municipality will extend, until the end of the month, the application of a set of more restrictive isolation measures and protection of the population.
In a statement, the City Council says it seeks to develop “concrete” actions to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, seeking to keep the majority of trade and services in operation, “but in a regulated and safe manner”.
The exception is the gradual opening of municipal sports facilities, starting on October 16th, namely the municipal swimming pools, which will operate only by appointment (via phone and e-mail) and with limited capacity.
To make this possible, all sports facilities have a set of procedures and contingency plans, in order to ensure the protection and safety of visitors and employees.
According to the Municipality, the following restrictive measures will remain in force: the suspension of all cultural events held in municipal facilities, recommendation for the use of an individual protection mask in all situations of contact with other people, including on the street, warnings of the prohibition of private parties, under the terms already provided by the General Health Directorate (DGS), and reinforced inspection.
Covid.19: GNR ends illegal party that had live music
GNR ended this Saturday, an illegal party, which brought together about 50 people, at Sítio do Corotelo, municipality of São Brás de Alportel.
In a statement sent this afternoon (Tuesday), the GNR stated that it received a complaint “for the existence of a party with live music at a beverage establishment”, with the military proceeding with the inspection of the event and the demobilization of the people present, in order to comply with the standards related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the same source, the owner of the establishment was identified, with an order to end the party, resulting in the drafting of an administrative order.
CCDR: José Apolinário elected for the presidency in the Algarve
Former Secretary of State for Fisheries José Apolinário was elected president of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) on Tuesday, with 290 votes out of 423 voters, according to official results.
According to the information made available online by the Directorate-General of Local Authorities (DGAL), 483 voters were registered and 116 white votes and 17 null votes were registered.
Although with a difference of one vote in relation to the votes and null, the election of José Apolinário had already been indicated to Lusa on Tuesday night, but the socialist sent more statements for today.
José Apolinário, 58, graduated in Law, asked to leave the Government, from the post of Secretary of State for Fisheries, to run for the presidency of CCDR / Algarve, having been the only candidate standing for election.
 
 
Algarve situation report Saturday 10th October 2020
Covid- 19 ARS statistics
The Algarve Health Authority reported yesterday 36 more cases of infection, totalling 1,923 cases and a total of 22 deaths to date.

• No. of active cases (current) 763
• No. of active surveillance contacts 1 532
• No. of confirmed cases (cumulative) 1 939
• No. of deaths (cumulative) 22
• No. of new cases in the last 24 hours 36
• Number of hospitalized patients 27, including 5 in ICU
• Number of recovered cases (cumulative) 1,154 – recovered 59.52 %

Loulé Carnival Parade 2021 Cancelled
In view of the growing number of people infected by COVID-19 in the country and worldwide, as well as the important economic problems resulting from the periods of confinement, the City Council decided to cancel the traditional Carnival parade in Loulé. This decision reflects the need to protect the population at the health level, as well as safeguarding the local economy, preventing the appearance of new outbreaks that could result in more periods of confinement.
For over a hundred years now, Avenida José da Costa Mealha has hosted the grand parade of the Loulé Carnival. Known to some as the “Louletano Sambadrome” and to others as the oldest carnival parade in the country, the Loulé Carnival attracts close to 60,000 people over its three days of parade.
Its mega-production requires a hard work of more than 3 months and includes about 600 extras and 14 floats. Despite the importance of this anchor event in the municipality, its typology, its format, its invitation to socialize and share experiences between the stakeholders make the organization unable to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 prevention rules, listed by the DGS, as well as by the measures imposed by the Government of the Portuguese Republic, in what concerns above all the social distance and the prevention of gatherings inside and outside the enclosure.
This difficult decision comes in addition to so many other measures taken by the Municipality for the safety of the population and is aligned with several municipalities at national and international level that have already announced the cancellation of their carnival celebrations, due to the lack of knowledge about the evolution of Pandemic, in the beginning of 2021.
In Loulé, the date will be marked with decorative elements placed on Avenida José da Costa Mealha and elsewhere in the city, so that everyone remembers this event that will return in 2022.
President of AHETA considers Tourist season 2020 was “the worst ever” for the Algarve
Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) considers that the tourist season 2020, (April to October), which really counts for the results of the companies, presents the “worst tourist results ever in the Algarve”.
Between April and October, the Algarve recorded an average occupancy rate of 27.5 percent, a decrease of 65.5 percent, while turnover decreased 68.7 percent, compared to the same period last year. Thus, hotels and tourist developments in the Algarve recorded, between April and October, 10.3 million fewer nights than in 2019, with revenues falling by 635.8 million euros in the same period.
These results mainly contributed to the drop in demand from the main foreign markets, with emphasis on our largest supplier of tourists, the United Kingdom -88.9 percent, resulting in 626 thousand fewer guests and 3.8 million overnight stays. On the other hand, the most important issuing markets also showed large decreases in tourist flows to the Algarve during this tourist season, namely Germany -77.4 percent, Holland 67.3 percent, Ireland -94.7 percent and France – 73.2 percent.
Passenger traffic at Faro Airport, the main port of entry for tourists in the Algarve, decreased 82.5 percent, down 5.3 million passengers, 2.8 million of which came from the United Kingdom. Approximately 20 percent of tourist developments remained closed during the tourist season, corresponding to more than 26 thousand beds. The outlook is for 70 percent of establishments to close during the next low season (November to March).
Therefore, “it is our conviction that the recovery will be slow and very prolonged, extending over several years, to the extent that the reestablishment of confidence levels with holiday consumers is not assured and is not predictable in the times closer, including the fear of traveling that affects the world in general”, considers the direction of AHETA in a statement sent to the press.
“Today we have a more precise and clearer perception of the scale of the crisis and its impact on tourism and the economy in general, although aware that, after the pandemic, tourism will return gradually and gradually”.
 
EasyJet to open a new base in Faro and creates 100 jobs
The airline EasyJet will open a new base at Faro Airport in the spring of next year, creating 100 jobs. The announcement was made this Thursday, October 8th. In a statement, EasyJet explains that the future base will have “three A319 aircraft”, each with a capacity for 156 passengers.
José Lopes, executive director of EasyJet Portugal, revealed, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Economy, that recruitment starts today, but priority will be given to current airline workers who can thus request a transfer. Only then, if necessary, will an “external recruitment process” be opened.
According to José Lopes, the new base in Faro confirms, “unequivocally, EasyJet’s great commitment” to Portugal. Especially because this new investment will allow the airline to remain “attentive and take advantage of new opportunities that may arise in the market”. According to José Lopes, an agreement was concluded with “the representatives of our employees”, which will avoid “any dismissals and allow this growth”. At the moment, EasyJet, which employs about 325 people in Portugal, has 17 routes from Faro, representing 20% of passengers disembarked in the region.
Algarve – Covid-19 Situation as at Monday 5^th October.
The Algarve has 1,832 cases, 25 more in the last 24 hours and 19 deaths ending 5^th October. Regional weekly count (cumulative): source (DGS):

• Albufeira has 292, (3 deaths)
• Loulé – 260, (8 deaths)
• Faro – 227
• Portimão – 199, (3 deaths)
• Lagos – 198
• Vila Real de Stº António – 101, (2 deaths)
• Tavira – 94
• Silves – 83
• Olhão – 61
• Lagoa – 61, (2 deaths)
• Castro Marim – 30
• Monchique – 16
• São Brás de Alportel – 15, (1 death)
• Vila do Bispo – 13
• Alcoutim – 11
• Aljezur – 9 (1 death)
• The information presented refers to the total of medical notifications in the SINAVE system, not including laboratory notifications. As such, it may not correspond to all cases per municipality.

Covid.19: Woman detained in Albufeira for violation of mandatory confinement
GNR yesterday detained a 43-year-old woman in Olhos de Água, Albufeira, for violating the mandatory confinement to which she was subject, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was through a patrolling action to verify the obligation of mandatory confinement, that “the military intercepted the suspect on the public road, and was taken immediately to their residence”, says a statement from the GNR.
The woman was accused and the facts were referred to the Albufeira Judicial Court.
Algarve hotels recorded a 39.9% drop in demand in September
The Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve revealed data referring to the variations in accommodation units in the region for September.
Thus, the average occupancy rate / room was 52.5%, 39.9% below the value registered in 2019.
According to the association, the British market was the one that most contributed to the decrease (-68.2%), followed by the Irish (91.3%) and the German (-48.3%).
The national market was the only one to show an increase (+ 36%), having represented 49.5% of the total overnight stays.
Sales volume decreased by 37% compared to the same month of the previous year. In accumulated values, the bed occupancy registered an average decrease of -55.8% since January and the sales volume decreased by -51.3%.
Covid.19: Municipality of Albufeira creates telephone line to clarify educational community
The Municipality of Albufeira has created a support line for the educational community, “Lace-Covid 19”, with the support of ABC – Algarve Biomedical Centre.
As the Municipality explains in a statement, this is a measure that aims to “inform and minimize” the possibility of transmission of the new coronavirus, in addition to facilitating safe, clarified return to classes. The line is available at 707 027 070, open every day of the week from 7 am to midnight.
The telephone service counts on ABC doctors, who are available to assist in case of suspicious or positive cases, as well as in situations of doubts or behaviours to be adopted in case of alert.
The municipality notes that the creation of the line is not intended to replace the SNS24 line, “but rather to provide an integrated response” within the scope of the adaptation strategy of the municipality’s educational community in order to minimize the possibility of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes the Covid-19 disease).
 
Algarve Situation report Saturday 3th of october
Outbreak amongst Roma Community
There are 60 positive cases in Roma communities, “dispersed throughout the region”, revealed Ana Cristina Guerreiro, regional health delegate on Thursday. At a press conference, held at the Civil Protection headquarters in the Algarve , in Loulé, the delegate said that this is, “perhaps, the situation that most concerns” the regional health authorities today.
Until yesterday, September 30, there were such 60 confirmed cases, “more concentrated in Portimão and Albufeira, but with the knowledge that the outbreaks may soon reach other municipalities”. “For us, it is difficult to separate the two situations because they are communities that live together a lot and we are even aware of other cases in other municipalities”, explained Ana Cristina Guerreiro.
Questioned by the South Information on the number of tests carried out, the delegate said that “surely more than 200 have already been carried out”, with hundreds of people in prophylactic isolation, including adults, young people and children. The origin of these outbreaks, revealed Ana Cristina Guerreiro, is related to “more than one” gathering.
Covid.19: Outbreak at Faro Hospital is related to Beja
The registered confirmed cases of health professionals at Hospital de Faro, are linked to the outbreak of the Beja unit, the President of the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve – (ARS) confirmed today to journalists.
In a press conference on the epidemiological situation in the region, Paulo Morgado said that the outbreak at the Faro hospital is related to an infected professional who works at both hospitals. Altogether there are 7 positive health professionals with 33 in confinement, however, there was no closure of services.
At the regional level, there are 14 infected professionals, belonging to the hospitals of Faro and Portimão and to a private health unit.
The ARS Algarve official explained that at this stage, the health authorities are still able to detect the origin of the outbreaks, “that way we better control their spread”. He added that next week, the Regional Public Health Laboratory of the Algarve, Dr. Laura Ayres, will increase its testing capacity, with the possibility of carrying out more than 1000 tests per day, in line with the national strategy, “only yesterday in the country , more than 25 thousand tests were carried out”, he clarified.
He also informed that the Hospital de Faro has an installed capacity of 60 beds, “if necessary, we activate the Portimão unit”. The Algarve has a total of 15 students and six school staff, which includes teachers, infected with Covid-19, revealed this Thursday, October 1, in a press conference.
Algarve has 15 students and 6 employees infected with Covid-19
According to data provided by Ana Cristina Guerreiro, there are cases “in all levels of education, from day care to secondary”. Regarding day care centres, there is one infected child in the Alameda Kindergarten (Faro), three in the Borboleta Kindergarten (Vila Real de Santo António) and three employees in the Portuguese Red Cross Kindergarten, in Moncarapacho. In Schools EB2, 3 there are infected, in D. Afonso III, in Faro (two students), in D. Martinho Castelo Branco, in Portimão (1 employee), in D. José I, in VRSA (3 students) and in EB2, 3 by Castro Marim (2 students).
Portimão Intensive Care Unit “prepared to deal with 2nd wave of Covid-19”
We are prepared to deal with this second wave of Covid-19 and are equipped for that.” The guarantee is given by the director of the Intensive Care Unit of the Portimão unit of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, whose Intensive Care Unit is now 20 years old.

“From a practical point of view, we are currently well equipped and clearly prepared» stresses the specialist doctor Alexandre Baptista, who heads a team of 8 doctors, 33 nurses and 12 assistants.
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Portimão hospital, which is exactly this Friday, October 2nd, two decades of operation, currently has 11 beds, of which eight are now occupied by as many patients. The South Information visited the UCI yesterday, to know the conditions of this service that, in recent months, has been around the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, aimed especially at these patients, there is another wing of the ICU almost next to it, “isolated and with completely separate circuits”, which is prepared and equipped, but closed, waiting to be needed again. At the moment, of the 16 patients in the Algarve with Covid-19 who are hospitalized, only 4 are in Intensive Care, but at the Faro hospital.
The COVID Lares (Care homes) Line starts operating this Friday, October 2nd.
To mark the moment, the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Ana Mendes Godinho, visited the call centre at 2 pm at Estádio do Algarve.
Through the number 700 20 70 70, care homes across the country are provided with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to clarifying doubts and providing information, the telephone line will facilitate the contact of homes with local health, civil protection and social security entities, facilitating the signalling of risk situations with the competent authorities.
The COVID Lares Line results from a partnership between Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa and the Algarve Biomedical Center, as part of the integrated program of the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security to support care homes. This is a project to allow permanent monitoring of the institutions, monitoring and responding to their needs.
Water reserves
The water reserves in the Algarve are sufficient to ensure public supply
The water reserves in the Algarve are sufficient to ensure public supply and although the levels of the dams are low, there are no restrictions on consumption, a source from Águas do Algarve told Lusa.
The absence of rain has contributed to accentuate the drought, especially in the eastern (eastern) Algarve, however, the existing water reserves allow to give the “guarantee” that there will be no restrictions on supply, said the spokesperson of the company that manages the multi-municipal public water supply system in the Algarve.
“The data we have regarding the water needs to supply the population of the Algarve, which is in the order of 72 million cubic meters, and what the current reserves are, plus underground abstractions, allows us to guarantee that for now, there is no forecast of any type of constraint to supply, either in quantity or in quality”, assured Teresa Fernandes.
That official acknowledged, however, that “the water reserves available this year in the Algarve region are below what would be desirable for this time of year”.
Faro and GNR unite to guarantee quality of life for the elderly
The monitoring and improvement of the quality of life of the elderly in Faro will now be guaranteed by a team that will bring together technicians from the Faro Council and elements from the GNR.
The local authority of Faro and the GNR signed yesterday, October 1, the International Day of the Elderly, the protocol for the formalization of the GPSS Program in Faro – Proximity Group for the Promotion of Social Rights and Security, «with a view to monitoring and promoting the improvement of quality of life of the elderly, in particular those who are most isolated or in the most vulnerable situation”.
This is a «pioneer decentralized intervention program in Portugal», which involves the Municipality’s Elderly Support Office and the GNR Faro Territorial Command (CT) Elderly Support Team, which «intends to carry out an intervention and assistance of excellence, meeting the elderly identified by GNR, through the survey carried out within the scope of the “Senior Censuses” operation », according to the Chamber
The objective is that «all the elderly can be informed about their social rights and the promotion of safety measures, promoting differentiated service, door to door, in which each case is analyzed and monitored, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life of the identified elderly. After an assessment of the situation of the citizen, there will be an appropriate intervention with specific responses taking into account the needs detected.“
Situation Report Algarve – Wednesday 30th of September
Covid-19: There are 3 outbreaks in nursing homes in the Algarve
The Director-General of Health revealed today that there are currently 51 active outbreaks in nursing homes, the largest number in the region of Lisbon and the Tagus Valley.
“In residential structures for the elderly there are 51 active outbreaks at this moment,” said Graça Freitas, at the press conference to update information on infection with the new coronavirus in Portugal.
According to the director-general of Health, 10 outbreaks are active in the North, two in the Center, 33 in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo region, three in the Alentejo and three in the Algarve – Loulé (Quarteira), Olhão and Tavira.
Algarvian nurses deliver petition with 4600 signatures to the Assembly of the Republic
The SEP’s Regional Directorate of Faro says in a statement it will deliver on Wednesday 30^th September at 10 am to the Assembly of the Republic, a petition with more than 4600 signatures, demanding that the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve – CHUA and the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve – ARS, “comply with the commitments they have assumed”, in the sense that 500 nurses with 10 and 20 years of work, earn the same as a newly graduated nurse, because they are not counted with the length of service.
Union members make it known that CHUA does not progress nurses with Individual Employment Contract and ARS Algarve does not progress those who had a salary adjustment for the first remuneration position of the new career. But both institutions, according to the SEP, signed these commitments in 2019.
The same communiqué from the Portuguese Nurses Union advances that this non-compliance determined a clarification campaign with the population and political leaders, as well as the collection of signatures for the public petition “Support the Nurses of the Algarve”. Copies of the more than 4600 signatures of thousands of solidary citizens with the nurses, were handed over to the CHUA administration, will be sent to ARS Algarve, Prime Minister, and Minister of Health and will be delivered to the Assembly of the Republic, underlines the same document.
In a meeting with deputies elected by the Algarve from the PS, PSD, BE and the deputy of the European parliament of the PCP, it was assumed that the written commitments are to be fulfilled, but the SEP says that, within the scope of other petitions delivered by the union, precisely around this problem, the PS and PSD have not yet presented any proposals for draft law decrees to resolve them.
In the same publication, he recalls that nurses continue to be at the forefront and at risk. “There is a lack of material for clinical consumption in some Health Centres in the region and recent reports have come from professionals and users to buy some material to carry out treatments”, they refer.
Ryanair makes a new donation of 250 thousand euros for the renaturalization of the Monchique Mountains
The airline Ryanair, made for the second consecutive year a donation of 250 thousand euros for the renaturalization of the Serra de Monchique as part of its initiative to offset carbon emissions, thus adding 500 thousand euros in contributions to the project.
This new budget, which, like last year, was obtained through donations from passengers, will finance the planting of over 75 thousand trees destroyed by the 2018 fires in this Algarve area. In the first year of the project, 62 thousand indigenous trees were planted and around 90 owners were supported. It is expected that in the future the set of trees planted may be responsible for the sequestration of 1000 tons of carbon per year.
Ryanair’s Sustainability Director, Thomas Fowler, entrusted another check for 250,000 euros to the project partners – Algarve Tourism Region, Territory and Environment Planning Study Group (GEOTA), Nature and Forest Conservation Institute and Monchique City Council.
Ryanair is the greenest airline in Europe, operating the youngest fleet with the highest occupancy rates and the most efficient fuel consumption per passenger. Likewise, Ryanair has industry-leading CO2 emissions per passenger-km of just 66 grams, up to 50% lower than the other four major European airlines.
Turismo do Algarve went by bicycle, donkey and buggy to honour health professionals
This September 27, World Tourism Day, was celebrated differently by the Algarve Tourism Region. It is that those responsible for the RTA decided to promote, in Silves, activities that brought together the health officials of the region in an outdoor program that led them to ride on the road on an electric bicycle or to ride on a buggy or donkey, as a way to thank them provision in the prevention and control of the pandemic in the Algarve.
At Quinta de Santo Estêvão, on the outskirts of Silves, the moment reflected the theme defined by the United Nations for the World Tourism Day in 2020 (Tourism and Rural Development), through which the sector’s capacity to create opportunities outside the great cities and the need to preserve cultural and natural heritage worldwide, in the face of the current public health crisis.
 
Situation report Algarve 26th of September
Covid 19 situation
There are 450 active cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to data from the Regional Health Authority, which have just been released by the District Civil Protection Commission.
This total of active cases results from the increase in the number of new infections confirmed in the region in the last 24 hours (plus 48, according to the Regional Health Authority), which was not offset by the increase in cases of recovered patients (plus 22).
There are a total of 11 people in hospital including four in ICU. Of the 1510 confirmed cases to date 1039 have recovered – 68.8%
Covid.19: Twelve employees of the ACASO home in Olhão under active surveillance
Three positive cases of covid.19 were recorded last weekend at the ACASO nursing home in Olhão. The cases are linked to two employees and an 88-year-old patient. All the other 32 elderly people at the institution were negative.

João Calão, Director of Services at ACASO, confirmed that the elderly woman is hospitalized, “she is asymptomatic and stable and there has been no increase in cases”. Under active surveillance there are 12 employees out of a total of 25.
The official explained that the first cases were registered following a testing operation at home, by the Public Health authorities, who hope to carry out new tests this weekend.
The infected workers are also stable, “one is without symptoms and the other with mild symptoms, which looks more like a cold”. João Calão explained that the health entities, understood to test the first employee who was asymptomatic, for having other relatives with covid: “the entities were relentless, on Saturday the first case was confirmed, and on Sunday, we already knew the results of all tests to users and employees and the measures to be taken, namely the internment of the user and the isolation of the employees”, he stressed.
Southern Branch of Doctors’ Union criticizes ARS Algarve for hiring doctors “without specific training”
According to the union, the Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve published, on the 4th of September, a notice for the recruitment of 9 non-specialist doctors for the performance of functions in the field of Public Health, whose employment contract will have a duration of 4 months and a monthly remuneration of 1859 euros gross (ie, approximately 1200 euros net).
For the union, “this is proof of a deliberate governmental intention to create a class of doctors without access to specialized training and thus precarious medical work, has serious repercussions in terms of the quality of care provided”. The same union gave as an example what happened at Hospital Garcia de Orta, which opened a tender for the hiring of doctors without specialization in specific services such as Intensive Care, Anesthesiology or Orthopaedics, for which they do not have skills, he said.
In the union’s position, this type of hiring corresponds to a complete “subversion of the principles of the medical profession”, that is, the doctor is prohibited from exercising in an area for which he has no competences, and respect for the citizens who use the Service. National Health.
COVID-19: Monchique statues wear masks to raise awareness
Municipality of Monchique puts masks on the village’s statues to sensitize the population and tourists to the protection measures against the new Coronavirus.
At the moment when the spread of the disease by the new coronavirus registers significant numbers in our country, and even without active cases in the municipality of Monchique at this moment, the municipality decided to promote this action through its sculptural ensemble spread a little throughout this mountain village. It is important to reach everyone with the message that it is necessary to act to stop the new coronavirus and that this path goes mainly through pedagogy and by increasing the collective awareness that everyone must protect themselves and adopt the protection measures already spread by the municipality of Monchique and by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
For Rui André, Mayor of Monchique, “the population of Monchique has been exemplary, as well as the institutions and companies that have adopted protective measures in their establishments / spaces that have contributed decisively to combat the spread of this disease in our country.
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 23rd September 2020
Covid-19: Louletano has resumed training but there are still eight infected footballers
Louletano’s football team remains with eight players infected with Covid-19, who are due to undergo further diagnostic tests today, to see if they can resume training with the rest of the team, said the president.
“We already have some players training, there are only eight at home, who should do new tests today,” the president of Louletano Desportos Clube, António do Adro, told the Lusa agency, saying that the other players resumed training earlier in the week.
The same source added that, “as they only started training now”, the club “asked for the postponement of three games” of the Portuguese Championship “and one of the Portuguese Cup” to “be able to train for at least three weeks before starting competing” in official games.
“There is already an agreement between the clubs, all that remains to be decided is the date” on which the games will be played after this postponement, added António do Adro, in a reference to the games of the second and third rounds of the championship with Lagos and Olhanense, respectively, and of the Portuguese Cup with Ferreiras, which should take place between the 4th and 18th of October.
The official stressed that the first match against Moncarapachense has already been rescheduled for November 15th and, with this solution, the Algarve team should only start the competition in the third or fourth week of October.
Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim outline common strategy to prevent the spread of Covid-19
Following the epidemiological evolution of Covid-19 in the municipalities of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim, and in order to minimize the chances of contagion, the two municipalities decided to implement, by mutual agreement, a set of more restrictive measures of isolation and protection of the population.
In a note sent to the media, the Municipality of Vila Real de St António states that the two municipalities decided to apply some measures in order to minimize the likelihood of contagion.
There are 7 measures, which go through the suspension of all sporting, cultural and social events held in municipal facilities and in public spaces involving crowds of people, and the ban on the use of all municipal sports equipment for the practice of sports, including training and competition games, with the use of municipal sports equipment only being permitted by groupings of schools, under the terms of their contingency plans, for physical education classes, with the group itself being responsible for determining the performance of classes.
Another measure has to do with the recommendation to use an individual protection mask in all situations of contact with other people, including on the street.
The alert for the prohibition of private parties, under the terms already foreseen by the General Directorate of Health (DGS), and reinforcement of the inspection, as well as the request for the collaboration of the police forces “for a rigorous implementation” of the national and municipal regulations related to the combating the pandemic, are other measures that are in place until the 15th of October, which were announced today by the two Municipalities.
Secretary of State Jorge Botelho is the new regional coordinator to combat Covid-19
The Algarvian Jorge Botelho, Secretary of State for Decentralization and Local Administration, is the new regional coordinator of the fight against Covid-19, succeeding José Apolinário, who left the government last week.
Botelho will already participate, this morning, in the meeting of the District Civil Protection Commission, which will take place via VTC.
Jorge Botelho was mayor of Tavira and president of the Intermunicipal Community of Algarve (AMAL), until he was appointed to the current government functions by Prime Minister António Costa.
Interestingly, José Apolinário, who preceded him in regional coordination, left the Secretariat of State for Fisheries to run for president of the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) of the Algarve, in the first indirect elections for this position, which result from the recent legislation which was largely conceived by Secretary of State Jorge Botelho.
 
Algarve Saturday 19th September
Covid-19 Statistics
A total of 971 people have recovered from Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to data from the Regional Health Authority released recently by the District Civil Protection Commission. This means that, since yesterday, there were 13 more patients recovered in the Algarve region.
Even so, taking into account that, in the last week (from 11 to 18 September) there were 122 new cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve, this means that the percentage of people recovered in relation to the total accumulated cases decreased from 76.37% to 73.12%.
On the other hand, the Regional Health Authority announces that, in the last 24 hours, 27 new infections were confirmed, bringing the total accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic to 1328.
There are currently 336 active cases in the region, that is, an increase of 21.1% over last Friday. Over the past week, there was also one more death, on Monday, that of an 80-year-old Italian, residing in the municipality of Loulé, who had been hospitalized in critical condition for intensive weeks at the Hospital Intensive Care for many weeks. from Faro .
At the moment, according to the data revealed today, there are 7 persons in hospital, one of them in the ICU. There was a significant increase in the number of people who are under active surveillance, that is, who are at home, awaiting test results or the end of quarantines: there are now 789, compared to 580 a week ago.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/09/971-pessoas-ja-recuperaram-da-covid-19-no-algarve/

Albufeira – Mayor announces measures at start of school year.
The Salão Nobre dos Paços do Concelho hosted yesterday morning a meeting between all the bodies involved in the different dynamics of the start of the school year in Albufeira.
Health Delegate, National Republican Guard, Civil Protection, Presidents of Parish Councils, Directors of School Groups and Municipal Health and Education services responded affirmatively to the Mayor’s invitation to, jointly with ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, to present the “Adaptation Strategy of the Educational Community” to minimize the possibility of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.
In a statement, the municipality took stock of what has been preparing for the beginning of the school year, which is “one of the most difficult and controversial moments of any political management” and this year “we have added difficulties”, José Carlos Roll said at the opening of the meeting.
The mayor continued: “it is necessary, more than ever, and given the pandemic context, to minimize all risks. It would be utopian to say that the problems do not exist or to imagine that there will not be occasional cases of Covid-19 in schools, but there is an urgent need for the whole community to know that concerted work is being done, networking with security and security and health authorities, together with the schools and the Municipality, in order to transmit confidence to the parents of the students and to the professionals involved, as the moment is one of uncertainty and perplexity”.
Alcoutim – Testing for teachers, and school employees and students upon request
The Alcoutim City Council is making available today, to all teachers and employees of schools in the municipality, the possibility of carrying out Covid-19 screening tests. Serological tests and molecular tests (RT-PCR) are being carried out in the Schools of Alcoutim and Martim Longo by ABC-Algarve Biomedical Center.
“For a good start to the school year, we decided to test teachers and staff and tests for students will be available if requested and authorized by parents. The interest in testing teachers and staff is based on the concern to do everything in our power to minimize the risk of contagion and guarantee the best conditions at the start of the school year”, says the Mayor, Osvaldo Gonçalves, in a note from the municipality.
 
Algarve Wednesday 16th September
Italian resident in Loulé is the new fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve
An 80-year-old Italian, resident in the municipality of Loulé, is the latest fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve, confirmed a source from the Regional Health Authority.
The man was “in a critical situation for some time, hospitalized in intensive care,” said the same source. He died yesterday at the hospital in Faro.
This is, according to data from the Regional Health Authority, the 21st death in the Algarve region, due to Covid-19, since the beginning of the pandemic.
This new death in the Algarve was revealed today by the daily epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health. This entity accounts for 2 fewer deaths than the Regional Authority just because of the victims’ residence.
This Tuesday, according to DGS data, there are 15 new cases since Monday bringing the cumulative total of cases to 1259.
Algarve Covid-19 Transmission rate lowest in the country
The Algarve has one of the lowest transmission rates (Rt) of covid-19 in all regions on the continent, despite the increase in new cases in recent days, said today the president of the Regional Health Administration (ARS).
At the fortnightly press conference of the District Civil Protection, in Loulé, Paulo Morgado said that the Rt in the Algarve region is 1.07, which means that each infected person gets, on average, 1.07.
“The Rt of the Algarve is one of the lowest in all regions of the country”, he stressed, noting that the situation “is relatively controlled” in the region, despite the daily increase in new cases.
The regional health delegate of Faro, Ana Cristina Guerreiro, also considered that the situation in the Algarve “is comfortable, given the circumstances”, namely, the fact that there was a lot of mobility during the summer holidays.
According to the official, mobility, activities and family reunions – especially with emigrants or people from other regions – are the factors that have most contributed to the increase in the number of cases.
Currently, the biggest active outbreak in the Algarve is related to the senior football team of Louletano Desportos Clube, detected at the end of August and which caused a total of 47 cases, among members of the club and family.
Regarding a balance of the number of cases detected during the summer in the Algarve, Ana Cristina Guerreiro said that a “more in-depth technical analysis” is foreseen, but, however, in an “initial assessment”, the situation “went as smoothly as possible”.
Albufeira maintains commercial establishments closing hours during contingency situations
The opening hours of commercial establishments in Albufeira will not change, with the country entering into a contingency situation, as decided by the mayor of Albufeira.
José Carlos Rolo issued an order this Monday stating that in the municipality of Albufeira the schedules that were already in force will be maintained, despite the change from the alert situation to the contingency situation, a level with tighter preventive measures.
The Resolution of the Council of Ministers of last Thursday attributed to the presidents of the Chamber the responsibility to define the closing time of the commercial establishments, in the time window between 20h00 and 23h00.
“We are not going to change anything and I just call on everyone to have the flexibility and the good will to, in this extraordinary and difficult context, adapt and, as far as possible, do and do their best. Albufeira, I am convinced, will not stop and will go down in history regarding this terrible moment. But we are all going to be victorious”, considered the mayor of Albufeira.
“It is important to think about the community and give a vote of confidence to anyone who has thought of these measures, in order to prevent the spread of the pandemic,” he added.
Regarding the opening of establishments, and in line with the diploma approved by the Government, the establishments in Albufeira have to open after 10 am, “except the hairdressing salons, barbers, beauty institutes, restaurants and the like, cafeterias, tea houses and the like, driving schools and technical vehicle inspection centres, as well as gyms and gyms”.
As for the closing time, it remains at 11 pm, “except for those who have their own specifications considered in that Resolution”.
The Albufeira Chamber also stressed “that establishments that have never closed can continue to maintain the hours prior to this legal measure, that is, they are not covered by paragraph 1 of Article 10 of the aforementioned Resolution of the Council of Ministers”.
Monchique educational community tested Covid-19 serological tests
Teachers, employees, but also drivers, security guards and workers from other services related to education and sport in the municipality of Monchique underwent serological tests on Covid-19, before the beginning of another school year.
This initiative was carried out in close collaboration with the ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center and the Monchique Schools Group, and was the first of other initiatives of this nature that the Câmara de Monchique intends to carry out aimed at other groups as well.
“The realization of these serological tests to our workers, to all teaching and non-teaching staff who, due to the nature of their functions, will be in the first line of action and contact with students, will allow not only to obtain very interesting data about the real immune status of this population, as it will also be essential, in terms of human resources, so that we can refine initiatives and procedures to be adopted in the current scenario of worsening of the epidemic situation in our country, despite the fact that the municipality does not register any positive case at this moment”, said Rui André, Mayor of Monchique.
 
Algarve Saturday 12th of September
Covid-19 Situation update reported 11^th September
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro gave notice of the current epidemiological situation in the Algarve, based on data provided by the Regional Health Delegate, which points to 265 active cases in the region.
So far, 1206 infected people have been registered, 16 more in the last 24 hours with 921 recovered (cumulative), equivalent to 76.37%.
6 people are hospitalized, 2 in the Intensive Care Units. The same source reports 20 deaths in the region. Under active surveillance there are 580 people and 107 (cumulative) were discharged.
In relation to the bulletin of last Friday, September 4th, 21 less active cases and 58 new cases from Covid are confirmed.19. Another 78 people are recovered.
There is 1 more person hospitalized (6), and 1 less in intensive care (2). The number of deaths rose to 20 (+1), under active surveillance there are 45 more people.
One more patient was discharged from hospital.
The same source draws attention to the fact that since August 5, 166 follow-up visits have been made, through health, social security and civil protection technicians, in all municipalities in the Algarve region, with the aim of supporting Institutions in the implementation of appropriate measures, in a preventive and pedagogical nature, in order to reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.
The following observations were made: Albufeira (11), Alcoutim (6), Aljezur (1), Castro Marim (3), Faro (18), Lagos (14), Lagoa (7), Loulé (27), Monchique (2), Olhão (7), Portimão (26), São Brás de Alportel (8), Silves (5), Tavira (19), Vila do Bispo (6) and Vila Real de Santo António (6).

ANA says number of passengers did not justify summer queuing system at Faro airport
The chairman of the Board of Directors of ANA Aeroportos, José Luís Arnaut, told Lusa yesterday that the summer queuing circuit at Faro airport has not opened because the number of passengers has fallen below the required amount.
Reacting to statements by the Minister of Internal Affairs, who criticized the lack of opening of the summer area at Faro airport, a situation that could increase the queues, José Luís Arnaut explained that, according to the concession contract, to increase circulation space is necessary to have 2,100 passengers per hour, but the maximum recorded in August was 1,029.
“The summer circuit is scheduled to start when there are 2,100 passengers per hour. Unfortunately, on the peak days in August, the maximum we had was 1,029 and, if in February, on the winter circuit, we had 140,000 passengers. and [the airport] functioned, naturally that in August, with 120 thousand, it can also work, if the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) has employees in the ‘boxes’ and these are not empty “, underlined the person in charge of ANA.
José Luís Arnaut stressed that it was “with some astonishment and even some institutional indignation” that he heard the Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, having blamed ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal for the lines at Faro airport today, accusing him of “repeatedly” violated public service obligations “and” harmed the country “.
British nationals returning from the Algarve
Dozens of British tourists in the Algarve are anticipating their return to the United Kingdom today, to avoid fulfilling their quarantine on their return home, after the British Government announced the closure of the air corridor with mainland Portugal.
Several British citizens contacted by Lusa at Faro airport were unhappy with the British Government’s decision, but due to work commitments they were forced to expedite, some of them, their return to England by several days.
“I do not agree with my country’s decision to place Portugal [with the exception of the Azores and Madeira] in the air risk corridors, not evaluating the regions, as is the case in the Algarve, a region where I feel safe”, Carly Spencer told Lusa .
The surgeon, resident in the north of England, said that the measure “forced her to bring forward the return flight home by six days, which cost about 500 euros, to avoid quarantine on arrival in the United Kingdom”. “The vacation ends next week and I cannot, for professional reasons, subject myself to a two-week quarantine,” he said. Carly Spencer added that the situation in Portugal “may raise concerns in large cities like Lisbon and Porto, but the Algarve should be an exception for the British Government”.
Cultural facilities in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) earn the “Clean & Safe” seal of Turismo de Portugal.
The cultural facilities in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António (Municipal Library, Cultural Centre António Aleixo and Municipal Historic Archive) obtained the “Clean & Safe” accreditation, attributed by Turismo de Portugal, thus guaranteeing their safety in the face of the COVID- 19.
To receive this seal, the spaces implemented a contingency plan that, according to the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, ensures social distance and the necessary hygiene to avoid risks of contamination with SARS-CoV-2 (new coronavirus).
In order to be able to affix the “Clean & Safe” seal, municipal cultural facilities also had to comply with the set of provisions contained in the “Declaration of Commitment”, provided by the Regional Tourism Authority of the Algarve, guaranteeing safe procedures for its operation.
The accreditation is valid until April 30, 2021 and can be posted either in physical facilities, or in the channels and platforms for dissemination and sale.
 
 
Algarve report Wednesday 9th September
Covid.19: Algarve without fairs until the end of the year
The decision of the municipalities in the Algarve was taken at the AMAL Intermunicipal Council Meeting. The mayors consider that the conditions are not met to allow annual fairs to be held.
In a statement, AMAL said that in the context of the current pandemic, the Municipalities of the Algarve decided, at the Council meeting that took place on the 5th, “not to hold the Fairs that take place, once a year, in different counties in the region “. The decision will be maintained at least until the end of this year, until further evaluation, read in the same note.
Despite the fairs being held outdoors, AMAL explains that they “would have to obey a set of guidelines from the General Directorate of Health (DGS), which mayors affirm that there are no conditions to be met, since they imply a great deal of concentration of people “.
Thus, the same source reports that the holding of, for example, the Feira de Santa Iria, in Faro, the Feira de São Miguel, in Olhão, the Feira da Praia, in Vila Real de Santo António, the Feira de São Francisco, in Tavira, from Feira de São Martinho, in Portimão, or from Feira Franca, in Lagos.
In addition to this assessment, AMAL reinforces that, according to what has already been announced by the Government, the entire country will, as of September 15, enter a State of Contingency.
Open call to recruit 42 doctors at the Centro Universitario Universitário do Algarve
The Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) reported today that it has 42 vacancies for hiring doctors, in various specialties, within the scope of the national competition published on September 4 in Diário da República with the aim of strengthening the National Health Service. Health (SNS) with over 950 medical professionals.
For CHUA, this contest launched by the Government, through the Ministry of Health, “will allow the creation of conditions to provide the Algarve hospital units with more specialist doctors, thus solving, if the vacancies are fully filled, some of the main constraints felt over the years “.
The dispatch with the distribution of the contingent of the 950 vacancies of the 1st season competition of the newly specialists in the hospital (911) and public health (39) areas was published last Friday in Diário da República.
The contest has a period of 5 days, counting from the date of publication in the Diário da República. For more information, see Notice No. 13200-E / 2020, of September 4, 2020.
 
Algarve Report Saturday September 5th
Covid 19
In the Algarve there are 1148 total confirmed cases to date including 286 currently active. On these there were 11 confirmed cases in the last 24 hrs.
Of the total to date 843 have recovered or 73.4%. The number of people in hospital is five and in ICU is three.
British and Portuguese help hotels achieve 60.5% occupancy in August
Algarve hotels had an average occupancy / room of 60.5% in August, a low figure when compared to previous years, but high in relation to the other months of 2020.
According to the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), this month’s results had the positive influence of the British market, which increased demand by 3.5pp compared to July, «following the opening of the air corridor in 20 August between the United Kingdom and the Algarve ».
The increase in demand from the national market, which rose by 6.4%, in relation to the same month of 2019, also helped to achieve this occupancy rate. The Portuguese represented 67.7% of the total overnight stays.
Even so, despite the national “aid”, the occupancy rate of 60.5% was 35% below the value registered last year.
Despite the recovery in relation to July, the British market was the one that fell the most compared to last year (-18.4pp), followed by the Irish (-4.2%), French (-2.8pp) and the German (- 2.6%).
Sales volume also decreased 36.4%, compared to August last year.
In accumulated values, the bed occupancy registered an average decrease of -58.1% since January and the sales volume decreased by -56.8%.
José Apolinário is elected as PS for the CCDR of the Algarve.
José Apolinário and António Ceia da Silva are the candidates chosen by the PS for the presidency of the Coordination and Regional Development Commissions (CCDR) of the Algarve and Alentejo, respectively. And if, in the Algarve, there are no obstacles to the election of the current Secretary of State for Fisheries, in Alentejo the name of the acting president of the Regional Tourism Authority of the Algarve and Ribatejo is disputed, even within the PS.
According to the newspaper Público today, José Apolinário will be the socialist candidate in the first indirect elections for the presidency of the Algarve CCDR, which will take place in October. Bearing in mind that the electoral college is composed of mayors from the region, the vast majority of the PS, the election should be only pro-forma.
José Apolinário, who has already been a deputy and mayor of Faro, has been the regional coordinator of the fight against Covid-19 in the Algarve since April 8, first in the state of emergency, then in the state of Calamidade and now in the alert. A function that, in addition to his previous and current experience, as Secretary of State for Fisheries, has given him an in-depth knowledge of the Algarve situation.
Algarve
Situation report Wednesday September 2nd 2020
GNR operation against wild camping
A total of 200 infractions, of which 164 resulting from wild camping, as well as motorhome and illegal parking in non-permitted locations, and 36 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation, were detected by GNR, during an operation that took place from 26 to 31 August, in the municipalities of Aljezur and Vila do Bispo, especially in the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.
The action, undertaken by the Territorial Detachment of Portimão, within the scope of the “Summer Safe 2020” operation, included the reinforcement of the Lagos Traffic Substation, the Portimão Coastal Control Substation, and the support of the Regional Directorate for Nature Conservation and Algarve Forests (ICNF) and the Lagos Maritime Police.
The objective was to monitor and combat “illegal caravanning and wild camping”, added the GNR, in a press release sent to newsrooms.
“Camping and wild caravanning is an identified problem that constitutes a factor in the destruction of habitats, some of which are protected, in addition to representing an illegal occupation, which results in a degradation of the places used, by uncontrolled deposition of waste, which are spread over the unduly occupied place ”, concludes the GNR.
Theft of carobs Loulé.
A 30-year-old man was identified this Monday, August 31, for theft of agricultural products in Loulé.
GNR said in a statement that it seized 870 kilograms of carobs, during a road inspection action, with the Guard military approached a vehicle that carried the transport of several bags of locust beans.
In the inspection operation, the driver stated that he was authorized to pick up the carobs that he was transporting, from several lands. However the GNR verified that the carobs had been stolen, “having been possible to identify the legitimate owner of part of the carob transported by the suspect”.
The individual was identified and constituted the defendant, the carob, valued at 683 euros, were apprehended and the facts forwarded to the Loulé Judicial Court.
GNR has been carrying out awareness and inspection actions since June 1, within the scope of the “Campo Seguro 2020” operation, with the objective of preventing theft crimes, near agricultural properties. Since at this time of the year, the focus in the Algarve region is on carob, due to the commercial value it represents and the ease in both picking and selling, Guarda increased policing in order to deter and repress the practice of theft of carob.
Câmara de Lagoa to create a Municipal Police
The Câmara de Lagoa started the process to create a Municipal Police and expects to have it completed in 2021, after approval by the Municipal Assembly, by the end of the year, the municipality announced today.
The municipality approved “unanimously”, in the last Chamber session, on August 25, a proposal that foresees to start the elaboration of a regulation on the functioning of the Municipal Police, which will later be subject to the vote in the Municipal Assembly, and considered that this it is “the first step” of a process that “should be completed during the next year of 2021”.
“Drawing up a regulation for the operation of the ‘Municipal Police of the municipality of Lagoa’ is the first step on a path that should lead to the creation of this specialized police service. The decision to start the process was taken unanimously at the last public meeting of the Câmara de Lagoa ”, the municipality welcomed in a statement.
The same source justified the decision to move towards the creation of a Municipal Police with the “need to adapt resources to the challenges and responsibilities of the municipality of Lagoa in the areas of inspection”.
The “protection of the environment, commercial establishments, occupation of public space, traffic and parking, advertising, monitoring of sporting and cultural events, without forgetting the pedagogical aspect, in a logic of proximity to the citizen”, are areas of supervision that will pass to the tutelage of the Municipal Police, according to the proposal of the municipal executive chaired by Luís Encarnação.
 
 
Covid-19 Situation Report Saturday 29th August 2020
The Algarve has, since Thursday until yesterday, 10 new cases of Covid-19, according to the regional health delegate, in a press conference. The number of recovered people has also increased (three more) and the epidemiological situation in the region “remains stabilized“.
According to Algarve Health authority statistics, there were a total of 245 active Covid-19 cases in the Algarve with eight in hospital and none in ICU. To date there have been 1045 cases of whom 790 have recovered e.g. a recovery rate of 74.9%. Of those contracting the disease 19 have died according to regional figures.
There are now 264 active cases. These data mean that the situation in the Algarve is “stabilized, despite the number of visitors present in the region, which should be around one and a half million”, considered Ana Cristina Guerreiro. Proof of this is that “we do not have a large active outbreak”. “We have some outbreaks, between 13 and 15, basically of family or work transmission. We also have imported cases or of Portuguese who were on vacation, basically in Spain, or of foreigners who get sick here in the region”, explained Ana Cristina Guerreiro.
Of the active cases, of which only 40 are imported cases – referring to Portuguese who arrived from abroad or tourists.
“[These are] Portuguese who were on vacation in Spain or foreigners of various nationalities who fall ill in our region”, she exemplified, adding that imported cases represent 17% of active cases in the region.
According to Ana Cristina Guerreiro, many of the tourists who arrive in the Algarve come from areas that are considered affected areas. Questioned by journalists about their countries of origin, the official said they were of “dispersed nationalities”.
The president of the District Civil Protection Commission, António Miguel Pina, took the opportunity to devalue the number of imported cases, taking into account that the population in the Algarve triples during the summer months.
Covid-19: More than 30 athletes and members of the Louletano football team infected
A total of 33 athletes and members of the senior football team at Louletano Desportos Clube tested positive for covid-19, a source from the Algarve Regional Health Administration (ARS) told Lusa today.
According to the same source, the first case was diagnosed on Wednesday and during Thursday “the team was studied”, and it was decided that “everyone should be tested” today.
All professionals were “placed in isolation”, as well as “all direct contacts, both positive and negative”, he added,
Louletano Desportos Clube’s senior football team is playing in the Senior Portuguese Championship.
Algarve Summer Situation
At a time when summer is coming to an end, José Apolinário, Secretary of State coordinating the implementation of the Declaration of the Situation of Alert in the Algarve, made a point of hghlighting the “great commitment of beach entrepreneurs and concessionaires”.
“Two months ago, we often discussed the conditions of access to the beaches, with huge doubts. We can say, at the end of August, that there was a great involvement, commitment and spirit of articulation between everyone and that shows a safe and open region to the world”, he considered. For what is yet to come – September and October – Apolinário expects “a long summer”.
“We are committed, over the next two months, from September to October, to make it a long summer with great events, such as golf Masters, Formula 1 and Moto GP”, he said. Regarding the response of the National Health Service, Josélia Gonçalves, member of the ARS Algarve Board of Directors, said that the current scenario “gives confidence”.
“We continue to strengthen the response capacity. Today we are going to sign 17 more nursing contracts, for example, to reinforce primary health care and this reinforcement has been a constant in recent months. Right now, we have five areas dedicated to Covid and we have the capacity to create five more », he explained.
Algarve arrivals
The opening of the travel corridor with the United Kingdom is already having a positive effect on the Algarve’s economy, with the increase in new reserves and the reactivation of those that had been cancelled, especially for September and October. At Faro airport, the increase in passengers is already noticeable, with British tourists telling Lusa that they were waiting for the lifting of the quarantine requirement imposed by the British government to be able to travel to Portugal.
“We had nothing prepared. As soon as they said we could go on vacation, we booked the plane trip and then looked for a hotel”, said James Meakin, just arrived from London.
Other passengers on the flight from the British capital reveal that it was only after lifting the quarantine requirement on their return to the country that they decided to travel, with a tourist considering that “it would be disrespectful for people from the other country to travel against travel advice”. Also just arrived on a “completely full” flight, Soraya Halabi highlighted the “orderly and respectful” way in which “all passengers wore a mask”, on a trip where “families with children” predominated.
Amanda Reverten, on the other hand, revealed that her “first time in Portugal” happens after having cancelled her vacation in “Spain, then in France and Croatia” due to the imposition of the British government, on a trip that was “scheduled a few hours later” from the announcement of the removal of the country from the ‘black list’ ”.
 
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 26th August 2020
There are five new cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has just revealed in its epidemiological bulletin this Tuesday, August 25th.
In accumulated terms since the beginning of the pandemic, there are now 1039 total cases in the Algarve region.
In Alentejo, where there were no new cases yesterday, there are now 11 more infected with the new coronavirus, bringing the cumulative total to 898.
An illegal party on beach at Monte Gordo broken up
An illegal party with about 40 people on a beach support in Monte Gordo, municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, forced, on Friday, the Maritime Police to disperse the participants.
The authorities received a complaint that led the Maritime Police to send two agents to the scene.
According to the National Maritime Authority (AMN), the authorities identified the person responsible for the party, “having made the respective report of news” and ended the event.
Covid.19: Testing capacity in the Algarve will exceed 400% – Government
Portugal will have a broad and reinforced diagnostic network to detect the possible reappearance of covid-19 and other viruses, in order to respond in a “swift and integrated” way to new outbreaks, the government said yesterday.
According to the Secretary of State for Health, António Lacerda Sales, who announced the plan at a press conference in Lisbon, the investment is 8.4 million euros.
“Portugal is today one of the countries that tests most per hundred thousand inhabitants in Europe”, said the minister during the usual press conference to update the information related to covid-19.
The objective of expanding laboratory capacity is to double the testing capacity to about 22,000 tests per day, he said, referring that currently 10,000 tests are carried out per day at the National Health Service (SNS).
“In Alentejo and the Algarve, for example, the forecast is for an increase in testing capacity of more than 400%”, he stressed.
Monchique’s example to guarantee animal welfare is «very plural»
The minister threw the dogs pastries, gave the alpacas carrots to eat, and visited the cat houses installed in old washing machines. In between, he also attended the dog vaccination campaign in Alferce, met the volunteers who take care of the abandoned animals, as well as the new works by sculptor and ceramists Sylvain Bongard, in Largo dos Chorões, and also discovered the ongoing projects (or planned) promoted by the Câmara de Monchique to guarantee the welfare of pets in this municipality.
In the end, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, Minister of Environment and Climate Action, made a “very positive assessment” of his visit, saying “From the part that touches me, I learned a lot”.
It was just after 10 am, when João Pedro Matos Fernandes, accompanied by Rui André, Mayor of Monchique, went to see the vaccination of dogs, taking place in the warehouse of the Junta de Freguesia de Alferce.
Ana Silva, the municipal veterinarian, explained that this was the “first action taken this year outside Monchique”. “Here, the Junta de Freguesia guaranteed us all the conditions, such as a bathroom, alcohol-gel, and space for people to wait”.
Outside, in the shade of the trees, many dogs with their owners waited for their turn, not always with much patience. “Some of these are guard dogs, they are not used to seeing a lot of people”, explained a man who tried to keep a huge dog calm and quiet.
Up to that time, 40 animals had already been treated, who received the rabies vaccine, chip (if they didn’t already have it) and deworming.
“Thank you for your passion, for your work on behalf of animals and the community”, said Minister Matos Fernandes, to the municipal veterinarian and to the young veterinary nurse Zélia Carrilho, who attended and to everyone.
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 19th August 2020
Covid 19 Situation
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) today pointed out the existence of 1007 cases of covid-19 in the Algarve, 11 more than yesterday, and totalling 17 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic
Marcelo: Portugal on the UK’s safe list makes a “brutal difference” for the Algarve
It is “great news” that makes “a brutal difference” in the economy – and the general panorama – of the Algarve. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Portimão commented about the inclusion of Portugal in the list of safe destinations in the United Kingdom.
He stated “It is great news. Great news for the mayors here in the Algarve for many others from other parts of the country but first of all for the 300,000 Portuguese who live and work in the United Kingdom. It is also good news for the almost 50 thousand Britons who live and like to live in Portugal and also for all those who wanted to move from one country to another”.
João Fernandes: Algarve must “make the most» air corridor to the United Kingdom”
The inclusion of Portugal in the United Kingdom’s list of safe countries to travel was deserved “for some time” and will open a window of opportunity that the Algarve region “should make the most of”, according to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve. The British Government’s decision, announced yesterday by the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Transport, comes at a time when “we still have four months to go”, until winter arrives.
“We have September and October still with good weather for bathing, but above all, we have new motivations for visiting, which find their peak season in this period, namely golf, which is one of the main reasons for visiting the region”, he said.
It should also be borne in mind that “September will be marked by the realization of the Portugal Masters”, in golf, and in October there are Formula 1 and Moto GP events in Portimão.
“At this moment, we start for four months of the year when we still have opportunities. We have to guarantee that we have exhausted its potential”, added a satisfied João Fernandes. This was, moreover, “a news that we had hoped for and which we had deserved for some time”. “There is a feeling here that, finally, the security that exists in Portugal is recognized, specifically here in the Algarve, the main tourist destination of the British», he illustrated.
 
Turismo do Algarve wants tourists to visit the region outside the usual “high season” period.
Turismo do Algarve is intensifying the creation of partnerships with some of the main European airlines that fly to the region, with the aim of reinforcing the effort to promote the destination and to attract the interest of new visitors until the end of this year. British Airways, Eurowings, Ryanair, Easyjet, AirFrance and Edelweiss are some of the companies that are already collaborating in the creation of joint marketing campaigns, to enhance reservations for stays in the region even during 2020.
Based on a multiplatform dissemination strategy, which integrates and combines digital and printed channels carefully selected in some of the main markets (such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland), these actions aim to promote the Algarve as a safe destination and place highlighted the diversity of experiences that the region has to offer.
According to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve, “with these campaigns we want to encourage last minute reservations, a trend that, given the current context, has been growing significantly”.
João Fernandes adds that “many people cancelled or postponed the holidays they had already scheduled because of the pandemic and it is mainly these tourists that we want to arrive, showing them that they are still in time to schedule these holidays in a destination that is fully prepared for the receive, with security, quality and flexibility. In addition to the diversity and richness of the region’s offer, the mild climate that the Algarve has throughout the year is another of our strong arguments, which we hope to capitalize on at this time and which we believe will be an important stimulus for travellers to book your holidays outside the traditional periods of high season”.
Aljezur: GNR detects 122 infractions in action to inspect illegal camping
On Thursday the GNR carried out several inspection actions to combat illegal caravanning and wild camping, within the scope of the “Safe Summer 2020” operation, in the municipality of Aljezur, with a special focus on the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
According to a statement by that security force, of the inspection actions, “122 records were prepared, of which 97 were for offence resulting from wild camping as well as motorhome and illegal parking in prohibited places and 25 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation”.
The action that was carried out with the reinforcement of the Coastal Control Detachment (DCC) of Sines and in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for Nature Conservation and Forests of the Algarve, aimed to “mitigate wild camping activities and illegal caravanning”.
 
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 19th August 2020
Almancil – GNR Breaks up an illegal party with more than 200 people attending
The Faro Territorial Command, through the Territorial Detachment of Loulé, on August 16, stopped an illegal party with more than 200 people, in the locality of Almancil.
In the course of several complaints informing the realization of a private party, the military of the Guard carried out several actions with a view to ascertaining the location of the event, having determined the exact location, and so proceeded to inspect the party. The event was widely publicized by the organizing company on social networks, with exclusive entrance for customers with table reservation and the location transmitted only 12 hours before its start, with several guest artists.
Promoters of the event were previously alerted by GNR to the measures in force due to the pandemic COVID-19 and warned not to hold the party. In addition, the Health Authority was asked to give an opinion, which was negative, as all preventive, protective and safety measures required for such an event were not safeguarded.
Nevertheless, the organizers continued with the event, with the GNR military arriving at the place and ending the party immediately, ordering all people to leave the place. The operation had the reinforcement of the Intervention and Public Order Group (GIOP) and the Cinotechnical Intervention Group (GIC) (Dog Unit).
The event organizers were identified and the facts forwarded to the Loulé Judicial Court.
Hotel occupancy with the lowest value ever for the month of July
Figures revealed yesterday by the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) account for falls in all markets. Portuguese and Spanish vacationers gave some encouragement to the high season 2020.
The average national occupancy rate / room was 32.6 percent, that is, 50.9 percentage points (pp) below that seen in July 2019 (-61.0 percent). Since January, this indicator has been 63.2 percent lower (-38.5pp) than in the previous year.
According to the latest data released by the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), on Monday, August 17, the average occupancy rate / bed was 32.0 percent, 2.0pp above the verified in July 2019 (+5.9 percent) With the decrease seen, the occupancy rate registered the lowest value ever for the month of July.
This year-on-year variation is justified by the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, whose impact on hotels began to be felt at the beginning of March with reservation cancellations, evolving abruptly to a situation of progressive closure of accommodation units.
All geographic areas suffered severe falls, which ranged between -38.5pp (-53.0 percent) in Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António and -59.6pp (-68.6 percent) in Albufeira.
The area of ​​Faro and Olhão registered the highest occupancy rate, 39.3 percent, while the lowest occurred in the Albufeira area, with 27.3 percent.
Covid.19: Algarve registers exponential increase in requests for food support
According to a “JN” (news) survey of 308 city councils in the country to which 178 responded, there is a worrying reality: the Algarve is one of the regions most affected by hunger.
The support of the Chambers is provided through baskets, meals and vouchers. For example, in the municipality of Lagos alone, the increase was 220% of families supported per month, representing about 660 monthly baskets, when before the pandemic, there were 120.
In the municipality of Loulé, two canteens were created, having prepared more than 24 thousand meals, adding to more than 1100 baskets delivered.
According to the same source, Faro supports 900 people, Albufeira 771 residents, Portimão 775, plus 532 baskets for families per month. Olhão supports 600 people and delivers 550 food kits.
Speaking to TVI, the president of the Food Bank against Hunger in the Algarve said that 24,000 people are supported, which is a historical value, since, before the pandemic, 16,000 people were supported. Nuno Alves stressed that he expects a further increase in requests for support after the summer.
For this person, many of these people were employed, “they had a normal life and never thought about resorting to food support”. There has been additional aid in addition to the food emergency network, businesspeople in the region and foreigners. Until November, the Food Bank has reserves to provide support. Nuno Alves hopes that the next big fundraising campaign will materialize to help from that period. However, due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, there is no certainty about the expected results.
 
Algarve Situation Report Saturday 15th of August
According to DGS on Friday the number of confirmed cases in Algarve since the start of the pandemic is 957, an increase of 11 since Thursday. Local health authority has reported 229 active cases as at 13^th August 2359 hrs. A total of nine are in hospital and there are none in ICU. A total of 700 have recovered
The epidemiological situation in the Algarve “is stabilized”, after two weeks “with, practically, every day with a number of new single digit daily cases”, explained Ana Cristina Guerreiro, the Regional Health Delegate, at the press conference balance sheet of the pandemic, which took place today, the 14th, in Loulé.
Numbers achieved “at the height of summer, at a time when the population of the Algarve has tripled” and which, in practice, means that the Algarve has a ratio of less than 20 infected per 100 thousand inhabitants, that is, it is within the norms Europeans consider it a safe region.
According to José Apolinário, Secretary of State who is the coordinator of the State of Alert in the Algarve, the number of active cases “has been decreasing since the beginning of the month”, thanks to the “work and commitment” of the regional entities, whether in the sector health and civil protection. He gave the example of the outbreaks that arose in the Civil Construction sector, which, according to Ana Cristina Guerreiro, became “a great concern”, but which are now under control.
“As soon as these outbreaks emerged, we immediately carried out verification and awareness actions in shipyards with more than 20 workers”, he recalled. According to the Regional Health Delegate, many of the new cases are “imported”, since they are from foreigners or Portuguese who are on vacation in the Algarve. “Every day we have cases of foreigners. Usually, people arrive here without symptoms and develop them when they are here” she said. There have also been cases related to “emigrants and foreigners working here”
GNR issues 116 administrative offenses.
The National Republican Guard (GNR), through the Territorial Detachment of Portimão, the Regional Directorate of the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) of the Algarve and the Municipality of Vila do Bispo – Municipal Civil Protection Service, carried out on 13^th August, an inspection in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, against wild camping and motorhome.
The operation took place in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park and involved 22 personnel. Taking place between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, it resulted in a total of 116 vehicles being checked surveyed, of which 91 were misdemeanours resulting from camping and wild caravanning were identified, as well as illegal parking in non-permitted places, and 25 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation.
Wild camping and campervans “is a problem that has been identified for a long time and constitutes a factor in the destruction of habitats, some of which are protected, in addition to representing an illegal occupation which results in a degradation of the places used by uncontrolled deposition of waste”, explains the ICNF. Thus, these inspection actions aim to “discourage illegal and strongly degrading practices in an area of ​​high natural value but also tourism”.
Algarve report Wednesday 12th August 2020
Data from the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11
Yesterday the Algarve had three more cases of Covid-19 according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11 released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
The number of infected with the new coronavirus in the Algarve since the beginning of the pandemic is now 934.
In Alentejo there are also three more cases this Tuesday compared to yesterday’s DGS bulletin with the cumulative total rising to 770.
Man arrested for theft of more than 200 kilos of carob in Algoz
A 43-year-old man was arrested yesterday suspected of stealing carobs, with 212 kilos in his possession, in the town of Algoz, Silves municipality, according to the National Republican Guard (GNR).
The arrest occurred following a complaint that a man was stealing carob from a piece of land, so the GNR military went “immediately to the place”, where they surprised the suspect, “who was caught in possession of 212 kilograms of subtracted carob, already packed in bags for transportation”.
In a statement, the GNR reported that the suspect was arrested and the carob recovered, adding that the facts were referred to the Silves Judicial Court.
In this context, GNR highlighted the Campo Seguro operation, which takes place throughout the national territory, in which the soldiers of this security force remain attentive to the phenomenon of theft of agricultural products, especially in the Algarve region.
 
Algarve report Monday 10th August 2020
Covid-19: DGS records another death in the Algarve and three new cases
The Algarve has one more death caused by Covid-19 and three new cases of the disease, according to the epidemiological bulletin this Sunday, August 9, which has just been released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). This is the second day in a row with deaths in the region, according to DGS data.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, in accumulated numbers, there have already been 929 infections in the Algarve and 17 deaths, according to DGS.
This is the second consecutive day that the Directorate General for Health counts deaths in the Algarve after more than two months without deaths in the region.
A man from the municipality of Aljezur, over 70 years old, who had been hospitalized “for several weeks in intensive care” is the latest mortal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve, this being the death that was reported in the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate- General Health
The two men the other from Loule, according to the same source, “were hospitalized for several weeks in intensive care”.
José Gonçalves, Mayor of Aljezur, regretted the death of the citizen who, “he knew well”.
There are currently 17 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to DGS. In the figures of the Regional Health Authority, however, there are 19 fatalities accounted for, since two deaths of people who died in the region were also included in their data, despite being from other districts.
Truck of Hope ends tour of the Algarve in Lagoa
Truck of Hope has done a thousand tests in the Algarve.
Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is from today and until August 14 in the municipality of Lagoa next to the Senhora da Rocha promontory doing molecular and serological tests to Covid-19 and advising the population about public health care and practices during the pandemic.
Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is a mobile unit prepared to carry out tests on the new coronavirus and with a team of health professionals available for medical advice consultations and free nursing treatments to the population.
The molecular test (detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) requires a medical prescription has resulted in 24 hours (through Unilabs) and a cost of 100 euros.
The serological test (detects the presence of antibodies) does not need a prescription has an immediate result and costs 40 euros. The opening hours to the public are from 9 am to 2 pm.
 
 
Algarve Saturday 8th of August
Covid-19 Statistics
The number of cases yesterday increased by six bringing the total to 909 since the start of the pandemic. The total of deaths stands at 17 registered.
There are 252 active cases of whom 10 are in hospital and three in intensive care. A total of 640 have recovered i.e. 70.4%
Covid-19: Outbreaks in the Algarve related to family gatherings
Many of the new covid-19 outbreaks are related to family gatherings, especially in the Algarve, the Directorate-General for Health warned today, recalling that there are currently 178 active outbreaks in the country. However, the authorities are now paying particular attention to the south of the country: “Everyone wants to socialize and everyone is at risk and this is what is happening in the Algarve”, warned Rui Portugal.
“Outbreaks are, at this moment, mainly based on family,” said Rui Portugal, explaining that it is the meetings of people who do not live together that are potentiating the new cases. “Despite being from the same family and having the same names, they have to realize that if they are in different nuclei, contagions from one nucleus to another may occur,” he warned, asking everyone to continue to maintain the rules of social distance.
Rui Portugal also recalled that the danger is not limited to groups of young people: “At this stage, a lot of attention is paid to the risk that occurs in a more social gathering, for all generations”. Labour issues are no longer “worrying the same way they did”, and are now replaced by reunions during vacation times.
 
ABC to test Algarvians travelling to Madeira
Through an agreement established with the Regional Government of Madeira, the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) begins to test, as of today, the citizens of the region who travel to Madeira departing from the Mainland.
The tests are free and mandatory to be booked up to 72 hours before the flight, which can be done by email (harvesting.estadio@abcmedicalg.pt, with the title “Viagem à Madeira” and reference in the email body to the postal code of residence) or by phone (966418469, between 3 pm and 7 pm), according to a statement from ABC.
Both when scheduling and when testing, the following are required: name, phone number, email and passenger’s card number / passenger’s National Health Service number; destination address in Madeira; copy of airline ticket / travel receipt.
The tests are carried out between 17h30 and 20h00, at Estádio do Algarve.
Loulé distributes thousands of masks made in the municipality to cafes, shops and restaurants
Thousands of masks made by the seamstresses of the studio where the Carnival costumes are created, as well as professionals who joined this project, are being distributed by the Municipality of Loulé, from the coast to the interior. This action has as partner the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), an entity that designed and conceived the model of the masks, guaranteeing the safety standards appropriate to the prevention of Covid-19.
This initiative started in May, with the distribution of masks to residents of social districts, the elderly and professionals in the areas of intervention and civil protection and to families who resorted to the Loulé Solidário line during the peak of the pandemic. In this first phase, more than 2,500 masks were distributed throughout the municipality.
Now, at a time when many tourists are on vacation in the municipality of Loulé, the municipality decided to extend this preventive action and distribute social masks (reusable) by the local commerce in the municipality, as a way to reinforce the safety of these professionals, as well as the image of the municipality as a safe destination.
All restaurants, shops or cafes are receiving kits containing 2 masks, disinfectant wipes and explanatory leaflet.
The CLDS 4G team Castro Marim (Com) Vida is already taking its first steps on the ground, traversing the hills of the Castro Mountains. The objective is to raise the awareness of the elderly about the care to be taken with the sun, with the right to offer a solar kit. During the month of August, it is already possible to find Odiana’s CLDS4G team to intervene directly in situ and with the population.
The motto is awareness actions with a double objective: on the one hand, to inform and raise awareness about the care to be taken with sun exposure in the elderly; on the other hand, breaking the isolation of the elderly, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The timing of this action is done in accordance with the circuit of the Mobile Health Unit in Castro and takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, in order to avoid fear or feelings of insecurity on the part of seniors. This is the first action of CLDS 4G on the ground, with a fragile population. During the visit, all the elderly receive an awareness kit consisting of a straw hat, a fan, a sample of sunscreen and a leaflet. Specific recommendations are also made addressing dehydration, adequate food and clothing and the importance of sun protection.
Wednesday 5th August 2020
Covid-19 Algarve – 9 more cases
The Algarve now has nine more cases of Covid-19 and 901 cases accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 4th released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
Small 3.9 magnitude Earthquake 68 kms south of Albufeira
No damage recorded
A 3.9 magnitude earthquake (Richter), with an epicentre 68 kms south of Albufeira, has been felt in several locations in the Algarve.
The quake was recorded at 19.03 hrs and took place at sea, 12 kms.
There were several reports from people who felt the shock in Albufeira and Loulé.
NOTE
This level is classified as a “minor earthquake” around a hundred thousand of which take place each year globally.
Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters help to put out fire in Ayamonte
“A reason to be proud”. This is how those responsible for the Eurocity of Guadiana see the collaboration between the firemen of Portugal and Spain in the extinguishing of a fire yesterday, Monday in Ayamonte, Spain.
And it was, thanks to the quick action of forest firemen, including the Portuguese, but also of the security forces, which also included the GNR the fire has not evolved further.
Commander of Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters welcomed this type of collaboration.
He says that: “Besides being a border area we belong to the Eurocity of Guadiana and we trust that through this entity we can develop more extensive broader protocols for mutual aid and strengthen ties in the field of assistance and civil protection”.
Faro launches book with fresh recipes for the elderly
The Municipality of Faro launched a cookbook prepared by the Municipality’s Support Office for the Elderly with the support of Provectus and the Prato Certo (In Loco) in a project entitled “Fresh Cuisine for seniors”.
Aware that the feeding of the elderly is a concern especially with the arrival of high temperatures, the Elderly Support Office created this project that presents food suggestions and proposals that include, for example the need to drink water.
In this book to increase water consumption dozens of recipes are suggested to make the summer fresher and healthier for everyone for example, flavoured waters among others.
This book has already been sent by mail to about 250 elderly people in the municipality who have been in contact with the Department of Social Development and Education of the municipality, in the last two years.
The county’s elderly who do not receive the book can request it at that service, located in Plaza José Afonso, nr.1.
 
 
Detained Italian who had a greenhouse with 255 cannabis plants in Monte de Paderne
A 44-year-old Italian man who had a cannabis greenhouse with 255 plants in Paderne was arrested yesterday’s morning by the GNR Criminal Investigation Centre in Albufeira.
According to the investigation that took place about a month ago, it was initiated following a complaint.
GNR has not yet found evidence that the detainee had the plants for later sale, but “taking into account the size of the plantation” there is evidence to that effect.
In addition to the 255 cannabis plants were seized 31 bags of fertilizer, a revolver 4 adapted calibre, 72 various calibres of ammunition, a computer, a tablet and two mobile phones.
 
Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) classified as Intangible / Spiritual Cultural Heritage of Portugal
Inclusion of the Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) in this list was published yesterday in the Diário da República.
The confirmation of the inclusion of this cultural and religious event in the municipality of Loulé in this list, took place yesterday.
This classification is the recognition of “a work we did in 2015 for the preparation of all necessary documentation and submission to the success of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Mercy) of the service registration application in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.”
This recognition is “a major step towards affirming this identity, which is not only “louletana” (from Loulé) but also of the whole Algarve, because we are talking about the most important Marian manifestation south of Fátima”.
 
Monday 3rd August 2020
Rural Fires – Faro District at Red Alert
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) placed the districts of Santarém and Faro on alert of red level readiness, due to the increased risk of fire, and called for the care of the populations.
“We are going to have a very severe weather picture with an increase in wind speed. In the next two days we will have a very strong wind, not only during the day, but also at night, and with reduced recovery of the moisture retained during the night,” said Miguel Cruz, district grouping commander, at a press conference at ANEPC headquarters in Carnaxide.
“In this light, the appeal is to avoid any activity that could cause any ignition,” said the official, adding that the special red alert status for districts has been determined”.
Special alert states determine the degree of readiness for fire-fighting means to respond.
In yellow alert are the districts of Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo and in orange alert the remaining districts of mainland Portugal.
Mainland Portugal will enter an Alert Situation yesterday at 20.00 hrs until the 4th, in view of the forecast of “a significant increase in the risk of rural fire”, the Government announced yesterday.
All details have been posted on the Safe Communities Portugal Facebook page
Shark sighted Tavira
The alleged sighting by people of a shark on Terra Estreita beach, in Tavira, Algarve, led, on Sunday afternoon, to the raising of the red flag in three beaches for about an hour and a half. During this period, a water scooter travelled the coast, but found no sight of the shark.
Rui Andrade, Commander of the Captaincy of Tavira, said that the alert was given by the lifeguard from Terra Estreita beach, located in Santa Luzia, Tavira, at about 13.20 hours, following reports by bathers who said they had seen a shark approaching the coast.
“In order to safeguard the integrity of the people, as always happens in these cases, we ordered the flag to be hoisted on three beaches, Terra Estreita, Barril and Ilha de Tavira. Then, the area was covered by a personal watercraft, but there were no sightings”.
The occurrence concluded at about 14.45 hours, when the green flag was raised again and bathers on the three beaches were able to return to the water.
 
 
 
Saturday 1th of August
Covid 19 Situation
Yesterday, the Algarve region has 266 active cases and 583 people who have already recovered from the disease, according to the report of the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro.
The counties with the most active cases are Loulé (53), Albufeira (49) and Faro (43), while Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Vila do Bispo do not register any infection. The number of recovered people rose to 583, with a rate of 67.3%, lower than the previous week’s Situation Point.
In the Algarve hospitals 10 patients are hospitalized, five of them in intensive care and 93 have been discharged since the beginning of the pandemic, while 642 people are under active surveillance.
Regarding deaths, the Regional Health Authority, which provides the data to the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, reveals that 17 people have already died from covid-19 in the region, although the Directorate-General for Health only registered 15. According to one source of the Regional Health Administration, these “two deaths occurred in the region, but people did not have residence in the Algarve”, he revealed to JA.
Marcelo says that specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority”
The existence of a specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority”, this Friday, July 31, defended the President of the Republic, after a meeting with business associations in the region, in Tavira.
At the end of this hearing, at the Hotel Vila Galé Albacora, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considered that the Algarve “needs a redoubled and specific attention”. “There is no other region in the country that depends so much on tourism, a sector that hit the bottom,” he said. The Government has already announced the elaboration of a specific recovery plan for the region, something that Rui Rio, president of PSD, also mentioned, in a recent visit to the Algarve, to be necessary.
“When the Government spoke of a specific plan for the Algarve and I saw the opposition leader talking about it, I thought it was a good sign that they understood that this is a national priority. It is neither the government nor the opposition. It belongs to everyone”, stated Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, speaking to journalists.
The Municipality of Silves has distributed food baskets to 23 households in the municipality.
The baskets are the result of a donation made by elements of the foreign community and were destined to socioeconomically deprived households, residing in several parishes in the municipality, and referenced by the municipal Social Action Sector.
In a press release, the municipality states that the baskets delivered were made up of essential products, including dairy products, olive oil, grain, beans, canned goods, pasta and crackers.
In the same note sent to the media, the Municipality of Silves “thanks the entire foreign community involved for the generous offer of these products, which naturally made a big difference in the daily lives of these families” who were more vulnerable due to the pandemic situation that we currently go through.
Algarve Situation Report Wednesday July 29th 2020
Covid-19:
67.4% of Algarvian patients with Covid-19 have recovered, according to the regional data to which South Information had access.
Thus, of the 841 cases that the Regional Health Authority reports in relation to yesterday, 27 July, there were already 567 people recovered, while the number of deaths has remained at 17 since the beginning of June. This means that the number of active cases across the region now stands at just 257.
The municipality that still has the most active cases is Albufeira (50), followed by Loulé and Faro, both with 46. Castro Marim, despite having had three confirmed cases, a long time ago that has no active case.
Vila do Bispo and Alcoutim remain the only two municipalities in the Algarve where, so far, no positive cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed.
In the past few days, an outbreak that affected 6 people of the same family was reported, two of whom worked in a restaurant in Armação de Pêra. The restaurant, as well as an ice cream parlour, were closed as a precaution, but the outbreak is already contained.
However, for some days now, the figures communicated by the Regional Health Authority to mayors and other officials in the Algarve are below the numbers announced by DGS. The first totals 841 (no new cases today), the second 853 (no new cases for two days).
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/07/covid-19-674-dos-doentes-algarvios-ja-recuperaram-pelo-que-casos-ativos-diminuem-mapa/
Progressive recovery measures do not satisfy companies in the Algarve – hoteliers
The president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) considered today that the progressive recovery measures approved on Monday by the Government “do not satisfy” companies in the region’s tourism sector.
“These measures may, perhaps, adjust to the needs and requirements of other sectors of activity in the rest of the country, but they do not, of course, satisfy the situation in the Algarve,” said Elidérico Viegas.
The leader spoke after a meeting of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, with businessmen and unions in the region, held at the headquarters of Turismo do Algarve, in Faro.
“The Secretary of State came to announce the measures that the Government approved for the country, not for the Algarve, nor for tourism. What was expected was that there could be positive discrimination measures for the region, much more affected than the rest of the country, given its dependence on a single sector of activity “, stressed the leader of AHETA.
Extraordinary support for the progressive resumption, which will be in effect between August and December, may be requested by companies with a break in revenue equal to or greater than 40% “as of the end of next week”, announced on Monday the Minister of Labor , Solidarity and Social Security.
The additional support for companies with a break in sales of 75% or more can only be requested in September, but will have retroactive effects to August, said the minister.
Extraordinary support for the progressive recovery was provided for in the Economic and Social Stabilization Program (PEES) but did not include new additional support for companies with a break in sales equal to or greater than 75%.
Albufeira – Beach safety reminder
The Albufeira Town Council (Algarve) launched a campaign on the municipality’s beaches, alerting bathers to risky behaviours, not only due to the covid-19 pandemic but also due to the instability of the cliffs, was announced today.
Under the motto ‘Albufeira safe beaches’, the awareness campaign calls on users of the beaches to adopt “protective measures and respect for the signs existing at the entrance to the beaches”, the municipality said in a statement.
Through information available in Portuguese and English, the rules for responsible use in the 25 bathing areas of the municipality and the duties of bathers are pointed out in actions promoted by the Municipal Civil Protection Service.
Started on June 6, the campaign will continue until September, with awareness actions reinforced on the beaches through a tent that provides information between 9:30 am and 11:30 am.
For the Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, cited in the document, the objective is to alert vacationers “to the importance of a preventive attitude, calling attention to avoid behaviours that jeopardize the health and safety of all”.
According to the mayor, the municipality “did not spare efforts to ensure that the bathing season runs safely”, not only due to the pandemic caused by the covid-19, but also due to the danger of the cliffs falling.
The initiative aims to alert to the problem of cliff instability due to natural erosion, with the adoption of preventive measures, namely, when beach users seek shelter from the sun and wind at the base of the cliffs, whose risk of falling debris is permanent.
Beaches
Beachgoers complain about Non-Compliance with Rules
Users of Manta Rota beach have complained about non-compliance with rules to contain the covid-19 pandemic, but the Vila Real de Santo António City Council has ensured that the bathing areas of municipality “is obeyed as stipulated”.
Célia Santos frequents the Algarve beach and told the Lusa agency that, last Sunday, she was able to verify on the beach of Manta Rota that the beach was “crowded” and people were positioned “without taking into account any measure of contingency and social distancing”.
“The capacity of the beach is largely exceeded and there is no inspection of compliance with it. There is no social distance. There is no indication of the capacity of the beach, such as signs or flags”, criticized the user of that beach in the district of Faro.
The same source pointed out that he could also see on the beach access walkway “crowded people”, who “did not wear masks” and “did not respect social distance.
“The standards are not being monitored or respected. There is no intervention by the authorities. The enjoyment of these public spaces in the context of the covid-19 pandemic is an attack on public health”, also considered Célia Santos.
Carlos Sousa, who has been on vacation in the area for about a week and has been attending the Algarve beach, said that “the situation of non-compliance or greater proximity between people usually occurs”.
Algarve Situation Report Monday 27th July 2020
The President kept his promise to visit the Home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime.
The visit took place yesterday afternoon, in the presence of the home director, the Mayor of Loulé – Vítor Aleixo, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Coordinator of the response to the pandemic by covid.19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário and the District Commander Civil Protection, Vaz Pinto, among other entities.
The Boliqueime home registered an outbreak of covid-19 in early April, with dozens of infected users and employees (40), and 5 fatalities among users.
The President of the Republic, assumed that “it was an honour and a pleasure” to have visited the home for the first time, leaving the promise that he will return, “when we all take off our masks”.
Between selfies and many nods, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was toasted by the directors of the home and by the parish priest of Boliqueime who offered an image of the patron saint, São Sebastião.
Then, the President went on foot to the Mother Church, where he attended a mass. From 8:00 pm, he met with the mayors of the Algarve at a working dinner in a restaurant in Querença, also in the municipality of Loulé.
This is the third visit that the head of state has made to the Algarve this month, after Vila Real de Stº António and Lagos.
President of the Republic meets community representatives in Loule
Yesterday President Safe Communities Portugal David Thomas attended small group meeting in Loulé with the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to discuss Covid-19.
The meeting lasted two hours and the president gave his view on various social, economic and political issues concerning both Portugal and overseas, concerning the pandemic.
Safe Communities were able to ask a number of questions reflecting feedback we had received from the foreign community over the last 4 months. We wish to thank the Mayor of Loulé Vitor Aleixo for his very kind invitation.
The President said, I had a meeting with the British community that lives here in Loulé and there was a great effort on their part to do everything, to the extent of their possibilities, to show how they are received, how they live here, how they like to live here, how they want to work for the good relationship between the two countries. Naturally, in the economic part, in the business part, but also in the personal part “, he revealed.
“This is very important, because diplomacy is not just about ambassadors, ministers, governments and heads of state. It is made of people. And the people who live here – and there are many, almost 50 thousand – know the Algarve very well, since the vast majority live here. They know what the reality is, they present the reality and that has a lot of strength to convince, to persuade, first, their compatriots and, later, the political leaders, he reinforced.
In addition to the community residing in this Algarve municipality, there are others working proactively to lift restrictions. The Head of State even spoke of mayors “who are making videos and testimonies of those who live here reach British society. It all helps a lot, it takes time, but it helps”.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was also hopeful that restrictions on flights from Portugal would be lifted by the United Kingdom even before the end of the summer.
“We all expect that and we are working to make it happen. Summer only ends in September. It would be bad if they are not lifted” he said.
 
Algarve Situation Report Saturday 25th July 2020
Covid-19 Statistics
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro today revealed in a statement, based on data provided by the Health Authority, that there are 242 active cases in the Algarve.
So far 808 infected people have been registered, plus 5 in the last 24 hours with 549 recovered, equivalent to 67.9%.
10 people are hospitalized, 5 in the Intensive Care Units. The same source reports 17 deaths in the region. Under active surveillance are 589 people and 88 patients were discharged from hospital.
In relation to the bulletin sent last Friday, July 17, 10 fewer active cases in the region are confirmed, plus 45 cases from Covid.19 and another 35 recovered.
There is less 1 hospitalization, but 2 more in intensive care. The number of deaths is maintained (17). Under active surveillance there are fewer 119 people.
Another 5 patients were discharged from hospital.
President Regional Tourism Algarve reaction to travel corridor
The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) hopes that the British Government’s decision to keep Portugal off the list of safe destinations for travel , known today, will be “finally corrected next week, as updates to that list seem which are now weekly ”.
“There are changes all the time on the part of the British Government, let us hope that they finally get it right,” said João Fernandes, speaking to Sul Informação .
The official stressed that this is a decision that the RTA regrets and that “cannot be matched in what is the testimony, through many channels and in many ways, of those who know us best, who are the British who live among us”.
It is also not the opinion of “those who visit us and continue to visit”, he added, recalling that “we have connections to twenty airports in the United Kingdom that continue to operate since mid-June, with normality”.
“83% of British overnight stays in Portugal, at this time of year, happen in the Algarve and Madeira, which are specially prepared regions and with lower epidemiological rates than many of the countries that place travel restrictions on Portugal», he explained.
Reaction by president AHETA
The President of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve, transmitted said yesterday that the decision of the United Kingdom Government to maintain the exclusion of Portugal from the list of safe destinations, and for this reason to force passengers to quarantine, “is a huge disappointment”.
For Elidérico Viegas, the expectation was that the British would reverse the situation. The representative of the Algarve hoteliers, said that the numbers are not encouraging for the hotel industry, with similar activities such as the restaurant and tourist companies, also feeling the effects of the scarcity of British tourists He feared that the measure to remain if, “it not only compromises the activity in the high season, but also in the tourist golf sector, which starts from September and develops until November, being another important sector for the region’s economy”.
The president of AHETA, stresses that it would be positive if the measure were reversed, noting that in these assessments by the British Government “there appear to be criteria other than the pandemic”. As a result, he asks Portuguese diplomacy, to sweeten the decisions, “we know that some work has been done, probably more needs to be done”.
Elidérico Viegas speaks of an “atypical summer”, and recalls that the Algarve region is a safe destination, “since the hotel units reopened, no outbreaks in hotels have been heard, precisely because there is this care to be safe places” , concluded.
Other countries maintain restrictions on travellers from Portugal, such as Austria, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Finland or Belgium.
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Friday 24th July 2020
Irish ‘will continue’ to travel to the Algarve, even with Portugal off the green list
João Fernandes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region, believes that the Irish “will continue” to seek the Algarve, because “the decision does not change the possibility of traveling”.
According to João Fernandes, “the rules that are now in force remain» and Faro Airport «maintains six routes, with two airlines, to five Irish cities”.
The official considers that the occupation of the flights “has been doing quite well, given the circumstances. We know that both these flights, as well as flights from the United Kingdom, have occupancy rates less achieved than other markets, but we are talking about rates that are making operations feasible”.
Therefore, João Fernandes believes that the Irish “will continue to travel” to the Algarve, even though they have to be subject to quarantine on their return to their country.
“The Irish have a strong connection to the Algarve. It is one of our top five markets. There are a lot of people with investments in the region who spend most of the year here. I think that, due to this decision [by the Irish government], there will be no changes in the demand that currently exists », since the flights were resumed.
The chairman of Turismo do Algarve also stresses that “the list in Ireland is much more restrictive than those drawn up by other countries” and that “the Government, despite having approved this list, continues to advise to avoid non-essential trips”.
Marcelo promised and will go to Boliqueime to visit the elderly at the Santa Casa home
The President of the Republic will be in Loulé on Sunday, the 26th, to, as promised, visit the nursing home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Loulé, where the most lethal focus of Covid-19 in the region was registered.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will personally greet users and employees of the institution, to whom he had already sent a message of “friendship and gratitude” during a video call that he maintained with Sílvia Sebastião, the SCM provider in Boliqueime.
At the time, the head of state was invited to visit the home – after he said that he expected to go there and that he expected an invitation – and will now be present at the institution, where five deaths due to Covid-19 were recorded, all of users, and there were four dozen infected, mostly elderly, but also some employees.
The visit program also includes a session at the Igreja Matriz de Boliqueime and a dinner in Querença.
 
 
Algarve Situation Report Thursday 23rd July 2020
UK studies Algarve method of combating Covid-19
Scientists from the UK Science & Innovation Network Office have met with the Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC) with the aim of implementing, in the United Kingdom, the pool method that allows analysis to be carried out “more quickly and cheaply”.
The news was advanced by the newspaper the Telegraph which, in its edition of last Sunday, 19 July, wrote that the United Kingdom “turned to Portugal” and to its “massive tests” strategy to Covid-19.
Is that this method, writes the newspaper that can “help prevent the progress of the disease, reducing the number of deaths”.
Nuno Marques, president of ABC, explained to Sul Informação that he met with British scientists met, in June, with the Algarve Biomedical Centre to “explain our pooling protocol” to them, developed by this consortium that joins the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) and the University of Algarve (UAlg).
For Nuno Marques, this international interest (there have also been meetings with Spanish, Italian and Polish entities) is proof of the work that ABC has been developing in the fight against Covid-19.
“It is an acknowledgment for ABC and for our work, mainly because we are combining the issue of research with its practical execution”, he considered.
And this interest comes even from countries that excluded Portugal from the list of safe countries … like the United Kingdom. This decision, said Nuno Marques, was made using only “a single indicator: the number of cases per 100 thousand inhabitants”.
 
Integrated Medical Emergency System reinforces seasonal ambulances in the Algarve
The Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM) has been reinforced with eight seasonal ambulances to increase the response capacity in regions of the country where the population increases in the summer, announced today the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM).
In a statement sent to the newsrooms, INEM explains that the measure was implemented through seasonal protocols with eight entities: the volunteer firefighters of Terras de Bouro, Grândola, Canha and Albufeira, and the delegations of the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP) of Vilar Formoso, Faro-Loulé, Silves-Albufeira and Olhão.
Stressing that these partnerships ensure the action of an emergency ambulance 24 hours a day with the necessary crew, INEM assumes the payment of expenses and also defends that these protocols seek to “guarantee a better response to situations of accident or sudden illness”.
SIEM, which is coordinated by INEM, is made up of 364 Medical Emergency Posts (PEM) distributed over 308 municipalities in Portugal, with ambulances assigned to their service, in addition to 56 medical emergency ambulances and another 40 for immediate life support, and a set of multidisciplinary medical emergency means, with 44 emergency and resuscitation medical vehicles and four helicopters.
Covid.19: Uninfected construction site workers, housed at the Loulé ZAP
The Municipality of Loulé informed that, following a new outbreak of the disease among workers at a construction site taking place in the municipality (Quinta da Ombria), dozens of people linked to the construction company responsible for carrying out the work were tested. .
In a statement, the municipality indicates that the Health Authority, in conjunction with the Municipality of Loulé and other civil protection entities, “conducted a contact screening, with the prophylactic isolation of individuals who tested positive”.
According to the same source, the infected workers are now properly separated from the rest of their colleagues. For this purpose, the municipality opened a Population Support Zone (ZAP) in the Spanish pavilion, in Loulé, where workers who were negative in the screening tests were housed.
The Municipal Service of Civil Protection and Security in the Forest has also collaborated with the National Republican Guard in the daily control actions of workers positive for COVID-19 and who are in confinement in the homes of the construction company.
For reasons of prevention and safety of the entire community, the Municipality requested the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) to carry out tests on all employees of the nursing homes of Tôr, Salir and Querença, the results of which, for all 108 employees tested, were negative.
 
 
Portugal situation report – Wednesday 22^nd July 2020
Introduction
Good morning. The decrease in daily cases of Covid-19 continued again yesterday with 127 cases confirmed, the lowest for just over a month. This is obviously a pleasing development and one hopes it is the start of a steeper decline in lower daily figures than we have recently experienced. Certainly from our own observations and the feedback we constantly receive there is general compliance with the rules and certainly with regards to social distancing, hygiene and the wearing of facemasks, which are essential in preventing new outbreaks.
Despite the fact that we are seeing more visitors this does not so far appear to have resulted in an increase in confirmed cases. However, this is certainly not the time for relaxation and with the possibility of more visitors in August it is essential that they are fully aware of the laws and rules that apply here in Portugal, and follow them.
One issue I would like to raise again is the responsible use of social media – or I should say irresponsible. Whereas people are rightly quick to cricise the UK media when they make speculative and inaccurate comments about Portugal and its tackling of Covid-19, it is often the same people who themselves make equally damaging comments on certain Facebook groups in the Algarve.
One example two days ago on a Facebook group was: “Has anyone heard that the Portuguese/Spanish border – is closed – any rumour on this welcome” – or words to that effect. Over 100 comments! As it is in English there is the potential for this sort of distorted information to be picked up by UK residents and suddenly guess what – it becomes fact! This makes our job more difficult and could also misrepresent in the UK the correct situation here in Portugal. Unfortunately such groups have no Admin monitoring! Please do not add to or spread unsubstantiated information or gossip.
Yesterday we reported on the thunderstorms that hit Portugal overnight on Monday causing at least 12 fires according to the ANEPC. We now have more detail that on the night of July 20 and early morning of July 21, the instability associated with a depression in altitude, centred in the southwest of Lisbon and in a slow movement to the northeast, gave rise to strong electrical activity in the central and southern areas. The number of electric discharges was over 13,000 and those that hit the ground, recorded between 2100 hrs on the 20th and 0900 hrs on the 21st, was over 2600 “, explained the IPMA in a statement.
On the subject of fires there was an SMS by the ANEPC to four districts yesterday due to maximum red alert being issued. In one of these Portalegre we monitored closely a fire that broke out in the afternoon.
I wish you all a Safe day.
DGS Covid-19 statistics
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) announced on Tuesday the existence of 1,697 deaths and 48,898 cases of Covid-19 in Portugal, since the beginning of the pandemic.
The number of deaths rose, from Monday to Tuesday by six and the number of confirmed cases by 127, which corresponds to an increase of 0.3%. This is the lowest daily increase in confirmed cases for over a month.
There are 439 hospitalized patients, 15 fewer than yesterday. 62 are in Intensive Care Units, one more compared to Monday.
The number of recovered cases rose from 33,547 to 33,769, plus 222.
Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, where there have been several outbreaks, register 24,470 cases today, 101 more than Monday.
In percentage terms, in the last 24 hours, the increase in deaths was 0.4% (from 1,691 to 1,697) and that of confirmed cases was 0.3% (from 48,771 to 48,898).
Lisbon and the Tagus Valley is the region where the increase in cases continues to be more significant, accounting for 79.5% of new cases, with 101 out of 127 accounted for. It was also in the Lisbon area that the six fatalities due to covid-19 recorded in the last 24 hours occurred.
In number of cases, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo leads with 24,470, followed by the North region (18,372, with 11 new cases), the Center region (4,367, with six new cases), the Algarve (792 and two new cases) and the Alentejo (636, one more case).
In the Azores, there was another case of covid-19 in the last 24 hours, now increasing to 159, maintaining the number of deaths (15), while in Madeira there was no increase in cases (it remains at 102) and remains unrecorded.
Health
Lisbon Metropolitan Area
The Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, affirmed that the control of the pandemic in the 19 parishes in the Metropolitan Area of ​​Lisbon (AML) that are in a state of calamity due to Covid-19 records “a clearly positive evolution”, with 65 active outbreaks.
At the end of a meeting to monitor Covid-19’s prevention and control strategy at AML, which took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Lisbon, Eduardo Cabrita said, however, that it is necessary to “continue this monitoring effort very closely, guaranteeing the monitoring by multidisciplinary teams of all cases that have been detected and that are today less than they were two weeks ago”.
“This evolution is nationally positive, it is characterized, today, by an identification of the cases that occur in each parish and with a very concrete identification of the set of outbreaks that are being verified in each municipality”, he added.
Covid-19: Rises to 14 number of infected in outbreak in Torres Vedras hypermarket
Cases of infection with covid-19 in a hypermarket of the Sonae Group in Torres Vedras, in the district of Lisbon, rose to 14, said a public health source in the Lisbon and Vale region yesterday.
A Public Health source in the region of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo told the agency Lusa that the positive cases among employees of the hypermarket and the stores there, increased from six to 14. More than 100 workers had been tested.
Without confirming or giving data on the number of infected and tested employees, the Continente hypermarket chain confirmed to Lusa that, “as indicated by the local Health Authority and with the objective of preventing and early detection of cases, all employees of Continente Modelo Torres Vedras and the stores in the commercial gallery, although asymptomatic “, were going to be tested. Hypermarket and shops are open.
The company clarified that, “under the Contingency Plan of Sonae MC in any case of suspicion of covid-19 or of a confirmed employee, the person is removed from the premises and the Health Authority is immediately contacted”. In parallel, the area is cleaned and disinfected.
Among the preventive measures of covid-19, the hypermarket chain checks the temperature and any symptoms to employees, installed acrylic protection barriers in the payment areas and information counters, reinforce the hygiene and cleanliness of the work places, disinfects the trolleys and offers disinfectant gel to customers and employees, as well as gloves and masks to employees.
Torres Vedras registers 189 cases of infection, of which 92 are active, 92 recovered and five people have died.
Covid-19: Risk of air conditioning is very low if maintenance is carried out
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) said yesterday that the risk of transmission of the new coronavirus resulting from the use of air conditioning in closed spaces is very low, as long as the maintenance rules and the space is ventilated.
In an update to the various guidelines it has been publishing, DGS defends that the risk of using HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is considered to be very low, “as long as the rules for safe use, namely their maintenance, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the renewal of air in closed spaces”.
The national health authority recalls that it has closely followed the evolution of scientific knowledge since the first cases of covid-19 were reported and recalls the World Health Organization statement issued earlier this month in which it is reiterated that “transmission occurs mostly through secretions and droplets and close contact with infected people, not excluding the possibility of aerosol transmission”.
“ECDC has the same position” [European Center for Disease Control], he stresses.
In the same publication in which it updates some guidelines, DGS also says that “the risk of using coins and banknotes is considered to be very low as long as hand hygiene rules are complied with”.
In previous guidelines, when the degree of risk of transmission was still unknown, DGS had recommended that, for the protection of users, opt for contactless routes (such as computer applications or contactless cards).
Government will pay masks for schools
The government will fund the masks for the school community, announced the Minister of Education.
Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was speaking yesterday at the Education, Science, Youth and Sports Commission.
On the 18th of May, when the 11th and 12th year students returned to face-to-face classes, the Ministry of Education distributed more than five million masks to schools.
The authority has already announced that the new academic year should start between September 14th and 17th and that three scenarios are foreseen: the face-to-face, which should only be set aside in an exceptional situation and that will privilege pre-school and 1st grade students and 2nd cycles; the mixed, with alternating classes between face-to-face, synchronous classes and guided autonomous work; and not in person i.e., remotely.
Enforcement
Person infected with covid-19 was detained by GNR for walking on the street
A 27-year-old man infected with covid-19 was detained by the GNR in the municipality of Redondo, in the district of Évora, for disregarding the pandemic containment rules.
According to a statement from GNR, the man was detained in the vicinity of the residence where he had to be quarantined, in the town of Montoito, in the Alentejo municipality of Redondo.
“Following the information that two men were circulating on the public road, in breach of their duty of mandatory confinement decreed by the public health authority, the military officers of the guard took steps to locate them”, reports the GNR , indicating they had detained one of them.
The incident was referred to the Judicial Court of Redondo.
Military
29 Military Personnel Infected
The Armed Forces count 29 military personnel infected with the new coronavirus, with no sign of any outbreak, Defense Minister João Gomes Cravinho said yesterday in Leiria.
“Of course, the military is not immune. Every day I get a report on the infection status. Yesterday we had 29 military personnel infected, none of them, fortunately, in any serious situation, and about a hundred military personnel who are not infected, but as a precaution they are quarantined”, informed the government official.
For João Gomes Cravinho, “the first mission of the armed forces is always to safeguard their own capacity for intervention”, which “since the first day has been done within the scope of the Armed Forces”.
The Defense Minister added that he has been receiving information from the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces on a daily basis, who informed him that “there was no outbreak in the military installations”.
Education
Schools in AML Should Resume Face-to-Face Education
Schools in the 19 parishes in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) that are in a state of calamity due to the covid-19 should resume face-to-face education in September, an objective assumed today by the Government and mayors.
“A set of conditions was analyzed that aim at what is everyone’s objective, that the school year be resumed in September, with the objective of resuming face-to-face education”, said the Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, at the end of a meeting to monitor the covid-19 prevention and control strategy at AML, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, in Lisbon.
In addition to the assessment of “clearly positive evolution” in the control of the pandemic in the 19 parishes of the AML that are in a state of calamity until July 31, the meeting between the Government and the five mayors of the affected Town Halls – Lisbon, Sintra, Loures, Amadora and Odivelas – served to “start discussing together how to prepare for the reopening of the school year in early September”.
“Only face-to-face education guarantees the fight against inequalities, guarantees proximity, guarantees the fullness of social support measures that, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and municipalities, will be promoted in educational communities”, said Eduardo Cabrita.
In this sense, the five municipalities where the 19 parishes concerned are located, together with the Ministry of Education and with the involvement of educational communities, “will work intensely in the coming weeks” to guarantee the goal of starting the next academic year 2020 / 21 with the resumption of classroom teaching.
Other news
Sintra mountains – traffic closures due to fire risk
Traffic in the Sintra mountains has been closed between 00:01 hrs on Wednesday and until the end of Saturday, due to the risk of fire in the municipality, the municipality stated yesterday.
In a statement, the municipality of Lisbon explained that in the forest perimeter of the Serra de Sintra the “prohibition of circulation, parking and remaining of vehicles” comes into effect.
The measure is in effect between 00:00 on Wednesday and 23:59 on Saturday, and it does not apply to “vehicles of residents and companies based there, public passenger transport, rescue vehicles, emergency vehicles and entities members of the Municipal Civil Protection System”.
“There is an urgent need to preserve the Sintra mountain range, UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization], and defend it for generations to come”, highlights the note.
The municipality recalls that for the municipality of Sintra the risk of rural fire is expected to be high on Wednesday and Thursday and very high between Friday and Saturday.
“The Serra de Sintra is part of a classified protection region sensitive to the risk of forest fire, characterized by a high number of visitors. Thus, it becomes essential to ensure their protection, maintenance and conservation considered objectives of public interest, worldwide, national and municipal, he adds.
The municipality also explains that this ban will be evaluated every 12 hours, and can be “aggravated or reduced, taking into account the conditions that may be registered”.
The Câmara de Sintra will also provide “free transportation” from the two peripheral car parks to the Serra de Sintra, located in Portela de Sintra and Cavaleira, to the Sintra train station.
Region Reports
Madeira Situation Report 22^Nd July 2020
Madeira has eight active cases of covid-19 infection, detected in the screening carried out at the region’s Airport, totalling 102 infected and 94 recovered patients, the health authority said yesterday.
In the epidemiological bulletin distributed by the Institute of Health Administration (IASAÚDE), it can be read that, “until the end of July 20, 1,559 notifications of suspected cases of covid-19 were recorded in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, 1,457 of which have not been confirmed”.
The eight cases that remain active “are imported” and were “identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport”, in Funchal.
Of these patients, four “were transferred” from the Inpatient Unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, in Funchal, to a hotel unit, “where they will remain in isolation and accompanied by health authorities”, with the rest being in their own home.
“To date, 10,592 people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the ‘MadeiraSafeToDiscover’ application, and 4,566 are under active surveillance”, mentions IASAÚDE.
In the traveller screening operation carried out at the airports of Madeira and Porto Santo, “there is a cumulative total of 9,923 harvests for testing the covid-19 carried out on site” until 6:30 pm today.
As for the total number of tests carried out in Madeira, the regional health authority indicates that “35,711 samples were processed by the end of the 20th”.
Covid-19 Madeira Assembly Plenary Sessions with all Deputies from 15^th September
The plenary sessions of the Madeira Assembly will once again take place with all elected deputies, 47, representing five parties (PSD, PS, CDS, JPP, CDU), as of September 15, announced today the president of the regional parliament.
“It was decided that as of September 15, if there is no resurgence of the pandemic, the plenary will now have the 47 deputies in office, instead of the operating and deliberation quorum that we had been adopting in this period more difficult to confine and gradually de-define parliamentary work ”, declared the president of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira (ALM).
José Manuel Rodrigues (CDS-PP) was speaking at a press conference, after the meeting of the Conference of Representatives of the Parties with a seat in the island parliament.
The Legislative Assembly of Madeira is composed of 47 deputies, being 21 from PSD, 19 from PS, three from CDS, three from JPP and one from PCP.
The president of the island parliament also informed that the ALM will invest in the remodeling of the audio-visual media, to allow the creation of a parliament channel in the medium term, and in the facilities destined to the journalists who cover the parliamentary activity.
One of the projects, he said, is “the remodelling of the journalists’ room, which will be transformed into an auditorium and also into a support room for professionals who cover parliamentary work, with better physical and technical conditions”.
Another planned investment highlighted by José Manuel Rodrigues is in the “audio-visual media of the regional parliament, in the sense that in the medium term ALM may have a parliamentary channel, similar to what happens with the Assembly of the Republic and other regional and the national parliaments”.
Algarve
Brussels Agreement: 300 million euros to be paid to the Algarve
The president of AMAP yesterday said it was “extraordinary” the result of the negotiations carried out by Portugal in the European Union and which allowed 300 million euros to be allocated to the region to face the fall in tourism.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister and, in a way, those representatives of the different States that managed to reach a good agreement. Then, I was pleased that the Prime Minister paid special attention to the Algarve, which means that he realizes the difficulties we have been through and that our concerns have come to him ”, said António Pina, President of AMAL speaking to Lusa.
António Pina, who holds the presidency of AMAL with that of the Chamber of Olhão, thus reacted to the agreement reached at dawn between the member countries of the European Union to relaunch the economy after the crisis caused by the pandemic of covid-19 and which he attributes to Portugal, with the long-term budget of the European Union (EU) and the Recovery Fund, 45 billion euros in subsidies, earmarking 300 million euros to the Algarve.
The President of AMAL warned, however, that the Algarve “has more ambitions” for the amount of 45 billion euros and is preparing a recovery plan with investments in the areas of health, water collection and distribution or in the area ports, which he also wants to see also included in that package.
The representative of the 16 municipalities in the district of Faro pointed out that, “in relation to the 300 million, and since there is talk of a strengthening of the regional OP [Operational Program], which was in the previous Framework of 320” million, the region it is “practically 100% reinforced, and this is extraordinary”.
New ARS Algarve data centre is “the largest in the region”
The Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve has, since the beginning of July, a new modular data centre, “modern, safe, with more storage capacity and with high energy efficiency”, being “the largest of its kind in the region”.
For the president of ARS Algarve, Paulo Morgado, “this investment in technological innovation aims to provide the Algarve region with an essential infrastructure for the future, which will contribute to improving the quality of IT systems and resources and, thus, reinforcing the proximity between the citizen and health service”.
Installed at the Faro Health Centre, this new equipment, which is based on a 100 percent Portuguese solution, developed by a national company, is part of the Technological Restructuring Project in healthcare provision and represents a total investment of around 400 thousand euros, 60 percent of which are co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, under the CRESC Algarve 2020 Operational Program (OP).
The new data centre will progressively centralize the information technology systems used in primary health care units and that were dispersed throughout the region, in a controlled environment and aimed at High Availability applications, reducing the risk of loss data and facilitating access to them, “implementing a culture of transparency, security, control and monitoring”.
Group of migrants from North Africa land illegally on Ilha do Farol in the Algarve
The group aged around 25 from North Africa were intercepted by the GNR at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 21^st July 2020.
A vessel with 21 migrants from North Africa arrived, at the end of Tuesday afternoon, at Ilha do Farol, in the municipality of Faro. The group was caught by the GNR already on the beach and sent to a pavilion in Olhão.
According to the commander of the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment, Nuno Marinho, the vessel was still detected at sea by the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC), by GNR, and were intercepted by military personnel, at 7.30 pm on the beach. They appeared to be “in good health”, although one of them was using crutches.
The group offered no resistance to being arrested and, after 10:30 pm, they were transferred on a bus from the Municipal Fire Department of Olhão to the pavilion where they will have spent the night, located in an isolated area. Shortly before, Nuno Marinho had guaranteed that they will all be tested at covid-19 and, later, handed over to the guard of the Aliens and Borders Service.
In the operation, about 20 members of the GNR participated, who, after detecting the group, “started a series of steps” to check if any had fleeded. Everything points to the fact that they have all been caught by the military.
Since December, 69 migrants have disembarked in the Algarve on five different occasions.
Azores
Situation Report Azores 21st July – 22nd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority reported on Monday that, from 719 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region, two positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel.
One of the diagnosed cases is a 36-year-old man, a crew member of a vessel that arrived in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and that remained here while waiting for test results.
He is in a stable clinical condition and will be transferred to an accommodation to complete the required isolation.
The rest of the crew members must quarantine on the vessel for a period of 14 days.
The other case is a 51-year-old man, who arrived on Monday, by air from the continent, his pre-arrival tests produced inconclusive results. A second test, taken after arriving in the Region, was positive.
He is also in a stable clinical condition and has been transferred from the airport to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada, for evaluation.
The Regional Health Authority has reported that the 1,023 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours did not reveal positive cases of COVID-19.
The Region has had a total of 161 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease. There are currently only nine active positive cases, seven of which on the island of São Miguel, one on the island Terceira and one on the island of Flores.
 
Algarve Situation Report Tuesday 21st July
Covid-19 statistics
There were no new cases in the Algarve registered since Sunday
The Algarve has 750 cases to date, there are no new infections since yesterday and the number of deaths remains at 15.
In the weekly count by municipality, the Directorate-General for Health records: (accumulated cases):
Albufeira 135 , (2 deaths); Faro – 118; Loulé – 102 , (5 deaths); Portimão – 101 (3 deaths); Lagos – 101; Tavira – 35; Silves – 29; Olhão – 28; Vila Real de Stº António – 17 , ( 2 deaths ); Monchique – 15; Lagoa – 13 , (2 deaths); São Brás de Alportel – 7 , (1 death); Aljezur – 7; Vila do Bispo – 4 and Castro Marim – 4
Algarve Hotel and Tourism School provides over a hundred meals to families in need in Faro

More than 100 prepared meals, 35 servings of cakes and some leftover cooked food are being delivered weekly to the Faro centre of Refood by the School of Hospitality and Tourism of the Algarve (EHTA).
Food is prepared by students in the Management and Kitchen Production class during the face-to-face practical classes that are taking place this July.
In a statement, the School of Hospitality says that the products it has in stock and that need to be made are added to the food that students use in the moments of learning and that then need to be disposed of.
Pastry classes also contribute to these donations with many dozens of doses of desserts, the result of the work developed in the practical sessions.
“We insist on promoting this partnership whenever possible since we have products in stock and we know that there are those who need them. It is the students who do it. Last week we made fish and I already know that for the week it will be rabbit”, says Chef Luis Caboz, trainer at EHTA.
 
Algarve
Covid.19: Person arrested in Faro for not wearing a mask
A 36-year-old man complained to the Faro Public Security Police (PSP), for excessive noise in the area where he lives, on Thursday night, but for not wearing a mask, he may now be subject to a fine.
The individual went to the PSP police station, without a mask or visor, and ended up “detained for injuries and disobedience”, due to the refusal to use protection. The same source adds that the agents warned the man that he had no protection and he refused to comply.
National Maritime Authority rescues six people off Olhão
On the 16th of July, the National Maritime Authority rescued six people who were on board of a recreational vessel, after it had turned in the bar between the island of Armona and the island of Culatra, in Olhão, due to the low depth and the southeast swell that was felt in the place.
The local Command of the Maritime Police of Olhão received, at 7:20 pm, an alert through the Coordination Center for Maritime Search and Rescue of Lisbon (MRCC-Lisbon), reporting the existence of six people who would be adrift after the vessel where they continued to have upset.
The Olhão Lifeboat Station was engaged, which headed for the site using a semi-rigid vessel and with a team from INEM and the Portuguese Red Cross on board, and a vessel from the Olhão Maritime Police was also activated.
The six crew members, all Portuguese, were collected from the water on board the Maritime Police vessel, in good health, and subsequently transported ashore. The semi-rigid lifeguard station towed the injured vessel. The National Maritime Authority reinforces the importance of, before going out to sea, always check the weather forecast and have knowledge of the navigation areas, especially near the port bars.
Missing man was found dead at the bottom of ravine in Aljezur
A man who had been missing for four days was found dead this Saturday, July 18th, at the bottom of a ravine in Aljezur. The location was in the area of ​​Martins Estevens, about three kilometres from his home”. The victim is 62-year-old Armenio Costa, who “must have been involved in a car accident.”
The family members “alerted the GNR and began to search with the help of friends, firefighters and forest sappers”. Thes man lived in the Carrascalinho area and was seen, for the last time, “in a cafe, on Wednesday afternoon, in Aljezur. It was probably when he was going home that he suffered the accident”.
 
Situation Report Sunday 19th of July
Covid-19 Statistics
On Saturday18th July the Algarve had 16 new cases of Covid-19, compared to Friday according to the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). The total number of accumulated cases since the beginning of the pandemic has risen to 780.
José Apolinário highlights the importance of a Government figure in the Algarve
Secretary of State José Apolinário, appointed coordinator of the response to covid-19 in the Algarve, considers it important to have a link between the Government and the region, recognizing the usefulness of improving coordination between public bodies.
“I have tried to be an interlocutor between the Government’s position in the region and to transmit to my colleagues in the Government the signals and alerts that the situation in the region justifies”, said the Secretary of State for Fisheries, questioned by the Lusa agency.
His position, he said, is based on the “idea-force” of Júlio Almeida Carrapato, civil governor of Faro between 1975 and 1980, who argued that in the region it was necessary to have an institutional figure “who would serve as a spokesman for the Government” but also “spokesperson for the region’s services in the central government”. “I have tried to keep that register, with a space for intervention by mayors and district structures”, he said.
Some mayors defend the maintenance of a figure that coordinates the deconcentrated administration of the State in each region even after the end of the pandemic, with the president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), António Pina, defending the “recovery of the figure of civil governor and the effective bet on regionalization”.
For José Apolinário, in the Algarve there is “a feeling of decentralization” that at the moment involves “reinforcing the role of local authorities”. His role as coordinator in the pandemic, he reiterated, has been “a facilitator in the relationship between the different areas of central administration in the region, with the municipalities and the institutions”.
Without specifically answering the question of whether or not to maintain the figure of coordinator in a post-pandemic period and even with more powers, the Secretary of State said that he has sought to “dignify and respect the mandate” entrusted to him and that “the Government it will take stock and assess how this situation will arise”.
Covid-19: Resumption of the river connection from Vila Real de Santo António to Spain
The fluvial route along the Guadiana River between Vila Real de Santo António and the city of Ayamonte (Spain) has already been re-established, after having been interrupted in March, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Portuguese authority announced today.
The reopening of the Portuguese-Spanish river crossing between the Algarve and the autonomous region of Andalusia thus joins the road connection re-established on July 1, between Castro Marim and Ayamonte, through the Guadiana International Bridge, which had also been closed in March , except for the transportation of goods and cross-border workers.
“The river career between Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte has already been resumed, with the international maritime connection between the two border cities being restored,” announced the Vila Real de Santo António Chamber in a statement.
Confirmed cases in Loulé and Faro municipalities
After being detected last Wednesday, some cases of Covid-19, among workers of a construction site, in the municipality of Loulé in Quinta da Umbria, the Mayor of Loulé, informed this morning on Facebook that the ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, conducted tests on all employees of nursing homes in Tôr, Salir and Querença. According to Vítor Aleixo, the results of the 108 employees were all negative.
The municipality’s source confirmed that some cases of Covid.19 were recorded, not giving the exact number, referring that the testing operation for the professionals of the homes was another preventive measure, to prevent possible contagions in the elderly population.
As for infected workers, the same source said that they are being treated and monitored by health entities, together with the authority, Civil Protection, Social Security and GNR. Earlier this week, authorities confirmed an additional 18 cases, linked to construction workers in the municipality of Faro.
According to Rogério Bacalhau, workers are in quarantine to recover, under the responsibility of the health authorities, Civil Protection, Security Forces and the Portuguese Red Cross, which has provided meals and other logistical support. It should be noted that of the 18 infected persons of Brazilian nationality, none are hospitalized. Of the total group, there are 4 who did not report positive, but are under surveillance, said the mayor.
 
Algarve Saturday 18th of July
Covid-19 Algarve has 13 active outbreaks
Portugal currently accounts for a total of 206 active outbreaks in Covid-19, Health Minister Marta Temido announced today at the regular press conference on the evolution of the pandemic in the country. Of these, 13 are in the Algarve and 5 are in the Alentejo.
“It should be noted that we have 41 active outbreaks in the North, 13 in the Center, 134 in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, five in the Alentejo and 13 in the Algarve. This is, in general, the characterization of the country’s epidemiological situation”, affirmed the minister, in the presentation of the daily bulletin of the health authorities, in a sum that makes a total of 206 active outbreaks.
From 10th to the 14th of July the overall RT is 0.96, considering it “constant”, but the “Download a little bit”. At regional level, the distribution of RT is as follows: 1.04 in the North, 0.94 in the Center, 0.94 in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo region, 0.89 in the Alentejo region and 1.17 in the region from the Algarve.
The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, today revealed in a statement, based on data provided by the Health Authority, that there are 232 active cases in the Algarve. So far, 763 infected people have been registered, plus 7 in the last 24 hours with 514 recovered, equivalent to 67.4%.
There are 11 hospitalized patients, with 3 hospitalizations in the Intensive Care Units. The same source reports 17 deaths in the region. There are 708 people under active surveillance. 83 patients were discharged from hospital.
Technical problems concerning 30 ventilators purchased by AMAL Algarve
The 30 hospital ventilators acquired by the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve and offered to the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) “have technical problems” that prevent them from functioning, admitted today the president of the association of Algarve municipalities.
“There are some situations that have been reported to us by the hospital administration that in the tests carried out and that take the machine [fan] to the limit, there is one or another situation that does not accompany this test,” António Pina, president of AMAL, told Lusa. The problem with the functioning of the devices in the hospitals of Portimão and Faro, acquired from a Chinese company, was raised today by the newspaper Correio da Manhã.
António Pina indicated that he is waiting for the final report about the ventilators, noting that there were “other problems with equipment that were not 100%, but that were resolved with the company’s technicians through remote reprogramming”.
“Let’s wait, because it could be resolved with a remote reprogramming with the company in China”, he stressed. The president of AMAL, the entity that aggregates the 16 municipalities in the Algarve, believes that “until the end of next week there may be an answer, a final report, even because of the anxiety that is generated with this issue”.
The mayor of Olhão also said he had been “informally alerted to the problem with the functioning of the devices by the administration of CHUA”, an entity that sends the analysis to the equipment for certification. For his part, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and coordinator of the response to covid-19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário, told Lusa that he hoped that “together with the supplier, a way will be found to resolve the situation”.
Algarve Situation Report Friday 17th July 2020
Covid.19: Moto Clube de Faro criticizes cancellation of this Sunday’s parade
As Moto Clube de Faro announced on Thursday on Facebook, “for reasons beyond our control and without any consistency, the traditional parade through the city will not be held” which would be scheduled for Sunday.
Moto Clube de Faro apologizes for what happened, implying that it does not agree with the decision of the competent authorities, “… We are not together … but separated in ideas and actions”, the message reads.
Last Tuesday, José Amaro announced that they were waiting for the consent of the responsible entities, noting that the patterns of the parade would be the same as in previous editions, “without stops or gatherings of people”. The match would take place on Sunday morning in Vale das Almas towards Faro, “when we get to the city, everyone follows his route”, he stressed.
Despite the impossibility of holding the parade, Moto Clube de Faro organized a symbolic program in order to mark the 39 years of the concentration.
In this way, there is an exhibition of motorcycles, in the building where Zara once went, on Rua de Stº António, between 10 am and 11 pm, with the presence of artisans and a tattoo spot.
Albufeira beaches will have free yoga classes
During the months of July and August, the 26 beaches awarded the Blue Flag in the municipality of Albufeira welcome free Yoga classes, as well as information and environmental awareness, the municipality announced.
This is one of the actions of the municipality’s Environmental Education program, in the sense of providing well-being and physical activities to vacationers, ensuring the safety of all those present and their comfort.
The municipality informs that an information panel on the blue flag program and the marine and coastal environment is installed on each beach that runs the award. This year’s motto is “Back to the Sea… with an attitude of change”. Vacationers can thus gather information about the correct use of bathing areas, the care to be taken in the context of the pandemic, recommendations regarding sun exposure, use of waste disposal containers, existence of a first aid station, lifeguard and respective rescue equipment, as well as interdictions with respect to compliance with the rules of the beach notice.
Yoga classes will take place at 16:00 in July and at 10:00 in August.
This July the classes are on the following days and beaches: 20 – Rocha Baixinha Nascente, 21 – Rocha Baixinha, 22 – Santa Eulália, 23 – Olhos de Água, 24 – Rocha Baixinha Poente, 27 – São Rafael, 28 – Oura, 29 – Oura Leste, 30 – Manuel Lourenço and the 31st – Praia do Evaristo
 
 
Algarve Situation Report 16th July 2020
Covid-19 Situation
The Algarve has 750 cases, plus 25 since Tuesday and remains at 15 deaths to date.
According to DGS these are divided as follows:: Albufeira has 127 , ( 2 deaths ); Faro – 106; Lagos – 95; Portimão – 95 , ( 3 deaths ) ; Loulé – 87 , ( 5 deaths ); Tavira – 35; Silves – 28; Olhão – 25; Vila Real de Stº António – 17, ( 2 deaths ); Monchique – 14; Lagoa – 13 , ( 2 deaths ); São Brás de Alportel – 7 , ( 1 death ); Aljezur – 6; Vila do Bispo – 4; Castro Marim – 4
AMAL meets with businessmen and associations for a strategy to combat the effects of Covid-19
Within the scope of the Special Recovery Plan for the Algarve, the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve (AMAL) promoted yesterday a meeting with businessmen and associations from various economic sectors in the region.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Coordinator for the fight against COVID-19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário, and the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques and had as main objective to make a survey of proposals and contributions to present to the Minister of Economy, within the framework of a regional strategy to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Algarve economy.
From the set of proposals presented during the meeting, AMAL highlights in a statement, three: to extend the possibility of using the simplified Lay-off until Easter 2021 (it is supposed to end on July 31 of this year); guarantee and bet that the Lay-off regime can be combined with training and qualification of human resources who cannot work during this period and also extend the tax and banking moratoriums to a period greater than March 2021.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, after taking note of the various proposals presented, said that she will communicate them to the Minister and that “the plan with the measures for the recovery of the economy should be approved by the end of July”. He also left the guarantee that “on the Government’s side there is urgency and sensitivity for this issue and for the situation that is being experienced in the Algarve region”, words reiterated by the Secretary of State José Apolinário, who reinforced this idea stressing that “the contacts with the government have been frequent and that the executive has been particularly concerned with the economic situation in the Algarve”.
António Pina, President of AMAL, considered “fundamental that we make the concerns of entrepreneurs from all sectors of the region reach the Minister of Economy, because if tourism represents an important slice in our economy, we do not want, nor can we, stop worrying about all the other sectors, especially with the micro companies in our region and their managing partners, who need even more attention at this time”. The mayor also said that “if, on the one hand, we do not know when this pandemic context will end, on the other hand, we are sure that we are evolving into a very complex situation that jeopardizes the survival of many companies in the Algarve”. António Pina concluded, arguing that “although the current situation is quite worrying,
EDP ​​Distribuição signs protocol with Monchique City Council for forest fire prevention
EDP ​​Distribuição has signed a protocol with the Municipality of Monchique, which aims at mutual collaboration in the development of forest fire prevention measures, in municipal and private domains.
This agreement provides for the creation of safety conditions in low voltage electrical lines, as well as for the execution of the respective work to be carried out by mixed teams between the entities involved. According to a statement from EDP, the document also contemplates the intervention of these mixed teams in situations of accumulation of vegetation in the lanes next to the power lines whenever they coincide with the management and fuel bands associated with the municipal road network.
The protocol established between the two entities also provides for the donation of a biotritator, equipment for the disposal of residues from the cleaning of vegetation, which is intended for activities exclusively dedicated to the prevention of forest fires and will be used by the Municipality in these tasks. The equipment was delivered today to the municipality, in a meeting attended by António Leal Sanches, director of EDP Distribuição and Rui André, president of the Municipality of Monchique.
As the operator of a 179,000 km long aerial network, 28,000 of which are installed in forested areas, EDP Distribuição is present throughout the continental territory.
Over the past 12 years, it has invested a total of 88 million euros in the management of vegetation, of which 16 million refer to this year’s investment.
Albufeira extends application period to support fund for companies
Applications for the Albufeira Municipality’s Business and Associative Support Fund have been extended until July 31, the municipality announced.
You can apply for this support, in the amount of 1 million euros, catering and similar activities, trade in retail goods, provision of services, industry and agriculture, by emailing: age@cm-albufeira.pt .
This extension of the final date for the submission of applications, according to the Mayor of Albufeira, aims to “give the opportunity for a greater number of entrepreneurs to gather the necessary documentation for the instruction of these applications”.
Applicants must not have had a turnover in 2019 greater than 150 thousand euros and must demonstrate that they had been open for at least eight consecutive months in the same year, with the exception of seasonal activities.
If the support is approved, the beneficiaries are obliged to keep their respective activities open and to maintain jobs until December 31 of this year.
The Business and Associative Support Fund intends to support the treasury of companies located in the municipality of Albufeira and whose establishments were forced to close due to the covid-19 pandemic, with consequent abrupt declines in their productivity.
Bathing area at Odeleite dam will be ready by the end of the year
The Odeleite Dam Nautical Center will be completed by the end of the year, after the project has been recovered and financed with a loan from the European Investment Bank, Filomena Sintra, vice-mayor of the Municipality of Castro Marim, said.
The work will allow the construction of a structure with swimming pools and a set of supports so that the main dam in the eastern Algarve has bathing use.
Its completion was scheduled for before the summer, but this goal was exceeded due to difficulties in final approval of the project in the first two years of the municipal mandate, when the Castro Marim City Council lost the absolute majority of the PSD, recovered in 2019 after the midterm elections, justified councilwoman Filomena Sintra.
Upon recovering the absolute majority, the PSD launched a new tender, requested a loan of around 400 thousand euros from the European Investment Bank to finance the national contribution of the work, which has a total cost of 700 thousand euros, and delivered the works to a new contractor, after, in the first half of the mandate, the PS opposition and the Castro Marim Primeiro Movement prevented its execution as originally planned, explained Filomena Sintra.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 15th of July
DGS Algarve statistics
In the Algarve, there are 17 new cases of infection to be registered according to the DGS bulletin, there are now 725 occurrences.

• Albufeira has 127 , ( 2 deaths );
• Faro – 106; Lagos – 95;
• Portimão – 95 , ( 3 deaths );
• Loulé – 87 , ( 5 deaths );
• Tavira – 35; Silves – 28 ;
• Olhão – 25;
• Vila Real de Stº António – 17 , ( 2 deaths );
• Monchique – 14; Lagoa – 13 , ( 2 deaths );
• São Brás de Alportel – 7 , ( 1 death );
• Aljezur – 6;
• Vila do Bispo – 4 and
• Castro Marim – 4

Moto Clube de Faro prepares parade “without gatherings”
This year there is no gatherings of the Moto Clube de Faro, due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic Covid.19, but even so, they will not fail to mark their 39 years.
President of Moto Clube de Faro José Amaro stressed that the pandemic “forced us to cancel the gathering as we understand that health is first and we will follow all the rules of the competent authorities”.
He stated that he wishes this situation to pass as soon as possible, “so that next year, we can join together again”. In what would be the concentration week, however, some initiatives are planned at the local level.
José Amaro explained that a motorcycle exhibition opened today, in the building where Zara once went, on Rua de Stº António, and which will be open until next Tuesday from 10 am to 11 pm, with the presence of artisans and tattoos point.
Also in Baixa de Faro, another exhibition of three motorcycle brands, with test-drive, is also planned from Thursday to Saturday.
As for the parade, José Amaro said that they are waiting for the “consent of the responsible entities”, referring that the format will be the similar as in previous events, “but without stops or gatherings of people”. The event will take place as usual on Sunday morning in Vale das Almas towards Faro, “when we get to the city, everyone follows his route”, he stressed. The Moto Clube official said that there are many motorcyclists who came to the Algarve, in the certainty that they will come to visit the city, in other ways that Covid forced.
 
Algarve Tuesday 14th of July
Tourism
Covid-19: Marcelo defends positive discrimination for the tourism sector
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, yesterday talked about “positive discrimination” for the tourism sector, considering that the Algarve is one of the regions where this discrimination is very important.
“Tourism in general, catering, hotels, sectors linked to tourism, deserve positive discrimination and the Algarve is one of the areas where this is very important,” Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told reporters before a dinner with mayors in Lagos, Faro district, Algarve.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa met at a working dinner with the mayors of the Algarve to analyse the economic situation motivated by the pandemic of the covid-19, one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country. The head of state indicated that, according to information obtained from the Government, this “is considering seriously looking at the tourism situation in terms of employment in the future, in addition to what has already been announced, and is very attentive to the situation in the Algarve”.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he hoped that on the 20th, when Ireland released its list of countries at risk, “it could translate into news different from that which could be feared by British influence or proximity”.
Covid-19: Costa hopes that Odiáxere party “will not be repeated anywhere else in the Algarve”
The Prime Minister, António Costa, said yesterday that he is convinced that the countries of the European Union are “finally” realizing that the great increase in the number of cases in Portugal is very localized, assuming that it has also sensitized their European counterparts.
“I have been [sensitized] and I think that finally it started to be perceived in some countries what is the great disparity of the situation in Portugal. We now have a country where the situation is practically very low and then we have 19 parishes, in more than 3,000, where there is a very significant number of new cases”, he said, during a trip to The Hague, during which he also addressed the issue with his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte, as part of efforts to get that message across, which he said he believed was getting through.
António Costa pointed out that “Belgium, for example, yesterday [Sunday] realized this and has already made a very clear distinction between Lisbon and the rest of the country; the Netherlands, which had put Porto together with Lisbon, has already removed Porto”, and revealed that today it had a telephone conversation with its Irish counterpart, with the same concern to explain the situation of the numbers of the covid-19 and the necessary differentiation.
“I also tried to make him aware of this differentiation and that, in particular, areas that are traditional tourist destinations for the Irish, such as the Algarve and Madeira, are in a clearly distinct situation from these 19 parishes”, he said.
According to António Costa, “this message is important, because people see the global numbers by country and then they are often unaware of the situation”.
On today’s decision by the Belgian authorities to place Alentejo and Algarve under orange alert, António Costa devalued the issue, considering that “a mere recommendation to go to the doctor” is not “a great disincentive” for people to travel to these regions, and noted that Belgium even “took care to describe in the box that published the name of the 19 parishes that are under red alert.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Prime Minister noted that, in the reference weeks taken into account, “the Algarve and the Alentejo were hyper-inflated by two absolutely atypical phenomena: the Odiáxere party”, which he said he hoped “will not be repeated anywhere in the Algarve, and the situation in the Reguengos de Monsaraz home”, two situations that resulted in an anomalous number of new cases that do not correspond to the pattern of the regions”.
António Costa underlined the “individual responsibility of each one”, and that “nobody can alienate”, stressing that “nobody can ignore that every time there is a distraction, this has a price, and a very high price”, of health, but “also of economic health of an entire region”, as was the case in Odiáxere, where a party was held that caused a great outbreak.
“May it not be repeated and that people have learned their lesson, because the whole Algarve and the whole country are paying a very high price for that party. Therefore, games like these cannot continue, and I think that everyone has also noticed, and I hope they have another type of behavior”, he concluded.
Couple arrested for carob theft on private property
The GNR Faro Territorial Command, through the Territorial Post of Tavira, yesterday arrested a man and a woman, aged 19 and 17, respectively, in flagrante delicto, for the crime of theft of carob in Tavira.
As GNR advances in a statement, the arrest resulted from a complaint that a couple was stealing carob from a property. The military of the Guard went to the place, “where the suspects intercepted” when they were in the collection of the referred fruit. The suspects were in possession of 180 kilograms of carob, with an approximate value of 144 euros.
The National Republican Guard also confirms that, the detainees were constituted defendants and the facts forwarded to the Faro Judicial Court. It should be added that the same police force, on Saturday, arrested a 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman for the carob theft, this time in Vilamoura.
 
Algarve Monday 13th of July
Covid.19: Truck of Hope travels Algarve until August 14
The Truck of Hope is back on the road and runs between the 9th of July and the 14th of August, the main streets and beaches of six municipalities in the Algarve: Portimão, Albufeira, Olhão, Tavira, Lagos and Lagoa.
The objective of this mission is to contribute to the covid-19 information and diagnosis process in the region, at a time of greater demand by tourists from all over the world during the summer holidays. The Camião da Esperança team advises on good public health practices, conducts tests and has a free nursing station available to the entire population.
After the first mission, which covered 21 municipalities and carried out more than 2500 tests, the Truck of Hope is back, for a mission totally dedicated to the Algarve region. With a focus on informing and testing, the mission aims to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus and collaborate with the Algarve Tourism Region, and municipal executives involved in the international projection and recovery of the Algarve’s image of excellence as a clean and safe.
The Camião da Esperança program includes the following locations and dates: Portimão – 9 to 13 July; Albufeira – 15th to 20th of July; Olhão – 22 to 26 July; Tavira – July 28 to August 1; Lagos – 3 to 7 August; Lagoa – 9 to 14 August. Services are available between 9 am and 2 pm.
Other news Algarve
Authorities identify alleged author of false alarm about child thrown overboard in Portimão
Maritime authorities have identified the alleged author of an anonymous report that said a child had been thrown overboard in Portimão, the case being referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a navy source said today.
Speaking to Lusa agency, Portimão Port commander, Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços, specified that the maritime authorities were able to identify a woman, resident in Portimão, as the alleged author of “an electronic document sent last Thursday and that reported that a three-month-old child had been thrown overboard at Praia da Rocha”.
“The e-mail contained ‘three-month-old child thrown overboard at Praia da Rocha, please look for the child’,” explained the official.
According to Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços, shortly after the communication was received, “search procedures were launched at sea and on land, and after several hours it was verified that this was a false alarm”. The operations, which took place during Thursday afternoon, involved several personnel and means of the Maritime Police, the Ferragudo Life-Saving Station, Civil Protection, the Republican National Guard and the voluntary firefighters of Portimão.
GNR detains four individuals caught in the act of stealing items from a car in Boliqueime
Four men, aged between 29 and 48, were arrested by the GNR last Friday caught in the act of theft from vehicles in Boliqueime.When investigations were taking place in the context of an investigation into theft of a vehicle, the military of the Guard “detected the four individuals stealing tools that were inside, having intercepted and detained the four suspects”, the GNR stated.
A search was made for the residence of one of the suspects, and several car wheels and tires were seized; nine cannabis plants; an induction hob; a 6.35mm calibre pistol; various civil construction tools (drills, screwdrivers and angle grinders) and a vehicle used in the practice of the crime.
The suspects were present yesterday at the Faro Judicial Court, with one of them being held in preventive detention in prison in Olhão. For the remaining three, bail conditions consist of biweekly presentations to the GNR. The action had the reinforcement of the Territorial Detachment of Albufeira and the Detachment of Intervention of Faro.
PSP intercept young people who consumed alcohol on the street in Faro
At dawn on Saturday in Faro, the police intercepted a group of young people who consumed alcohol on the street. Two foreigners were eventually arrested.
The PSP stated that the agents had been injured after, they approached the group. The nine young men say there was no conversation or warning.
The police have been on foot patrol to control the gatherings, social distance and opening hours. The law says that after 11 pm, establishments cannot receive more customers, even if they continue to serve those who are already there. Businessmen and tourists are still adapting, while the authorities are tightening up with compliance with the rules.
Sunday 12th of July
Covid 19 Situation
The epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) this Saturday, 11th of July, attributes 7 more cases of Covid-19 to the Algarve, bringing the total numbers of accumulated cases to 695.
Covid.19: Tests on employees and the elderly at Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Loulé are all negative
The local authority of Loulé confirmed this morning on Facebook, that after tests were carried out on 119 employees and 166 elderly people in the home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Loulé, all of them were negative.
The operation, which was carried out by ABC (Algarve Biomedical Center), tested 235 people.
It is recalled that last Thursday a positive case from Covid was confirmed.19, in an official from Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Loulé, leading the Municipality together with the Public Health Authority and the ABC, to carry out screening tests on all employees and elderly people in the home.
FNAJ Action Day in Faro
National “Action Day” of the campaign “Desconfinar Jovem – Sua causa” – Action promoted by the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ), which has the support of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic, of the National School of Public Health of Universidade Nova Lisbon and the District and Regional Youth Associations, took place throughout the country yesterday.
In the Algarve, this took place at Praia de Faro (near the Clube Náutico), in which the Hon. State Secretary, Dr. José Apolinário and other guests participate to accompany dinstitutional guests accompany a youth brigade of 10 members in the distribution of protective material (disposable masks), awareness material and personal gifts (beach pillow with the campaign slogan – “The risk is real. Be this summer’s hero!”
President Safe Communities Portugal David Thomas was invited to participate and spoke with the Secretary of State on the work of Safe Communities Portugal and a number of matters concerning Covid-19
Saturday 11th of Juy
Covid-19 Situation
The number of confirmed cases in the Algarve as of today is 693 an increase of 7 from yesterday. Of these 277 are active cases, with 7 in hospital and none in intense care.
A total of 416 have recovered to date i.e. 60.02%
President of AMAL says Covid-19 situation under control in Algarve
The president of AMAL – Comunidade Intermunicipal do Algarve and the regional health delegate said today that the epidemiological situation in the region “is under control”, despite the existence of some specific cases.
Those responsible spoke in Loulé (Faro district), at the fortnightly press conference of the Civil Protection District on the covid-19. The representative of the municipalities, António Pina, said that “there can always be a party tomorrow and there will be a peak, but removing the peaks, the situation is under control”.
Health delegate Ana Cristina Guerreiro revealed that there were an average of seven new cases per day in the last week, totalling 693 positive cases and 17 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, but with no record of fatalities since June 2. There are seven people hospitalized, none in intensive care.
One of the most recent positive cases is that of an employee of a nursing home in Loulé, but the source of the infection is known, “all close contacts are being tested today”. Ana Cristina Guerreiro took the opportunity to reinforce the importance of caregivers for the elderly and children “to have greater attention”, since they deal with more vulnerable populations.
“If you don’t feel well, even if in a light way, call the Saúde 24 line or contact a doctor, looking for help, and they won’t go to work,” he said.
As for the outbreak related to a party in Odiáxere, in the municipality of Lagos, a month later and with “1,900 tests carried out”, there were “142 positive cases, 104 still active and 38 people already recovered”. Regarding the concentration of Dutch young people on vacation in Albufeira, the delegate said that it is “worrying and a risky environment” for the transmission of covid-19, but said she was attentive to try to “find solutions to these risks”.
“It is not an exclusive response from Health, but from everyone. With the lack of definition, there is an increase in risk, so it is necessary to find a balance,”he said.
President of Regional Health Administration Concerned about Flu and Covid-19 this winter
ARS “I understand that people are concerned with summer – and this will not be the same – but, from the point of view of health services, I am more concerned with winter. Every year we have flu, this year will be no exception, but this time there will be flu and Covid-19”. This is the opinion of Paulo Morgado, president of the Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve, left this Friday, July 10th, at the pandemic balance press conference.
The official said that “we have to work so that we can have a winter with some tranquillity”.
Paulo Morgado gave as an example the “reinforcement of the flu vaccine”, already announced by the Government, “with the objective of preventing what will be the next season”. The ARS president revealed that the value of the r (contagion rate) in the Algarve “is less than 1”, which is a good sign, although it is necessary not to let your guard down.
«A negative result is just a photograph of the moment. This does not mean that things do not change days later. There are situations of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people and this aspect is fundamental for us to understand that the determinations of the health authority are not an order of imprisonment, but rather a job to contain the chains of transmission », he stressed.
Paulo Morgado revealed that the Mental Health Office, operating in each of the Health Center Groupings in the Algarve, has already assisted 117 people affected by Covid-19, including patients and health professionals.
Covid.19: Aljezur municipality tests employees after 1 positive case
The Municipality of Aljezur, decided to test the Municipality’s employees, after a worker accused Covid.19. According to a statement from the Chamber, the service to which the worker belongs has been closed, and all colleagues are quarantined.
There are already 7 positive cases in the municipality, of which 6 are recovering at home and 1 is hospitalized. The same communiqué reads that the chain of transmission is identified by the Health Authority, with no community transmission. The council calls for the population to follow the recommendations of the DGS – Directorate-General for Health, as a way of safeguarding public health.

Friday 10th of July
Covid-19 Situation
There are 7 more cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), which has just been released. The region now has a total of 683 confirmed cases, in numbers accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic.
In the neighbouring region of Alentejo, DGS reports that there are 11 new cases of infection, but does not report any more deaths. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Alentejo now totals 562 cases in accumulated numbers.
Enforcement
Prosecutor accuses young man for violating mandatory confinement in Lagos
A 20-year-old man, infected with covid-19, was accused by the Lagos Prosecutor’s Office of a crime of aggravated disobedience. He was caught by the PSP for violating the obligation of confinement at home.
In a statement, the MP reveals that it “filed an indictment for trial in an abbreviated case” against the accused.
The young man, of foreign nationality, was detected by the PSP on June 26 driving a car, “thus violating the obligation of confinement at home that had been imposed on him by the local health authority”. The defendant had tested positive for covid-19 and was prohibited from leaving the house.
Leisure
New Algarve service brings a bartender Home
‘Cocktails’ prepared live by a ‘bartender’ at home is the new service that a bar in Faro is promoting this summer in the Algarve, an idea that emerged during the confinement caused by the pandemic of Covid-19.
The service, which can also be carried out at the request of companies, includes the ‘bartender’ and all the logistics associated with the preparation of drinks, with several menus, including non-alcoholic ‘cocktails’ for children, with gums or ‘marshmallows’.
The project started with “the idea of ​​maintaining the functioning of the bar, the jobs and avoiding gatherings and illegal parties”, said the executive director of the EQEPEC group (acronym for Eu Quero, Eu Pode, Eu Consigo), which is promoting the service.
“Being able to take this service to customers makes more sense than taking ‘take-away’ drinks”, he notes, noting that ‘Barman at home’ is “a turnkey service”, which includes everything: glasses, ice, drinks and even personalized cups for children.
In addition, given the current context, the three ‘bartenders’ available to do the job – among them João Rodrigues, distinguished as the best Portuguese ‘bartender’ in 2016 – complying with “all the required sanitary rules”, guarantees the businessman.
Anonymous report about child falling from cliff leads Police to search
An anonymous report about the possible fall of a child from a cliff in Portimão led the police to undertake a search, so far without success. The authorities suggest that it is a “bad joke”.
“Please, a three-month-old child was thrown from the cliff at Praia da Rocha. Please look for the child.” This anonymous report, sent to the Maritime Police of Portimão, this Thursday, led the authorities to launch a search operation, which proved to be unsuccessful.
The police received the report by email. The sender did not identify himself or provide additional information. According to the commander of the Port of Portimão, Rodrigo Paços Gonzalez, despite being an anonymous complaint, one cannot “rule out any scenarios and the decision was to proceed with the searches”. In the late afternoon, operations were suspended, with no results.
In view of the possibility that it was a “bad joke”, the commander proposes to report the situation to the Public Prosecutor’s Office so that possible criminal responsibilities can be investigated, taking into account the amount of emergency and relief resources required. commit to this operation. In addition to the Maritime Police, the searches involved elements of the Navy, the Instituto de Socorro ao Casufragos and the Voluntary Firefighters of Portimão.
PJ investigates death of man in fire in Portimão restaurant
The Judicial Police (PJ) is investigating the circumstances in which the death of a man occurred on Wednesday night during a fire in a restaurant on Três Castelos beach in Portimão, a police source told Lusa today.
The same source declined to provide further information as the case is under investigation.According to the District Relief Operations Center (CDOS) in Faro, the man, around 50 years old, was found dead during a fire in a restaurant on the Praia dos Três Castelos, near Praia da Rocha, which occurred at 10:30 pm Wednesday.
“When the firefighters arrived at the scene, the man was in cardiorespiratory arrest, and it was not possible to reverse the situation. The death was declared on the spot by the team from the Medical Emergency Institute [INEM],”said the source.
The PJ is now trying to ascertain the circumstances in which the man died, as well as the origin of the fire, which partially affected the beach restaurant. 18 operatives from the Portimão Voluntary Firemen, the Maritime Police, the PJ and INEM were mobilized to the location, supported by nine vehicles.
 
Thursday 9th July 2020
Employment Program for the Algarve to Launch this Month
The Minister of Labour, Ana Mendes Godinho, said today that the Government will launch this month a program of specific employment measures for the Algarve, one of the regions most affected by the impact of the covid-19.
The available data indicatesthat, in May, in this region, more than 27 thousand unemployed were registered in the employment centres, a number that represents an increase of 41% compared to February and 202% compared to the same month of the previous year.
The minister added that the program that is being designed for the Algarve will have specific measures that include professional training, employment support and cooperation with regional partners.
In the report “Employment prospects”, released on Tuesday, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that more than 40% of jobs in the Algarve may be destroyed due to the pandemic, as this is a region in that tourism has a significant weight.
Algarve team wins European competition for solutions to minimize Covid’s impact on tourism
A team from the Algarve who represented Portugal in a European competition for innovative and disruptive solutions in the field of Tourism have won with a project whose main idea is the creation of technological solutions that allow to minimize the impact of Covid-19 in the Tourism sector and enhance new business alternatives.
The winner, among the eight final projects, was the Algarve Safe Tourism project, presented by the team made up of Daniel Guerreiro, of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve), Jorge Cabaço, of the Algarve Strategic Accelerator (ASA), Miguel Fernandes (President of Algarve Evolution and founder of Dengun) and Vanessa Nascimento (Vice President of Algarve Evolution), who developed a solution to facilitate tourist demand, based on advanced technologies (block chain and data collection) and geolocation, informed the CCDR .
According to a note from the CCDR, for three days, the two Algarve teams, representing the Digital Innovation Hub of the Algarve (IHL), powered by the Algarve STP (Systems and Technology Partnership), contributed, in a marathon, without interruption, in the implementation of solutions for two challenges that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic: to develop technological solutions to minimize the economic impacts in the area of ​​Tourism and to propose new business ideas to make the sector more sustainable globally.
CAST (Creative Accelerator for Sustainable Tourism) is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, with the aim of developing a network of incubators, accelerators and technological start-ups, SMEs and financiers, with the aim of forming a European community committed to the promotion and sharing knowledge, the use of technology and collaboration across borders, for a more sustainable tourism sector.
Public Prosecution against order to pay one million Euros to family of victims of cliff fall in 2009
The Public Prosecutor has appealed against the sentence that ordered the Portuguese State to pay more than one million euros to the families of the five persons who died from the collapse of a cliff at Maria Luísa beach, in Albufeira, in 2009.
In the appeal to the Central Administrative Court of the South (TACS), to which the Lusa agency had access yesterday, the Public Ministry expresses “non-conformity” and asks for the “nullity” of the sentence of the Tax and Administrative Fiscal Court (TAF) of Loulé “for excess of pronunciation”, for having condemned the Portuguese State to pay the victims’ families“ amounts higher than those requested by the claimants”.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) also claims in the appeal that the TAF decision in Loulé contains “factual error of judgment” and did not consider “proven facts indicated in the defence, in the process and arising from the testimony of witnesses”, presented at trial and that “imposed a decision different from the defendant”.
“The MP considers that the decision rendered on the matter of fact did not properly analyse the evidence, not having properly identified the facts that were not proven, nor specified, specifically, the decisive grounds for the court’s conviction, that is, it did not proceed to a critical analysis of the evidence, as prescribed”, argues the defence of the Portuguese State.
On May 27, the Loulé Tax and Administrative Court (TAF) ordered the State to pay more than one million euros to the families of the five killed for the collapse of a cliff at Maria Luísa beach, in Albufeira, in the district of Faro, in August 2009.
In the TAF sentence, Judge Patrícia Martins ordered the State to pay around one million and six thousand euros to two families and a survivor, the boyfriend of one of the fatal victims.
 
 
Wednesday 8th of July
GNR Enforcement action in Albufeira
The National Republican Guard (GNR) issued, on Sunday, dozens of administrative fines regarding offences committed by establishments and people in Albufeira, who disregarded the rules imposed due to the pandemic of the covid-19, according to the GNR.
According to the source, GNR was called on Sunday night to disperse hundreds of people of various nationalities who were concentrated on the public road and consuming alcoholic beverages on Rua da Oura – known as “The Strip” in Albufeira – in default the law and recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
“Several administrative offenses were handed out to dozens of people for the consumption of alcoholic beverages and to the owners of establishments that operated outside legally authorized hours,” he said. According to the source, “the infractions detected in that area have been daily”, namely the disregard for the rules imposed due to the covid-19 pandemic, “not only establishments operating after midnight, such as drinking alcohol on public roads ”.
The same source added that the GNR has reinforced actions to raise awareness among people and owners of establishments about the risks that people gather in this pandemic period, clarifying the mandatory use of masks in closed spaces and the distance between them safety.
“Despite the daily reinforcement of awareness-raising actions, people still do not respect the indications,” he said.
For his part, the Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, told Lusa that the municipality will reinforce awareness actions among the owners of the catering and beverage establishments, alerting them to the mandatory compliance with DGS rules.
“As of Wednesday, we will not only have meetings with the owners, but we will have a van circulating on the streets with sound information, where the measures in force in Portugal are indicated,” he said. According to José Carlos Rolo, the abnormal concentrations of people detected in the last few days at Rua da Oura, “have been, above all, young foreigners who are on finalists’ trips, mostly Dutch”.
“I assume that the rules and recommendations in the Netherlands are different from those in force in Portugal and that young people do not wear masks and do not respect the rules of distance, due to lack of knowledge”, he concluded. According to the mayor, the application and enforcement of the rules is being coordinated between the municipality and the GNR, “an entity that has been a judge when it detects non-compliance, namely during the opening hours of the establishments”.
Covid-19: It is necessary to “look forward and fight” for Algarve tourism
The President of the Republic said this Monday, in the Algarve, that it is necessary to “look ahead and fight” for tourism in the region to overcome the losses caused by the exclusion of Portugal from the air corridor with the United Kingdom.
“It is evident that everything is important, now we have to look ahead and we have to fight, first, for tourism that comes from other interesting and important origins, that may come and that will define positions in the coming days. And then the British Government itself said it would rethink in July, let’s see what can be done about this matter”, said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The head of state spoke to journalists in Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo António, before a dinner with the mayors of the Algarve, and representatives of the Tourism Region and tourism business associations.
“It is necessary to pull through the Algarve fast, so that we can produce effects later this year” in tourism, defended Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who wanted to hear the mayors and tourism representatives to try to help the Algarve to overcome the difficulties caused by the covid pandemic -19 and the UK’s decision to force the British to quarantine 14 days on arrival from Portugal.
RTA reminds the Portuguese (and not only) that “Algarve feels good”
“The Algarve looks good on you”. This is how the Algarve Tourism Region appeals to the Portuguese (and not only), to choose the region to spend their holidays.
The new campaign, launched last Saturday, shows Algarve landscapes, from the coast to the interior, after the one that was “a break, an interval in our lives”.
Now, it is highlighted in the video description, “we are back to discover how well this Algarve is doing. The Algarve of sun, sea, gastronomy, culture, nature and many other inspirations. An Algarve that is yours, that is ours. Come, the Algarve is fine for you!”
According to the YouTube channel of the Algarve Tourism Region, the promotional campaign for Turismo do Algarve aims to “motivate not only national tourists, but also foreigners, to enjoy the summer 2020 vacation in the region, reinforcing confidence in the brand Algarve and, consequently, the notoriety of the main tourist destination in the country”.
This motivational film “is starring one of the most successful international travel influencers couples today, Raquel and Miguel, two young Portuguese people who are passionate about travel… and the Algarve, where they wanted to meet each other and love had happened at first View”.
View here: https://youtu.be/cUW2RT06-ys
 
Tuesday 7th of July
GNR Closes establishments in The Strip Albufeira
GNR had to order the closure of establishments on The Strip Rua da Oura, in Albufeira, and to disperse hundreds of people on Sunday night.
The situation was on the verge of uncontrolled when hundreds of young Dutch people, on trips following their finals, huddled in two bars, without masks or safe distancing. It was the owner of one of the establishments who gave the alert. In an interview with SIC, he says he is afraid to open the doors again and the situation will repeat itself.
The Albufeira Chamber wants defined rules for the opening of bars, in order to make it possible for customers to be dispersed. Bars and clubs cannot open, but if they have a snack bar license, they can receive customers until 23:00.
This Monday, more than 2,000 young Dutch people were expected to arrive in Albufeira.
Aljezur first cases
The Aljezur City Council confirmed yesterday the first two positive cases of covid-19 in the municipality, according to a statement released by the municipality on the Facebook page.
“These two cases are identified, they are a couple and are duly monitored by Public Health and local authorities”, says the municipality. The origin of these two cases is the same as that of the Monchique outbreak and “all security measures are being monitored and taken to contain contagion”.
The municipality of Aljezur was one of the only municipalities in the Algarve that still had no cases of covid-19 registered since the beginning of the pandemic, together with Alcoutim and Vila do Bispo.
Albufeira reinforces assistance to bathers in non-concession areas
The Municipality of Albufeira reinforced the means of assistance to bathers in non-concession areas of the municipality, through a vessel, lifeguards and a 4 × 4 vehicle, the municipality announced.
From the beginning of the month until the end of September, several technicians from the Association of Swimmers of Albufeira (ANSA) are available for this mission and with the capacity to use the oxygen therapy device, the communication system and radio with loud voice to communicate at a distance.
This action started on July 1, when the Blue Flag was raised at the Marina of Albufeira and an emergency number was created in a bathing context, which is 915951936.
According to the responsible councillor, Rogério Neto, “this mission guarantees compliance with Decree-Law no. 24/2020, regarding access, occupation and use of bathing beaches in the context of the pandemic of the covid-19 disease, for the time 2020. Lifeguards are empowered, even with pedagogical functions, to ensure compliance with physical and social distance, as well as the use of personal protective equipment”.
In a statement, the Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, “the bases are created for a project that is intended to be broadened, in order to respond to the activity that is recorded throughout the year in the municipality”. “The municipality of Albufeira guarantees good assistance to all beaches in the municipality, through the use of communications and aquatic rescue equipment, in addition to reinforcing patrolling and raising awareness of good practices for bathing on Albufeira’s beaches”, concluded the mayor.
Monday 6th of July
Unemployment in the Algarve
According to data from the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) unemployment in the Algarve increased by more than 200% in May to almost 28 thousand unemployed, reaching mainly the hotel sector, which despairs for the arrival of tourists to mitigate the “blow” of almost three months of losses.
The heat that embraces the Algarve reminds us that July has arrived, unlike tourists, who should be filling the region’s hotels, beaches and restaurants by this time, but who insist on not showing up in the usual amount for the time of year. According to IEFP, in May 2020 the Algarve was the region that registered the largest increase in the number of unemployed registered in the country, with a growth of 202.4%, compared to the same month last year.
“It is a complicated situation, with a very high number of unemployment, which worries us. In February, no one would believe that this would happen, because we had an increasingly dynamic economy, with employment increasing and unemployment decreasing”, says the regional delegate of that institute.
According to Madalena Feu, the increase in unemployment, contrary to the trend of the last few years, has been growing, compared to the same months of 2019: in March there were 21,636 unemployed in the region (41% more), in April another 26,379 (more 120%) and in May 27,675 (plus 202%).
As the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic coincided with the start of hiring for the tourist season, thousands of people were not even hired, while others were dismissed during the trial period. In a normal summer, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts would have around 1,000 people working in the six units in the Algarve – apart from those who are hired by the hour, the day, or the week – but, at the moment, it has only about half, according to the group’s regional director of operations, Jorge Beldade.
“We, in March, when the beginning of this pandemic, were in the beginning of hiring about 350 people at the time. We ended up hiring only 89 and, obviously, all the others stopped being hired and then the hotels closed and we started all people to ‘lay-off’ ”, he says.
In the Algarve, 85% of hotels reopened in June or are now reopening in early July, a number that is encouraging – taking into account the sector’s forecasts at the beginning of the pandemic, which did not indicate that so many units would reopen this year. . After the low season, when it was preparing to enter the tourist season, the region faces a summer “that will not be comparable” to last year and enters a low season again, which, in practice, will be equivalent “to three low seasons in a row ”, summarizes the leader of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA).
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/em-maio-desemprego-aumentou-mais-de-200-no-algarve-/33090-4
Faro Municipal Emergency Plan remains in force
The Municipal Civil Protection Emergency Plan of Faro will continue, following a decision by the Municipal Civil Protection Commission of the district capital, while the current Alert Situation is in effect, the municipality announced.
This measure was taken due to the increase in the population in the municipality during the bathing season and the evolution of the number of people infected in the Algarve region, thus intending to keep active preventive measures and the entire structure of response to the covid-19 pandemic.
The Municipality of Faro recommends that the population “continue to comply with the civic spirit that it has been demonstrating and that it remains informed about the safety and prevention recommendations and measures of the Directorate-General for Health, in particular those that respect the social modesty. and personal hygiene standards, ”he said in a statement.
 
Sunday 5th of July
UK decision will bring “serious damage” to the Algarve, hoteliers say
Tourism in the Algarve will have “serious losses” due to the United Kingdom’s decision to exclude Portugal from the air corridor that exempts citizens from quarantine when returning from travel, considered the main Algarve hotel association.
The president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), Elidérico Viegas, told the agency Lusa that the United Kingdom made a decision “based on criteria that are not very objective” by including Portugal in the list and leaving out other countries where the situation epidemiological impact due to the covid-19 pandemic is more intense than in the Algarve or Portugal.
Elidérico Viegas gave the example of Greece, Italy or Spain, which were considered “green” countries and included in the air corridor with the United Kingdom, which is exempt from quarantine for 14 days when returning from these destinations, despite having registered a number of infected people. “Very distant” from those seen in the Algarve and Portugal.
“The impact is enormous not only for tourism, but also for the wealth of the region and the country itself”, estimated the president of the main hotel association in the Algarve, noting that the United Kingdom represents for the region “6,400,000 overnight stays per year, a third of tourists and overnight stays”and“almost 50% of passengers arriving at Faro airport”.
Elidérico Viegas also pointed out the “2.2 million British tourists who come to the Algarve every year” and considered that “it will not be the same” with these restrictions, even if there are Britons who may “eventually come to the Algarve, either directly or through other countries”.
“We are here before a situation that causes serious damage to the region’s economy and, above all, to the hotel and tourist companies”, anticipated the president of AHETA, who expects “the development of diplomatic and other efforts from the” highest officials in the nation “to revoke the decision “to impose quarantine on the British who return to their country from Portugal.
The measure should “be revoked both for the interest of the Algarve and for British tourists who want to come to the region”, argued Elidérico Viegas.
Faro and Romania “join hands” in the project “The Role of Art in Times of Crisis”
A new project “The Role of Art in Times of Crisis”, was announced yesterday by the Faro2027 team, responsible for the Candidacy of Faro to the European Capital of Culture, in partnership with the Cultural Center of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) and was presented on its website and official social networks Faro2027.
The project includes 28 works by artists from the Algarve and Romania that aim to help the community in general to understand and gain a new perspective on the moment we live in, revealing the fundamental role of art in our society.
According to the same publication, during the state of emergency, a consequence of the pandemic caused by Covid-19, the Faro2027 team launched the challenge to artists from all over the Algarve to develop artistic projects with the aim of informing and making the general public aware about the importance of monitoring and complying with health authorities’ recommendations for the common good. Each artist selected one of the three proposed themes – Together, Responsibility and Heroes – and developed an artistic work in a format easily presented online.
Portimão approves “robust and ambitious” strategy for 10 years in defending the forest against fires
The Municipal Assembly unanimously approved the new Forest Fire Protection Plan, which organizes prevention and combat in the next decade. Under the motto #portimao sem fogos depended todos” last Tuesday, June 30, the Municipal Plan for the Defense of the Forest Against Fires (PMDFCI) was presented, voted and approved unanimously by all members of the parties seated in the Municipal Assembly of Portimão. ) for the next 10 years (2020-2029 / 30).
According to the Municipality in a statement, this is a “robust and ambitious” strategy that included the involvement of entities that contribute to the prevention and fight against rural fires in the municipality.
Although the Municipal Commission for the Defence of the Forest of Portimão also approved, unanimously, on April 30, the Municipal Operational Plan (POM), which materializes the strategy for preventing and fighting rural fires for this year, and which is revised annually, with this plan, the municipality’s strategy for the coming years is materialized and assumed, with regard to the conservation and protection of the county’s rural space.
According to the same document, the Plan now approved, was prepared by the Technical Forestry Office of the Municipal Civil Protection Service and received a favourable opinion from the Municipal Forest Defense Commission and a binding opinion from the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF)), having been approved in unison by the executive of the City Council and by all members of the Municipal Assembly, after a period of public consultation.
 
 
Situation Report Algarve Saturday 4th July
More than 20 thousand tests in the Algarve made with a method that tests 10 people at once
The Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) consortium has already carried out about 20,000 tests on Covid-19 using the pool method, which allows the detection of positive cases in groups of samples tested at once, the president, Nuno Marques, told Lusa.
The president of ABC – a consortium formed by the Hospital and University Center of the Algarve and the University of the Algarve, primarily responsible for testing Covid-19 in the region and in the Alentejo -, explained to the Lusa agency that this type of testing, which he called “sample” grouping “, allows you to test 10 people at once to see if there are positives.
According to Nuno Marques, instead of doing sample by sample tests, several samples are “grouped” and the “high sensitivity of the technique” of the method allows “to detect the existence of positive cases or inconclusive cases in the middle of a group”, increasing the capacity and speed of testing.
“The great benefit is that, during the same testing time, we can do 10 times more tests than those that could be done, greatly increasing laboratory capacity and giving a faster response,” he argued.
Afterwards, individual tests will only be carried out if the grouping sample proves to be positive, underlined Nuno Marques, stressing that, in case the group’s result is negative, everyone learns that they are without the disease.
“Basically, instead of being testing one by one, we make pools – we make groups – and we are testing 10 to 10”, synthesized Nuno Marques, noting that this testing method allows “to greatly increase the test capacity” and the ABC “there are already about 20,000 tests done this way”.
Nuno Marques said that ABC carried out studies to see how many samples he could test at once and found that the number of samples tested at one time could even be greater, but he guaranteed that, “for the sake of complete safety”, the option was for “making pools of 10 samples”.
Vila do Bispo maintains Blue Flag on all beaches
Eeliche, Burgau, Cabanas Velhas, Castelejo, Cordoama, Ingrina, Mareta, Martinhal, Salema, Tonel and Zavial are the beaches that once again carry the Blue Flag, awarded by the Blue Flag Association of Europe (ABAE).
On June 30, the Blue Flags were hoisted on the beaches of the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in a symbolic ceremony that started in Burgau beach, in the presence of the councillors of the Vila do Bispo City Council, Rute Silva and Fernando Santana, from representative of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Élia Cabrita, of the Captain of the Port of Lagos, Conceição Duarte, of the Lieutenant of the Maritime Delegation of Sagres, Costa Sousa, of the representative of the Natural Park of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, Luís Ferreira, and of the presidents of the parishes of Sagres and Vila do Bispo and Raposeira, Luís Paixão and Dino Lourenço, respectively.
As the municipality of Vila do Bispo records in a statement, the award of this award “attests to the quality of the bathing waters of the municipality, the support infrastructures and the information and environmental education actions carried out on the beaches, representing the fulfilment of a vast set criteria of environmental nature, safety and comfort of beach users “.
Salema beach also received the “Accessible Beach – Praia para Todos” flag, an award given by INR – National Institute for Rehabilitation, as it is a distinction that is attributed to bathing areas that fulfill a set of conditions, allowing its use by people with mobility difficulties, namely pedestrian access; orderly and reserved parking; access to the bathing area; treadmills on the beach; adapted sanitary facilities located in an easily accessible place; first aid services and lifeguards with specific training.
 
Situation Report Friday 3rd July 2020
Municipality of Silves reminds bathers “that the virus does not take a vacation“
In the time of COVID-19, and with the arrival of yet another bathing season, the Municipality of Silves continues to invest in raising awareness among the population and holidaymakers to maintain protection and safety care against the coronavirus during vacation time.
In a statement, the municipality said that information panels were installed at all accesses to the municipality’s beaches, warning signs for the importance of safety distance, guidance signs and right-of-way traffic guidance and flip-flop stickers in order to facilitate and guide the circulation in the accesses to the beaches.
These measures are part of a protection and security awareness campaign against COVID-19, promoted by the Municipality of Silves, for the adoption of responsible behaviours and for the importance of maintaining protective and safety care, remembering that the virus does not take a vacation.
Albufeira Town Council has 1 million euros to help companies in the municipality
The Municipality of Albufeira today announced that it created the Business and Associative Support Fund for the municipality, with an allocation of one million euros, a measure to support companies with a tax address or head office in the municipality of Albufeira whose establishments were forced to close, under the law, or not being closed, they suffered abrupt declines in their productivity.
Applications must be submitted by July 15 (by email age@cm-albufeira.pt) using a specific form. Eligible activities are catering and the like, trade in retail goods, service provision and industry and agriculture.
Underlying this measure of the Municipality of Albufeira, is the intention to mitigate the losses of companies, supporting them in the resumption of the activity and in the maintenance of jobs related to them, as a means of safeguarding the economic and social sector of the municipality.
The Business and Associative Support Fund has an allocation of one million euros and is aimed at individual entrepreneurs or companies with fiscal residence or head office in the municipality of Albufeira, who have not benefited from other non-refundable state financial support, within the scope of of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In order to apply, entrepreneurs must not have had a turnover in 2019 greater than 150 thousand euros, and must demonstrate that they have had their activity open for at least 8 consecutive months in 2019.
Support beneficiaries are obliged to keep their activity open and to maintain existing jobs at the date of submission of the application until December 31, 2020, with the exception of those who carry out seasonal activities, who are expected to maintain activity in 2020 for the same months that were open in 2019, at least, until October 31, 2020.
Lagos refurbishes lighting at Avenida dos Pescadores in Vila da Luz
Vila da Luz seafront, which frames the beach and the view of Rocha Negra, is one of the main attractions of this old fishing village.
Committed to its enhancement, the Municipality of Lagos developed a work to refurbish the public lighting of this public promenade area.
Recently completed, the work not only the replacement of lighting and their redistribution in space, but also the creation of telecommunications infrastructures, taking advantage of the opening of trenches to provide the infrastructure for the ITUR network (telecommunications infrastructures in subdivisions, urbanizations and sets of buildings).
The contract cost 148313.50 euros (plus VAT).
 
Situation Report Thursday 2nd July 2020
Covid 19 statistics
According to DGS as at 1^st July the Algarve has so far 632 infected – 14 more than yesterday and 15 deaths.
The number of confirmed cases by municipality and deaths shown in brackets is as follows:
Regional count update: source (DGS): Albufeira has 121 (2 deaths); Faro – 85; Lagos – 81; Portimão – 81 ( 3 deaths ); Loulé – 78 ( 5 deaths ); Tavira – 36; Silves – 26; Olhão – 19; Vila Real de Stº António – 17 ( 2 deaths ); Lagoa – 13 ( 2 deaths ); Monchique – 9; São Brás de Alportel – 4 ( 1 death ); Vila do Bispo – 4 and Castro Marim – 4
Representatives of Algarve and Andalusia signal reopening of border
Official authorities from the Algarve and the Spanish region of Andalusia participated yesterday in a symbolic ceremony to mark the reopening of the Portuguese-Spanish border by the Guadiana International Bridge, after three and a half months of closure due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community, António Miguel Pina, and the president of the Algarve Tourism Region, João Fernandes, highlighted the importance of the moment for the economy on both sides of the border and for the socio-cultural relations between the border towns, in a ceremony in which they were accompanied by the representative of the regional government of Andalusia in the province of Huelva, Bela Verano.
Also accompanied by the presidents of the three municipalities that make up the Eurocity of Guadiana – Conceição Cabrita, from Vila Real de Santo António, Francisco Amaral, from Castro Marim, and Natália Santos, mayor of Ayamonte (Spain) -, António Pina and João Fernandes then delivered bags of Algarvian oranges to Spanish and foreign visitors who crossed the bridge to enter Portugal, as a way of “thanking them for their trust” that they place in the Algarve.
The President of the Algarve Tourism Region, João Fernandes, also highlighted the importance of the moment, stressing that the Spanish market is “responsible for more than one million overnight stays” in the Portuguese region and that the opening of the border benefits the economy of the two regions, very based on tourism.
The representative of the Government of Andalusia in the province of Huelva, Bela Verano, recalled how “the crisis of the covid-19 affected the health of compatriots and cross-border relations”, leaving the populations on both sides of the border “to suffer doubly from the isolation”, after seeing “the shared way of life stop dry”and“personal and commercial relations disappear immediately “with the closing of the crossings between the two countries.
“It is also very important to remember that there are Spanish residents in the Algarve, around 1300, who were eager to see their families,” said João Fernandes.
The president of RTA is hopeful that this reopening of borders could bring another breath to the regional economy.
Covid-19: Authorities remain at the borders with Spain to report on measures in force
SEF and GNR will remain at the land borders with Spain to ensure that people entering the country are “fully informed” of the measures in force in Portugal in the context of combating covid-19, it was announced today.
The land borders between Portugal and Spain were reopened today, after being temporarily closed on March 16 due to the covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that mobile checks of random and temporary character will be carried out on vehicles for the collective transport of passengers, motorhomes and light vehicles in Valença, Quintanilha, Vilar Formoso, Caia and Castro Marim.
Municipality delivers six more “top of the range” ventilators to Portimão Hospital
The Portimão City Council today delivered to the Hospital do Barlavento six intensive care ventilators model Dräger V600, manufactured in Germany and the first of its kind to operate in Portugal.
In a note sent by the municipality, it reads that, these state-of-the-art devices come to join the lung surgeon recently offered to that hospital unit and also considered “top of the range” with regard to ventilation in intensive care, allowing Hospital de Portimão a capacity “unparalleled treatment in the south of the country”.
In the same publication, the Municipality also highlights the acquisition of 12 infusion syringes and 12 infusion pumps, “essential equipment” in the treatment of critically ill patients.
In the same press release, the municipality recalls that it ordered a total of 24 ventilators of various types, for which the 350,000 euros initially allocated to the Portuguese Grand Prix Formula 1 in Motonáutica was applied, meanwhile cancelled due to Covid-19.
 
Wednesday 1st July 2020 Report by David Thomas
Andalusia – Algarve border reopening
AMAL and Turismo do Algarve will mark the reestablishment of the crossing point on the border between Andalusia and the Algarve, in a ceremony that will take place on 1 July, at 12:15pm, in the garden of Posto de Tourism of the Guadiana International Bridge.
The ceremony will comprise a small number of officials: The Secretary of State for Fisheries and regional coordinator of the fight against Covid-19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário, the consul of Spain in the Algarve, Eduardo Serra Jorge, the consul general of Portugal in Seville, João Queirós, the president of the Commission of the Regional Coordination and Development of the Algarve, Francisco Serra, and the regional director of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Algarve, Pedro Monteiro will be present.
This moment marks the end of the suspension of the exceptional and temporary measure to control people on the borders between the two countries, which was part of the programme to combat the pandemic of the Covid-19 disease.
Portimão and Alvor restart night time cultural tours
During every Thursday in July, the night cultural tours around Portimão and Alvor are back, a common initiative in the Municipality’s Summer program and which this year complies with the directives of the Directorate-General for Health (D-GS), due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thus, and according to information provided by the municipality, on July 2, 16 and 30, participants are invited to discover the urban landscapes of Portimão, starting at 9 pm, with the objective of “articulating a route that connects buildings emblematic, architectural references, streets, squares, squares and gardens with historical significance “.
These tours take place at Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, next to the bandstand, where the participants visit Jardim 1º de Dezembro, Alameda da República, Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes and Largo 1º de Maio.
Municipality of Silves maintains some aspects of service to the public as with a state of alert
In view of the transition from a state of calamity to a state of alert, effective from today, July 1, the Municipality of Silves informs that the municipal public service system will remain “in the same manner adopted until now “, resulting from the measures implemented to mitigate COVID-19.
In this context, the Municipality clarifies that contact with municipal services should continue to be made preferably through telephone contact (number 282 440 800, with dedicated lines) and email or skype, “being subject to face-to-face assistance only to urgent and urgent situations. “, by prior appointment and subject to compliance with specific safety rules, namely the mandatory use of a mask and compliance with the rules of respiratory etiquette and safety distance.
Also equipment such as the municipal tennis court, the complex of the municipal swimming pools of Silves (gymnasium and group classes on land), the Castle of Silves, the Municipal Museum of Archeology of Silves and the Municipal Library of Silves are already in operation, with rules of specific access and use for each of them.
The remaining municipal facilities of a sporting, cultural, recreational and recreational nature remain closed and the deadlines for the performance of procedural or procedural acts, within the scope of administrative procedures that imply the performance of face-to-face assistance, will also remain suspended.
 
Report Tuesday 30th June
Covid-19 Statistics
The number of people who have already recovered from Covid-19, in the Algarve, rose to 354, but that did not prevent active cases in the region from growing again, now settling at 242.
In two days from Saturday to Monday have been increases in cases in Albufeira (12 more), Olhão (3 more) in Faro and Portimão (one more in each) bring the cases to date to 615.
Increase that the number of recovered – two from Friday to Saturday and many others from yesterday to today – has not been able to compensate, which means that there are more active cases today than yesterday.
At this moment, the most worrying situation will be linked to the outbreak in Albufeira, which had already been identified by Marta Temido, Minister of Health, during this Friday’s pandemic press conference.
On the other hand, there are no new cases either in Lagos, where there has been a big increase in recent weeks related to an illegal party in Odiáxere, or in Tavira, more precisely in Cabanas, where there has also been a contagion outbreak recently.
Two arrest at Private party with two arrests in Almancil
Two 19-year-olds were arrested by the GNR for drug trafficking in Almancil.
According to a statement from the GNR, after a complaint, last Saturday, the 27th, that there was going to be a private party with a lot of noise, in an isolated residence, the military of the Guard went to the place and detected that there were 20 people at the party.
The person responsible for the event was identified, within the scope of the rules defined to combat the pandemic COVID-19. While the operation was underway, two vehicles arrived with two more guests “who adopted a suspicious behaviour” when they saw the GNR military, one of whom tossed a plastic package on the floor.
After carrying out two security searches on the suspects, money and a narcotic product were detected, namely: 75 doses of cocaine, 14 doses of hashish and 122 euros, with individuals being detained for drug trafficking. Following two house searches, GNR also seized four mobile phones; two SIM cards, a knife and two cannabis grinders.
The action had the reinforcement of the Cinotechnical Intervention Group (GIC) of the Intervention Unit (UI).
The suspects were made defendants and the facts referred to the Judicial Court of Loulé.
Covid.19: Castro Marim municipality extends support to vulnerable families in the municipality
In a statement, the Municipality of Castro Marim notes that, following the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been joining efforts to create and implement “exceptional and temporary measures” that help the resulting situations of fragility”.
He states that it was unanimously approved at a chamber meeting to allocate food vouchers for the most vulnerable families, given the current circumstances brought about by the covid-19 pandemic.
According to the authority, families who are in need due to the effects of the pandemic, and who have lost income due to their family economies, must submit their application to the Social Action Office of the Municipality of Castro Marim, by filling in a form and some documentation proving the economic situation of the household (see all at www.cm-castromarim.pt).
The vouchers will be allocated monthly and include the purchase of food and other essential goods, with a value of 25 euros for each element of the household, to be used exclusively in commercial areas of the municipality. It also mentions the same entity that, the aggregates can opt for a voucher of 25 euros, in case they intend to acquire a basket of products of the land.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Action visits area burnt by the Aljezur fire
The Minister of the Environment and Climate Action, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, will visit tomorrow the area affected by the fire of June 19.
According to a note from the Office of the Minister for the Environment and Climate Action, emergency stabilization works are already underway in the area affected by the fire, in a perimeter that encompasses the territory of the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagos and Vila do Bispo.
The Minister, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Nature Conservation, Forestry and Spatial Planning, João Catarino, will visit the areas where improvement works and emergency stabilization are taking place, which include interventions by mechanized teams from the Conservation Institute of Nature and Forests and the Forest Sappers Brigade of AMAL – Intermunicipal Community of Algarve, read in the same statement.
After the visit, the officials meet with the mayors of Aljezur, Lagos and Vila do Bispo.
 
Monday 29th June by David Thomas
Covid-19 cases
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve has risen to 612, since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health this Sunday, 28 June.
Since Saturday, according to DGS data, there are 17 more confirmed cases in the Algarve region.
UGT asks the Government for exceptional measures against unemployment in the region
The General Union of Workers (UGT) of the Algarve yesterday asked the Government to urgently implement exceptional measures to prevent unemployment in the region, which in May grew by more than 200%, from increasing further after the summer.
In a statement, the president of that union structure defended as “a priority to consider measures to support employment” so that “in two or three months”, when the low season begins, unemployment does not assume “even more dramatic” dimensions, in a context of covid-19 pandemic.
“The ideal would be to move forward with another exceptional measure for the region that would be more comprehensive and cumulative with that measure already in place”, said Daniel Santana, referring to the FormAlgarve program, which supports employers that sign contracts for at least 12 months with your workers whose contracts expire between September 1st and December 31st.
According to the union leader, the seasonality problem in the region was aggravated by the pandemic crisis, due to the “economy very dependent on tourist flows”, requiring “more incentives for candidate companies and with longer duration”.
Portimão: Municipality and ABC guarantee covid-19 tests for hotel workers
The Municipality of Portimão has just announced that it will establish a protocol with the ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, in order to enable the workers of the hotel units in the municipality to be tested every two weeks on the drive thru operating at the Portimão Arena.
The measure was agreed following a video conference that brought together Thursday the Portimão Health Delegate, the Municipal Civil Protection, the Portimão hotel directors and the Mayor of the city, Isilda Gomes, to whom the hoteliers’ concern was conveyed, concerning the hiring of human resources from temporary work companies and the way in which these people are managed.
During the videoconference, the tourism officials showed willingness to carry out tests on Covid-19, every 15 days, to their employees, establishing that the municipality will bear the costs associated with using the Portimão Arena drive thru for this purpose, while hotels will pay for their tests.
It was also established a periodicity of monthly meetings to monitor the situation, with the participation of the public health and civil protection unit, with the next scheduled for July 22, an important time to carry out a situation report of the usual high season.
Castro Marim beaches awarded with Blue Flag, Affordable Beach and Gold Quality
The Municipality of Castro Marim announced, in a press release, that all beaches in Castro Marim – Alagoa / Altura, Praia Verde and Cabeço –had again won three quality awards attributed to bathing areas – Blue Flag, Accessible Beach Flag and Gold Quality .
According to the same document, the achievement of these awards “is the result of a rigorous and demanding work by the Organic Unit for Urban Management, Environment and Urban Services”, which aims to promote environmental information and education, water quality, environmental management, accessibility and safety and services on the beaches – help stations and signaling / information.
“These are distinguishing marks to which we want to add, in this particular year, the recognition of being safe beaches. All the security and prevention measures to Covid-19 have been taken, with the greatest collaboration and understanding of local businessmen and merchants and citizens”, stressed the Mayor, Francisco Amaral.
 
Sunday 28th June
Covid-19 cases Algarve
DGS registers 19 more cases of COVID-19 in the Algarve since yesterday
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve has risen to 595 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health of this Saturday, 27 June.
In relation to yesterday’s data from the DGS, today there are 21 new cases in the Algarve region, but, as far as the accounting done by the Regional Health Authority is concerned, there are 19 more.
Covid.19: Intensive care in the Algarve reinforced with 30 new ventilators
Reinforcement increases the region’s responsiveness.
The Assistant Secretary of State for Health and Health, Jamila Madeira, will visit next Monday, the 29th of June, the Faro unit of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, where she will have a meeting with the Board of Directors.
According to ARS Algarve, the Secretary of State, will publicly signal the reinforcement of the intensive care network in the Algarve with 30 new ventilators and also the new investments underway within the scope of the plan to improve the SNS response.
GNR disperses gatherings in place in Lagos and Albufeira
The GNR stopped two parties that were taking place on the public road, with dozens of people, in Lagos and Albufeira, in violation of the rules defined to fight the pandemic of the covid-19, it was announced today.
In a statement sent to the Lusa agency, the Faro Territorial Command explains that, through the intervention of military personnel from the Lagos and Olhos D’Água Territorial Posts, the two parties that were taking place on Friday in Barão de São João – Lagos and Albufeira.
In the case of Lagos, the military went to the location, after a noise report and verified the existence of live music and dozens of people on the street and on the terrace consuming alcoholic beverages next to a beverage establishment, making it difficult to pass either by pedestrians or vehicles.
“In view of these circumstances, the military proceeded to identify the owner of the establishment and informed that the gathering of more than 20 people is not allowed, in compliance with the rules in force. After being approached by the GNR military, the people present at the event accepted the indications and ended the party “, the note reads.
In the second case registered in Albufeira, GNR also received a noise report and went to the site.
“It was possible to see the presence of several dozen young people on the public road who, after the arrival of the GNR military, followed the order to disperse,” the statement emphasizes.
GNR stresses that, of the various rules of occupation, permanence and physical distance in places open to the public, celebrations and events that involve the concentration of people in excess of the limit allowed by declaration of alertness, contingency are not allowed under the Civil Protection Bases Law, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the public road is also prohibited.
The Minister of Health reassured today the users of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO) in Lisbon, after the situations of patients from other regions infected with Covid-19 in that hospital, namely a woman from Monchique, who ended up infecting five of her family members .
Minister of Health reassures about the IPO, after the cases in Monchique
Marta Temido answered a question posed by Sul Informação, at the press conference presenting the most recent data on the pandemic. The newspaper wanted to know if, after this outbreak that affects six people in Monchique, one of them a cancer patient, IPO users can be calm.
The minister began by saying that “it is very important that the National Health Service, like the rest of the country, resume its assistance activity and that people, when they need it, use health services with tranquility”.
He admitted that, since the IPO “the specialized hospital of reference for the entire area below Lisbon”, this “originated some cases, specifically contacts of users of the IPO that may have later originated positive cases in the Algarve region”.
However, the minister recalled that the detection of these cases happened “because the IPO has instituted a security procedure, as all hospitals in the National Health Service have, as there are other hospitals in the Portuguese health system, and as is generally being done. , at least, in the European Union’s health services, which is the systematic evaluation of users who are going to undergo certain treatments and the evaluation of professionals who are considered at risk for the effect”.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/ministra-da-saude-tranquiliza-em-relacao-ao-ipo-depois-dos-casos-em-monchique/
 
 
 
Algarve Saturday 27th of June
Covid-19 statistics
Yesterday, the Algarve has no new cases of Covid-19, while the Alentejo registers over 40 infected people and one death, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health of this Friday, 26 June.
In numbers accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic, the Algarve has 574 cases, the same as Thursday. In Alentejo, there are now 409 cases accumulated. In the Algarve, DGS maintains the same 15 deaths.
Covid-19: Algarve must have “particular requirement” to avoid behaviour in the summer – Minister
The Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, defended today that the Algarve must have a “particular requirement” to avoid risky behaviour during the summer, admitting that 2020 will be an atypical year in terms of tourism.
“Together, we will build evidence of our ability to respond with confidence, with attention to risks and with a particular demand in relation to security behaviours that falls on everyone. This is a responsibility of citizens, regional economic agents and all stakeholders, who have political or institutional responsibilities, “said the minister in Faro.
Eduardo Cabrita, who was speaking at the presentation of the “Algarve Seguro” program, stressed that, with the spirit built over the “most difficult months ever” of Portuguese institutional life, in an allusion to the covid-19 pandemic, it could be “built, with confidence, a safe Algarve for the future “.
“The Algarve is a region of security and, from a health point of view, one of the safest destinations in the world”, he continued, noting, however, that, in 2020, the Algarve will be “very far” from the historical results of the last years, on the passenger indicators at Faro Airport or overnight stays.
“2020 is not going to be the best year ever. It will be a year in which, with everyone’s efforts, we will build trust to welcome national citizens, who will have a very significant presence, and those that we want to welcome from abroad “he added.
Algarve Seguro Presentations
During the presentation of the program, at the Regional Tourism Algarve headquarters, officials from the police forces, Civil Protection and health authorities revealed the respective numbers of reinforcement personnel for the region in the summer months. The event was attended by around 50 police, military and representatives from several government entities plus the President Safe Communities Portugal.
The GNR will reinforce its security force in the Algarve during the summer with more than 2,600 military personnel, who will join the approximately 1,000 who are permanently stationed in the region.
“We will receive about 2,650 military personnel, divided into five areas: public order, motorized patrol and cycle, cavalry, binomials and 52 candidates for guards, who will carry out on-the-job training here,” said the director of National Operations at GNR , Colonel Guerra Henriques. The PSP, whose Faro District Command has 838 members, will reinforce this force, until September, with two teams from the Special Police Unit’s Intervention Corps, in addition to the Prevention and Immediate Reaction teams (two in Faro and two in Portimão ), to address crime in urban areas.
“On a case-by-case basis, according to an assessment of the risk that is inherent in all the operations that we proceed, through the identification of critical assets, vulnerabilities and level of impact, we will provide the Faro District Command with Transit teams, Rapid Intervention teams, ‘drones’ and other police means and equipment, “said quartermaster Pedro Grilo, head of PSP’s Policing and Public Order division.
Unlike in recent years, there will be no members of foreign police forces in the Algarve, since these partnerships are suspended, given the pandemic context.
Algarve Friday 26th of June
Covid – 19 Statistics
The Algarve registered yesterday 574 infected persons to date, 22 more than Wednesday and 15 deaths to date no change.
Regional count: source (DGS):

• Albufeira has 99 , ( 2 deaths );
• Loulé – 76 , (5 deaths );
• Portimão – 72 , ( 3 deaths );
• Faro – 70;
• Lagos – 70;
• Tavira – 33;
• Silves – 25;
• Olhão – 14;
• Vila Real de Stº
• António – 16 , ( 2 deaths );
• Lagoa – 13 , ( 2 deaths );
• Monchique – 8; Vila do Bispo – 4;
• São Brás de Alportel – 3 , ( 1 death ) and
• Castro Marim – 3

 
Cabanas de Tavira has a new contagion focus with eight cases of Covid-19
Tavira has eight new cases of Covid-19, “all of them with the same contagion focus, in the parish of Cabanas”, the Câmara de Tavira announced yesterday.
Ana Paula Martins, Mayor of Tavira, revealed that the first cases of this new outbreak are three residents of Cabanas “who worked together”, who transmitted the disease to five other people, in a work and family context.
Despite not having much information on the cases for now, the Regional Health Authority has ensured that “the transmission chain is identified” and that “tests are still being carried out” to those who have contacted the cases already confirmed. “Direct contacts have all been tested. But tests are still being done on other people who may have been exposed to contamination”, he added.
“The number may still grow, although I very much hope that it does not happen”, warned Ana Paula Martins. Bearing this in mind, the Mayor of Tavira appeals to the population “to be as safe as possible; tests are being carried out and there are people in prophylactic isolation”.
“We ask those who have been placed in isolation to respect it and the population in general to protect themselves and avoid gatherings in cafes and elsewhere, until we are sure that the chain is contained. My appeal is this: try to contain the chain and not go beyond these cases”, she appealed.
Covid.19: “Irresponsibility” leads GNR to intervene in the weekly fruit and vegetable market in Quarteira
The President of the Parish Council of Quarteira, Telmo Pinto, together with his executive were present, this Wednesday, in the fruit and vegetable producers market to remind the population to the use of masks and due compliance with social distances. New rules were also implemented with the vendors, according to a statement from the Parish Council.
Being a market with strong adhesion by the population, a new rule was imposed on sellers, based on the guidelines given by the Government and the Directorate-General for Health, which dictates that the sale of products will be “exclusively to those who are on site with personal protective equipment “.
As stated in the statement, “since some people did not comply with the impositions”, it led to the intervention of GNR with the seizure of products from unauthorized sellers and the suspension of three sellers,, as a way of enforcing people to comply with the measures the new measures. The Quarteira Parish Council says it is aware of the decisions imposed by the competent authorities, not agreeing with the “irresponsibility of some who can jeopardize the health of all”, he concludes.
The Slide & Splash water park in Lagoa, will reopen on June 29.
According to the water park, “a rigorous operational plan was drawn up, with the main objective being the safety and health of visitors and employees” due to Covid-19.
“Exposure to the virus is an inherent risk in any public place”, but “Slide & Splash is committed to a responsible effort in the implementation of preventive measures, in order to avoid this risk. We also believe in the fulfillment of these measures by our customers”.
The capacity of the park has been reduced by half. In addition, “we request that the distance between people, at least 2 meters, be kept, except for cohabitants. The access to the slides is signalled by a single entrance, duly marked. On the floor or on the sides of the waiting lines, safety distances between users are marked”, explains the water park.
The use of a mask and shoes is mandatory in all enclosed spaces such as bathrooms, restaurants, shop, infirmary and reception.
Presentation Algarve Seguro 2020 Program
Eduardo Cabrita, Minister of Internal Administration, presides, this Friday, June 26, from 16:00, at the presentation session of the Algarve Seguro 2020 Program, at Regional Tourism Algarve (RTA) in Faro.
This program foresees a reinforcement of the resources of the Forces and Security Services of the Ministry of Internal Administration, as well as of the Civil Protection agents during the summer months. The program, which comes into force every year, takes into account the fact that the population of the Algarve increases during the holiday season.
 
Thursday 25th June 2020
Covid-19
In the Algarve, 16 more cases were reported by DGS since Tuesday, bring the total to date of 552 confirmed cases.
According to the newspaper Sulinformacao quoting official sources, the Algarve municipalities where, in the last two days, new confirmed cases of the disease have been registered are Portimão (+6), Albufeira (+4), Lagos (+2), Monchique (+ 1) , Silves (+ 1) and Tavira (+1).
Although some new cases continue to appear, the pace of the increase has slowed down, which seems to indicate that the situation caused by the illegal Odiáxere party is already under control.
The City Council of Silves hoisted the Blue Flag yesterday on all beaches in the municipality.
The ceremony yesterday was attended by Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves; Mário Godinho, the Vice-President, Luisa Conduto, the Councilor of Peloro do Ambiente; Élia Cabrita, Jorge Pessoa of the Portuguese Environment Agency; Jorge Pessoa, Deputy Captain of the Port of Portimão Captaincy; Ricardo Pinto, President of the Parish Council of Armação de Pêra; Nelson Correia, Commander of the Municipal Civil Protection and Forest Service; and Luis Santos, Head of Education, Sports, Youth and Social Action Division of the municipality.
According to a note from the Municipality, in addition to the Blue Flag, the Accessible Beach flags were also hoisted, this year contemplating a new location, increasing to four the accessible beach locations in the municipality. Thus, Praia dos Pescadores – Nascent area, joins the areas already known as accessible, at Armação de Pêra Beach next to the Mini-Golf garden and Fortaleza, and at Praia Grande Poente.
In the same note, it is mentioned that all beaches in the municipality of Silves were also distinguished for the quality of their bathing water, receiving the “Praia Quality de Ouro 2020” Award by Quercus – National Association for Nature Conservation.
Monchique has six new cases due to IPO outbreak
The municipality of Monchique now has six cases of covid-19, due to the outbreak that originated at the IPO (Portuguese Institute of Oncology), in Lisbon, about a week ago, the local Mayor, Rui André said on Tuesday.
The beginning of the outbreak in that municipality “was due to the episode of an oncological disease of a lady residing in Monchique in a treatment in Lisbon that resulted in the infection of that person. Then the virus spread to the family, there are six people infected in two houses”, said the mayor.
According to the same source, at this moment all elements of the two families and close contacts have already been tested, and, apart from the six infections detected (the cancer patient and five close relatives), all tests were negative.
According to Rui André, infected people are asymptomatic and confined to their homes, where they must remain for a period of two weeks, accompanied by the county’s health authorities.
These cases interrupt a long period during which that municipality in the Algarve interior did not have active infections.
Leisure time in Lagos adapts to the pandemic
The free time occupation project “Viver o Verão”, promoted by the municipality of Lagos, adapted to the covid-19 pandemic has undergone changes that were recently approved at the last town hall meeting, the municipality announced.
This new model ensures “a safe response to the largest number of children, young people and families, respecting the current rules and guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health,” according to the statement.
The groups of participants will consist of a maximum of eight children from 8 to 12 years old, who remain in the project for a period of 15 days, in the morning or afternoon shift, with no meal included.
The new rules will allow 128 children and 32 young monitors to be employed every fortnight, for a total of 640 participants in this year’s edition.
The project will be developed at Espaço Jovem, at Basic School 1 of Bairro Operário and at Basic School 1 of Odiáxere, while the Bensafrim and Luz centers will not work this year because they “do not meet the conditions required by the rules in force”.
In order for everything to run smoothly and guaranteeing all preventive care, a Procedures Manual was drawn up that defines personal, common and mandatory rules for all employees involved.
 
 
Wednesday 24th of June
Faro Airport “intensifies” movement with the arrival of summer
The Algarve continues to resume the flow of commercial passenger flights, with increases in the coming days of the travel calendar of several foreign companies with Faro International Airport as a destination.
According to RTA, this week Ryanair resumes flights from Dublin, Stansted, Manchester, Porto and Brussels; Transavia strengthens its connections with flights from Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Paris, Montpellier, Lyon and Nantes; Eurowings will have flights from Dusseldorf and Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg. As of July, flights by Air France will resume, which will fly from Paris, British Airways and Jet.2com, from all its UK bases.
According to Turismo do Algarve, these join the first connections made in May, with flights from Edelweiss and Luxair, and in the first half of June with Transavia, Brussels Airlines, TUI Belgium, Volotea (from Lyon ), Wizzair (from Luton-London), EasyJet (from Belfast – Northern Ireland), TUI Germany (from Dusseldorf and Frankfurt), Lufthansa (from Frankfurt), SWISS (from Geneva) and Luxair (from Luxembourg).
“The gradual resumption of air connections to the Algarve is a positive sign for tourism in the region, for the economic and social fabric and, above all, it is proof that there is an important perception that we are a destination in the eyes of the rest of the countries”, stated João Fernandes, president of RTA.
“It should be noted that all security measures to receive national and international tourists continue to be taken. Recommendations are being applied that are part of the ‘Algarve Clean & Safe’ Manual of Good Practices, in line with the stipulated by the health authorities, and in addition, Faro International Airport is implementing basic measures to receive passengers, such as the measurement of temperature, the reinforcement of signs to indicate physical distance and information on the use of masks and protections at service counters “, he added.
Covid-19 testing in Lagos
Following the outbreak of Covid 19 detected in Lagos, testing has been intensifying, in order to lose epidemiological propagation chains and control the outbreaks of infection as soon as possible, resuming the necessary confidence among the population and of the various sectors of activity.
An area dedicated to Covid-19 (ADC) is open on the weekend at the Lagos Health Center.
Operation: Everyday from 9 am to 19 pm, only for users with symptoms or contacts with infected persons.
For questions to be clarified or if you have been at the party or contacting participants, you should call 633 282 096 of the public health line. Testing appointments are from 9:00 to 16:00
Covid.19: Portimão defines ratio per person for outdoor swimming pools
The City Council of Portimão decided, by council resolution that for the calculation of the maximum capacity in the outdoor pools of the municipality (those for collective use), the ratio of one person per 8 square meters should be used, considering only the area total pool.
In a statement, the Municipality mentions that the decision approved unanimously, took into account the current epidemiological context and the fact that the swimming pools “constitute recreational spaces visited every year by thousands of people”. Aspects were defined about the operation and use of the pools, in order to mitigate the risk of contamination, which can arise with “the respiratory secretions – coughing and sneezing – of an infected person, as a direct vehicle of transmission”, notes the same document.
Examples are the pools of tourist developments, hotel units, or common use in a building condominium, among other situations. This decision is based on Decree-Law no. 24/2020, of 25 May, which regulates the access, occupation and use of bathing beaches for the bathing season and whose rules also apply – with the necessary adaptations – the operation of outdoor swimming pools.
 
Algarve Tuesday 23 of June
Covid-19 cases linked to the party in Lagos rise to 111
The number of positive cases of covid-19 associated with the party in Odiáxere, in the municipality of Lagos, has risen to 111, of whom 19 are children under 9 years old, the Regional Administration of (ARS) of the Algarve said yesterday.
In the statement, ARS Algarve added that at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve – Hospital de Faro, two people remain hospitalized, aged 27 and 39, with no record of hospitalizations in intensive care in the Algarve.
“All other cases remain in isolation from home,” he adds.
The number of active cases of Covid-19 in the Algarve has risen to 180, according to official data from the Regional Health Authority. Of these, 174 people are at home, while six are admitted to the Hospital de Faro (but none in intensive care). According to these figures, the total number of confirmed cases has already reached 537.
Applications are open for strengthening health care in the Algarve.
The Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve has opened applications, on a temporary mobility basis, for doctors and nurses willing to perform functions in the region during the summer period of 2020.
With this measure, the Ministry of Health aims to reinforce, during the summer months, the provision of health care in the Algarve region, without compromising the regular and normal functioning of other health services and establishments.
Using the mobility option, namely the partial mobility provided for in the law, the Algarve is preparing simultaneously for the temporary increase in population that usually occurs during this period of the year and for the situation of containment and prevention caused by Covid-19. ARS Algarve strives to provide temporary free accommodation for selected health professionals, according to local availability.
Large increase in unemployment
The number of unemployed registered in employment centers increased 34% in May compared to the same month of the previous year and 4.2% compared to April, according to data released today by the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP).
According to the IEFP, at the end of May, 408,934 unemployed were registered in the employment services of the continent and autonomous regions, a number that represents 75.1% of a total of 544,351 job applications. The total number of unemployed increased by 103,763 (34% more) in year-on-year terms and by 16,611 (4.2% more) in relation to the previous month.
It is necessary to go back to January 2018, when there were 415,539 unemployed enrolled in the IEFP, to find a higher number than that verified in May 2020. The increase in unemployment occurs in the month in which Portugal left the state of emergency due to the covid-19 pandemic and moved to a state of calamity and the gradual lifting of confinement measures.
The Union of Parishes of Faro created the Entrepreneur Support Office (GAE).
In a statement, the União de Freguesias stated yesterday that the initiative also comes under the scope of extraordinary measures related to Covid-19 “to facilitate, inform and accompany entrepreneurs” who want to invest in the parishes, create new jobs and implement their ideas and ‘startup’, “in order to transform synergies and innovative projects into business realities”.
According to the same source, the GAE will seek to answer the most frequent questions asked by entrepreneurs in the different phases of the project, “from the initial phase through the elaboration and maturation of the idea and business plan, through its implementation and constitution as a company, to the prospects for its growth and development “.
To take advantage of this service, those interested should contact the Union of Parishes of Faro by e-mail: gae@uf-faro.pt or telephone 289889760 and make an appointment in advance, for a personalized service.
Municipality promotes screening of Covid-19 to the Fire Department of Alcoutim
Partnership with ABC – Academic Center for Research and Biomedical Training in the Algarve. The Municipality of Alcoutim has established a partnership with ABC, to conduct a serological screening of the operational personnel of the Voluntary Firefighters of Alcoutim, responding to a concern evidenced by the Direction and Command of this institution.
The Mayor of Alcoutim affirms: “The purpose of these tests is to remove any asymptomatic situations and establish the necessary comfort for these emergency and emergency professionals, as well as to maintain the safety of our residents”.
 
Monday 22 of June
The Directorate-General for Health announced this Sunday, the existence of 1,530 deaths in Portugal, 2 more compared to yesterday.
There are 292 more infected, for a total of 39,133, points out the epidemiological bulletin released by DGS.
The report indicates that the North region has the highest number of deaths 814 and 17,249 cases, followed by the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo region with 436 deaths and 16,762 cases, the Center region with 248 deaths and 3991 cases, from Alentejo 374 cases and 2 deaths, Azores 144 and 15 deaths and Madeira with 92 positive cases.
The Algarve registers 521 infected – 22 more than yesterday and 15 deaths.
Covid-19: Clube de Odiáxere says that “family” party was for 20 people having alerted GNR
The Clube Desportivo de Odiáxere, in Lagos, where the illegal party that gave rise to an outbreak of covid-19 was held, apologized for the “tragic dimension” that the event reached, but points out that it was them that called the authorities.
In a long explanation posted on Saturday on its Facebook page, the sports club reports how it was requested to hold the birthday party, which took place in the club’s ballroom, on the 7th of June, and which resulted in the infection of 90 people with covid-19, according to data provided by health authorities.
The club’s management states that the clarification aims to “expose the truth of the facts, in the first person, without subterfuge or untruth, assuming as always”, all its responsibilities, wishing “at last, that as soon as possible, this episode will be finished and without further consequences”.
“We feel extremely injured and deceived by everything that has happened”, he says, adding that, “since the first hour”, they made all the declarations, “with transparency, although, quite naturally, very sad and shaken by the unfolding of all events”.
The club says that it was a private individual who requested the use of the club’s lounge for “a family and private birthday party for a maximum of 20 people”.
Face-to-face classes at Pinheiro and Rosa end after 2 more cases of Covid-19
The face-to-face classes at the Escola Secundária Pinheiro e Rosa, in Faro, ended after two more employees tested positive for Covid-19.
Francisco Soares, director of the Pinheiro e Rosa School Group, said that “this is a preventive measure” to “avoid contagion”. Thus, the next week (the last one for classes) will only be “distance classes” for the approximately 150 students of the 11th and 12th years.
After there was a positive case last Thursday, the 18th, the decision was still made to continue the face-to-face classes, but at Escola EB 2, 3 Neves Júnior, which belongs to the same group. Now, with these two confirmed cases, «we are going to close everything», explained Francisco Soares.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/acabam-aulas-presenciais-na-pinheiro-e-rosa-depois-de-mais-2-casos-de-covid-19/
 
Sunday 21st of June
DGS Covid-19 update Algarve
Yesterday the Algarve has a total of 499 cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths, 19 more infections than the previous day, according to the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health.
This new increase in the number of positive cases of the disease in the Algarve is due to the outbreak resulting from an illegal party in Lagos, in the beginning of June, which has already caused about 90 infected people.
The municipality of Vila do Bispo, which had not recorded any cases since the beginning of the pandemic, is already part of today’s epidemiological bulletin.
According to the situation released yesterday by the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, the region has 135 active cases, six of them hospitalized but not in intensive care and 330 patients already recovered.
Investigation into the illegal party in Odiáxere
The Public Ministry (MP) has opened an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding a birthday party held at the facilities of Clube Desportivo de Odiáxere, Lagos, Algarve, at the origin of an outbreak of Covid-19.
The inquiry was opened on Friday by the Public Ministry of the Lagos section of the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) in Faro, indicates today the website of the local MP.
“Within the scope of the inquiry, the eventual framing of this factuality in the practice of crime will be evaluated, namely the spread of disease”, adds the DIAP of Faro in information posted on the website.
The investigation opened after the Minister of Justice requests the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to intervene in the MP to represent the State, “to institute damages actions against the promoters of the Odiáxere event in Lagos, which resulted in the infection of more than seven dozen people, including children “.
 
Algarve Biomedical Center – The probability of a second wave this winter is very high
Nuno Marques runs the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) biomedical research center, which has been at the center of combating the pandemic. To DN, he talks about this struggle of the last three months, and the future, in which masks, social distance and hand washing will be mandatory, “at least in the next two, three years”.
Doctor at the hospitals of Faro and Portimão, professor at the University of Algarve and president of the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), a partnership between those institutions for biomedical research, Nuno Marques has been at the forefront in combating the covid-19 pandemic in Portugal .
He was one of the drivers of diagnostic tests in scientific research centers across the country, in a network that now covers 22 centers, which was “decisive” in the most critical phase and “is to continue”, he says. The doctor, professor and researcher has no doubt that this network “is an opportunity” for “a faster and more effective global development” in the country.
The likelihood of a second wave of the pandemic in winter, he says, “she is very tall”, so “we have to be very attentive” and “continue to prepare”. Social detachment, wearing masks and frequent hand washing, however, came to stay “for the next two, three years, at least”. It is a new way of life that “we must adopt”. And never let your guard down, because “a new outbreak can occur at any time”.
The ABC center played a central role in combating covid in the Algarve. Three months after the disease arrived in Portugal. (Note we will publish the full account of this article in English shortly)
Câmara de Loulé launches health safety plan in the bathing areas of the municipality
The Municipality of Loulé said yesterday that at a time when the pandemic of COVID-19 “does not stop”, it is promoting a series of initiatives to strengthen the confidence of tourists and residents, ensuring hygiene and sanitary measures in bathing areas. .
In a statement, the Municipality explained that a working group was created with a view to preparing proposals for measures and procedures, to contribute, through AMAL, to the preparation of the manual on the exceptional and temporary regime for the occupation and use of beaches, in the context of COVID-19.
On the other hand, the Chamber says it has created, “a strong communication campaign, with an information and awareness component” aimed at beach users to comply with all the rules recommended by the Directorate-General for Health.
The signage created by APA – Associação Portuguesa do Ambiente for the country’s beaches was also applied, namely the implementation of flags, which function as red, yellow and green “traffic lights” and allow to inform holidaymakers about the occupation of the respective beaches.
To support those on the beach, the Municipality of Loulé has hired and trained several teams of beach assistants, duly identified, to carry out awareness-raising actions, in conjunction with the National Maritime Authority, and other tasks such as the cleaning of various equipment.
Judicial Police seize 1.4 tonnes of hashish in Tavira
Yesterday morning, 1,400 kilograms of hashish were seized on a Tavira beach and two men were detained.
“After an exchange of information between the PJ and the GNR Coastal Control Unit, the vessel was monitored, António Madureira explained to Lusa. Following this operation, which took place at Praia do Barril, in the municipality of Tavira, the authorities seized 43 bales of hashish, a total of 1,400 kilograms, and detained two men, aged between 30 and 40 years.
“These are two men who were already referenced and who had already been arrested for this type of crime,” he said. According to António Madureira, the detainees will still be present today in court for the application of the respective enforcement measures.
Latest news concerning fire at Aljezur municipality – 21^st June – 0730 hrs.
The fire that broke out on 19^th June afternoon, in Aljezur and spread to the municipalities of Vila do Bispo and Aljezur, is under control, but “difficult days” are still coming, so the “device will remain” on the ground. Vítor Vaz Pinto, operational commander for the Algarve, stated the following a few minutes ago.

Despite being “dominated at 9:10 am”, “there was a set of more or less violent re-ignitions that were being stopped”, he acknowledged.
It will be a difficult night, tomorrow also difficult and the day after tomorrow. The next few days are going to be difficult. If weather conditions are confirmed, we are going to have a difficult week with regard to rural fires, ”he added.
“Fortunately, and given the complexity of the fire, there is no personal injury, neither in combatants nor in the population,” said Vaz Pinto, stressing that the priority is the safeguarding of people, goods and environmental heritage.
He added that 35 people had to be displaced due to the fire and that the Vila do Bispo Parish Council was preparing a solution in the event of needing to be welcomed, which was not necessary because everyone found a solution by their own means. “We are going to have a difficult night, like tomorrow and the next few days too,” anticipated Vaz Pinto, stressing that it is not possible to predict when the fire may be said to be extinguished.
Vaz Pinto also said that the initial attack on the fire, on Friday, in Vilarinha, Aljezur, was done in a “muscular and enlarged” way, because the area in question was identified as a risk area, but wind conditions have made it difficult the work and caused the rekindles, which are also expected during the night.
Commander Richard Marques, who was in charge of the operation during the afternoon, explained that the affected area is “25 kilometers in perimeter and 10 kilometers from tail to head”, but guaranteed that the means have been positioned in the areas most at risk for attack any rekindles. He added that there are “eight track machines to consolidate fire, but the wind is strong and we have projections that are difficult to overcome”. Adelino Soares, Mayor of Vila do Bispo, said that whoever “is asking for support, is receiving it”.
These are people who burned houses, made of wood and without any type of license, or motor homes and who can seek help from the municipality. “We still don’t know if it was someone’s first home, but each of these points was identified”.
As at 2045 hrs a total of 466 personnel supported by 154 vehicles and one aircraft and one helicopter are deployed.
 
Saturday 20th of June
Covid 19 situation in Algarve and the illegal party
In a press conference to take stock of the numbers of covid-19 in the Algarve, Ana Cristina Guerreiro said that “until 00:00 yesterday [Thursday]” there were “76 cases”, but in the meantime, the number rose to 90 , and the results of the tests carried out yesterday are still awaited.
“Only two [people] remain hospitalized because their health status deserves some attention,” said the official, adding that there are 345 people in isolation at home to avoid new transmission chains.
According to Ana Cristina Guerreiro, so far “1,222 tests have been carried out” in Lagos, an average of 250 per day, which number she expects to decrease today, “with some still taking place over the weekend”.
Most of the positive cases refer to people residing in Lagos, and “not everyone is at the party”, with cases already involving family members, he stressed. The main strategy of the authorities is the “identification of the people who participated in the party and the respective contacts”, with forwarding for testing, for the time being “no more serious measures”. The contagion was caused by an illegal party that took place on June 7, in the ballroom of the sports club of Odiáxere, in Lagos, allegedly to celebrate a birthday.
The Minister of Health today ruled out the possibility of a sanitary fence in the Algarve, following the outbreak of covid-19 in Lagos, saying that this is not this measure that prevents people from having risky behaviors.
Promoters of illegal party in Lagos may incur the payment of damages
“The Minister of Justice yesterday asked the Attorney General’s Office for the intervention of the Public Ministry to, in representation of the State, institute damages actions against the promoters of the Odiáxere event in Lagos, which resulted in the infection of more 70 people including children”, reads in a note sent by the Public Ministry. (Figure now increased to 90)
The Lusa agency yesterday questioned the Attorney General’s Office as to whether the Public Ministry is going to open an investigation to ascertain responsibilities in the organization of the party and if the promoter of the event has already been identified by the authorities, but has not yet received a response.
Illegal party- Investigation by the GNR

José Apolinário Secretary of State and regional coordinator on the Covid-19 pandemic in the Algarve yesterday praised the response capacity of the Algarve to COVID-19, since the region has only 135 active cases, 76 of which are linked to the “unfortunate event” of the illegal party in Odiáxere, Lagos. Figures since update to 90.
He stated that the National Republican Guard (GNR), “has made its inquiries and presented its competent participation to the Public Ministry. It will now await the development that will result from this complaint.
According to José Apolinário, “eventually they could be facing a crime of spreading the disease. The evidence goes in that direction ».
Faro distributes disinfectant gel dispensers in local shops
The Faro City Council started yesterday to distribute disinfectant gel dispensers to the municipality’s merchants, under the “Faro Protege” initiative, the municipality announced.
This action represents an investment of around 90 thousand euros and already has more than 800 participating establishments in the municipality.
In partnership with the Association of Commerce and Services of the Algarve Region (ACRAL), Association of Commercial Development of the Historic Area of ​​Faro, Association of Hotel and Similar Industries of the Algarve (AIHSA) and the Cultural and Activist Association of Downtown Faro (OCAB), about 1000 disinfectant gel dispensers will be distributed.
The Mayor of Faro, Rogério Bacalhau, accompanied by representatives of the various associations, yesterday delivered the first 300 dispensers, while the rest will be delivered in the coming weeks.
This initiative aims to promote hand hygiene and give consumers back the confidence to visit traditional shops and restaurants in the municipality.
Aljezur keeps zero cases even after outbreak in Lagos
The Aljezur City Council reported yesterday that the municipality remains without cases of covid-19, even after an outbreak in the neighbouring municipality of Lagos due to the holding of an illegal party.
In a statement published on its website, the municipality clarifies that, since the beginning of the pandemic and until today, “there is no record or knowledge of anyone infected with coronavirus” in that municipality in the district of Faro. The municipality took the opportunity to appeal to people to seek information about the pandemic from official sources, since the “excessive abundance of information”, some “false and erroneous”, increases the difficulty in finding “reliable guidelines”.
“In this period of uncertainty in which we are preparing to receive our visitors, just as we do and well every year, we must reinforce the prevention and protection measures”, concludes the Câmara de Aljezur.
 
Friday 19th June 2020
Covid-19 Statistics
The Algarve yesterday has a total of 448 cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, 35 more infections than Wednesday.
This large increase in the number of positive cases of the disease in the Algarve is due to the outbreak resulting from an illegal party in Lagos,
Covid-19: President of the Ordem dos Médicos reminds that “the Algarve is the image of the country abroad”
The Ordem dos Médicos stated yesterday the need to intensify an awareness campaign for the security rules against the covid-19 in the Algarve.
“The issue of the health screen is a decision that has to be taken by the Director-General of Health with the Ministry of Health and listening to the mayors,” said the president of the Ordem dos Médicos who spoke to journalists in Porto, after a visit to the São João Hospital.
In an intervention in which he stressed several times that “the pandemic is not over yet”, but also analysed the need for an economic recovery., When asked about the current situation in the Algarve, an area where outbreaks of the new coronavirus have been detected in recent days, Miguel Guimarães called for the intensification of alert campaigns.
“The Algarve is the image of the country abroad, it is the place that will probably have more foreign tourists. The reinforcement measures have to be big (…). If people comply, the virus will have a lot of difficulty in spreading. In the Algarve we have to insist on this even more with a very, very, strong campaign “, said Miguel Guimarães.
The president of the Regional Council of the South of the Portuguese Medical Association, Alexandre Valentim Lourenço, also defended today, in an interview with Diário de Notícias, more stringent measures for the Algarve area.
Covid-19: ARS President says “there is no danger of the Algarve closing“
In response to the Order of Doctors, the Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve guaranteed today that it has the installed capacity to respond to any outbreaks of covid-19 that arise in the Algarve, such as what was recorded in Lagos, “without danger of closing” the region.
The chairman of the ARS / Algarve board of directors, Paulo Morgado, told Lusa that “there is no danger of the Algarve closing, the Alentejo closing or the country closing” because what is happening “at this moment is the appearance of small outbreaks here and there ”, which can happen anywhere in the“ national territory ”or in other countries.
Paulo Morgado Chairman of the Algarve Regional Health authority (ARS) replied that “These are alarmist statements. At the moment, the situation of the pandemic and the epidemic in Portugal is not completely controlled, it is true, but we are in a downward phase of the curve. We may have a second wave, like other countries where the disease exists, but if this wave is going to be bigger or smaller, nobody knows and nobody is able to predict it”, said the president of ARS.
Paulo Morgado assured that “the Algarve has the capacity to respond”, as “it had for the first wave” of the pandemic, when “it was never close to running out of installed capacity” to treat patients infected with the new coronavirus.
“We have the capacity to have around 250 covid patients admitted to our hospitals and the maximum we had was a tenth of that, in terms of inpatient capacity”, he exemplified, considering that, “in an outbreak of 100 people, maybe only 10 are who need internment”.
Echoing the Chairman of the ARS Algarve the president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) today accused the Ordem dos Médicos of being “alarmist” about the regional response capacity to possible outbreaks of covid-19 and praised the role of the regional authorities in the Lagos outbreak.
“Although the [Lagos] outbreak has had a greater effect than any episode so far, the situations are identified, the contacts are defined, people are controlled and it is part of the process of deflation [situations like this],” said António Miguel Pina, speaking to Lusa.
António Pina therefore asked the representatives of the Order, “whether the president or those of other structures, when they speak of the Algarve, and at this time of the year, speak” only and exclusively about the problems of their professional careers and their profession”.
“The Portuguese cannot take very seriously what the statements of this organisation are, which is a mixture of union and Order, because on Monday they say that more doctors are needed and on Friday they say that there are enough doctors”.
Covid-19: Misericórdias suspend visits to 24 social facilities in the Algarve
The president of the regional secretariat of the Misericórdias do Algarve told Lusa yesterday that visits to users in 24 social facilities have now been suspended due to the outbreak of covid-19 caused by an illegal party in Lagos.
“In the face of the outbreak that arose in Lagos, we decided to suspend visits to the social facilities of Misericórdias throughout the western Algarve, to safeguard the thousands of users and the approximately 1,500 employees”, said Armindo Vicente.
The president of the regional secretariat, a structure that integrates 23 mercies across the Algarve, specified that the suspension of visits covers 12 Misericórdias do barlavento, in a total of 24 social structures, including nursing homes, long-term care units, homes for young people and mental health.
The contingency measures cover the Misericórdias of Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Portimão, Monchique, Lagos, Alvor (Portimão), Estombar (Lagoa), Silves, Alcantarilha and Armação de Pêra (Silves) and Albufeira.
Visit by President Safe Communities Portugal and British Vice Consul
This week British Vice Consul in Portimão, Clive Jewell, together with Safe Communities Portugal President, David Thomas, met with Faro Airport Director, Alberto Mota Borges and two of his senior managers, Pedro Bettencourt and Vitor Andrade, for a discussion on the measures now in place at Faro Airport, as flights into the Algarve region are slowly and cautiously beginning to operate again.
The airport has a comprehensive and impressive set of measures in place to protect passengers, and to encourage them to protect themselves, their fellow travellers and airport staff. This includes the compulsory wearing of face masks, social distancing everywhere, contactless lifts with foot pedals, screens at check-in desks and over 100 hand gel dispensers throughout the airport.
Some airport services and amenities are open and others will do so soon. More information at the Faro airport website here: https://bit.ly/30XqsBs
 
Secondary school closed in Faro due to COVID-19 employee
The Pinheiro e Rosa Secondary School, in Faro, was closed yesterday after an employee tested positive for covid-19, according to the City Council of the district capital.
The same source from the municipality told the agency Lusa that the only students who were in classes are from the 12th grade and were transferred to another school, while teams of fire fighters from Faro disinfect the school.
Algarve Regional Health Administration (ARS) has also confirmed the existence of a positive case of covid-19 detected in an employee of the Pinheiro e Rosa secondary school.
The health authorities are monitoring the evolution of the situation and evaluating the proximity contacts maintained with the employee who tested positive for the application of any isolation measures, said the same source.
However, ARS did not give any instructions for the closure of the school, said the source of the organization that oversees the hospital and emergency services in the Algarve region.
Portimão beaches boast quality awards and “high levels of health security”
In a statement yesterday, the Municipality of Portimão highlighted the strong commitment “to measures without parallel to prevent Covid-19”.
The municipality announced yesterday that, in addition to the quality and safety that characterize the beaches of Portimão, this year the adoption of several preventive measures in view of the current pandemic of Covid-19, so that tourists “fully enjoy its fine sands and the serene sea”.
Examples of the attributes of excellence of this tourist destination, are that yesterday the Blue Flag and the flag “Accessible Beach – Beach for All” were raised, which attest to the environmental quality of the seaside resorts in the municipality of Portimão, which were the target of a set of actions to ensure the safety of regulars, he stressed.
The Blue Flag is raised at this time of the year on the beaches of Alvor, Três Irmãos (includes Torralta), Vau, Três Castelos, da Rocha and Marina, the latter displaying the award for the first time, he said.
 
Thursday 18th June 2020
Covid 19 Statistics
In the Algarve yesterday, six more cases were reported by DGS compared with Tuesday, bringing the total to 413 to date. The Odiáxere party has its weight in these numbers, but these numbers refer to the official residence of those infected not the place of testing or where they maybe currently living. The number of positive cases so far from the illegal party stands at 37 with two still hospitalised.
This means that if someone has been infected at the event but lives, for example, in Lisbon, they will see their case recorded in the capital’s numbers. These figures are then adjusted later.
Misericórdias de Lagos, Portimão, Alvor, Vila do Bispo and Aljezur close the visits again as “prevention”
The Santas Casas da Misericórdia of Lagos, Portimão, Alvor, Vila do Bispo and Aljezur yesterday banned visits by family members to the users of the homes under their responsibility, as a way of “preventing” possible contagions, following the illegal party that has already caused nearly 40 new cases of Covid-19 .
Armindo Vicente, president of the Secretariat of Misericórdias do Algarve, told the South Information that this “concerted measure” was decided today.
In all, “this decision covers 12 residential establishments”: six homes in Lagos, one home and a Continuing Care Unit in Portimão, one home in Alvor, two in Vila do Bispo and another in Aljezur. In the case of the latter, visits to users had not yet been reopened and will now be postponed for some time.
In the case of Misericórdia de Vila do Bispo, of which Armindo Vicente is the provider, an employee who had “family members at the party” and therefore may have contacted infected people, is now at home, “prophylactically”, awaiting the results of the screening tests you’ve done. “It is better to wait a day or two than to take the risk”, stressed the provider.
“The problem is that many of the people who attended the party in Odiáxere live in Lagos and the surrounding counties and have family connections in many places. There are many family ramifications. For this reason, prevention is better”, concluded Armindo Vicente.
Further actions being taken following the illegal party
Within the scope of the contagion focus by COVID-19 recently identified in Lagos, with origins attributed to an illegal party that took place on the 7th of June in Odiáxere, the Municipality confirms that “several steps” were taken between the health authorities, and some affected private establishments, “with the aim of circumscribing and controlling this epidemic outbreak as soon as possible”, assures the Câmara de Lagos in a statement.
Trying to identify the people who participated in the party and others who had close contacts with the participants, namely in the family and in the work context, was one of the first measures, which has been accompanied by an intensive campaign to identify those for testing.
After the tests already carried out during the weekend, on Monday and Tuesday, a team made available by ARS is today at the Municipal Sports Pavilion, until 17:00, in order to promote ” intensive action” of conducting screening tests at COVID-19 to all people not yet tested who were present at the event that took place on the 7th of June in Odiáxere, as well as to family members and other close contacts, namely co-workers of these people who participated at the party.
Also at the Lagos Town Hall in the Paços do Concelho 21st Century Building, as there are signs of possible contacts with infected people, an intensive harvesting action will take place today, as a preventive measure, in the event of any of these may have been in contact with infected people.
 
Wednesday 17 June 2020
Sixteen positive cases and two hospitalised following an illegal party held in Odiáxere
There are already 16 positive cases from Covid-19 related to an illegal party that brought together, on the 7th of June, over 100 people in Odiáxere, in the municipality of Lagos.
Two of the people infected with covid-19 following an illegal party in Lagos are hospitalized, according to the regional delegate of Health of the Algarve, who hopes that responsibilities will be attributed to the organizers of the event.
“Of the confirmed cases, there are two people aged 39 and 27 admitted to CHUA [Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve], in Faro. When covid patients are admitted, it is because their clinical condition is worrying”, said Ana Cristina Guerreiro.
At a press conference, the regional health delegate said she hoped “that responsibilities and their legal consequences could be attributed” to the organizers of the event, which took place on June 7 at the Odiáxere sports club.
“Having a party, we talk about more than 100 people, with such a dimension, in a pandemic moment, when the need for social distance, the use of masks has been so publicized (…), I hope so, that responsibilities are assigned”, he stressed.
So far, health authorities have conducted more than 100 tests, identifying 16 cases of covid-19 infection related to the party, two of which refer to children aged 12 and 7 who were not at the event but were infected by family members.
There are also five people waiting for results and at least 10 people waiting to take the test, added the official, stressing that the majority of people involved are “people of working age who work in multiple locations”.
Meanwhile he mayor of Lagos called for “greater attention, on the part of everyone”, for “compliance with the rules and, above all, more penalty for those who do not comply with them”.
“As in everything in life, those who do not comply must be punished”, he said.
President of Regional Health Authority calls for people not participate in illegal parties
Parties like the one in Odiáxere (Lagos), which has already infected 16 people with Covid-19 , have been taking place “across that Algarve”, particularly in the past weekend and with the participation of many Algarvians. For this reason, Paulo Morgado, president of the Regional Health Administration (ARS), calls for not participating in “this type of event”.
In a press conference, held this Tuesday, June 16, Paulo Morgado assumed that, in the future “many more parties are going to happen”.
The appeal “to the community in general” is not to “participate or organize events of this type” because we all have to “keep vigilant”.
Parties like the one in Odiáxere, where around 100 people will have participated, may “have consequences, as this one is already having, in the sense of having dozens of cases”, leading “to the closure of economic activities” and harming “the country”.
In addition, “irresponsible” acts translate into “immense hours of work for our health professionals who have made an immense effort”.
“The whole community is affected by a series of irresponsible acts. The message is this: we must all be vigilant about what happens in our communities. We know what is not permitted by law. Whoever organizes, should be held accountable and we all have to be vigilant”, he added..
Covid.19: Aljezur Council delivers protection kits to the population
During the Council meeting, held on June 9 the entire municipal executive, plus the heads of the Aljezur Solidário Group (Carina Sebastião, Cláudia Correia and Joana Rosa), who represent a group of more than 30 volunteers, undertook the delivery of the first 1500 community masks to the Municipality of Aljezur.
These community masks, totalling 3500, are the result of a project by Aljezur Solidário – a group of voluntary citizens, who were willing to produce them, accepting the challenge by the Municipality of Aljezur.
According to the municipality, the masks, “with different dimensions for men and women and with different patterns, were manufactured with 3 protective layers (including filter) and elastics that can be adjusted to the face of those who wear them”.
The masks and a set of 3 filters, make up the Kits that will be distributed to the population, in a small bag, read in the council’s statement, which thanks “the commitment and dedication” of this group of volunteers, who “with enormous solidarity and generosity, wanted to contribute in this time of pandemic, to help others “, he stresses.
Lagoa installs people counting system on the council’s beaches
A system of automatic counting of entries and exits on each beach, in real time, is being installed on the beaches of Lagoa. This measure will allow interested parties to know, before going to the beach, the level of capacity of each area «and make a more informed choice».
The new system and its articulation with initiatives from other entities were verified during a visit by the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the regional coordinator of the fight against COVID-19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário, held during the afternoon of Friday, June 12.
The Mayor of Lagoa, Luís Encarnação, the councilors Jorge Pardal and Mário Guerreiro, the president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Pedro Coelho, the commander of the Port of Portimão Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços, the 2nd district commander of Protection Civil, Abel Gomes and the Commander of the Lagoa Volunteer Firefighters, Vítor Rio, were some of the members of the delegation that confirmed on the spot the conditions of application of safety measures on the beaches of this Algarve municipality.
The information collected by the sensors installed by the municipality is automatically treated in the context of the “smart city” and made available to the public on the municipal communication channels – web site, Facebook profile – but also by other entities, such as in the mobile application “Info praia” of APA for smartphones or tablets, which can be downloaded for free through the “Google Play” and the “App Store”.
 
 
Tuesday 16 June 2020
New gym in Silves
City Council considers this “the best public gym in the Algarve region”
The municipality of Silves recently completed the construction of the new Gymnasium in the Complex of Municipal Swimming Pools in Silves, in a significant investment, which amounted to 234 thousand euros and includes the execution of the work and the acquisition of equipment.
Between the new and the old gym there are marked differences. The area of ​​the most recent equipment covers 403 square meters, which supplants the 88 square meters of the old space.
The maximum utilization capacity is now 70 people, more than tripling the 20 people in the previous space. The old gym had 23 machines, while the new one is equipped with 39 machines or platforms.
On the other hand, “the equipment purchased is of high quality and of the reference brand in the Fitness area, allowing to increase, in number and quality, the practice of cardiovascular and strength training exercises”.
The new gym will reopen on June 15, being equipped with supplementary support material, such as weight supports, Olympic bars, dumbbells and other material for functional training.
Covid-19: Alcoutim offers tests to those who return to the municipality in the summer
The Alcoutim Chamber will make service and diagnostic tests for covid-19 available to people connected to the municipality who intend to return in the summer and come from areas most affected by the pandemic, the president told Lusa today.
Osvaldo Gonçalves explained to Lusa that the measure was designed to avoid cases of infection among the population of the municipality, mostly elderly and residing in villages dispersed in the mountains, intended “mainly to the diaspora” that left the municipality to reside in other cities or countries and “Usually returns in the summer”.
Most of the approximately 3,000 inhabitants of that municipality, which since the beginning of the pandemic and have not registered any cases so far, are over 70 years old and belong to groups at risk.
The mayor indicated that the testing will be carried out in collaboration with the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) – consortium formed by the Hospital and University Center of the Algarve (CHUA) and the University of the Algarve -, having been agreed “an initial number of 1,000 tests” , which can be adjusted if necessary.
The tests “are voluntary” and interested parties can express their intention to undergo the covid-19 screening test by calling 800 208 302, between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm, and a date for collection is scheduled at the headquarters of each of the parishes, explained Osvaldo Gonçalves.
Rural fire in São Marcos da Serra
A fire broke out yesterday in the Mato area, near São Marcos da Serra, Silves municipality, this Monday afternoon, June 15th.
According to data from the Civil Protection, published on its website, the incident started at 4:14 pm and mobilized 28 operatives, supported by five land and one air means, activated by a dispatch of the first alert given at 4:26 pm.
According to a source from Faro’s District Command for Relief Operations (CDOS), the fire was in a bush area, in Monte das Pitas. The initial attack on the fire brought it under control very quickly. The fire was extinguished within 90 minutes.
 
Monday 15 June 2020
According to the municipal confirmed case figures of this Sunday 14th, the data now coincides with those of DGS accounting for 395 cases.
There are no changes, as far as deaths are concerned, with the DGS confirming 15, two less than those indicated by the regional authority.
DGS informs in the bulletin that “The information presented refers to the total of medical notifications in the SINAVE system, not including laboratory notifications. As such, it may not correspond to all cases per municipality. When the confirmed cases are less than 3, for reasons of confidentiality, the data are not presented. ”.
The registration of cases, according to the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve, “is done through the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE), where doctors enter the data of those infected”, whose address is relative to that present in the National Registry of Users and, therefore, “there is a discrepancy in the location of cases when the epidemiological analysis is carried out and deepened”.
“Only when the analysis is done one by one, is it possible to validate the number of cases per municipality”, said the ARS, since, for example, the infected person may be living in Beja, but his residence is in Sagres.
Covid.19: Worker who tested positive in a nursery in Quarteira is asymptomatic
The last 26 tests have been carried out on the institution’s staff, the Mayor of Loulé, stated last night that the results were negative.
In a message on Facebook, the mayor thanked ABC – Academic Center for Research and Biomedical Training in the Algarve “for the speed of testing and analysis carried out”.
The care center was closed, after a case of covid-19 was detected in an employee.
One case reported on Thursday, with tests carried out on 30 employees of that institution that turned out to be negative.
For the time being, the children at that day care center will not be tested.
This morning the António Aleixo Foundation said in a statement that the worker who tested positive “will remain in quarantine, as well as all colleagues who have had a closer relationship”; in total of 16 people, by decision of the regional health authority.
The same source says that the worker “was and remains without any symptoms of the disease”.
All António Aleixo Foundation services will continue to operate fully, both in Quarteira and Loulé facilities, including some nursery and pre-school rooms, “within the limits allowed by the available staff who are not subject to quarantine”, confirms the same statement.
Lagoa receives masks from the Chinese Embassy in Lisbon
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China offered 1,000 surgical masks to the City Council of Lagoa, out of concern for the municipality’s workers, the municipality announced.
Over time, the City Council of Lagoa and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China have been building a relationship of cooperation and friendship, which according to the communique’s statement will be “to continue and deepen”.
The masks received are of type I, certified by the standard EN: 14683: 2019 and meet all the requirements of the European Directive No. 93/42 / EEC, of ​​14 June 1993, on medical devices.
 
 
Sunday 14 June 2020
Among the cases of infection confirmed in today’s bulletin from the General Directorate of Health (DGS), 428 are hospitalized, 77 of which are in intensive care units. The Assistant Secretary of State for Health and Health revealed on Friday that the occupancy rate of the Intensive Care Units in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley is 65%.
Covid 19 – DGS
There were no new cases reported in the Algarve in the last 24 hours, with the region remaining at 393 confirmed cases to date.
Man found dead on the side of the road between Loulé and Boliqueime
The National Republican Guard (GNR) is investigating the circumstances in which the death of a man found on 13^th June in the morning on Estrada Nacional 270 in Loulé occurred, a source from that force told Lusa. According to GNR, the body of the 56-year-old Ukrainian national was found at 7:00 am on the side of the road between the city of Loulé and the village of Boliqueime, in the district of Faro.
According to the source, concerning the evidence collected at the site, “everything indicates that it was a hit and run that happened several hours beforehand”. GNR indicated that the man’s body was transported to the Office of Forensic Medicine at Hospital de Faro to undergo an autopsy.
Municipality of Silves says it has recently completed the construction of “the new and large” Gymnasium of the Complex of Municipal Swimming Pools.
The investment amounted to €234,000, including the execution of the work and the acquisition of equipment. The municipality explains in a press release that the area of ​​the new gym covers 403 m2 in relation to the 88 m2 of the old space, with a maximum capacity of 70 people (20 people in the previous space). The old gym had 23 machines, while the new one is equipped with 39 machines or platforms.
The Municipality stresses that “the equipment acquired is of high quality and of the reference brand in the Fitness area, allowing to increase in number and quality, the practice of cardiovascular and strength training exercises”. The new gym, which will reopen on June 15, is equipped with supplementary support material, “such as weight supports, Olympic bars, dumbbells and other material for functional training”, he explains.
Investing on clean energies makes Águas do Algarve “more and more green”
Águas do Algarve is “more and more green”, thanks to the measures that have been carried out within the scope of the Energy Efficiency and Production Plan (PEPE), and has” been standing out so much in electric mobility as in the production of renewable energy », with the objective of achieving energy neutrality, according to the company.
PEPE, explained Águas do Algarve, “adds a wide range of energy efficiency measures and electricity production from renewable sources in order to reduce consumption, increase own production and improve the conditions for the acquisition of electricity”».
In the area of ​​mobility, the company acquired 14 light passenger vehicles and 2 light goods vehicles, all of them electric, which travelled, among about 310 thousand kms in 2019.
“The use of electric vehicles implied an electrical energy consumption of 40,196 kWh, which corresponds to the emission of 19 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The replacement of conventional vehicles with electric ones has made it possible to avoid the emission of 49 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere”, explained the company responsible for the Algarve’s multi-municipal water supply and basic sanitation system.
Municipality of Loulé to hire 25 firefighters
The Municipality of Loulé launched an external competition to hire 25 firefighters by 23rd June to join the Loulé Fire Department, the municipality announced. Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old and have completed their 12th year of schooling, in addition to a good physical and psychological capacity.
Recruitment is done through a competition to provide evidence and general knowledge and practical evidence preceded by medical inspection. This reinforcement of firefighters at this time of year is due, according to the statement, “to respond to many other occurrences that take place daily with regard to cases of illness, protection and relief of people and property and, of course, in the context of current pandemic situation ”, in addition to the fires.
 
Saturday 13th June
Câmara de Loulé announces that tests will be carried out for all pre-school staff
The Municipality of Loulé saw today the first positive case for COVID-19 in an employee of a day care center in Quarteira of the solidarity network of the municipality.
According to the determinations of the public health authorities, the Municipality says that “all the measures that are understood as the most adequate to protect children, educators and other personnel of the institution” have been taken “where the day care center operates.
In the face of this positive case, the Municipality of Loulé declares that it will promote extensive screening, in order to test all educators and assistants in the preschool network of the Municipality of Loulé “in all its segments, public, private and solidary “.
The municipality estimates that a total of about 460 people will be tested, among all teaching and non-teaching staff.
The Municipality of Loulé informs that “it will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation” in that day care center in conjunction with public health and other authorities, under the coordination of José Apolinário, government official in the Algarve to combat COVID-19, expressing “total” readiness to collaborate and assist in the “urgent task of controlling the situation and protecting the entire community”.
Day-care in Quarteira Closed Due to Positive Case
A day-care centre in Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé, was closed yesterday after a case of covid-19 was detected in an employee, a source from the Regional Health Administration (ARS) from the Algarve said.
According to the same source, the positive case was reported on Thursday, having already been tested on 30 employees of that institution – belonging to the António Aleixo Foundation -, which turned out to be negative.
During the day, tests for the disease caused by the new coronavirus will be carried out to the other employees of the day-care centre, and the children “will not be tested”, said the source of ARS / Algarve.
Over the weekend, the health authority will assess whether the day-care will reopen over the next week, he concluded.
This is the second day-care centre in the Algarve to close after a positive case of covid-19 was detected, having closed on Monday a day-care centre in the parish of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, in the municipality of Faro.
In this case, the nursery closed after the disease was detected in a 2-year-old boy, whose mother was also infected.
Lagoa municipality receives masks offered by the Chinese Embassy
On Friday, June 5, the Lagoa City Council received 1000 surgical masks, offered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, “in a manifestation of concern for the Chamber’s workers”.
In a press release, the municipality states that Lagoa and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China have been building and reinforcing cooperative relations and bonds of friendship “which are intended to continue and deepen strategic relations in the field of international relations”.
For this purpose, 1000 type I surgical masks, certified by the EN: 14683: 2019 standard and which meet the essential requirements of the European Directive No. 93/42 / EEC, of ​​14 June 1993, on medical devices, were sent. In this way, employees will be able to continue working for the benefit of the citizens, maintaining a safe environment for all, he stressed the same authority.
The Mayor, Luís Encarnação, defends the interest in maintaining the line of understanding in deepening the bonds of friendship and has already expressed his thanks for the effort made in the offer made by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The virus knows no borders and this is an invisible enemy, which must be combated with the effort of all, together and cooperation, underlined the mayor.
COVID-19: Lagos tests lifeguards in the municipality
Lifeguards who provide service on the beaches of the municipality of Lagos will undergo screening tests for the new Coronavirus tomorrow, Saturday, June 13.
The tests will be carried out by technicians from the ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, as was the case with teaching and non-teaching staff in the county’s schools.
The objective of this action, an initiative of the Municipality of Lagos, «is to prevent possible outbreaks of contagion and to ensure that whoever has the important mission of saving lives on the beaches meets all the conditions to provide this function to bathers in this bathing season, lived in the context of pandemic”.

Friday 12th June 2020
Covid-19 Situation
DGS Bulletin says that Algarve does not have new cases of Covid-19 and attributes 3 more to Alentejo.
According to DGS data, since the beginning of the pandemic, the Algarve has added the same 391 positive cases of Covid-19 from yesterday. In Alentejo, the number rises to 277.
According to DGS, the number of deaths in the Algarve remains at 15.
In the last four days the Algarve has only registered two confirmed cases.
The good news is that the total recovered has also gone up and more than new cases and deaths. There are now 313 people recovered from Covid-19, in the Algarve, eight more than in the past few days. The recoveries took place in Loulé, Albufeira and Silves.
These data mean that there are only 63 active cases of Covid-19, at the moment, in the Algarve region. Of these, only 4 are admitted to the hospital in Faro and none of them ventilated or in need of intensive care.
Olhão: Covid-19 tests for all 122 pre-school professionals
Within the scope of the 3rd phase of deflation resulting from the covid-19 academy, and the consequent reopening of pre-school establishments, the Municipality of Olhão promoted on Wednesday morning a screening of all teaching and non-teaching staff this cycle of studies.
In total, this action involved 122 professionals from all over the municipality.
The diagnostic tests were carried out by the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), the academic biomedical research and training center in the Algarve, with the collaboration of the Municipal Firefighters.
Since the risk of contagion by covid-19 is still a reality, Isilda Pereira, from the direction of the Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes Group, points out the close cooperation that has been taking place between the municipality and the schools and underlines the importance of this measure of the Municipality “Which meets the fears of the school community and guarantees the safety of all: teaching and non-teaching staff, children and their families”.
Earth tremor
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere reports that it registered at 10:35 in the stations of the Seismic Network of the Continent, an earthquake of magnitude 2.9 of the Richter scale, whose epicentre was located about 45 km to the South-Southeast of Lagos.
Until the drafting of this communiqué, the IPMA said it had not received any information confirming that this earthquake was felt.
 
Thursday 11th June 2020
Health
So far in the Algarve there are 391 infected – 2 more compared to yesterday and 15 deaths. The number of confirmed cases in the last 3 days has increased by 2.
Navy seeks missing sailor off the coast of the Algarve
Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisboa) is coordinating a search operation at sea by a 54-year-old citizen of the Czech Republic, crew member of a Hong Kong flag merchant ship, which is sailing about 40 miles south of the Algarve coast.
The alert was received at MRCC Lisboa at 11:20 am, through the communications network of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), reporting that a container ship bound for Sines had reported one of their crew missing.
Taking into account the period that elapsed between the time when the individual was last seen on board and the time when his absence was detected, a search area was defined for the allocation of search and rescue means, both surface as aerial.
The search operations are carried out with the commitment of Portuguese Navy resources, namely the NRP Escorpião and NRP João Roby, as well as the Portuguese Air Force P 3-C CUP + aircraft, from the 601 – Lobos squadron.
Lagoa: Second phase of distribution of social masks has started
The second phase of distributing community masks in the municipality of Lagoa began last Monday, June 8, the municipality announced.
The new phase of the delivery of masks for social use is ensured by the Parish Councils and Unions of the municipality. It is intended for people who have not received this personal protective equipment for any of the various reasons identified during the first distribution period that ran from May 12 to June 5, 2020.
The delivery of face masks in this 2nd phase responds to direct requests from citizens who can choose to go in person to the premises of the Parish Councils and Unions or contact via telephone.
In the case of the Porches Parish Council, the telephone number to be used for this purpose is 966 011 927. In turn, the União de Freguesia de Lagoa and Carvoeiro has 960 457 017 available.
The Union of Parishes of Estômbar and Parchal can be reached at 282 420 030. The Parish Council of Ferragudo has nº 282 461 369.
 
Wednesday 10th June 2020
Algarve
The Algarve has no new cases of Covid-19, (the second date in a row) but the Alentejo registered five more infected, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) of this Tuesday, 9 June.
According to DGS data, the Algarve maintains the same 389 cases, in numbers accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic. In Alentejo, the number rose to 273.
The number of deaths in the Algarve, according to the DGS, remains at 15. Even so, data from the Regional Health Administration (ARS), revealed already last Thursday, account for yet another death: from a foreign citizen , resident in Portimão. In other words, the 16th death has not yet been recorded by the Directorate-General for Health.
In Alentejo, there is still only one death.
Algarve Diocese creates diocesan commission to protect minors and adults
The Diocese of Algarve created in late May a diocesan commission to protect minors and vulnerable adults, a structure that aims to combat sexual abuse by members of the clergy, it was announced yesterday.
In a statement, the Diocese of the Algarve said that the creation of the commission resulted from the application of a determination of the Holy See and “it appears as one of the Church’s proposals to combat sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy”.
In this sense, in addition to the application of disciplinary measures and civil and canonical processes, “in order to decisively face this phenomenon inside and outside the Church, it was decided to create these diocesan bodies”, the note reads.
According to the Diocese, this commission aims to “listen to and forward complaints of cases of sexual abuse and power committed in the ecclesiastical sphere, against minors and vulnerable adults”, as well as “accompanying all the actors in each case and helping to heal those who were injured”.
At the same time, it seeks to “promote opportune awareness actions in order to promote a culture of accountability and prevention”, the note continues.
In addition to the guidelines of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference regarding the treatment of cases of sexual abuse of minors, this commission will prepare a “specific regulation that determines the way it works and will be approved by the diocesan bishop”.
Quarteira Fairs and Markets resume activity
Sellers and customers have to wear a mask.
As part of the process of gradually resuming economic activities, the fairs and markets in the parish of Quarteira have reopened with various health security measures.
Following the indications of the Directorate-General for Health, sellers and customers were asked to wear a mask and comply with the safety distance of at least two meters.
The Weekly Market of Fruit and Vegetable Producers takes place on Wednesday, starting at 8:00 am, at Rua Infante Santo. The Clothing Market, (Gypsy Market) takes place, also on Wednesday and also starting at 8 am, in Fonte Santa.
Finally, the Antiques and crafts Fair takes place on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 8:00 am, at Rua Infante Santo.
Aquashow does not open doors this year due to COVID-19
Aquashow Park, in Quarteira, will not reopen this year due to the potential risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced.
“After a careful assessment of the current situation, with the objective of minimizing potential risks associated with the new coronavirus (COVID – 19) and following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the General Health Directorate”, the park management “decided to act preventively and to follow a principle of social responsibility in favour of public health for all” with the announcement of its closure.
However, the company guarantees in a statement that it is “continuing the daily work of constantly improving the quality and diversity of its space, preparing news for 2021”.
The Aquashow Hotel, the park’s hotel unit, will reopen on July 1.
 
 
Tuesday 9th June
Covid-19 Health figures
The Algarve and Alentejo have no new cases of Covid-19, according to data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) of this Monday, 8 June.
According to DGS data, the Algarve has the same 389 cases, in numbers accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic, and the Alentejo the 268.
Until Friday, the Algarve region recorded 299 recovered people, with a recovery rate of 78.5%,
Olhão: Pre-school teaching and non-teaching staff will be tested at Covid-19
The Municipality of Olhão decided to promote a screening of the entire teaching and non-teaching staff in this cycle of education, within the scope of the 3rd phase of deflation resulting from the covid-19 pandemic, and the consequent reopening of pre-school establishments.
In a statement, the municipality says that the diagnostic tests will be carried out by (ABC) – the academic biomedical research and training centre in the Algarve, and will be conducted, due to issues of availability of the laboratory, on June 10.
According to the councillor of Education, António Camacho, “although we are experiencing a phase of progressive and gradual deflation, the risk of contagion by covid-19 is still a reality. For this reason, we believe it is essential to carry out an exhaustive screening of all pre-school professionals, in order to guarantee the safety of all: teaching staff, non-teaching staff, children and their families”.
Algarve hoteliers believe that domestic market reduces losses
Hoteliers in the Algarve believe that the national market can offset losses during the last three months, a period in which tourist revenues were reduced to zero, said the president of the largest sector association in the region.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, the president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), Elidérico Viegas, indicated that confidence in the domestic market “results from very favourable behaviour”, which already translates into the number of reservations.
“Reserves of national tourists are rising every day in hotels and in the Algarve developments that have reopened, which gives us some confidence to believe in some recovery this year,” he said.
The official stressed that the opening of accommodation units in the Algarve, closed due to the covid-19 pandemic, is taking place “at a good pace, but in phases”, with an estimated 60% in the middle of the month and the rest in the first week of July.
Municipality of Faro donates 100,000 Euros to schools.
The Municipality of Faro has approved the granting of an extraordinary financial contribution of 20 thousand euros to each of the five groups of schools and non-grouped schools in the municipality – in a total amount of 100 thousand euros – for the acquisition of technological equipment as part of the support to the process distance learning and teaching.
The municipality explained in a statement that the measure announced will serve “to face the effects of the pandemic crisis”, so the groups can proceed with the acquisition of technological equipment to distribute to students from needy families in the municipality.
The initiative stems from the protocols for delegating competences and transferring resources signed on February 4 between the Municipality of Faro and the João de Deus, Pinheiro and Rosa, Tomás Cabreira, D. Afonso III and Montenegro School Groups.
Portimão opens registration for Summer Vacation monitors
Registration for monitors for “Férias Portimão 2020” has already opened, a municipal project for children and youth in the municipality.
Registration is open until June 16.
Based on a program full of recreational, educational, cultural and sporting offers, the initiative will run from 29 June to 14 August.
According to the Câmara de Portimão, this project represents «an effort to maintain activities that reach children and young people between 6 and 12 years old and their leisure needs, taking into account the measures imposed in the current pandemic situation».
Those interested in participating as monitors must be students between 18 and 25 years old, expressing their availability from the 25th of June until the end of the program.
 
 
Monday 8th June
Algarve Health Authority
According to DGS on Sunday, the Algarve has recorded 389 accumulated cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 304 recovered. There are currently 69 active cases in the region.
According to municipal figures Loulé had 2 new cases of Covid-19 in the municipality bringing the total to 100 infections, according to the daily information that the regional health authority sends to the mayors. There were also two more cases one in Portimão and the other in Albufeira.
On Saturday, in the report that the regional health authority sends daily to the municipalities, 385 cases were registered.
However, according to the DGS national report there were 7 additional cases in the Algarve on Sunday, a discrepancy of 3 compared to municipal figures.
Marta Temido, Minister of Health, at the daily press conference, explained that “some health administrations had not reported cases at the day in question, hence they had been accumulated in the last few days and have only now been registered on the national data base”. This explains the discrepancy in numbers.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/loule-atinge-os-100-casos-de-covid-19-desde-o-inicio-da-pandemia-mapa-interativo/
Mayor of Faro states beach operators not complying with the law.
At the official opening of the bathing season, Rogério Bacalhau, Mayor of Faro, was present at Faro Beach on Saturday morning, June 6, where he told journalists that, in that bathing area, the laws were not being complied with.
“Throughout this week we found that on the beach there were some operators who continued to allow access to new customers after 11 pm and did not close at midnight. Here on the beach, throughout this week, there were several gatherings with young people drinking, running, having fun, but in excess. That’s what we tried to fight a little”.
The municipality launched on Friday, June 5, measures to be in force while the state of national calamity has been decreed, which lasts until 11:59 pm on June 14.
All recreational, leisure and amusement activities in open spaces, public roads, or spaces and private roads equivalent to public roads, are prohibited in the whole municipality of Faro, and especially in the entire area of ​​Praia. As a way of minimizing the spread of the new Coronavirus, the municipality determined a reduction in the hours of all public establishments, for the period between 06:00 and 24:00, and from 23:00 onwards access to new customers is prohibited during days of the week.
According to Rogério Bacalhau, “what we define is nothing more than what is already in the law. Above all, it was also a wake-up call for people to have fun, but respect the law”.
 
 
Sunday 7th of June
Man arrested for several home burglaries in the Algarve and Alentejo
A man in his 40s, resident between the municipalities of Monchique and Ourique, was detained by GNR last Thursday after a long investigation by the Criminal Investigation Centre (NIC) of GNR. The thefts occurred in several houses in the municipalities of Monchique, Portimão, Vila do Bispo and Beja. The individual took advantage of the fact that the owners were in their country of origin to carry out the robberies. According to sources the stolen objects are: cars, motorcycles, construction tools, among others. The suspect will be present to court for bail conditions.
Vessel with migrants intercepted in Ria Formosa Olhão
A vessel with seven migrants on board was intercepted by the Maritime Police of Faro and Olhão on Saturday, around 12 noon, in the Ria Formosa. According to the National Maritime Authority (AMN), the men were between 20 and 30 years old and claim to be Moroccan.
The alert was given by a fisherman, who telephoned the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Faro reporting “that a vessel with men on board appeared to be lost, near the Faro-Olhão bar. AMN immediately deployed two Maritime Police vessels, one from Faro and the other from Olhão, to the location”.
“The vessel intercepted, was already inside the Ria Formosa, between the Hangares Nucleus and the Culatra Nucleus”, added the Maritime Authority. The Maritime Police followed the vessel up to the Olhão Lifeguard Station quay, “the seven men disembarking and being directed to the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Olhão, where they were monitored by an INEM team, awaiting the arrival of the Aliens and Borders Service”.
 
Saturday 6th June
Covid-19 situation report Algarve
As the Regional Health directorate stated yesterday morning at a press conference at the District Civil Protection Command, that the region has registered 5 more cases of Covid.19 (381), in relation to the data reported yesterday by the General Health Directorate, which pointed to 376.
Ana Cristina Guerreiro spoke of 4 people who are hospitalized, but without any cases in in intensive care units. There have been 299 recovered so far, giving an average of 78.5% recovered and 16 deaths.
136 people are under active surveillance. Altogether 30 thousand tests were carried out in the Algarve, which is equivalent to 7% of the resident population.
The Health Delegate said that in Lar de Boliqueime there are 3 residents who are hospitalized and two employees who are recovering at home. Regarding the outbreaks of migrants that were registered in Tavira and Armação de Pêra, the “infected people are recovering” she confirmed.
Director Regional Health Algarve regarding Social distancing concerns
Despite the region is going through a “stable and close to normal” phase, Ana Cristina Guerreiro, reminded people to be more careful with the social distance in the esplanades of cafes and restaurants, “I have received complaints about this; reporting cases of people who do not respect the minimum distance on the terraces. She added you can remove the mask but it is essential to respect the safe distance”.
At the same conference, Paulo Morgado – President of the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve (ARS), stated that there is only one infected health professional, “all others have recovered”.
He added “that despite the situation being stable, the disease exists and is in the community, so I call for a responsible attitude to continue to prevent the transmission of the virus, not only to residents but also to all those who visit us, minimizing the number of cases and helping the economy, as I think that nobody wants to go backwards”.
The Algarve is preparing for the arrival of tourists, the borders will also open, “but the rules must be strictly adhered to by everyone”, he stressed.
Opening of the Bathing Season at Praia da Rocha in presence of the Prime Minister
On Saturday, June 6, the opening of the bathing season and the public presentation of the application “Info Praia”, will take place from 10:30 am in Praia da Rocha with the presence of Prime Minister António Costa.
Before the public session for the presentation of the new application of the beaches, the delegation will have the opportunity to walk the walkway to the area where the information flag of the beach is raised. Then the Prime Minister will walk through the connecting bridge to the beach support bar where the ceremony takes place.
The ceremony will begin with a welcome by the Mayor of Portimão, Isilda Gomes, and the Vice President of the Portuguese Environment Agency, Pimenta Machado, will present the “Info Praia” application, which provides a set of rules and procedures so that beaches can be enjoyed safely.
The Minister of National Defence, João Gomes Cravinho, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, will participate in the ceremony, with the closing by the Prime Minister.
The initiative, which will also count on the presence of the Secretaries of State for Fisheries, Tourism, Environment and Health, marking the opening of the bathing season, being transmitted live on Facebook in the Municipality of Portimão.
Judicial Police donates computers to children from CPCJ Faro
Southern Directorate of the Judicial Police (PJ), have donated 14 pieces of equipment to the Children and Youth Protection Commission (CPCJ) of Faro to distribute to those who need it most.
Aware of the added difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the most vulnerable families, especially with regard to access to computerized means for distance learning, the PJ decided to make the donation.
The initiative, which received the agreement of the national director of the PJ, aimed to help students from needy families. According to Nídia Cavaco, president of CPCJ Faro, it was that police who came into contact with the institution.
“It was an excellent and unexpected surprise. I had already received some requests for help from parents who were experiencing many difficulties. Even organized and working families, with two or three dependent children and low wages, find it difficult to manage this situation. Thus, we were able to respond in record time. The computers were cleaned and delivered”.
The beaches of the Algarve will reopen to the public this June 6th, according to the requirements defined by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
In a statement, Regional Tourism Algarve highlights the “quality and safety of Algarve beaches” attested by the 87 Blue Flags awarded this year by the European Blue Flag Association, with Praia do Ancão, in Loulé, to be the first nationally to hoist this symbol on the 15th of June.
João Fernandes, President of RTA underlines “the region is prepared to receive, as always, tourists and visitors on its beaches and it will be the duty of all of us, from tourist agents to citizens, to assume as positive the access rules in force and individual protection measures and safety distances”.
The official points out that “awards such as the Blue Flag are proof of the success of the destination’s bet on an increasingly safe, environmentally sustainable and accessible sun and sea tourism. These distinctions gain even more relevance in this phase of lack of definition in which the Portuguese can already enjoy the beaches again as a place of leisure and, above all, of well-being for the body and mind”.
 
 
Friday 5th June
Foreigner resident in Portimão is the 16th fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve
The number of deaths caused by Covid-19 rose to 16, according to daily information that the regional health authority sends to mayors. The death was that of a foreign citizen residing in Portimão, as the Portimão Chamber itself reported on the page dedicated to the pandemic.
The Portimão City Council revealed that the person who died came to be considered recovered “after several weeks of hospitalization”, but “died due to other complications”.
This death appears today in the report that the Algarve health authority sends daily to the municipalities, the South Information found from an official source. Even so, perhaps because it is not a death that can be directly attributed to Covid-19, this death was not included in the bulletin of the epidemiological situation in Portugal of the General Directorate of Health today.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/estrangeiro-residente-em-portimao-e-a-16a-vitima-mortal-da-covid-19-no-algarve/
Algarve beaches will have surveillance monitored by the minute
Non-concessioned beaches will receive increased attention during the 2020 bathing season. Guarded areas will have informative signs about the capacity. Officers of the Maritime Police will use their own mobile application ( app ), coordinated by the Captains of Porto, with information in real time, in order to facilitate a faster management of resources and resources. Everything to promote safety in the Algarve sands.
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) revealed the maximum capacity numbers for each concessioned bathing area on Wednesday, May 27. Despite numbers still in informal consultation, it is already possible to have an idea of ​​what the 2020 bathing season will be like, starting on Saturday, June 6th.
Fernando Rocha Pacheco, head of the Southern Maritime Department, says that he made “a very detailed and exhaustive survey” for the Captaincy of the Port of Faro [which has jurisdiction at Praia da Deserta, Praia de Faro, Quinta do Lago , Ancão, Garrão Nascente, Garrão Poente, Vale do Lobo, Loulé Velho, Almargem, Forte Novo, Quarteira and Vilamoura].
“In all of them, in general, the numbers of the maximum capacity defined by the APA are always higher than the average daily frequency of bathers in previous years. That is, we will not have difficulties in accommodating people who come to our beaches with the proper spacing, because the maximum capacity was calculated with the factor COVID-19, of social distance, and in fact the maximum capacity numbers are higher than that which is the average frequency”, estimates Rocha Pacheco.
Beach Capacities in the Algarve
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) published on its website (https://apambiente.pt/), all the maximum capacity values ​​for the beaches in the Algarve. In the west, there are 79 concessioned bathing areas, 48 ​​of which are large and 31 small. With greater capacity is Praia da Rocha, in Portimão, with potential for 8800 people. Next is Meia Praia Nascente, in the municipality of Lagos, with 8700.
Much smaller beaches are with less than 100 users, are: Arrifes (Albufeira), Albandeira (Lagoa), Camilo (Lagos), Marinha (Lagoa) and Tremoços (Lagoa). Praia da Marinha is the smallest in the entire region, with the possibility of 15 bathers in total.
In the east the 31 referenced beaches were classified as large. Faro Beach and Monte Gordo Beach (Vila Real de Santo António) are the largest, with the potential for 12600 users.
Next is Manta Rota (Vila Real de Santo António), with capacity for 6300. The only Sotavento beach that is below 1000 bathers is Fuseta-Ria, with the possibility of having 700 people.
Detailed list of beaches western Algarve Albufeira to Sagras and capacities here
Detailed List of beaches and capacities Loule to Vila Real Santa Antonio here
Bathing season: Câmara carries out several interventions in Praia de Faro
The Municipality of Faro informed that several interventions were carried out in Praia de Faro with a view to preparing the bathing season, which will start this Saturday, June 6th.
In a statement the municipality says that in the last few days, “minor repairs and regularization of sidewalks and pavements, wall paintings, horizontal signs (pedestrian crossings, parking, indications and pedestrian arrows on sidewalks and walkways) have been carried out, as well as cleaning the road and in the estuary (sand, urban garbage and debris) “.
Soon the Municipality hopes to also disclose new safety and prevention measures to be implemented, taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic, “in order to promote an environment of safety and well-being among users” in this bathing area of ​​the municipality, read in the same document.
Algarve nurse on the front line against suicide
Carolina Marques, 45, a nurse at the Pedopsychiatry service at the Faro unit of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve (CHUA), has volunteered since April in a national prevention line launched by the Center for Suicide Studies (NES). Goal is to save lives.
The COVID-19 virus attacks physical health and, above all, has caused a significant and widespread increase in the psychological suffering of many people, from all age groups and social backgrounds.
For this reason, in April, during confinement and in a state of emergency, the Center for the Study of Suicide (NES), of the Hospital de Santa Maria, launched a specialized response for the whole country.
Carolina Marques, an Algarve nurse who is at the forefront, considers that the exceptional height that we live requires to overcome the social taboo that has led this problem to silence.
“Most people, even health professionals, approach the topic with fear. But this suicide prevention work cannot be done out of fear. It has to be done realistically. When approaching someone, we have to ask clearly, if they have thoughts of death, if they have a suicidal ideation or plan. These are different things, but this is how you assess the seriousness of the situation. If we are around, what happens is that the person does not feel understood”, begins by explaining to the windward Carolina Marques, a specialist nurse in mental health. Read more.
https://www.barlavento.pt/destaque/enfermeira-algarvia-na-linha-da-frente-contra-o-suicidio
 
 
Thursday 4th June
Algarve Anticipates Severe Drop in Occupancy This Summer
The Algarve is expected to register a 30% occupancy for the summer of 2020, something that “had never been experienced” in the region, the president of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) said yesterday.
In the specific case of the Algarve, as it is “the region that most depends on tourism and international air bridges”, he stressed.
“The big challenge will be to maintain a reference structure for the Algarve’s hotel and entertainment offer”, he suggested, emphasising that the Algarve “has to survive the crisis”.
Since May 18, some businesses have reopened, with the opening of the bathing season scheduled for June 6.
The president of APAVT was speaking during the digital conference “Algarve no Horizonte – How the next bathing season will be”, organized by Ambitur magazine and which brought together several public and private entities in order to discuss how the destination is preparing for the season bathing in the context of the pandemic.
Municipality of Loulé supports the reopening of pre-school education
The return of preschool education that took place on Monday has been supported and accompanied by the Municipality of Loulé, which aims to “ensure a better integration and adaptation of the entire school community to this new reality”, announced the municipality.
Throughout the month, pre-school staff in the municipality of Loulé will receive awareness-raising activities, with advice on the adaptation and reorganization of routines, spaces, materials and activities related to hygiene and means of protection.
Socio-emotional action is also planned, due to the psychological impact that the pandemic had on the school community, which will focus on the weaknesses, resistance, insecurities, anxieties and fears of the professionals.
The principals, coordinators, general supervisors and other elements of the school groupings in the municipality of Loulé will also receive technical training on hygiene, protection and basic recommendations to be adopted.
In April, the Municipality of Loulé purchased 750 tablets and 170 computers from students who did not have this equipment, so that they can access distance learning.
Faro Airport: EasyJet resumes 3/4 of their operation in July and August
EasyJet has announced that it will resume three quarters of its operations in July and August, starting with around 50 flights in and out of Portugal – including Faro airport – in a “very cautious schedule” that will depend on the response of demand for flights and the evolution of the pandemic.
Speaking to Lusa, the Director General of the airline responsible for Portugal, José Lopes, explained that the goal is to try during July and August, the peak of the summer operation, to stimulate demand, with a balance between a launch of a promotional tariff for travel between July 1 and October 31st, 2020, in conjunction with the implementation of security measures, that will be put in place in order to allow the airline to resume some operations.
EasyJet will operate 50 flights in July, and 59 in August, to and from Portugal, through its four main airports (Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal).
EasyJet expects to fly around 78% and 92% of the routes that serve Portugal in these two summer months.
These destinations will, however, operate less frequently than usual, he said.
“It is a scenario where we must respond to apparent demand. At any time, if demand does not react in the way we expect or if there is a change in the restrictions implemented in the various destination countries, or even a change in the level of the pandemic itself, we may logically have to readjust ”, explained the Director-General of the company in Portugal.
 
 
Wednesday 3rd June
Covid.19: António Pina criticizes the “irresponsible” attitude of young people who went to a “party of deflation”
The case of Covid-19 announced yesterday in Olhão is of a woman of about 30 years old, who contracted the disease during a party of deflation “outside the region”, where she travelled with four other “young adults” from this municipality, revealed the António Miguel Pina, Mayor of Olhão.
What Sul Informação has learned from other sources is a group of five young women, who will have participated in a party in the Greater Lisbon area, to which other recent cases from Covid-19 are associated.
In a post on the social network Facebook, the mayor of Olhão spares no criticism of the five residents, who accused them of “disrespect for the sacrifice of all” and of having “a selfish and irresponsible attitude”, contradicting “what has been the general behaviour of the local population”.
Contacted by Sul Informação , António Pina said he did not want to give further details about the case, referring to his post , but admitted that “there is a risk of community transmission”, since the case was only detected days after the party in question.
“At this moment, all people who have been in contact with the members of the group – family, friends and others – are in quarantine and being followed by health authorities. I don’t have the exact numbers, but there will certainly be dozens of people”, he said.
The five young women were tested, but only one was positive.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/jovem-que-foi-a-festa-de-desconfinamento-e-o-novo-caso-de-covid-19-em-olhao/
Portimão Museum receives “Clean & Safe – Cultural Heritage” seal from Turismo de Portugal
The Portimão Museum received the “Clean & Safe – Cultural Heritage” seal, an initiative promoted by Turismo de Portugal to recognize organizations and companies of interest to the tourism sector that fully comply with the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, avoiding contamination by the new coronavirus.
The Museum of Portimão, which can be visited on Tuesday from 2.30 pm to 6 pm and from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm, ensures the health and safety conditions of visitors and collaborators, through a set of rules, in articulation with the competent authorities, namely the mandatory use of a mask and disinfection of the hands, with a gel solution at the entrance and exit of the building, a disinfectant mat, social distance and maximum capacity for long-term exhibitions in 20 people, while that the temporary exhibition rooms can receive up to seven visitors, points out the municipality.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/museu-de-portimao-recebe-selo-clean-safe-patrimonio-cultural-do-turismo-de-portugal/32539-1
Workers of the JJW Hotels & Resorts Group advance to strike
The workers of the JJW Hotels & Resorts Group, owned by the sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, held on, Tuesday 2 June, a plenary session at the group’s headquarters in Portugal, at the Pinheiros Altos project, in Quinta do Lago, in protest concerning overdue wages
The workers unanimously decided to go on strike next June 12. With this form of struggle, “they demand payment of wages in arrears and the fulfillment of their rights”.
At the moment, according to the Hotel Union of the Algarve, “there are workers who say they have not yet received the full salary for the month of March and others have not yet received anything for the month of April, in addition to the fact that the monthly salary is already in arrears of May”.
This Union also denounces that “once again, when the company’s management became aware that the workers were organizing themselves to participate in the plenary, it confronted them with a new promise, which once again was not fully fulfilled, and with phone calls from hierarchical superiors so that workers do not participate in the plenary ”.
Tavira Camping
The Ilha de Tavira Camping Park will remain behind closed doors during the summer, due to the “impossibility of ensuring all hygiene and safety conditions”, announced the municipality.
The decision was taken after the conclusion that the opening of the campsite would have to lead to the implementation of extraordinary measures that, according to the Tavira City Council, “are not operational”.
Among the new measures was the adaptation of the health facilities, the reinforcement of security and cleaning and additional hiring that “due to its specificity and rules imposed on public procurement, would not be possible immediately”.
“We believe that next summer we will all be able to enjoy our beaches, concerts, fairs, terraces and restaurants as we wish and that our municipality, with the collaboration of all, will again offer its residents and those who visit us the riches of its natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage ”, concludes the municipality in a statement.
Orange sells more and at better prices thanks to the pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic has benefited the Algarve citrus industry with an increase in demand and prices, which foresee the total flow of production until the summer, said the president of the Algarve Citrus Operators Association (AlgarOrange).
José Oliveira, president of AlgarOrange, which groups nine companies and associations of citrus growers from all over the Algarve, told Lusa that this is one of the sectors that “least suffered from the pandemic” and that the summer varieties of orange are being sold “practically twice” the price of the previous year.
“At this moment, in this last phase of the summer varieties, with the phenomenon of covid-19 the demand has increased and – as production is not much, because it was lower this year – this has been reflected in prices, which have risen,” he said that leader, quantifying in the order of 70 cents the value that the producers are getting for the kilo of orange.
The same source underlined, however, that “there is still no perception of how the market can evolve in the near future”, because “there are variables that can influence” the prices paid to citrus growers.
https://jornaldoalgarve.pt/laranja-vende-se-mais-e-a-melhores-precos-gracas-a-pandemia/
 
 
Tuesday 2nd June
Algarve Hotel and Tourism School reopens its doors
The face-to-face classes start again yesterday June 1st, at the School of Hospitality and Tourism of the Algarve, in Faro, and will continue until the end of July. The practical component of the courses is a high priority on this return to school.
“Expectation, anxiety, nervousness, joy…. There are many sensations on the return to school for EHTA students who today resume their classroom activities”, emphasizes the direction of EHTA.
Students take back control of stoves, benches and utensils for a new, renewing and stimulating stage for everyone: the return to practical classes in Cooking, Pastry, Bakery, Restaurant, Bar and Housekeeping.
EHTA management has implemented all safety measures and therefore sees this return of life to the school premises with complete confidence.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/06/escola-de-hotelaria-e-turismo-do-algarve-reabre-portas/
ASAE seize 200 thousand masks in South region
ASAE apprehended a total of 206 thousand masks from two stockholders in the South Region. In one case, CE marking labels were being used on masks that had never been evaluated.
In the first warehouse, ASAE detected “the existence of KN 95 masks, whose safety and use instructions were not in Portuguese and others had the CE marking, without being accompanied by the EU declaration of conformity”, explains the ASAE in communicated.
In the same importer, “social” masks were also detected without any document proving their compliance with safety requirements.
In that warehouse alone, inspectors learned 6365 units of KN 95 masks and 130,000 “social” masks, for a total value of 272,000 euros.
Tests on preschool professionals in Lagos were negative
74 professionals from pre-school education in Lagos were tested this Saturday, May 30, at Covid-19 and all were negative.
According to the Câmara de Lagos, the tests covered “educators, animators, operational assistants and some administrative staff from the two school groups”.
The tests were carried out at the Júlio Dantas School Group by technicians from the Algarve Biomedical Center, an entity that had also previously tested the teaching and non-teaching staff who resumed their on-site activity with a view to restarting classroom activities with students from the high school.
ICNF issues 92 infractions for wild camping in Costa Vicentina
The operation, which took place on 24 beaches, resulted in the issuing of 92 infractions for offence, resulting from camping, wild motor home and parking in places that are not allowed.
The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), through the regional directorate of the Algarve, in conjunction with the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA) of the National Republican Guard (GNR) and National Maritime Authority carried out, on Saturday, May 30, inspections and action in the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.
The action involved 14 vehicles (seven from ICNF, five from GNR and two from the National Maritime Authority) and 35 agents (17 Nature Watchers and 14 Military from GNR and four from the Maritime Police).

Monday 1st June
Covid- 19 Situation Algarve
As of Sunday 31^st May in the Algarve there are 370 confirmed cases – 3 more than yesterday and 15 deaths. A total of 292 have recovered.
Mayor of Castro Marim calls for checks on incoming tourists to avoid “a disaster”
Francisco AmaralFrancisco Amaral wants tourists arriving from countries hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic to either bring recent negative test results with them, or to undergo an examination on arrival in the Algarve, to avoid “a disaster”.
The Mayor of Castro Marim and a doctor by profession, told Sul Information that he was “very concerned” about the fact that there are no concrete screening measures for Covid-19 for those arriving from outside the country – as happens, for example, in Madeira – and fears that there may be a new wave of cases in the region, even worse than the first.
“What was ideal was that whoever came, namely from countries with high levels of pandemic, such as the United Kingdom – we already have thousands of English reservations and bookings -, should bring with them a negative test, done very recently”, considered the Mayor.
If that didn’t happen, they would have to do it on arrival. It could be done there on the drive thru of Parque das Cidades, where there are all the conditions. Logically, tourists would pay for this test” he added.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/05/amaral-quer-turistas-testados-a-covid-19-para-evitar-um-descalabro/
Beaches: Dealers consider the year “practically lost”
Concessionaires for the Algarve beaches disagree with the capacity defined by the authorities for the beaches in the region, considering that it will be difficult to cover costs and that this year it is “practically lost”, according to the vice-president of an association of the sector, in a report covered by Lusa on Saturday.
“We understand that the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Ministry of the Environment have tried and done everything, because it is not easy, in this pandemic situation and with restrictions, to get the beaches up and running. We are not going to say that we agree, but at least we accept” said Artur Simão.
The vice-president of the Association of Industrials and Similar Concessionaires of the Beaches of Orla Marítima do Algarve (AISCOMA) believes that the formula found to define the capacity of each beach can help the concessionaires to “cover some expenses”.
However, despite recognizing that, “in the situation in which entrepreneurs and dealers are now,” the solution found “can help”. He added that this “is going to be a very different year from the others”.
“We will see how things will go, because only during the bathing season will we see the difficulties that we will have, although we already know that this year is practically lost”, he stated”.
On the defined occupation capacity for the beaches in the Algarve, Artur Simão replied that “there are numbers with which he does not agree, because some sand areas, have more capacity than the defined”.
106th anniversary of the municipality of São Brás de Alportel
The Secretary of State for Social Action, Rita da Cunha Mendes, will participate this Monday, June 1, in the celebrations with a solemn session broadcast live on social networks.
In the context of a pandemic, São Brás de Alportel has prepared a “special” program to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the elevation to the municipality. In order to ensure compliance with the safety rules of the Municipality Contingency Plan in the context of preventing the spread of the new coronavirus COVID19, the commemorative program was adapted using new technologies to restrict access.
The program starts at 9:30 am, with the traditional homage to the Mausoleum of João Rosa Beatriz, founder of the municipality, in a more restricted format.
The protocol ceremony of Hastear da Bandeira is scheduled for 10 am, in the outer space of Paços do Concelho. A moment with restricted access and which will count on the collaboration of the Humanitarian Association of the Voluntary Firefighters of São Brás de Alportel and the Philharmonic Band of São Brás de Alportel – ACREMS.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/secretaria-de-estado-da-acao-social-nas-comemoracoes-dos-106-anos-do-concelho-de-sao-bras-de-alportel/32501-1
Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education to be received by Mayor of Loulé
According to the municipality, this is a working meeting between the Minister, the municipal representatives and the ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, where “the status of the development of the ABC – Loulé Health and Research Center project” will be made.
After the meeting, Manuel Heitor, accompanied by the President of the Autarchy and other members of his team, as well as the President of ABC, will travel to the site where the Loulé building will be built, where several research projects will operate in the future, together with scientific research in the field of biomedical sciences.
The Municipality of Loulé considers it an “important investment”, in partnership with ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, with the objective “of improving the health conditions of the population and the prestige of the entire Algarve region in the area of ​​innovation and scientific research” , he says.
 
Sunday 31st of May
Covid 19 cases
The epidemiological bulletin this Saturday, May 30, from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), confirmed another case of Covid-19, in the Algarve. The Algarve region now has 367 infected patients since the beginning of the pandemic. As for Alentejo, it maintains the same 259 cases (in accumulated numbers). The total deaths remain at 15.
Algarve Shopping reopens with additional measures to ensure the safety of customers and employees
“Algarve Shopping reopens next Monday, June 1, whose activity was suspended, in conjunction with the health and government authorities. Our priority is to “guarantee visitors, tenants, service providers and employees a safe and comfortable environment”, said Carla Martins, Director of Algarve Shopping – “We are an open air shopping center, with natural air circulation and we have implemented a set of measures, among which I highlight the installation of disinfectant gel dispensers in all the entrances of the Center and the placement of signs and notices through the sound system of the good practices of social conduct, with special emphasis on the need to comply with the distance of 2 meter”,
“ There will be reinforcement of the cleaning teams, an active surveillance team, ensuring the application of the mandatory mask use rule, as well as access control and compliance with the defined number of visitors ratio.
Covid.19: International flights start returning to the Algarve
The Algarve Tourism Association, confirms in a statement that “there are already several international flights” that, from the end of June, will be returning to the Algarve. Companies like Edelweiss, Luxair Tours, Transavia, Lufthansa, Ryanair or Jet2 are some of the companies that are announcing the resumption of some of their connections to Faro.
“This is very positive news for the Algarve”, says João Fernandes, President of Turismo do Algarve, “The destination is arousing growing interest among airlines and international tour operators and this is a clear sign of the confidence we are achieving transmit to all travellers
The Algarve is being recognized as a safe and well-prepared destination to return to receive tourists, which validates the enormous commitment and joint effort that all agents of the tourism sector in the region implement best practices to ensure the protection and well-being of all those who visit us “, he explains. “We believe that this perception is also the result of the intense communication campaign that Turismo do Algarve has undertaken”.
University of the Algarve – ´Skills 4 post-Covid – Competencies for the Future´
The Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, and the rector of the University of Algarve, Paulo Águas, will promote the session “Skills 4 post-Covid – Competencies for the Future”, which will take place on June 1st, at 2:00 pm, in the Grand Auditorium of the Gambelas Campus. The session will be broadcast live on UAlg’s YouTube channel, through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/user/universidadealgarve
Promoted by the General Directorate of Higher Education in close coordination with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Ualg states in a statement that this initiative has the collaboration of higher education institutions. It also aims to stimulate “a rapid adaptation in teaching, learning, work and research practices and approaches to better prepare the transition to the post-COVID-19 period, as well as to reinforce and enhance the joint response of science and higher education systems”, read in the same document.
Practical difficulties faced by Restaurant owners.
Some restaurants, snack bars and cafes in the Algarve are facing great difficulties in complying with the rules of social isolation, because of the “uncivilized behaviour” of many customers, this week some owners and business owners told Jornel de Algarve.
A restaurant worker in Albufeira that reopened on May 18, Ruben Granadeiro, stated that he is not going through easy days: “Every day we have situations where customers arrive at the restaurant without a mask and when we explain the situation and ask for to put it seems that we have become enforcers; we are simply made fun of”, he told JA.
He noted that these situations occur mainly with Portuguese tourists and local residents and regrets that he has not yet seen anyone inspecting commercial spaces. An employee of a snack bar on the island of Faro, António Ferreira stated that most customers “sit in it” when he asks them for some time to disinfect tables and chairs. “The police will only go there if there is a complaint,” he said.
“Sometimes, when I go to disinfect the tables, they still make fun of me. They say they are already disinfected, as I heard for days” he says, stating that, contrary to what one might suppose, resistance to the rules is majority on the part of his clients. António asserts that he is almost always entitled to an “ugly face” when he asks his clients to put on the mask. “The rules are for wearing a mask off tables, but rare are those who wear them when they go to the bathroom or leave the restaurant”, he said.
https://jornaldoalgarve.pt/clientes-desrespeitam-regras-sanitarias-nos-restaurantes/
 
Saturday 30th May – David Thomas
Covid-19 situation
DGS yesterday released figures yesterday which in terms of deaths and confirmed cases have changed very little over the last month in the Algarve. This is a very positive sign as despite the easing of the lock down measures and increased travelling within Portugal this has had no resulting increase in the region.
No of confirmed cases to date: 367
No of deaths to date: 15
No in hospital: 5
No in ICU: 1
Number recovered: 285 – Recovery rate: 77%
No under surveillance: 99
Portimão clarifies concessionaires and economic agents about the opening of the bathing season
On 28^th May concessionaires and other economic agents from the beaches in Portimão municipality, participated in an awareness-raising action promoted by the Portimão City Council | Municipal Civil Protection Service, in partnership with the local Public Health Unit at the Portimão Arena auditorium.
According to a communiqué from the Portimão municipality, the meeting aimed to provide information support to entrepreneurs who, as of June 6, “will be responsible for ensuring the best security conditions for users of their spaces in the next summer period”.
The session also served for the Municipality of Portimão to provide clarifications on doubts raised about the support for businessmen, specifically at this moment when economic activity is resuming, the same source adds.
Loulé will be the first municipality in the country to raise the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag Association of Europe has announced that presentation sessions for seaside resorts awarded Blue Flags in 2020, will take place from June 15th, starting in Portugal in the municipality of Loulé, where the first national flag will be raised at Praia do Ancão, the municipality said.
In a bathing season marked by COVID-19, the Câmara de Loulé advances that the Associação Bandeira Azul Europa (ABAE) defends “an exceptional, transient and temporary criterion”, and the entities responsible for the awarded beach are responsible for implementing the extraordinary rules in their space.
The Municipality is already taking “due diligence”, in order to safeguard “in the best possible way” the local economy and the health of residents and visitors of the municipality, in collaboration with the other competent entities.
The hoisting of the Blue Flag and “Accessible Beach” awards will be attended by several entities: national coordination of the Blue Flag Program, Tourism of the Algarve, ARS Algarve, Captaincy of the Port of Faro, Portuguese Environment Agency, Parish Councils, and Municipal Companies, among others directly involved in the beach area.
Four men arrested for robberies with firearms in Olhão
The Judiciary Police reported that they identified a group of individuals suspected of committing robberies with firearms, carried out on a public road in Olhão, in the months of March and April 2020.
The police operation was launched yesterday morning, with four men aged between 20 and 25 years being detained, as well as several house searches, in Olhão and São Brás de Alportel, “which allowed the seizure of crime instruments and products “, said a PJ spokesperson.
The defendants will be present at the first judicial interrogation to the competent Judicial Authority, in Faro, for the application of coercion measures.
The direction of the inquiries is in charge of the 2nd section of DIAP in Faro.
 
Situation Report Friday 20th May
Algarve beach capacity
The President of the Intermunicipal Community of Algarve (AMAL) expressed his satisfaction today with the indicative numbers for the capacity on the beaches of the region, in the context of the pandemic of covid-19, considering that they will allow to manage the sands, making them safe.
“The figures provided by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) are only indicative, although there is a beach or another, in one or another municipality, in which there may be an adjustment,” said the president of AMAL, António Pina, to Lusa.
APA published on Wednesday the potential occupancy capacity of beaches in the Algarve and Tejo / Oeste regions, taking into account that June 6th marks the beginning of the bathing season, as determined by the Government in the context of the pandemic of 19, and APA is responsible for determining the capacity of the beaches.
In the opinion of the president of the association that aggregates the 16 municipalities in the Algarve, the ratios that were created are an important aid for the management of the Algarve sands, “so that one can create information for those who have to decide and choose a beach in safety”.
“In order to understand if the beach is more or less full, we have to have an indicative number, so the document helps in managing and avoiding conflict. We are evaluating and, if we have to change anything, we are always available, because the important thing is to manage well and carefully, in order to create a safe beach”, he stressed.
Portimão considers that the planned capacity allows safe beaches
The Mayor of Portimão, a municipality with the most watched beach in the western Algarve, considered that the capacity planned for the municipality’s sands allows for “safe beaches”, stressing that the capacity can be changed.
According to the plan that estimates the potential occupancy capacity of the beaches, released by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Praia da Rocha, in Portimão, has a capacity for 8,800 people, although it is indicated as a beach susceptible to eventual problems of capacity.
Asked by the Lusa agency about the possible stocking problems mentioned in the document, Isilda Gomes said that this indicator only warns of the possibility that the capacity of the beach will be exceeded at certain times, “since it is an urban beach, where it is easier let that happen ”.
“I am not worried, because if we reach a certain point in which we find that the surplus space is too much and that allows us to have more people, APA is available to change, as long as it demonstrates that there is a capacity to receive more people”, he pointed out .
Isilda Gomes (PS) stressed that “the planned capacity is indicative and allows safe beaches”, noting that this capacity of users on the beaches “was estimated according to the area of ​​the sands” and that there is no “opposition” in Portimão what was found”. (Source Lusa)
Alcoutim Municipality reopens services and face-to-face service from June 1
Municipality of Alcoutim informs that, following the de-confinement guidelines, from 1 June, the face-to-face service to the public by the municipal services will resume, within the normal opening hours (from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm).
The same source stated that, the resumption of public attendance to the public by municipal services “will imply conditioned access to municipal buildings”, according to their area and type of services, in order to guarantee “the recommended distance between citizens”, as well as the mandatory disinfection of hands at the entrance to buildings and the mandatory use of a mask.
Those places re-opening include: the Casa dos Condes (Municipal Library), Castle, Museums, Espaço Gerações, Espaço Guadiana and Espaços do Cidadão, he added.
According to the same publication, some sports and leisure activities (physical activity outdoors, in small groups and the guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health) will be restarted. Meanwhile, the “Senior University” and the Municipal Swimming Pools, Pavilions and Soccer Field remain closed; and the water consumption reading service and the cancellation of payment for the service in person, the collection service for places, and the operation of fairs and non-food markets were suspended, he concluded.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/autarquia-de-alcoutim-reabre-servicos-e-atendimento-presencial-a-partir-de-1-de-junho/32443-1
 
 
Thursday 28th May
State ordered to pay more than 1ME to families of victims of the Maria Luísa beach accident
The Loulé Tax and Administrative Court (TAF) ordered the State to pay more than one million euros to the families of the five killed for the collapse of a cliff at Maria Luísa beach, in Albufeira, in August 2009.
According to the ruling, with today’s date and which the Lusa agency had access to, Judge Patrícia Martins ordered the State to pay around one million and six thousand euros to two families and a survivor, the boyfriend of one of the fatal victims.
“From the evidence produced, it is concluded that over the years prior to the collapse and between 2008 and 2009, the State, through the entities that are in charge of monitoring the beaches, according to the criterion of the zealous and diligent official, was not demonstrated that he has fulfilled the care duties that he was obliged to monitor the state of deterioration of the leixão”, says the sentence. Source Lousa
President Turismo do Algarve and AMAL challenge TAP flight plan to Algarve
The president of Turismo do Algarve, João Fernandes, and the President of the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve (AMAL), António Miguel Pina, contest the air route plan for the next two months made public by TAP, as it does not serve the main national tourist destination.
In a statement, João Fernandes and António Miguel Pina, defend that “Before the pandemic, the supposed airline with the country’s flag provided only 3 daily flights from Lisbon to Faro, on a timid air bridge with the national hub. When the pandemic broke out in Europe, TAP was dispatched to supply the already reduced connections to Faro International Airport and, according to the plan now presented, the resumption of activity to the Algarve will be very slow, with only two daily connections in July”.
For the presidents of Turismo do Algarve and AMAL, the plan to retake part of the operation announced Monday by the airline TAP “does not serve the Algarve, nor does it follow the example of the world airline counterparts, who announced a more robust resumption of the operation for the region”, they maintain, citing as an example the companies Edelweiss (with first commercial flight Zurich-Faro on May 28), Luxair Tours (flight Luxembourg-Faro on May 31) or Transavia Netherlands (with operation Amsterdam-Faro from June 4th).
Covid-19: Silves approves exemption from municipal fees for merchants
The Silves Municipal Assembly approved the exemption from paying public space occupation or advertising fees for merchants or service providers who had their activity suspended during the state of emergency, was announced today.
In a statement, the municipality said that local businesspeople and traders can, from now on, “request from the municipal services the reimbursement of fees from March 2020 onwards”, being exempt from any fees until December.
“Through this tax exemption, the municipality of Silves will have to give up its revenue, estimated at around 93 thousand euros, to immediately relieve the negative impact of the economic paralysis resulting from the closure or the forced suspension of the activity of commercial establishments and provision of services ”, the note reads.
COVID-19: Albufeira tests 200 nursery professionals
Municipality wants to guarantee safe return to activity in kindergartens.
The municipality of Albufeira started a test period on COVID-19 yesterday, Tuesday, May 26, covering around 200 day care professionals who handle a total of 1007 children, from educators, technicians, animators, auxiliaries, cooks and others, in order to “guarantee a safe return”.
The tests are supported by the municipality and end at the beginning of next week, being carried out using the RT-PCR methodology, performed by the reference laboratory, determined by the Regional Health Administration in the municipality of Albufeira – Aqualab.
The testing covers the 11 public kindergartens of the public network, which comprise a total of 43 classrooms distributed by the various school groups. The kindergartens of Olhos de Água, Vale Carro, Vale Serves, Ferreiras, Paderne, Guia, Vale Parra, Albufeira – Av. Ténis, Albufeira – Caliços, Vale Pedras and Albufeira – Correeira are included. It also includes the Infantário da Cooperativa “Os Piratas” and APEXA.
https://www.barlavento.pt/algarve/covid-19-albufeira-faz-testes-a-200-profissionais-de-infantarios
 
 
Wednesday 27th May
Project “COVIDAlgarve” yesterday promoted a new awareness campaign in the municipality of Lagos
The students of the Integrated Master in Medicine at the University of Algarve were again in Lagos yesterday to promote another awareness raising action to help the population in combating the pandemic by COVID-19.
According to a statement from the Lagos City Hall, a group of eight students from the 5th year of Medicine undertook this, with the support of the municipality and parishes in the municipality, security forces (GNR and PSP), Civil Protection, Voluntary Firefighters from Lagos and Intermarché, to various housing areas in the city of Lagos (Bairro dos Moinhos, Bairro 28 de Setembro and Bairro 25 de Abril) and to the villages of Chinicato and Espiche.
In this initiative, students promote the action “Disinfect the Algarve”, which consists of creating awareness and explanations about the correct hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette measures and compliance with social distance, in accordance with the rules of the World Health Organization and Girector General of Health.
The information is accompanied by the delivery of an alcohol gel and community masks, the latter provided by the Municipality of Lagos, read in the same statement.
Fire to the north of Alte
A fire that broke out yesterday at 15.27 hrs in a bush area, in Águas Frias de Baixo, in the parish of Alte, in the municipality of Loulé was brought under resolution at 17.56 hrs.
At its height a total of 106 operatives supported by 26 vehicles and 3 aerial means were deployed.
This was the first fire this year where over 100 operatives had been deployed.
According to the District Command for Relief Operations (CDOS) the fire consumed “scrub and scattered forest stands”. According to the same source “there are no homes at risk”. A JCB machine was also used to help fight the flames.
Public petition “For the Construction of the new Lagos Hospital to be considered
The Assembly of the Republic will consider on Wednesday a petition promoted by the Municipal Assembly of Lagos that recommends to the Government the “urgent construction of a new hospital” in that Algarve city to increase the efficiency of the National Health Service.
The public petition “For the Construction of the new Lagos Hospital”, in the district of Faro, entered the parliament in March 2019, having gathered 4,580 signatures since it was launched by the municipal council in December 2017.
In the document, the Lagos Municipal Assembly justifies the construction of a new hospital unit due to the fact that “the current hospital has “been impaired in its capacity to provide services to the population” of the three municipalities it serves: Lagos, Vila do Bishop and Aljezur, which form the Terras do Infante.
“Valences, services and human and material resources, namely diagnostic services, were removed and maternity and the operating room were closed, the latter had played a very significant role in reducing waiting lists, since populations of other municipalities in the Algarve and Alentejo ”, reads the petition.
 
Tuesday 26th May
The Lagos Chamber will distribute 100,000 community masks to the population.
The distribution of the masks began on Friday, May 22, with the local Private Institutions of Social Solidarity, schools in the municipality, Civil Protection and security forces.
As of 25 May, this was conducted through local door-to-door contact, with local commerce and in some residential neighborhoods, namely in conjunction with other initiatives, such as the case of the COVID-Algarve project (awareness raising actions promoted students of the last year of Medicine at the University of Algarve).
The masks will also be made available to residents, for collection between the 1st and the 26th of June, in various service locations (in the City Hall, in the Parish Councils and in the municipal markets), upon presentation of an identification document.
Each citizen will receive a kit with three reusable masks made of washable material, to allow greater durability.
The municipality reinforces, however, the information that the use of a mask, although constituting an additional protection measure, does not replace the rules of social distance, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and the use of physical barriers, and must be used properly.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/05/lagos-distribui-100-mil-mascaras-pela-populacao/
Municipalities deliver ventilators to the University Hospital Center of the Algarve
The Intermunicipal Community of Algarve (AMAL) delivered on Tuesday, the 26th of May, 20 invasive ventilators to the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA).
Delivery took place at 3 pm at the Hospital de Faro, and was attended by local councilors from the Algarve.
These ventilators S1 100 Superstar, correspond to the first 20 of the 30 that were purchased. The remaining 10 are expected to arrive in our country on the next flight from China.
The 16 Municipal Councils of the Algarve transferred to the Academic Center for Research and Biomedical Training in the Algarve (ABC) about two million euros for the acquisition of equipment and materials needed by hospital units in the region to combat Covid-19.
AMAL’s contribution resulted from a meeting with the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve and the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/05/municipios-entregam-ventiladores-ao-centro-hospitalar-universitario-do-algarve/
Covid.19: More than 4,000 visors have already been produced at the Loulé production center
In an initiative by Arlindo Martins, a professor at the Loulé Secondary School, which had the support of the Municipality of Loulé, more than 4000 visors produced at the Gama Lobos Palace in Loulé have already been distributed by several institutions from the western to the eastern Algarve.
The information is advanced by the municipality, which also says that at the end of March, a period in which the COVID-19 pandemic had its most critical phase in the country, “the professor decided to start printing 3D visors, aimed mainly at professionals that were (and continue to be) at the forefront of combating the new coronavirus “.
The Municipality immediately joined the initiative, in terms of the provision of space, having transformed part of the Gama Lobo Palace into the headquarters for the production of visors in the city. Municipal technicians helped in the production and a large part of the equipment and material was made available and purchased by the Chamber (3D printers, transparencies, rubber bands and PLA filament).
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/covid19mais-de-4-mil-viseiras-ja-foram-produzidas-no-centro-de-producao-de-loule/32377-1
 
 
Monday 25th May
Emergency landing at Faro airport
An Airbus A330 from the company Air Tanker, which came from Accra, the capital of Ghana, bound for London, made an emergency landing this Saturday afternoon, at Faro Airport, after an 87-year-old passenger suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.
The Algarve First knows from a source linked to Faro Airport that the victim’s death was declared at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve in Faro.
“The flight diverged to Faro due to the need for medical assistance to a passenger”, explained the communication department of ANA Aeroportos Portugal to our newspaper. In the rescue of the victim was an INEM pre-hospital emergency team that transported the victim in resuscitation maneuvers to the hospital. At 8:20 pm the Airbus A330 resumed its journey to London.
Beaches
Despite the fact that the real “flood” after the confinement of COVID-19, is only expected from June, many bathers that this Saturday sought the sun and the sea in Faro Beach, and the bathing season only starts 6 of June.
The high temperatures observed in the region, associated with the good state of the sea (little wind) proved to be irresistible for thousands of bathers, who did not miss the opportunity to take a dip and sunbathe, always with the rules implemented by the General Directorate of Health (DGS).
Rocha Pacheco Captain of the Port of Faro of the Maritime Authority stated that the beaches are still without lifeguards, being watched by the Maritime Police, appealing for social distance and for people to comply with what is implemented ”. It should be noted that the Maritime Authority is exerting increased efforts of inspection, surveillance and awareness on the beaches so that the measures are being followed.
The demand for the beach was not limited to Faro, having been found a little throughout the south of the country.
Test kits
The Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) has “total confidence” in the kits, produced in partnership with three other entities for testing Covid-19, and whose distribution was suspended, this Saturday, May 23, by Infarmed.
Infarmed “has doubts about the safety” of the kits, prohibiting their distribution “until they have answers”.
Contacted by Sul Informação , Nuno Marques, president of ABC, guaranteed that these kits, which have already been used to carry out tests in day care centers and homes in the Algarve and Alentejo, as well as in other parts of the country, “give us security and efficiency”.
“Infarmed said what it did was a request for information that we received yesterday afternoon, Saturday. With that, we suspended the distribution, but we will give details later”
The kits are produced by the Algarve Biomedical Center, in partnership with the Instituto Superior Técnico and the companies Logoplaste and Hidrofer.
 
Sunday 24 May
From our volunteers reporting in the Algarve
As at 1300 hrs on Saturday 23^rd May, So far in the Algarve there are 361 infected – 3 more compared to yesterday and 15 deaths. According to a detailed national report published on 18^th May, of the 356 positive cases in the Algarve(accumulated numbers), 236 have recovered, nine are hospitalized and 15 died at home, 96 patients were being treated and followed up, in addition to the 170 who are under active surveillance by health authorities, according to the data released and updated at 00:00 on 18 May.
Since the beginning of May until 18^th May, the number of confirmed daily in the Algarve does not exceed seven infections, a number that in the last days has remained between one and three, according to the charts provided by the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve (ARS). The day with the most cases was April 4, with 50 new infections in the region.
There are 66 Population Support Zones installed throughout the Algarve, but only three of them are activated at the moment, in the municipalities of Albufeira, Portimão and Tavira “for quarantine / prophylactic isolation”, according to the document of the District Civil Protection Commission. Compared to other regions of mainland Portugal, the Algarve is only ahead of the Alentejo in the weekly evolution of the number of cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, behind the North, Center and Lisbon and the Tagus Valley.
Recovery rate
According to the Regional Health Authority, the Algarve has a recovery rate of 66.3% and, since March until this week, 21,710 tests have already been carried out, with a negative result. In the Algarve hospitals, in addition to the three people in intensive care, six more people infected with the virus are hospitalized and 15 died.
The number of recovered people in the Algarve began to exceed the number of infected people on May 7, a positive trend that has been maintained and reinforced until this week and which is a good sign in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
Mayor of Loulé thanks generosity of the Association of the People’s General Union of China in Portugal
The Mayor of Loulé, stated yesterday, that over the past few weeks, the municipality “has witnessed several initiatives and gestures of solidarity coming from many public and private organizations, as well as from anonymous volunteers who made themselves available to support the population and local entities in the prevention of COVID-19”.
For Vítor Aleixo, the participation and commitment of all “has been fundamental” to prevent the spread of the disease and to combat the social and economic problems resulting from it.
At this time when the use of a mask “seems essential” for the continuation of people’s daily activities, namely with regard to resuming the face-to-face work of the services, the mayor on behalf of the Municipality of Loulé, thanks the Associação União Geral People from China in Portugal donated 8,000 disposable masks (surgical type).
Municipality of Portimão announces new social support
In a press release, the Municipality of Portimão presented the new social support response to vulnerable families in the municipality. According to the same source, on average 600 daily meals are prepared in social canteens and 630 baskets are delivered monthly to needy families.
Within the scope of the measures of the Social Emergency Fund, approved by the Municipality of Portimão, the Solidarity Card is launched to provide extraordinary support to vulnerable families in the municipality that suffered an abrupt and sharp drop in the value of their monthly income due to the epidemiological situation of Covid-19, to ensure the acquisition of foodstuffs by issuing solidarity vouchers for purchases at the Municipal Market of Portimão.
The municipality advances that the Solidarity Card is intended exclusively for residents of the Municipality of Portimão, aged 18 years or over, “who suffered an abrupt and sharp drop in the value of their monthly income as a result of the pandemic situation of Covid-19, and whose maximum per capita value does not exceed the national minimum wage, which is 635 euros”.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/cartao-solidario-e-nova-resposta-de-apoio-social-dirigido-a-familias-vulneraveis-de-portimao/32345-1
Saturday 23rd May 2020
São Brás de AlportelSapers carrying out cleaning and maintenance work
The Municipal Team of Forest Sapers of São Brás de Alportel is carrying out cleaning and maintenance work on shrubs in rural and forest areas.
The objective, explains the Chamber of São Brás, is to reduce «the fuel load near homes and on the forest road network».
These are works integrated in the Municipal Operational Plan, approved on April 16, which never ceased, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These essential civil protection services have always been maintained uninterruptedly and are being carried out with all the conditions of safety and protection by the Municipal Forest Sappers”, says Vitor Guerreiro, president of the City Council.
Fuel maintenance and management is further reinforced with awareness-raising actions among the general population, who are alerted to the importance of clearing forests and reducing risk behaviors in the forest, essential factors in order to avoid problems with fires forestry during the critical period.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/05/sapadores-florestais-de-sao-bras-estao-em-trabalhos-de-prevencao-de-incendios-rurais/
Loulé Market Re-opens today
The weekly clothing market, which takes place on Saturday mornings in Loulé, next to the Santo António Convent, reopens to the public tomorrow, May 23, as part of the gradual resumption of economic activities in the municipality.
The market will reopen doors with several health security measures. Following the indications of the Directorate-General for Health, “all operators and visitors must wear a mask or visor and maintain social distance in this area”.
Vendors must also “be provided with disinfectant products, such as alcohol gel, to proceed with hand hygiene during their activity”.
After the reopening, last week, of the weekly market of food producers in Loulé and Quarteira, this is another step in the resumption of the activities of street vendors.
Covid.19: Teaching and non-teaching staff from Lagos schools tested negative
The Lagos Council reported that the results of the tests carried out this Wednesday in school groups in Lagos are already known.
ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center was called to carry out COVID-19 tests to all professionals of educational establishments (including teaching and non-teaching staff) who resumed their functions in schools this week, ensuring the classroom activity to students of the 11th and 12th years of schooling in the subjects that have a final exam.
The result of this diagnostic action was today communicated to school groups, accusing 100% of negative tests. For the municipality, this information “allows to reassure the school community and confirm, once again, the favourable situation in the municipality of Lagos in terms of the pandemic, with the absence of active cases”.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/covid19pessoal-docente-e-nao-docente-das-escolas-de-lagos-testou-negativo/32329-1
 
Friday 22nd May 2020
Faro Bikers Festival cancelled
José Amaro, President of the Motoclube de Faro, announced minutes ago through a video with his voice that this year’s biker concentration will not take place due to Covid.19.
In the video, emblematic images of previous concentrations appear, with José Amaro pointing out that health comes first.
Speaking to Agência Lusa, the president of the Algarve motoclub, which has organized the rally for 38 consecutive years, regretted that there were no conditions to receive the thousands of motorcyclists who travel from various parts of Europe and the world, acknowledged that “it is difficult to cancel event of 39 years”, but considered that health is first and, for this reason, it was decided not to carry out the concentration in 2020.
José Amaro explained that the decision was made due to the impossibility of holding festivals in Portugal, the need for social distance and the restrictions imposed on the transport and movement of people between countries.
Asked about the impact of the annulment of this year’s merger, José Amaro replied: “It is always bad for the club and for the city of Faro, because it is an important event”.
“It is sad, but it is now necessary to comply with these rules so that next year this can go smoothly,” he added, recalling that the event has been taking place for 38 years “without interruption”.
The same source said that the Motoclube de Faro is thinking of undertaking another initiative so that the 39 years of the concentration can be marked in 2020, but guaranteed that the format has not yet been decided.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/concentracao-de-faro-nao-se-vai-realizar-oficial-/32287-1
Loule Rural Fire Intervention Priorities
At a time when the critical period of forest fires is approaching, the mayor of Loulé, Vítor Aleixo, the councillor responsible for Civil Protection, Carlos Carmo, the District Operational Commander of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, Vítor Vaz Pinto, the Territorial Commander of the Republican National Guard, Daniel Ferreira, and the Commander of the Municipal Firefighters, Irlandino Santos, were in the Municipal Park of Loulé yesterday morning at the welcoming ceremony of the municipal forest intervention teams, who have been working since the past May 15th.
At that moment, which symbolically marks the start of yet another season of mobile surveillance, the 13 elements who, from May 15 to October 31, will do daily, and uninterruptedly, from 9 am to 9 pm, were welcomed. Surveillance in the vast forest area in the municipality of Loulé, namely in Serra do Caldeirão.
The municipal forest intervention teams assume a fundamental role, taking into account their valence and preparation, being equipped with a 4×4 vehicle with first intervention equipment (with around 500 liters of water). Considering that the first intervention and the initial attack on forest fires are fundamental and decisive for the success of their extinction, these teams will be able to develop armed surveillance actions.
In addition to surveillance, detection and first intervention, these teams also collaborate in raising awareness among the population, especially in rural parishes in the interior – Alte, Ameixial, Salir and União de Freguesias Querença, Tôr and Benafim – considered to be first priority in the field of defence of the forest against fires by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests.
Confirmed Cases in Tunes
The Union of Parishes of Algoz and Tunes has just announced that two more cases of Covid-19, in the village of Tunes, have been confirmed today.
This is a couple living in an urbanization in this town in the municipality of Silves, adds the note from União de Freguesias, published on their Facebook page.
These new cases, confirmed this Thursday, are not yet included in the daily epidemiological bulletin released in the early afternoon by the Directorate-General for Health, which only refers to the data until midnight today. This bulletin pointed to just one more case in the Algarve, since yesterday.
The confirmation of these two cases in Tunes appears, stresses the local authority, “after 45 days of the confirmation of the last positive case of Covid-19 in our parish”, “rising to a total of 5 positive cases” since the beginning of the pandemic.
The first three people in the parish sick with Covid-19 have already “recovered and are cured”.
The União de Freguesias adds that “infected people will be in confinement and isolation, making their home recovery”. The man will stay in his house in Tunis, while the woman will move to another room in Silves, both remaining in confinement and isolation.
 
Thursday 21st May 2020
Covid-19 Algarve
The Algarve continues to have 356 cases of Covid-19, a number that has been maintained since last Saturday. In Alentejo there are 3 more infected, with the total rising to 248, according to today’s epidemiological bulletin, May 20, from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
In the Algarve and Alentejo, the number of deaths has not changed, remaining at 15 and one, respectively.
With regard to new infections, since Saturday the Algarve has not registered any new cases. In Alentejo, the number rises again, more slightly: there are 3 more cases today, making a total of 248 infected.
Covid.19: Tests for employees of day care centers and kindergartens in the municipality of Silves without positive cases
The Municipality of Silves, informed that the employees of the day care centers and kindergartens of the county were tested at COVID-19, and the results were negative.
In the operation, nine institutions were screened, for a total of 113 employees. 7 institutions have been in operation since the beginning of this week, with the reception of 32 children. Two institutions, however, remain closed due to the lack of children, the City’s note reads.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/covid19testes-aos-funcionarios-das-creches-e-jardins-de-infancia-do-concelho-de-silves-sem-casos-positivos/32272-1
COVID-19 tests carried out in school groups in Lagos
The City Councilor for Education – Sara Coelho, from the Lacobrigense autarchy, was today monitoring the resumption of classroom activities, “trying to ensure that they are carried out with all the appropriate conditions of safety and tranquility, preventing possible outbreaks of contagion when returning to schools. “, says a statement from the Municipality, through the testing of COVID-19 in both school groups in Lagos.
The initiative, promoted by the municipality in conjunction with the directions of the groupings (Gil Eanes Group of Schools and Júlio Dantas Group of Schools), was developed on the ground by ABC – Algarve Biomedical Center, an entity that carried out the tests for teachers and staff non-teaching.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/realizados-testes-de-covid-19-nos-agrupamentos-escolares-de-lagos/32277-1
 
 
Wednesday 20th May 2020
DGS figures
The Directorate-General for Health announced this Tuesday the existence of 1,247 deaths in Portugal, 16 more than yesterday.
So far in the Algarve there are 356 infected – the same number in the last three days and 15 deaths. The municipal breakdown shown since Friday 15^th shows 13 deaths however a difference of two compared to DGS central figures. We are trying to reconcile the figure with the regional health authority.
Mayor of Portimão visits school and kindergarten
Isilda Gomes, Mayor of Portimão, accompanied this Monday, May 18th, the return of the face-to-face classes at the Escola Secundária Poeta António Aleixo and visited the Major David Neto Kindergarten.
In this school, the mayor found the adaptations made in 11 classrooms, designed to welcome 11th and 12th year students.
During the visit, Isilda Gomes was accompanied by the councillor for Education Teresa Mendes and the municipal coordinator of Civil Protection Richard Marques, who moments earlier had presided over the beginning of awareness raising actions for the reopening of kindergartens in the municipality, which should take place on the 1st of June.
The initiative took place at the Major David Neto Kindergarten, in Portimão, where a multidisciplinary team, composed of elements from the local public health, civil protection and social security unit, advised technicians on the best procedures for the facilities and for children in this area during the de-confinement phase. (Source Sulinformacao)
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/05/isilda-gomes-acompanhou-reabertura-de-escola-secundaria-e-visitou-jardim-de-infancia/
Albufeira Municipality shares good practices on World Environment Day on Facebook
The commemoration of World Environment Day (19^th May) aims to alert populations and governments to the need to recognize the importance of the environment, a better quality of life and to promote sustainable development practices with a view to the well-being of Humanity and generations future.
In this context, the Albufeira municipality shared online, good environmental practices. Those interested should send their works, in the form of exhibitions / models, films, plays, songs, crafts, biological gardens, composting, recycling, among others, as long as they address themes related to the environment. Proposals should be sent to the email: educacao.ambiental@cm-albufeira.pt, accompanied by the following elements: Title of good practice | brief description, maximum of 5 photographs (if applicable), name of the author (s), name of the establishment, municipality.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/municipio-de-albufeira-partilha-no-facebook-boas-praticas-no-dia-mundial-do-ambiente/32239-1
Municipality of Silves – Re-opening of Library
In a note sent to the media, the stated that, the municipality will proceed to the 2nd phase of gradual reopening of municipal services, closed during the state emergency, with the resumption of activity at the Municipal Library of Silves starting today, May 20.
In the same note, the council also stated that the 3rd phase of gradual reopening of services will take place on June 1 with the Castle of Silves and the Municipal Museum of Archeology opening their doors to the public.
The municipality also notes that the remaining municipal facilities of a sporting, cultural, recreational and recreational nature will remain closed, and the deadlines for the performance of procedural or procedural acts within the scope of administrative procedures will remain suspended.
According to the same source, “with this gradual reopening of services, specific measures have been applied in order to guarantee the safe functioning of a series of areas, designed taking into account the safeguarding and protection of the health of municipal workers, and respective families, and of all citizens”.
https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/servicos-municipais-de-silves-reabrem-gradualmente-ate-junho-/32251-1
 
Tuesday 19th May 2020
Covid-19 Situation
The Regional Health Delegate confirmed this morning at a press conference that in the last two days there are no new cases in the Algarve.
The Regional Health Delegate added that as the bathing season approaches the closure of beaches may occur, “If the health authorities” using its discretion, sees that there are new cases on a certain beach or if people eventually fail to respect the safety rules. However we believe that people are also the best regulators of the current rules by the DGS”.
About the epidemiological balance of Covid.19 in the region, the President of ARS Algarve stated that of the 20 infected health professionals only 2 are positive having been recovering for about 1 month. “These are cases that escape the rule and take time to recover from the situation that has been the subject of study”.
The President of ARS Algarve warned that the disease will not disappear so soon “The WHO – World Health Organization itself has already stated that every year we will have waves of Covid.19 such as the flu so we will have to know how to live with the disease”.
104 day care centres in the Algarve tested.
The Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) tested a total of 1906 employees from day care centers in the Algarve, Baixo Alentejo and Alentejo Litoral that reopen today, May 18th. The results are all negative.
The action has been carried out since May 4, with tests in 104 day care centers in the Algarve and 26 in the Baixo Alentejo and Alentejo Litoral, and is now testing those that reopen only on June 1.
The testing is part of the diagnostic test program for the new Coronavirus in day care centers, promoted by the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, with laboratories from scientific and academic institutions duly certified by INSA.
DECIR Algarve 2020
The program for the Algarve Faro District was presented by the Commander CDOS FARO Vaz Pinto on 18^th May at their Headquarters in Loule
Risk perception and permanent monitoring, 24 hours a day, remain the basis for an ability to anticipate operational measures where and when needed, using a device that account this year, in the period of greatest commitment, with 833 operational, 206 land organized into 166 operational units, complemented by 7 aerial means, whose coverage radius covers the Algarve.
In 2019 dispatch of means, after the location of the fire, in 49 seconds, the arrival of the 1st means to the theatre of Operations in 12 minutes, the resolution of events in 36 minutes, of which 96.6% in the initial attack phase and, mainly with zero accidents.
The pre-positioning of initial attack means, in the areas of greatest fire hazard rural areas.
The mobilization of heavy machinery, based on a battery of 11 JCBs, coming from Municipalities and ICNF
Each Firefighter, who in the Algarve is part of DECIR, voluntarily receives a payment of participation in the amount of € 74.00, for 24 hours of service, exempt from taxation, which corresponds to a 9% increase over the previous year.
AVAILABILITY, COMMITMENT, DETERMINATION and COHESION are the commitments assumed by all women and men who, selflessly, are part of DECIR Algarve.
Faro re-opening of services
The Câmara de Faro started yesterday the reopening of services that have remained closed since the state of emergency was decreed, but access will only be possible by measuring body temperature, it was announced.
In a statement, the municipality said that people who want to access the services of the municipality “will have their body temperature measured, being denied access to the facilities if the registration exceeds 37.5 degrees centigrade.
At the same time, like other equipment and public spaces, the use of a mask becomes mandatory, with telephone or electronic contact with municipal services being privileged whenever possible.
If the contact “must necessarily be in person, it will only be made with prior appointment and in spaces that should have a physical barrier (acrylic or glass), in order to guarantee the distance and protection of those involved”, continues the note.
The circulation of people (workers, customers, suppliers or visitors) and the number of users or visitors at the reception or service area will also be limited within the premises, in order to maintain a minimum distance of two meters between them.
Work areas will also be reorganized to ensure the same minimum distance between workers, says the municipality, adding that, at this stage, teleworking will also be maintained for several workers.
PSP agents assaulted in Vila Real de Santo António
Elements of the PSP in Vila Real de Santo António suffered aggression by a man and woman of Portuguese nationality, when they occupied a commercial establishment to spend the night in the city.
The agents were alerted by the owner of the establishment to the case, this Saturday at 23:30.
“They started by trying to prevent the PSP patrol members from leaving the establishment and then attacked them,” said PSP Faro District Command.
The 32-year-old man and the 40-year-old woman were arrested by the PSP and later released, but will be notified to appear before the court.
Maritime Police rescues man trapped in fishing net in Alvor estuary
Victim was trapped by his feet in a net.
Agents of Portimão Local Maritime Police Command rescued a 52-year-old man on Saturday night May 16 who was trapped in a net in the middle of Alvor estuary in danger of drowning.
Railway circulation re-established on a stretch of the Southern Line
The “Infrastructures of Portugal” (IP) informed that the rail traffic on a stretch of the Southern Line in São Marcos da Serra in the interior of the Algarve which had been suspended since 9:00 am has been restored at 13:50 today.
 
Monday 18th May
Covid.19: Algarve without new cases since yesterday
The Directorate-General for Health announced this Sunday the existence of 1,218 deaths in Portugal 15 more than yesterday. In the Algarve there were no new cases since Saturday. The breakdown on the number of confirmed cases and deaths by municipality are as follows
Albufeira has 74, (2 deaths)
Loulé – 63, (5 deaths)
Faro – 63
Portimão – 40, (1 death)
Tavira – 30
Silves – 24
Vila Real de Stº António – 13, (2 deaths)
Olhão – 12
Lagoa – 9, (2 deaths)
Lagos – 3
Castro Marim – 3
Monchique – 3
São Brás de Alportel – 2, (1 death)

Guidelines on the reopening of churches
The Bishop of the Algarve, D. Manuel Neto Quintas, sent to the priests and deacons guidelines on the reopening of the Algarve churches to public worship.
In the letter, D. Manuel Quintas presented some practical indications for the beginning of the Eucharists, leaving open the possibility of being completed in each parish, “taking into account the local reality”.
“We cannot condescend or facilitate, with regard to strict compliance with the rules of hygiene, detachment and other forms of protection, prescribed by health authorities and presented by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP)”, stated the Bishop.
Manuel Quintas warns that the present situation “although” more relieved “with regard to the daily number of people infected with COVID-19, continues to demand everyone’s commitment and responsible participation in fighting the contagion”.
In addition to the various indications on the definition of mass schedules, he recommends that one choose “to celebrate, especially in cities, in churches with the capacity to receive the greatest number of faithful”. He added one can “verify the opportunity, if necessary, to promote the Celebration of the Word in the absence of the Priest, with the distribution of the Eucharist, in other places (chapels, parish halls), guided by Permanent Deacons or laypeople mandated for this parish service”.
Faro School produces visors for its teachers.
After assisting health professionals and security forces, a school in Faro decided to produce visors to distribute to secondary school teachers, whose face-to-face classes will resume on Monday, to minimize the spread of covid-19.
Almost two months ago, Escola Pinheiro e Rosa, in Faro, established a partnership with several ‘makers’ – the name by which manufacturers and users of three-dimensional printers (3D) are known – for the design of protective visors.
Altogether, more than 3,000 copies have already been produced and delivered to essential professionals, a process that, in a final phase, focused on ensuring the production of units for the safety of teachers in the 11th and 12th years of the municipality of Faro, about returning to school.
 
 
Sunday 17th of May
Covid-19: Algarve has one more death and one more case, Alentejo also increases
The number of Covid-19 cases in the Algarve is now 356, one more than yesterday having also risen to 241 in Alentejo (1 more) according to today’s epidemiological bulletin May 16 from the General Health Directorate (DGS). There is l one more death in the Algarve bringing the total to 15.
Regional Tourism Algarve
The Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) today released a guide with recommendations aimed at tour operators, to strengthen the security and confidence of the Algarve destination in the face of the covid-19 pandemic.
The “manual of good practices – Algarve Clean & Safe”, includes a set of recommendations “with specific tips by industry” – accommodation, restaurants and the like, marinas and recreational ports, beach concessions, golf, water parks, companies tourist entertainment, campsites and motorhomes, rent-a-car, travel agencies and events.
Among the recommendations are cleaning and hygiene procedures, training of employees and information to be made available to tourists and visitors, in accordance with the guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) and international guidelines.
According to RTA, it is a manual “pioneer among national tourist destinations of special relevance, at a time when the Government announced the reopening of the beaches for June 6 and where the gradual resumption of the influx of tourists to the Algarve is expected”.
Municipality of Silves distributes personal protective equipment in day care centres and kindergartens in the municipality
In order to guarantee the safety conditions for the reopening of day care centres and kindergartens in the municipality, the Municipality of Silves yesterday distributed to these institutions, various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), namely disposable aprons, surgical masks, reusable hospital tissue masks and pairs of gloves.
With this initiative, the autarchy refers in a note sent to the media, which aims to guarantee “the autonomy of the functioning of these institutions and the protection of all mobilized employees and all their users”.
The Municipality recalls that in this context, “it has distributed and will continue to distribute in the community the provision of personal protective equipment to the public entities of the State present in the municipality”, namely the GNR, Prison of Silves and the School Groups, as well as to Parish Councils, Humanitarian Associations of Voluntary Firemen of Silves and São Bartolomeu de Messines, Red Cross, Private Institutions of Social Solidarity and Religious Entities.
The municipality is also distributing surgical masks to people and families in need or in vulnerable situations. The Municipality of Silves also guarantees personal protective equipment to all its workers and all residents who go to public services, by prior appointment, considering that the use of masks is only mandatory in closed rooms.
Castro Marim Chamber ensures free and “safe” transportation for high school students
Following the government’s confinement withdraw directive in which the 11th and 12th grade students return to classroom lessons on Monday May 18th Castro Marim municipality guarantees free transportation to students from the municipality who attend Vila Real de St. António Secondary School.
If students do not need school transport, the Municipality of Castro Marim asks parents and those in charge of education to inform the Social Action Office of the Municipality through number 281 510 742.
Street food markets in Loulé and Quarteira reopen
Street food markets in Loulé, on Saturday 16^th May and Quarteira on Wednesday 20^th restart their activity after a ceasing their activities as a result of the contingency measures for the spread of COVID-19 and increased health security measures.
 
Algarve Situation Report 16th May 2020 – from our colleague reporting on the Algarve
Loulé City Council and the Regional Tourism Algarve promote Treasury Support Lines
The Loulé City Council and the Regional Tourism Algarve will promote next Monday, May 18, at 4:30 pm, a session on Treasury Support Lines.
According to the Municipality, the initiative is aimed at micro-companies (up to 9 workers) and individual entrepreneurs linked to the Tourism sector, in areas such as accommodation, restaurants and drinks, car rental, travel agencies, tourist entertainment activities and others.
The intention is essentially to clarify the interested parties about this measure created by Turismo de Portugal to ensure the increased working capital needs of tourism micro-enterprises and, thus, to mitigate the economic impact caused by the pandemic.
The layoff, IEFP measures, the “Clean & Safe” seal or the new scholarship for lost funds to support the reopening of establishments will be some of the themes addressed in this clarification session.
In the Algarve region, in particular in the municipality of Loulé, where tourist activity has a greater weight, clarifications to businessmen about this initiative become “of special importance to face the economic problems caused by COVID-19”.
The session, which can be followed through the digital platform ZOOM, will count on the interventions of the presidents of the Algarve Tourism Region, João Fernandes, and the Municipality of Loulé, Vítor Aleixo.
Registration is free but has a limited number of participants and can be made through the email gae@cm-loule.pt, with the name of the participant, email and company.
It will also be possible to watch the session on the Facebook page of the Municipality of Loulé https://www.facebook.com/municipiodeloule/
Silves Rural Fire Prevention
The Forest Sappers in the Municipality of Silves will start the usual rural fire surveillance work, as planned.
This intervention will focus mainly on the parishes of São Bartolomeu de Messines and São Marcos da Serra, defined as priorities in the scope of the Defence of the Forest against Fires (DECEIR), the municipality announced in a statement, also highlighting the role of Sapadores in the decontamination of public roads, in view of the contingencies created by COVID-19.
According to the same document, the Municipality says that a team of Forest Sappers from the Parish Council of São Bartolomeu de Messines is in training, participating in the surveillance of rural fires, “increasing the number of teams with this type in the municipality to three”.
Phased re-opening of Library services
After the state of emergency is over, the various sectors of society are resuming their activities. Libraries are no exception. BIBAL – Inter-municipal Network of Libraries in the Algarve is now starting to reopen their libraries in a phased manner.
According to a statement from AMAL, Algarve Inter-municipal Community, for the definition of procedures to be followed in libraries, the Directorate-General for Books, Archives and Libraries produced a document with recommendations, based on the legislation in force, on the directives of the Directorate-General Health and specialized bibliography.
In the course of the state of emergency, some libraries in the Algarve created the take-away service for loaning documents that now, gradually, has been adopted by others. Depending on local constraints, this service will be resumed in all libraries, but always subject to the use of a mask and hygiene measures. Subsequently, and always considering the conditions of evolution of the pandemic, the services of the Libraries will, in stages, be extended, always respecting all the safety measures that guarantee the health of those who work and those who go to this equipment.
The Network, which integrates 25 municipal libraries, 3 itinerant libraries and 3 university libraries, aims at cooperation between different entities, aiming at the development of network services.
MOJU gives life to community garden project from home
In the context of an application to the Generation Z program of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth is running the project “Plant 1 Donate + 1″which aims to bring together young volunteers from the municipality of Olhão and the surrounding area to host mini community gardens at home.
The project starts on June 1 and ends on July 21, mostly in an online format, which is one of the priorities of the IPDJ, together with the promotion of civic participation.
The registration for the “Plant 1 +1 Donate” is open on the site: https://programas.juventude.gov.pt/geracaoz/acoes/detalhe for young people from 14 to 30 years until May 22.
 
Algarve Situation Report 15th May 2020 – from our colleague reporting on the Algarve.
Cancellation of music festivals and other events
Summer music festivals and other events scheduled until September 30 will not be held in the Algarve.
In line with what had already been defined in the Council of Ministers on May 7, AMAL decided, at the Council meeting, that all music festivals and other events that may mean crowds of people will be postponed to 2021.
Considering that there is a moment of uncertainty in the context of the pandemic of COVID-19, the local authorities in the Algarve continue to assume as priorities to prevent the disease, contain the pandemic and save lives.
Thus, Festivals such as Seafood (Olhão), Sardinha (Portimão), MED (Loulé), FATACIL (Lagoa), Medieval Days (Castro Marim), Feira da Serra (São Brás de Alportel) or Mediterranean Diet (Tavira), the Hunting and Fishing Fair (Albufeira), the Ham Festival (Monchique), the Medieval Fair (Silves) among others, will only take place next year.
The municipalities of the Algarve have also decided not to hold other smaller events that involve large concentrations of people.
The mayors fear that the non-realization of larger events may increase the demand for other events, which may imply an outflow of the usual.
However, this decision may not be applied to all events, and will be taken, on a case-by-case basis, and by each of the municipalities, considering the evaluation of the conditions for its realization in view of the evolution of the pandemic and their physical conditions.
Social and Economic Emergency Plan for the Algarve
The District Coordinating Committee of Bloco de Esquerda (BE) has produced a Social and Economic Emergency Plan for the Algarve for the years 2020/21 that will be presented online, tomorrow, May 15th.
The document contemplates several proposals, covering different areas, such as support to people and companies, employment, housing, health, education, housing, mobility, environment, agriculture, fisheries, water, university and media.
This Plan will be the subject of legislative initiatives to be delivered soon to the Assembly of the Republic by the Parliamentary Group of the Left Block.
“COVID-19 is the first pandemic of the globalization era and has reached, very quickly, all continents and no country has been able to apply instruments to effectively tackle it, preventing serious social and economic consequences for a period over time, as long as there is no vaccine or treatment for the new coronavirus. This pandemic exposed the weaknesses of the country’s economy and, in particular, the Algarve, which depends almost exclusively on tourism”, justifies the Bloco de Esquerda, in a note sent to the Barlavento editorial staff.
“The Algarve really appears as the most vulnerable region in the country and if extraordinary measures are not taken in the short and medium term, the impacts of the crisis will prove to be catastrophic”.
In this way, the District Secretariat of BE Algarve will present the Plan, Friday, May 15, at 5 pm.
Municipality of Vila Real de Santo António will distribute, for free, a reusable mask for each citizen
Throughout the month of May, the Municipality of Vila Real de Santo António will distribute, for free, a reusable mask for each citizen, through the “solidarity mask” project.
With this measure, the municipality intends, “to contribute to the security of all Vila Realians and to stop the spread of Covid-19, namely during the phases of dis-confinement that follow”, points out the Municipality’s note.
The mask can be lifted by presenting the Identity Card or Citizen Card, with collection points available in the three parishes in the municipality.
According to the Mayor of Vila Real de Stº António, “There are 20 thousand masks, one for each citizen, which, we believe, will contribute to the safety of everyone and help us to overcome the challenges that follow”.
 
Thursday 14th May
DGS Report
The number of Covid-19 cases increased to 351 in the Algarve, one more than Tuesday.
Despite this new case in the Algarve, when analysing the DGS municipal data, there is no change in the number of infected in the municipality. As for the number of deaths in the region, they remain at 14.
Minister Ana Godinho praises ABC’s extraordinary work
The Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) has, until yesterday, performed 14 thousand tests on employees and home users, as well as on day care workers, in the Algarve region, in the Baixo Alentejo and Alentejo Litoral, announced today Nuno Marques, director of ABC .
This official was speaking during the visit that Ana Mendes Godinho, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, made this afternoon to the Quinta dos Pardais Children’s Center, in Albufeira, owned by the local Santa Casa da Misericórdia, one of the day care centers that will open in next the 18th.
Nuno Marques added that, in the homes of the elderly in the Algarve and in all the structures associated with them, 8152 tests have been carried out so far. “We did, therefore, many more than the 6000 we planned to do so.
In the 105 institutions tested (users and employees), “we only had one case of a positive home [that of Misericórdia de Boliqueime], but that was identified in a timely manner, which allowed for its adequate isolation”.
All other tests in the remaining Algarve institutions for the elderly were negative. “I never liked the term” negative “so much,” confessed the ABC director.
Loulé Library
The Municipal Library Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, in Loulé, will open its doors to the public again from next Tuesday, May 19, after having closed on March 10 as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID -19, within the scope of the Municipal Contingency Plan, and having operated for a month on a take-away basis, with the loan of books at the door of the building.
In this reopening, the services will be conditioned and all the guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health will be followed in terms of health security, hygiene of space and documentary material, guarantee of social distance between users, among other measures.
In the last two weeks of May, the Library will operate at an adapted time, at its headquarters and in each of its centers, but with rules common to all spaces, namely the non-availability of periodicals for reading, guidance by technicians in accessing spaces, in order to guarantee physical distance (2 meters) or access to shelves to be carried out exclusively by Library technicians.
Union of Journalists wants explanations from the Government about incident with Lusa team at the Castro Marim border
The Union of Journalists (SJ) has asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to explain why a reporting team from the Lusa agency, duly accredited, was prevented from crossing the border into Spain in Ayamonte, Castro Marim, on Thursday 8^th May.
“As the SJ learned, the Lusa team was informed that the passage of journalists is not foreseen in the cooperation agreement between Portugal and Spain in force for the pandemic period. The union was told that Portuguese journalists cannot enter Spain, just as Spanish journalists cannot enter Portugal” said a union source.
In a statement, the SJ says that “it does not understand the arguments used” and recalls that “many other professionals from both countries are allowed to cross the common border”, considering “that such a decision represents an attack on press freedom”.
In “defence of the right to information”, the SJ claims to have reported the incident to the Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas de España (FAPE) and the European Federation of Journalists, “in order to pressure the governments of Portugal and Spain to specify, in the renewal of the cross-border agreement, which ends on the 17th, the exemption of journalists from restrictions on circulation”.
 
Algarve Situation Report 13th May 2020
Albufeira creates reception centre for homeless people
The Municipality of Albufeira leased a “hostel” for two months located in Brejos for homeless people at this stage of the pandemic. Logistical support is provided through its Civil Protection Social and Education Services. The City Mayor visited the facilities at the beginning of May to see the normal functioning of the Centre saying that “the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic aggravates all the difficulties experienced by homeless people and socially disadvantaged people and we couldn’t ignore this situation”. It should be mentioned the strict collaboration of all health services in the region. Source -Algarve Primeiro.
Lagoa Municipality meets with tour operators linked to the beach, coast and coastline sectors
Lagoa Municipality met with concessionaire’s services in support of the county’s beaches to know their positions on the 2020 bathing season. Source -Algarve Primeiro.
Algarve reaches 350 infected
The General Directorate of Health (DGH) announced this Tuesday the existence of 1,163 deaths in Portugal 19 more compared to yesterday. In relation to the Algarve;

• Albufeira has 74, (2 deaths)
• Loulé – 64, (5 deaths)
• Faro – 60
• Portimão – 38, (1 death)
• Tavira – 30
• Silves – 21
• Vila Real de Stº António – 13, (2 deaths)
• Olhão – 12
• Lagoa – 9, (2 deaths)
• Lagos – 3
• Castro Marim – 3
• Monchique – 3
• São Brás de Alportel – 2, (1 death)

PAN questions Olhão about possible environmental crime along the Ria
Pan denounces that tons of construction and demolition waste (RCD) were recently launched in a protected area of Ria Formosa Natural Park, tons of construction and demolition waste (RCD) with the objective of building an access ramp for trucks and backhoes next to the boarding departure pier for the Islands in Olhão.
In the area where the access ramp was installed discharges of urban and industrial wastewater exist for several years from old illegal connections to the rainwater collection net a regrettable situation that should have been resolved a long time ago. Source – Jornal Barnavento.
Loulé repudiates slaughter of healthy mature trees in Ancão
In response and clarification to the news that became public in the media and social networks regarding the environmental attack on massive cutting of trees on the land adjacent to Praia do Ancão the Municipal Council of Loulé clears that this action was not carried out under any urban planning operation subject to prior control. Source – Jornal Barnavento.
Escola EB 2.3 Santo António and UAlg pick up some vegetables for people in need
“To be able to do something that helps those who are in need contributes a lot not only to my happiness but also to those who will have this support” said a student of UAlg (university of the Algarve).. After the work lettuce, broccoli and cabbage were donated to the Homeless Support Centre (CASA). Source – Sul Informação.
Alentejo farmers and processors donate wheat, flour and pasta to the Food Bank
The farmers of Alentejo Cereals, the Germen and Cerealis delivered to the ´Food Bank Against Hunger´ some four tons of flour and a ton of pasta produced from wheat from the Alentejo. Source – Sul Informação.
Man who hit his partner in front of the GNR was arrested in Loulé
A 42-year-old man who attacked his partner with “punches, kicks and hair-pulling” and right in front of GNR police pushed her to the ground and tried to continue hitting her was arrested on Saturday in Celões in the municipality of Loulé. The woman was sent to the Hospital of Faro. The detainee after being present at the Loulé Judicial Court after being present at the Loulé Judicial Court he was in remand. Source – Sul Informação.
 

Tuesday 12th May 2020
COVID-19: Algarve registers new death
In the Algarve there are two new cases of COVID-19 infection bringing the count to 348 with another death to be regretted bringing the records to 14.
Portimão will exempt restaurant establishments from paying terrace fees
Portimão will exempt restaurant establishments from paying terrace fees, allowing the installation of new ones and the increase of existing ones, to offset the economic impact caused by the covid-19 pandemic, announced the municipality.
The municipality of Faro specified in a statement that the measures will be in force until the end of the year, “with an exceptional and temporary character and aims to mitigate the harmful effects of the crisis caused by the new coronavirus in the social and business fabric of Portimão”.
The proposal presented by President Isilda Gomes (PS) and unanimously approved at an executive meeting, will be submitted for discussion and approval by the Municipal Assembly.
“The proposal took into account the importance that restaurants and hotels have for the local economy and the fact that this is one of the sectors that, in recent months, has suffered the greatest negative impact”, reads the statement.
The document authorizes establishments to extend their activity to the public space, sidewalks, streets and adjacent squares, through an extraordinary and simplified procedure for licensing esplanades.
“Restaurants and the like can increase their capacity and guarantee, at the same time, more security conditions for their customers”, said the municipality.
Fourth fatal victim at Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime
A 90-year – old user from the home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime is the 4th fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve.
The elderly woman passed away yesterday, Sunday, at the Hospital de Faro, where she was hospitalized, announced the Misericórdia de Boliqueime on her Facebook page.
This is the fourth death since the start of the pandemic in this nursing home, prompted by the new coronavirus, where the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on April 3.
As Sílvia Sebastião, provider of the SCM in Boliqueime, revealed to the Sul Informaco , that Maria Ana Coelho Inácio was already struggling with several health problems before contracting the new coronavirus. “She was a very weak person, who was in a wheelchair,” he said.
A Citizen’s movement wants a free Algarve of 5G technology
A movement of citizens from the Algarve is demanding the immediate suspension of the process of installing fifth generation telecommunications technology commonly known as 5G.
“We demand that the government cease immediately the implementation and testing of 5G technology in Portugal. We demand the immediate application of the Precautionary Principle and an end to this attack on human health and Portuguese democracy”.
Portimão Campaign Hospital is now operational
Portimão Campaign Hospital installed in the Portimão Arena will remain on standby at least for the next summer as a preventive measure facing the development of Covid-19 pandemic particularly in this phase of gradual deflation.
Covid.19: Union of Faro Parishes donates 90 stethoscopes for health professionals
The Union of Faro Parishes was invited to visit the facilities about the facilities and operation of the CHUA field hospital at the Sporting Clube Farense Pavilion which can if necessary to receive patients infected with the SARS-CoV 2 virus, having this authority supported the structure with the donation of 90 stethoscopes for use by health professionals. (Algarve Primero)
New-borns from the municipality of Silves receive “Mimos D’avós” (“Grandparents Pampering)
This is a project recently launched by the Municipality of Silves in collaboration with the Poles of Lifelong Education, which aims to welcome the new-borns of the municipality with the offer of a symbolic layette consisting of three pieces. (Algarve Primeiro)
Union of Lagoa and Carvoeiro Parishes reopen customer services
The municipality confirms that the initiative “Protect yourself Stay at home we will go for you” will continue through, as it has already helped about two hundred people.
The public service will take place on a continuous schedule between 9 am and 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Whenever there is no need for the citizen to go to the services in person they should continue to telephone at 282 352 655 or by email (geral@uf-lagoa.pt).
 
Monday 11th May 2020
Covid-19: Algarve with 1 more infected
The General Directorate of Health announced this Sunday the following figures for the Algarve: Infections –

• Albufeira has 73
• Loulé – 62
• Faro – 59
• Portimão – 38
• Tavira – 30
• Silves – 21
• Vila Real de Stº António – 13
• Olhão – 12
• Lagoa – 9
• Lagos – 3
• Castro Marim – 3
• Monchique – 3
• São Brás de Alportel – 2

In the Algarve there are 346 infected – 1 more compared to the count released on Saturday – and 13 deaths. A figure that has been the same for several days now. Source – Algarve Primeiro.
A thousand people prevented from entering Spain through the Algarve
Since the replacement of the borders between Portugal and Spain almost two months ago about a thousand people have been prevented from entering that country through the Castro Marim border but cross-border workers have been able to pass without difficulties. Source – Algarve Pimeiro.
Monchique uses ecological machines to disinfect public spaces
The Municipality of Monchique informed that at the time of reopening some services and commerce throughout the municipality as well as the gradual return to operation and service to the public by some municipal services a cleaning and disinfection generating plan was initiated that includes all public spaces. Source – Algarve Pimeiro.
Facebook groups help hundreds in Portimão and Faro
Created at the beginning of the new Coronavirus pandemic groups on Facebook social network gathered hundreds of people willing to help with food products, equipment for individual safety computers for children, clothing and even psychological support. One of these groups will soon be formalised as a non-profit association. In the capital of the Algarve, the group ‘Let’s all help Faro’, is little more than a month old but counts 3,400 members and has managed to offer help to 51 families and 211 people. ´COVID Marafade´ brings together makers and goodwill and brings together several solidarity projects mainly centralised in the municipality of Portimão. Source – Jornal Barlavento.
Serve Portimão questions closure of Intensive Care during pandemic
Considering the news that has been made public about the closure of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Portimão unit of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) Servir Portimão Municipal Group led by Hugo Mariano questions this decision.
“The Portimão Hospital had six places in the Intensive Care Unit for patients with COVID-19, a number that in the opinion of the regional authorities and hospital management would be enough to face the pandemic. Both the national authority as well as the CHUA management itself, anticipate the existence of a second wave of contagions soon”. Source – Jornal Barlavento.
Luxury brand counterfeiters already cash in with masks against Covid-19
The counterfeiting industry has already adapted to the new times and is taking advantage of the covid-19 pandemic to launch new products that everyone needs right now. They are common fabric masks but they bear the symbols of major luxury clothing brands of the major national football clubs or even of automobiles. The products some made in Portugal and without any type of certification are for sale on the Internet on advertising sites or on social networks. ASAE is attentive. Source – Sul Informação.
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