Algarve Situation Report Saturday 16th January 2021
Covid-19
In the Algarve there are more than 328 confirmed cases since Tuesday bringing the total of 11,710 since the start of the pandemic. There are 10 more deaths, the highest daily total, bringing the total to 111.
New Covid-19 strain detected in Tavira and Faro
The new strain of Covid-19, originating in the South of England, and which has a greater transmissibility, was detected in the municipalities of Faro and Tavira.
The South Information found that the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge detected the new variant of Covid-19 in three samples collected in the municipality of Faro and one in the municipality of Tavira.
Two of the samples from the municipality of Faro were collected on the 21st of December and another on the 22nd.
The testing in the municipality of Tavira took place on December 20, according to the data consulted by our newspaper.
Last Friday, at the press conference to update the epidemiological situation in the Algarve , Ana Cristina Guerreiro, regional health delegate, revealed that, in view of the «rapid and large» increase in cases in the municipality of Tavira, the authorities suspected the presence of the new strain of the virus in the municipality, adding that samples had been sent to INSA.
To clarify doubts, samples from the municipality of Tavira followed to INSA and confirmation has now arrived, after that institute released, last Tuesday, a new update on the genetic analysis of the new coronavirus. In addition to Tavira, the new strain is also present in Faro.
Paulo Morgado, president of ARS Algarve, contacted by Sul Informação , stressed that the emergence of the new strain in the Algarve “was something that was expected, given that it has a greater ease of propagation” and that there is in the region “an Airport and a very large English community”.
https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2021/01/nova-estirpe-da-covid-19-detetada-em-tavira-e-faro/
In general confinement Albufeira municipality extends free take-away service
Following the new general confinement, in effect since midnight this Friday, and the general duty to remain at home, except for authorized trips, the municipality of Albufeira decided to extend support to the take-away service, under the Program “Present Municipality – Vale Restauração”. The service will operate daily, starting tomorrow (Saturday), January 16, and may accompany any renewals of the State of Emergency.
In a note issued to the media, the municipality speaks of a “very simple” process that can be used by all people, regardless of the area of the municipality where they are located.
The first thing to do is consult the list of participating establishments at: https://www.cm-albufeira.pt/content/vale-restauracao , choose the restaurant or similar, check if the service is available, call and make yours order. You must leave your name, contact and postal address, agreeing the payment method. Then, the establishment from which the meal was ordered, should contact Albucoop on 289 58 32 30, which will designate the nearest transport to arrange delivery. Upon delivery, there will be no payment. The service will operate in compliance with the government’s opening hours. The service operates using the “Bolsa de Quilómetros” recently filed with Albucoop – Cooperativa de Rádio Táxis de Albufeira and is valid for all orders at participating establishments, during all days during the mandatory confinement period.
Lagoa among the safest tourist destinations in Europe
European Best Destinations, an organization based in Brussels, which aims to promote culture and tourism in Europe, recently launched the list of the safest European destinations to visit in pandemic times, taking into account respect for current health conditions and restrictions. Lagoa is one of the four Portuguese destinations that punctuate the list of thirteen suggestions in Europe.
In a statement, the municipality points out that among the criteria on which European Best Destinations was based to choose the destinations announced, is the number of active cases of Covid-19 per 100 thousand inhabitants, the number of deaths, the sanitary measures adopted, the recommendations from local authorities to tourists in hotels, local accommodations, shops and restaurants, and average health standards.
In addition to Lagoa, Alentejo, the Azores and Madeira are the other Portuguese destinations considered among the safest in Europe. The list also includes Monte-Carlo, in Monaco; Martinique, in the Lesser Antilles; Tahiti, French Polynesia; Asos, Corfu, Kokkari, Meteora, Ikaria and Cavtat, in Greece, said the municipality.
In the text published by European Best Destinations, which justifies the inclusion of Lagoa in the group of safer tourist destinations, it can be read: “Lagoa implemented measures from an early start to protect the local population and reduce the spread of Covid-19. Bringing together some of the most beautiful jewels in the Algarve such as the beaches of Cova Redonda or Praia Nova and its famous chapel, Praia da Marinha, the villages of Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Porches (…) Lagoa is probably one of the most beautiful and safe destinations”
Covid.19: JSD Loulé proposes measures to support companies and families in the municipality
The Social Democratic Youth of Loulé considers that in this time of pandemic, local commerce and entrepreneurs “have been left behind despite being the backbone and the engine of the local economy”.
In a statement, JSD Loulé confirms that it has sent today, to the Mayor of Loulé and to the Mayor of the Municipal Assembly, a proposal with measures to support companies and families.
The creation of a fund to support local companies; the exemption from payment of sanitation fees for waste water and urban waste in water billing for families and companies and the exemption from paying parking meters in areas surrounding traditional / local commerce, are measures contained in the proposal issued, as made known.