Madeira Situation Report 29th August by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were 16 new cases in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. There were 6 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, of which 2 were imported from South Africa and from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region while 3 were a result
of a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Porto Santo and 1 was from a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal.
There were 6 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, of which 4 were imported from Italy and Poland and 2 were a result of a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal. And there were 4 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, which were a
result of local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal.
As for the Porto Santo transmission chain, the epidemiological investigation meant 23 contacts have been traced, with 3 being confirmed cases and 20 tests coming back negative. The epidemiological investigation into the Funchal
transmission chain meant 9 contacts have been traced, with 6 being confirmed cases and 3 tests coming back negative. All contacts traced in both transmission chains remain in isolation and the epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
Pedro Ramos, informed that a hotel in Porto Santo is ready to host Covid-19 patients who require a place for isolation.
There are currently 40 active cases, of which 29 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 11 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 158 cases and 118
recoveries. There are 21 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 19 in isolation at their own accommodation.
A passenger were identified as a suspected case on Friday. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,617 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed. There are 9,732 people under
active monitoring and 10,496 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 40,070 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Thursday, 72,381 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 190 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,545. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 2,012 calls, with 174 people being monitored.
It was also announced that the laboratory at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital is now able to carry out about 1,800 Covid-19 tests per day. The testing capacity at the start of pandemic was 50 tests per day and the testing capacity in the
Autonomous Region of Madeira is now approaching 2000 tests per day.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102245/Covid-19_Seis_novos_casos_detetados_na_Regiao
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102335/Covid-19_Mais_seis_casos_positivos_na_RAM
Face masks compulsory for children in school
premises
Children older than 6 years old must wear face masks in school premises. This policy is part of the school reopening plan that will be implemented when schools reopen. Schools are scheduled to reopen in September.
More testing sites to be available in the Mainland
Pedro Ramos revealed the Madeira Regional Government will soon sign a contract with another laboratory so that Madeira-bound passengers in the Mainland can be tested for Covid-19 before flying to Madeira. He said there will be 14 more
sample collection points in the Mainland.
President of the Regional Government appeals for tourists to wear masks on the streets
Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, has asked hotel staff to advise tourists to wear masks in public places and on the streets. He stressed the importance of “making a small sacrifice in order to
prevent cases similar to those that happened in Porto Santo”.
He said the situation in Porto Santo seems to be under control. However, he said people should not get carried away and mentioned the worsening pandemic situation in Italy, Spain and even in the Portuguese Mainland. He added that people
in Madeira must be careful and wise, keep social distancing, wear face masks and try to carry on with life while taking all precautions.
Jet2holidays increased its offer in Madeira
Jet2holidays added 100,000 further seats for destinations in Greece, Turkey and Portugal (Faro and Madeira) so as to meet demand. The flights are operated from Stansted Airport. On the other hand, it has cancelled its offer for the
Balearic Islands until the 30th of November and extended the suspension of its programmes to Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and Croatia until the 12th of September.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102336/Jet2holidays_reforca_programas_de_ferias_para_a_Madeira
Madeira Report 22nd August by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Saturday and another on Monday. Both cases are from non-resident passengers who had been screened at Funchal Airport. On Tuesday, it was announced that 11 patients had recovered.
There are currently 24 active cases, of which 23 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 142 cases and 118
recoveries.
There are 18 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 6 in isolation at their place of residence. The 3 patients who had been hospitalised at the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, including 1 in the intensive care
unit, have recovered and have returned home.
On Tuesday, 2 passengers were identified as suspected cases. An
epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Monday, there had been 1,601 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
There are 7,506 people under active monitoring and 10,496 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 38,075 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Monday, 69,014 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 262 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,355.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,983 calls, with 169 people being monitored.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101923/Covid-19_Novo_caso_detetado_no_aeroporto_da_Madeira
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102064/Madeira_conta_hoje_com_mais_um_caso_de_covid-19
Ten people in quarantine in Porto Santo
Ten people are in quarantine in Porto Santo after having been in
close contact with a tourist who had been on holiday at the island and tested positive for Covid-19 after returning to Lisbon. Rogério Correia, the Porto Santo health delegate, said the tourist had tested negative for Covid-19 on
arrival at Funchal Airport and then traveled to Porto Santo two days after her arrival. She had traveled to Porto Santo on the Lobo Marinho ferry. She arrived in Porto Santo on the 7th of August and left on the 24th of August. She
started feeling ill a few days after her arrival at the golden island. However, according to the health authority, she didn’t care about the symptoms, which got worse after returning to the mainland. She only sought medical help after
her return to Cascais and tested positive for Covid-19. The health delegate said the tourist hadn’t had a very active social life while in Porto Santo and that all close contacts and been identified, tested and found to be asymptomatic.
The health delegate assured that so far, there are not any positive cases of Covid-19 in Porto Santo. Due to the 14-day incubation period, he raised the possibility that the tourist had been infected on the mainland, before traveling to
Madeira.
Playgrounds reopened in Santa Cruz
The Municipality of Santa Cruz informed that all municipal playgrounds have reopened. There are disinfectant dispensers in each playground and it will be regularly disinfected. There are:
a) Information on the respiratory etiquette and rules must be displayed.
b) Mandatory use of face masks by children aged 10 or older and their companion.
c) Maintain social distancing – a minimum of 2 metres.
d) Avoid gatherings around equipments
e) Respiratory etiquette must be complied with.
f) It is forbidden to eat, drink and to share materials and equipments and to bring toys to the playground.
Madeira at yellow and orange level for high temperature warning
The Madeira archipelago is under yellow and orange warning for
high temperature until Sunday (30th August), with maximum temperatures expected to reach 32ºC. The south shore and mountain regions are expected to be the most affected areas. Air humidity is expected to be low, with temporary levels
below 30%, wind will reach between 10-35 Km/h, with wind gusts reaching 50-70 Km/h at the far east and far west and in mountain areas.
The barbecue spots in forest areas will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the risk of forest fires. The Areeiro/Eira do Serrado forest road will also be closed during the same period of time. Surveillance will be increased by
the Forest Police.
People are asked to behave responsibly, not to light fires in forests and to avoid behaviours that could be dangerous to forests.
Madeira Report 22nd August by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Wednesday, 2 new cases on Thursday and on Friday. There was also 1 recovery on Wednesday. There are currently 33 active cases, of which 32 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal
Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 140 cases and 107 recoveries.
There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 7 in isolation at their place of residence. There are also 2 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 patient remains in the Covid-19 intensive care
unit at the same hospital. Yesterday, 3 passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport were identified as suspected cases. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,599 suspected cases, of
which 1,459 were not confirmed.
There are 7,564 people under active monitoring and 10,809 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 34,042 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Sunday, 65,132 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira. As for testing on Madeira-bound passengers, before flying from the mainland, 12,986 tests have been carried out so far.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 109 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,093. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,964 calls, with 168 people being monitored.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101865/Covid-19_Mais_dois_casos_na_Regiao_e_tres_suspeitos
Covid-19 test booking slots unavailable for flights in August and September at Porto laboratory
ADC Porto Ocidental, a laboratory in Porto that has an agreement with the
Madeira Regional Government for testing Madeira-bound passengers, has reached its maximum capacity for testing before flights in August and in the first fortnight of September. This is the information a Madeiran passenger received
automatically when she tried to book a test well in advance of her flight from Porto to Madeira.
This laboratory has a maximum capacity of 50 tests per day, which are carried out 72 hours before a flight so that test results can be provided before a flight. Tests are booked according to the order of arrival of a request (along with
evidence of a flight booking) and it is not possible to bested on weekends and holidays.
This passenger’s personal experience shows how popular this testing scheme has been with passengers flying into Madeira from the Portuguese mainland. Since Wednesday, two additional laboratories were added to the scheme, one in Porto
and another in Loulé. So far, this scheme is available in 22 locations in the mainland and negotiations are underway with additional laboratories.
Machico Municipality delivered PPE to cultural and sporting institutions
On Thursday, the Municipality of Machico delivered PPE to cultural and sporting institutions located the municipality. The delivery ceremony took place at Museu da Baleia da Madeira (Whale Museum), in Caniçal, after the municipality
contacted the institutions in order to learn what their needs were.
Overall, 27 kits of PPE were delivered. The cultural institutions received gloves, hand-sanitising gel and face masks while the sporting institutions received surface disinfectants, face masks, gloves and thermometers. In addition to
these deliveries, the Municipality of Machico has already provided similar PPE kits to the municipality’s businesses, such as hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and taxi drivers.
Water supply disruption
There will be a water supply disruption on Monday, from 9h30 to 15h00, due
to planned work on the water supply chain. The disruption will affect the Parish of Imaculado Coração de Maria (Rua Jaime Bruno Pereira, Rua das Lajes, Vereda das Lajes and Rua Álvaro Justino de Matos).
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. The following areas will be affected:
FUNCHAL
24th August – 09h00 to 12h00
- Caminho de S. Roque (number 15)
- Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 13 to 174)
- Rampa do Muro da Coelha (numbers 3 to 5)
24th August – 09h00 to 11h30
- Caminhos da Partilha (number 45)
- Caminho da Fonte (numbers 25 and 42)
- Travessa Ribeira das Vacas (number 9)
24th, 25th and 26th August – 09h00 to 12h00
Rua dos Estados Unidos da América (numbers 104, 112 and 114)
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
Madeira report by Daniel Fernandes Wednesday 19th August 2020
Covid-19 update
There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Saturday, 2 new cases on Monday and 2 new cases on Tuesday. There were also 3 recoveries on Saturday, 1 recovery on Monday 1 recovery on Tuesday.
There are currently 29 active cases, of which 28 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 135 cases and 106
recoveries.
There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 3 in isolation at their place of residence. There are also 2 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 patient remains in the Covid-19 intensive care
unit at the same hospital.
Yesterday, a passenger who had arrived at Funchal Airport was identified as a suspected case. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,594 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not
confirmed.
There are 7,487 people under active monitoring and 11,245 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 32,036 samples had
been collected until Tuesday (at 16h30). Overall, as of Sunday, 62,364 samples had
been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 117 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,093.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,938 calls, with 168 people being monitored.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101528/Madeira_com_mais_dois_novos_casos_de_covid-19
3 people injured in gas explosion in Câmara de Lobos
Three members of the same family (father, mother and son) were injured as a result of a gas explosion at an apartment in Câmara de Lobos. The explosion took place on Tuesday at around 08h30. The father is in intensive care due to
second-degree burns. Although the cause of the explosion are unknown, this is another reminder that all care should be taken when dealing with gas appliances at home.
Increased police patrol in Porto Santo
Police in Porto Santo have increased their presence on the streets of Porto Santo since Friday, after several episodes of vandalism, robberies and violence in the last few weeks. Officers from GNR, PSP and the Maritime Police have been
seen on the streets and on the beach.
15 free wireless internet hotspots in Câmara de Lobos
The Municipality of Câmara de Lobos has set up 15 free wireless internet hotspots in the town centre of the municipality’s 5 parishes. According to Pedro Coelho, the Mayor of Câmara de Lobos, this means Câmara de Lobos has become the
first municipality in Madeira to have a municipal wi-fi network that covers all of its parishes and areas beyond urban areas.
This is a result of a successful application for the project “WIFI4EU – Free
wifi for Europeans”, a project financed by the European Commission that allows citizens and visitors in the European Union to have free and secure wireless internet access in the main places of interest. The Municipality received
€15,000 for use in setting up the wireless infrastructure in areas that had previously not had free wireless internet hotspots. The use of these hotspots is free and without any time limits.
The following areas have had free wireless internet since 2017: Largo do Poço, Jardins do Ilhéu, Varadouro, the bus station next to Miradouro do Espirito Santo (Churchill), Mercado Municipal and Praça da Autonomia. Two more hotspots
were set up to complement these, one at Largo São Sebastião (next to Igreja Matriz) and one at Praia do Vigário.
The following places have free wireless internet hotspots for the first time, thanks to the WiFi4EU project:
– Estreito de Câmara de Lobos – Largo do Centro Cívico do Estreito, Largo do Patim/adro da Igreja e Praça do Mercado Municipal;
– Jardim da Serra – Rua das Corticeiras;
– Curral das Freiras – Praça Central;
– Quinta Grande – Parque Infantil.
Water supply disruptions
There will be some water supply disruptions in the following days. The following areas will be affected:
Today (09h00-13h00) – Câmara de Lobos (Torre & Espírito Santo)
Thursday (15h00-18h00) – São Jorge Parish (Achada de António Teixeira, Achada do Pico, Achada Grande, Açougue Velho, Barranco, Calhau, Covas, Cruz, Fajã Alta, Furna Pedro Jorge, Jogo da Bola, Lombo do Cunha, Lombo do Pico, Pé do Pico,
Poço e Vale, Pomar, São Pedro & Tranquada)
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101602/Vai_faltar_agua_em_Sao_Jorge_esta_quinta-feira
Madeira Situation report 15th August from Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There was one new Covid-19 case on Wednesday and 2 new cases on Thursday and 1 new case on Friday. A patient recovered on Monday.
There are currently 30 active cases, of which 27 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 130 cases and 100
recoveries. A passenger was identified as a suspected case during screening at Funchal Airport. An epidemiological investigation is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,589 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
There are 25 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence, 2 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 is in intensive care at the same hospital.
There are 7,946 people under active monitoring and 11,230 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 28,406 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, 58,311 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24
20) received 125 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,976.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,911 calls, with 167 people being monitored.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101193/Covid-19_Ha_um_novo_caso_na_Regiao_e_quatro_suspeitos
Spa reopened at VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira
VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira’s Thalasso Sea SPA has reopened with a special campaign for guests staying at the hotel or simply using the spa services. The spa’s opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10h00 and 19h00. The
spa has been given the Clean & Safe seal.
It has adopted the following
safety guidelines, due to the pandemic: bookings must be made beforehand, the use of masks is mandatory unless it is during treatment/massaging sessions, there is the possibility of receiving treatment sessions in outdoor areas,
individual facilities are thoroughly disinfected after each use and there is a mandatory time span between each booking.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101317/VidaMar_Resort_Hotel_Madeira_reabre_spa
New support packages for workers, businesses and the unemployed
The Madeira Regional Government approved a new €28 million extraordinary support package to provide support and protection for workers, businesses and the unemployed. The support packages are the “Incentivo Regional à Normalização da
Atividade Empresarial” (Regional Stimulus to the Normalisation of Business Activity), “Complemento Social Regional” (Regional Social Complement and “Programa Qualificar + para Empregar” (Qualify + to Employ Scheme). According to the
Regional Government, “30,000 workers, 1,000 companies and 200 unemployed will benefit from this new measures.”
Youths making the most of free entry to museums managed by the Regional Government
International Youth Day is being celebrated through free entry, for youths aged between 12 and 29, at all museums managed by the Madeira Regional Government. This scheme started on Wednesday (12th August) and will end today. Guided
tours are being provided for groups of youths or youths visiting with relatives. So far, large numbers of youths have been taking part in this scheme. A list of all museums managed by the Regional Government can be found on the
following website:
https://cultura.madeira.gov.pt/en
Doca do Cavacas to be closed on Monday
The resort of Poças do Gomes – Doca do Cavacas will be closed on Monday due to maintenance work. The connecting tunnel between Poças do Gomes and Praia Formosa will also be closed.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101341/Doca_do_Cavacas_encerra_na_proxima_segunda-feira
Water supply disruption on Monday
There will be a water supply disruption on Monday (17th August), from 14h00 and 19h00, due to scheduled maintenance work to prevent water leaks on the water supply network. The disruption will affect the following areas (all in Machico
Municipality): Poço do Gil, Paraíso and Ribeira Seca.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101289/Vai_faltar_agua_em_Machico_esta_segunda-feira
Madeira Situation Report – 12th August 2020 by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were no new Covid-19 cases on Monday and 2 new cases on Tuesday and no new cases on Sunday. A patient recovered on Monday.
There are currently 26 active cases, of which 23 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 126 cases and 100
recoveries. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,585 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 1 is in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
There are 8,150 people under active monitoring and 11,262 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 26,485 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h00). Overall, 55,561 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 40 calls from Sunday to Monday and 49 calls from Monday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,851.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,881 calls, with 165 people being monitored.
Porto Santo bars closed early as a protest
The main bars in Porto Santo closed at 22h30 on Tuesday evening, as a protest against the maximum capacity limit of 50%. Zarco, Taskaki, Boutique da Poncha and Mr Outlet were some of the bars which closed early.
Botanical Garden Cable Car reopening
The Botanical Garden Cable Car is reopening on the 14th of August. To celebrate its reopening, there will be a special discount of 20% on a trip.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101065/Teleferico_do_Jardim_Botanico_reabre_a_14_de_agosto
Meals from Pingo Doce can be delivered at home through Bring Eat
It is now possible to have home delivery of meals from Pingo Doce, through a partnership with Bring Eat, a home delivery service. Pingo Doce ensures its meals are delivered in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Caniço. Meals can be purchased
online, through the app or by phone. The meals will be sourced from the restaurant at Pingo Doce La Vie and bookings can be made on Bring Eat’s website (www.bringeat.pt), its app or by phone (+351
304 500 510). Payment can be made by cash, debit card or MB Way.
Exhibition celebrating the arrival of Gibraltarians during the Second World War
An exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the arrival of about
2,000 Gibraltarians, mostly women and children, in Madeira has opened at the Funchal town hall. They arrived in Madeira between July 23rd and August 13th 1940, were well-received and found refuge that enabled them to live in peace
during wartime. Many Gibraltarians and their relatives visit Funchal every year to remind them of their stay and to show their relatives the place were they found plenty of happiness. Indeed, 38 Gibraltarians had been expected to
celebrate this year’s anniversary but were unable to, due to the pandemic. Since they are over 80 years old, doctors advised them against travelling to Madeira, which would have required travelling through 4 airports. The exhibition can
be viewed in the atrium (átrio) of the Funchal Municipality town hall until the 18th of August and includes work from students from Funchal schools, from the Funchal Senior University and from a group of customers from Ginásio
da Barreirinha (gym).
Water supply disruptions
There will be water supply disruptions today and tomorrow, in the following places:
Today
Parish of Santa Maria Maior (Rua de Santa Maria – between Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot and Rua da Boa Viagem) – 15h00-17h00
Tomorrow
Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Saraiva) – 09h00-12h00
Municipality of Porto Santo (Serra de Fora & Porto dos Frades) – 14h00-18h00
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101090/Interrupcao_de_agua_quinta-feira_em_Camara_de_Lobos
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101101/ARM_informa_que_vai_faltar_agua_no_Porto_Santo
Madeira by Daniel Fernandes Monday 10th August 2020
Covid-19 update
There were 3 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and no new cases on Sunday. A patient recovered on Sunday.
There are currently 25 active cases, of which 22 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 124 cases and 99
recoveries. As of Saturday, there had been 1,583 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
There are 20 patients in isolation at a
dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 3 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
There are 8,015 people under active monitoring and 10,479 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 24,082 samples had been collected until Sunday (at 16h00). Overall, 53,240 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 46 calls from Friday to Saturday and 38 calls from Saturday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,762.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,866 calls, with 164 people being monitored.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/09/ram-sem-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ha-um-doente-recuperado/
Increase in monitoring of safety and distancing guidelines in Porto Santo
Dr. Rogério Correia, the health delegate at Porto Santo, warned there will be a greater monitoring of compliance with the safety and distancing guidelines during the evenings. Although these guidelines are being complied with, there is
a trend for compliance to more relaxed during the evenings, in part due to alcohol consumption. He warned “there will only be an active island if Porto Santo is a safe island”.
Number of deaths increased in Madeira during the pandemic
There were 919 deaths among the Region’s residents between March 17th and July 19th. The number of deaths increased this year despite the lack of deaths from Covid-19. The number of deaths in the same period of time last year and in
2019 was 851 and 916 respectively. There were 243 deaths in April 2020 (232 deaths in April 2018 and 219 deaths in April 2019); 231 deaths in May 2020 (214 deaths in May 2018 and 213 deaths in May 2019). The were fewer deaths in June
2020 (182) than in June 2018 (215) and in June 2019 (197). As of July 19th, the data from July suggest there will be a similar trend to April-May.
Authorities praise the public for their behaviour at Rally Vinho da Madeira
Members of the public watching Rally Vinho da Madeira were
praised by the authorities for their behaviour during the event. They complied with the event’s safety and distancing guidelines. Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Madeira Regional Government, said the event had been “a great success
regarding safety and prevention”, with spectators having “complied with the regional and national guidelines issued by the health authorities”. There was “a spirit of civic duty and solidarity”. He finished by pointing out that this
event had been an example, “at a time when we need some well-organised festivals and events”.
Despite this, there was still plenty of criticism on social media and in the media about the fact this event had taken place while other events, such as Festa da Flor (Madeira Flower Festival), which attract plenty of tourists to the
Region, had been cancelled. They were also critical of the lack of social distancing among spectators in several places.
Madeira by Daniel Fernandes Saturday 8th of August
Covid-19 update
There were 2 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, 2 new cases on Thursday and no new cases on Friday. All these new cases were imported.
So far, there have been 121 cases. There are currently 23 active cases, of which 20 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. There
have been 98 recoveries. Screening at Funchal Airport has detected 3 suspected cases that are currently under epidemiological investigation and testing. As of Thursday, there had been 1,580 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not
confirmed.
There are 18 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 3 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. There are 7,772 people under active monitoring and 9,976 people in
self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 22,419 samples had been collected until Friday (at 16h00). Overall, 51,314 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 254 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,678. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,857 calls, with 164 people being monitored.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/05/dois-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ram-tem-ja-21-casos-activos/
Increased police patrol at Rali Vinho Madeira to be funded by the Regional Government
The Madeira Regional Government will fund the increase in the
number of PSP police officers on duty during Rali Vinho da Madeira 2020. This decision was taken to ensure compliance with the regional, national and international sanitary and safety rules on the Covid-19 pandemic. The event organisers
have designed a Covid-19 contingency plan and a safety plan for drivers and spectators.
Portuguese President on holiday in Porto Santo
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Portuguese President, has been on holiday in Porto Santo. He arrived on Thursday and is due to leave today. It is his 10th visit to Madeira since becoming President, although the current visit is not an
official visit. He has been spending time walking and swimming at Porto Santo beach. He has also been approached by beachgoers and has not refused to take selfies with them!
He noticed that while in the past beachgoers were more likely to go to the beach earlier in the day, this year they have been more likely to go to the beach later in the day. He was also spotted eating ice-cream from Lambecas, Porto
Santo’s most famous ice cream parlour, and visiting a bar that serves poncha (traditional Madeira alcoholic drink).
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100659/Marcelo_ja_chegou_ao_Porto_Santo
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100693/Marcelo_desfruta_de_uma_das_maravilhas_do_Porto_Santo
“If not for Covid-19, this would have been the best ever tourist year” in Porto Santo
Idalino Vasconcelos, the Mayor of Porto Santo, expressed his sadness with
the fact 2020 would have been the best tourist year in Porto if the Covid-19 pandemic had not happened. He said Porto Santo is a safe and crime-free destination, doesn’t have big social problems and has one of the best beaches in
Europe.
He highlighted the praise Porto Santo received from “European Best Destinations” and “Forbes” as a safe tourist destination. Once again, he asked for all health guidelines to be complied with. He also mentioned UNESCO recently approved
Porto Santo’s bid to be included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. The following areas will be affected:
ARCO DA CALHETA
11th August – 09h30 to 10h30
– Sítio do Pinheiro
CANHAS
11th August – 09h30 to 10h30
– Eiras, Chope, Pomar, Cancela – Vacaria, Malhadinha (including Britadeira and Cova Grande), Levada do Poiso (including Britadeira AFA), Ovo Girão
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
Madeira report Wednesday 5th August 2020 by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were 5 new Covid-19 cases on Monday and 1 new case on Tuesday. The 5 cases from Monday were from 5 passengers who had been under epidemiological investigations and analysis, after screening at Funchal Airport. The other 2
suspected cases turned out to be negative. The case from Tuesday was from another passenger who had already been under epidemiological investigation and analysis.
On Monday, 2 passengers were placed under
epidemiological investigation and analysis, with 1 coming back positive and another coming back negative. On Tuesday, 2 more suspected cases were identified and were waiting for the test results. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,576
suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
So far, there have been 117 cases. There are currently 19 active cases, of which 16 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. There
have been 98 recoveries.
There are 14 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 4 in isolation at their place of residence and 1 is in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
There are 7,314 people under active monitoring and 9,390 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 20,315 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h30). Overall, 48,447 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 126 calls from Sunday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,424.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,832 calls, with 161 people being monitored.
Another Lisbon laboratory where travellers to Madeira can be tested
Passengers traveling from mainland Portugal to Madeira can now be tested for Covid-19, free of charge, in 6 laboratories, after the Madeira Regional Government signed a deal with LUMILABO. This laboratory has the capacity to carry out
250 tests per day and has 13 sample collection points. Testing can be booked by phone (21 7210480) or by email (geral@lumilabo.pt or mail@lumilabo.pt). Sample
collections take place from Monday to Saturday (07h00-19h00).
The Madeira Regional Government had already signed an agreement with 5
labs in the Portuguese mainland: 1 in Lisbon (Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas (CEDOC)), 1 in Coimbra (Laboratórios da Universidade de Coimbra), 1 in Porto (ADC Porto Ocidental), 1 in Vila Real (ADC Vila Real) and 1 in Barcelos
(ADC Barcelos).
Madeira estabelece protocolo com laboratório em Lisboa para testes gratuitos para covid-19
Madeira residents can be tested for free before traveling to Azores
Madeira residents can be tested for Covid-19, free of charge, at SYNLAB, before traveling to the Azores archipelago. The laboratory is located at Rua do Bom Jesus (number 18). Testing must be booked by contacting SYNLAB by phone
(291143454) or by email (agendamentos.funchal@synlab.pt). The ticket receipt or the electronic ticket of the flight to the Azores must be presented and samples can be collected from
Monday to Friday (11h00-12h00 & 14h00-18h00).
Bathing ban at Praia das Palmeiras for several days
Bathing is banned at Praia das Palmeiras (Palmeiras Beach),
located in Santa Cruz due to a rupture of the waste water lifting station in the municipal market. The rupture was detected on Friday. On Tuesday, it was found that the rupture had led to a discharge of sewage into the sea, which
resulted in a bathing ban in the area between the swimming pool at Praia das Palmeiras and Praia de São Fernando (São Fernando beach – next to Hotel Vila Galé). The complexity of the necessary repair work means bathing in Santa Cruz is
forbidden for several days. The red flag was raised at Praia das Palmeiras. Although the seawater swimming pool at Praia das Palmeiras can still be used, bathing could be banned if the problem has not been resolved by the time the sea
water is renewed.
Biggest ever heroin haul seizure in Madeira
Polícia Judiciária (PJ) made the biggest ever heroin haul seizure in Madeira after arresting a woman carrying about 10 Kg of heroin, the equivalent of about 120,000 individual doses. The arrest was made during an operation in the last
weekend, after a four-month investigation. The 55 year-old woman was in possession of about 10 Kg of heroin at the time of her arrest, shortly after landing at Funchal Airport. The woman was remanded in custody. The PJ is continuing its
investigation.
Water supply disruptions
There will be several water supply disruptions today:
(09h00-12h00) – Caminho da Ladeira (Santo António)
(09h00-12h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos – Castelejo, Rochas Altas, Casa Caída and Fajã das Galinhas
(14h00-17h00) – Parish of São Jorge – Farrobo, Achada Grande, Achada Felpa, Achado do Vigário, Covas, Corrida, Achadinha, Lombo do Cunha, Pé do Pico, Pico, São Pedro and Tanque
And there will be a water supply disruption tomorrow, from 14h00 to 18h00, in Porto Santo, affecting the following areas: Lombas and Matas.
Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes, Monday August 3rd 2020
Covid-19 update
There were 2 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and 3 new cases on Sunday. The 3 cases from yesterday are from 3 tourists who had arrived from Switzerland. They had already been in isolation and under monitoring after a member of the group
had tested positive on arrival last week. And 7 travellers are under epidemiological investigations and analysis after screening at Funchal Airport.
In more positive news, a patient who had arrived in Madeira and who had been in isolation in a designated hotel has recovered. So far, there have been 111 cases, 98 recoveries and 13 active cases. Ten of the active cases were imported
and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. And 8 patients are in isolation in a designated hotel while 5 are in isolation in a temporary home.
There are 6,467 people under active monitoring and 8,413 people in
self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Saturday, there had been 1,570 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 17,794 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 45,654 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 113 calls from Friday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,424.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,811 calls, with 160 people being monitored.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100260/Covid-19_Dois_novos_casos_identificados_na_Madeira
President of the Madeira Regional Government does not believe mandatory use of masks will deter visitors to Madeira
Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, acknowledged the use of a face mask is “boring” but he does not believe its mandatory use in public places will deter visitors from coming to Madeira. Although he was
aware this policy would be controversial, he believes it is preferable to have this policy in place than to face transmission chains and uncontrollable situations.
He reinforced this by highlighting two crucial developments coming up.
The first is connected to the pandemic situation in countries such as Spain, France and Germany, which is “reaching alarming levels”. Madeira will be very exposed to tourists from these countries. The second is the reopening of schools
and nurseries in the first fortnight of September. He said there will be 43,000 students and 6,000 teachers which will mean more gatherings and a greater risk of transmission. Furthermore, the Region is expecting the arrival of 70,000
tourists in August and 80,000 in September.
Return of Jet2 to is a “happy day to Madeira”
Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, was very pleased with the return of Jet2 flights to Madeira after several months without any. Jet2 is the biggest British tourism operator to Madeira and today it will carry hundreds of
people though several flights to the archipelago. He said this is happening despite the quarantine requirements for
tourists when returning to the UK. He added that Jet2 had managed to motivate a
large number of tourists who believe Madeira is a safe destination and who are still willing to come to Madeira on holiday, even if it means being in quarantine after their return. He believes Jet2 and the British market have shown
great trust in Madeira due to the policies adopted by the Regional Government to ensure it is a safe destination and to the “exemplary control of the pandemic” in the Region. He finished by saying “the recovery is underway” and “it is
necessary to believe and to use these positive news” to motivate the entire tourism industry.
Roadworks at Via Rápida (VR1)
The exit road of VR1 at junction 18 (nó 18 – Gaula– marked in red on the map), heading from Funchal towards Ribeira Brava, will be closed to traffic due to scheduled work on the road pavement, from August 4th (10h00) to August 5th
(02h00).
As a diversion, Vialitoral suggests drivers exit at the previous junction (junction 19 – Boaventura) or at the following junction (junction 17 – Porto Novo). Vialitoral asked drivers to comply with all existing road signs. All similar
information is available and constantly updated on the following website:
Water supply disruptions
There will be water supply disruptions tomorrow due to scheduled work on the water supply chain to prevent water leaks. The disruptions will affect the following areas:
Municipality of Câmara de Lobos – Vila, Pé do Pico and Espírito Santo (09h00 to 12h00)
Municipality of Santana – Corrida, Curral Velho, Fonte da Pedra, Lombo de Antão Alves, Pico, Pinheiro, Serra de Água, Silveira and Serrado (14h00 to 18h00)
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. The following areas will be affected:
FUNCHAL
4th August – 09h00 to 11h30
– Calçada da Cabouqueira (numbers 17, 21, 62, 64, 76 and 80
5th August – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Rua do Lazareto (number 239)
– Beco do Ribeiro Seco (São Gonçalo)
5th and 6th August – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Rua dos Álamos (numbers 3 and 5)
6th August – 09h00 to 12h00
– Rua Nova da Igreja (S. Gonçalo) & Rua Prof. Modesto Trindade
– Beco do Carteiro
– Travessa Pedra Mole
– Calçada do Pico (numbers 12 and 14)
CAMPANÁRIO
4th August – 09h00 to 11h30
– Caminho da Pedra de Nossa Senhora & Caminho da Gloria
– Ribeiro dos Melões (including Via Litoral)
– Vigia (partial)
4th August – 09h30 to 09h45 & 16h00 to 16h15
– Chamorra de Baixo, Cima e Porta Nova
ARCO DA CALHETA
5th August – 09h30 to 11h30
– Faias
CALHETA
5th August – 09h30
– Pico Atouguia
SÃO VICENTE
5th August – 09h00 to 09h30 & 17h00 to 17h30
– Ginjas, Miradouro (Ginjas) and Parque Empresarial de São Vicente
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.