Madeira 28th and 29th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 107 new Covid-19 cases and 37 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Monday, there were 47 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Luxembourg, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived
from France, 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 35 cases of local transmission) and 23 recoveries. All new cases of local transmission were linked to
previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 27, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

And on Tuesday, there were 60 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from France, 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain, 6 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon
and Tagus Valley Region and 49 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases had already been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Epidemiological investigations were still taking place. The number of
patients in hospital increased to 35, 4 of whom are in intensive care.

There are currently 563 active cases, of which 163 were imported while the other 400 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,620 cases, 1,045 recoveries and 12 deaths.

There are currently 55 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 473 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 35 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 120 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20)
and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 3,080 suspected cases.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 140,223 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h00). Overall, 228,399 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 26,653 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,185 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/47-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-116-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/29/60-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ha-35-pessoas-internadas-no-hospital/

Rules for New Year firework display

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, asked people and not to leave
their homes to watch the New Year firework display in Funchal. The firework display can be watched on RTP-Madeira (TV channel) and on naminhaterra.com (online TV channel).

However, there are still ways for people to watch the firework display outside their homes. The Regional Government will set up specific areas where people can watch it. Designated areas, known as “bolsas” will be set up and
clearly marked and separated, where up to 5 people (preferably from the same family) can stand. Social distancing and the use of face masks will be mandatory. There will be 2,060 designated areas, where as many as 10,300 people will be
allowed to watch the firework display.

The designated areas (“bolsas”) will be located in the following places:

– Praça CR7

– Avenida Sá Carneiro

– Avenida do Mar

– Miradouro da Nazaré (Nazaré Viewpoint) & miradouro das Neves (Das Neves viewpoint) – access will be controlled and limited to 380 people

– Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos (Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint) – up to 515 people

On the 31st of December, bars and restaurants can be open until 1am on the 1st of January.

Three cruise ships will be on the bay of Funchal, where 1,400 passengers will watch the firework display without disembarking.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113741/Governo_pede_para_os_madeirenses_verem_o_fogo_em_casa


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/29/ja-comecaram-as-ser-desenhadas-no-chao-as-mais-de-2-mil-bolsas-para-ver-o-fogo/

More details on the new Covid-19 variant detected in Madeira

It was revealed that 18 Covid-19 patients were infected with the new variant that had been initially detected in the UK. One of the patients had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region while the remaining 17 had arrived from the
UK. Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, assured that all these passengers had been taken into isolation after their arrival and had complied with the prophylactic isolation requirement. The Madeira
health authorities had sent 21 samples for analysis at Instituto Ricardo Jorge. More samples are due to be sent to the same institution.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

Vaccine arrival

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, said he was not sure if the vaccines will arrive today or tomorrow. The vaccines had been due to arrive on Monday. Nevertheless, he assured that everything is ready
so that vaccines can be defrosted in just 6 hours and administered. He also informed that a representative from Pfizer is in Madeira to provide training on the vaccine and its administering.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

British couple refused entry into Madeira

On Sunday, a British couple who had arrived in Madeira via Bucharest, refused to be tested for Covid-19 and to go into isolation. As a result, they were refused entry into the Region and were deported.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

https://observador.pt/2020/12/28/covid-19-madeira-nao-sabe-ainda-quando-ira-receber-vacinas/


Madeira Report 2rd– 27th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 224 new Covid-19 cases, 77 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 54 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 50 cases of local transmission), 10
recoveries and 1 death. A 64 year old male, who was infected with Covid-19, died at his home after having had a cardiac arrest. He became Madeira’s 11th fatality with Covid-19.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously
identified cases or contacts. Three of the new cases were from 3 healthcare professionals, 1 of whom was linked to a positive case from outside a professional context. The number of patients in hospital increased to 22, 1 of whom was in
intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 38 new Covid-19 cases (from 8 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Angola, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 1
passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 26 cases of local transmission) and 10 recoveries.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital increased to 25, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Friday, there were 48 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 3 passengers who had arrived from Spain, 5 passengers who had arrived from Northern Portugal, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and
Tagus Valley Region and 36 cases of local transmission) and 26 recoveries.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital increased once again. There were was 29 hospitalised patients, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Saturday, there were 35 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from France, 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 3
passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 23 cases of local transmission), 17 recoveries and 1 death. A 91 year old female patient, who had been in hospital since the 21st of December, became Madeira’s 12th
fatality from Covid-19.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 27, 2 of whom were in intensive care.

And on Sunday, there were 49 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 4 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who
had arrived from Northern Portugal and 35 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries.

Most cases had already been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Epidemiological investigations were still taking place. As for the new cases, 15 were identified (13 residents and 2 members of staff) after contact tracing
in a private long-term healthcare unit where a new case had been identified on Saturday. The number of patients in hospital increased to 30, 4 of whom are in intensive care.

There are currently 493 active cases, of which 145 were imported while the other 348 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,513 cases, 1,008 recoveries and 12 deaths.

There are currently 61 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 402 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 30 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

There are currently 244 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira
Regional Health Service). As of Sunday, there had been 2,973 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 138,212 samples had been collected until Sunday (at 19h00). Overall, 224,244 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 26,653 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,185 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 1,326 calls from Tuesday to Sunday. Overall, 24,243 calls have been made to this helpline.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/recorde-de-54-novos-casos-de-covid-19-na-madeira-em-24-horas/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113415/Madeira_regista_11ª_morte_com_covid-19

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/24/38-novos-casos-de-covid-19-114-casos-suspeitos-10-recuperados/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/25/48-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-160-casos-suspeitos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/madeira-com-35-novos-casos-positivos-e-uma-morte-por-covid-19-nas-ultimas-24-horas/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/madeira-regista-mais-uma-morte-por-covid-19-sendo-agora-12-as-vitimas-mortais/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/27/49-novos-casos-de-covid-19-244-suspeitos-14-recuperados/

Important information on 2nd Covid-19 test

Unidade de Emergência de Saúde Pública (UESP – Public Health Emergency Unit) informed that if passengers, who are on their 4th day after arrival in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, have not been contacted to book a 2nd Covid-19
(SARS-Cov-2) test, they can call the following numbers: 966 735 594 or 969 381 326. Tests can take place from 09h00 until 21h00.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/informacao-sobre-testes-covid-19-na-ram/

Proof of prophylactic isolation

The Regional Health Directorate informed that proof of prophylactic isolation can be requested though the following website:

http://apps.iasaude.pt/S-Alerta/COVID19/DIP/

This form can be used to justify absence from the workplace as a result of prophylactic isolation.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113498/Saiba_onde_pode_pedir_a_sua_declaracao_se_estiver_em_Isolamento_profilatico_na_Regiao__

New Covid-19 variant detected in Madeira

On Sunday, it was confirmed the new Covid-19 variant, which had spread throughout the UK, was detected in passengers who had arrived from the UK. The Regional Health Directorate (Direção Regional de Saúde) had sent samples from Covid-19
patients for genomic sequencing at Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113634/Confirmada_a_presenca_da_nova_estirpe_do_virus_do_Reino_Unido_na_Madeira

Covid-19 vaccination in Madeira

The Autonomous Region of Madeira will receive 400,000 vaccine doses. Senior citizens, people with certain pathologies and healthcare professionals will be among the first to be vaccinated. This means 50,000 people are expected to be
vaccinated in the 1st phase, 50,000 people in the 2nd phase and 100,000 people in the 3rd phase.

The 1st phase is likely to start before the new year.
Although 9,750 Pfizer vaccine doses were originally scheduled to arrive in Madeira in the first week of January, they have arrived in the mainland earlier than expected and are likely to arrive in the Region today.

Military and security forces, under coordination by Comando Operacional da Madeira (Madeira Operational Command), led by Admiral João Dores Aresta, will be responsible for the delivery of the vaccine to the Region.

Today, SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professionals will be provided training on administering the vaccine. Vaccination will be optional and free of charge. The vaccine must be administered twice.

From today, a Covid-19 vaccination helpline (800 210 263 – available from 09h00 to 20h00 – for administrative support) and email address (vacinacao@sesaram.pt – for queries and vaccination
bookings) are available.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/madeira-tera-tres-fases-de-administracao-da-vacina-contra-a-covid-19/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/linha-regional-de-apoio-a-vacinacao-covid-19-operacional-a-partir-de-28-de-dezembro/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113592/Vacinacao_arranca_na_Madeira_antes_do_fim_do_ano


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113455/Covid-19_Idosos_doentes_e_profissionais_de_saude_sao_os_primeiros_a_receber_a_vacina_


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113495/Covid-19_Comando_Operacional_vai_coordenar_transporte_da_vacina_na_RAM

SESARAM provided medical treatment and psychological assistance after Northern Madeira floods

Several residents were unable to leave their homes as a result of the floods that hit the Municipality of São Vicente. As a result, SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) covered the dialysis treatments of 4 citizens who had been affected by
the floods. The Fire Service helped some of these patients leave their homes and provided transport so they could receive treatment. SESARAM also made inquiries to assess the needs of other patients, particularly in regards to the
provision of medication.

A team of SESARAM psychologists was also deployed to provide psychological support to those who were affected by the floods. This team can be contacted by calling the São Vicente Health Centre (Centro de Saúde de São Vicente – 291 840
065).


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/sesaram-responde-aos-doentes-da-ponta-delgada-e-proporciona-apoio-psicologico/

Clean up after Christmas Day floods

Most roads in Ponta Delgada, apart from Lombinho (due to reopen today), have been reopened to traffic. However, drivers are asked to be cautious because there is still some damage and cleaning and repair work is still underway. Drivers
are advised to drive in affected roads only in case of extreme need.

Two days after the floods, the sunny weather in Ponta Delgada helped to speed up the removal of debris from roads and homes. Water supplies have been mostly restored. However, Miguel Freitas, President of the Parish (Freguesia) of Ponta
Delgada, said the most worrying situation is access to the higher areas of the parish, particularly the 3 Lombadas.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113662/Acessibilidades_repostas_na_Ponta_Delgada_com_excecao_do_sitio_do_Lombinho


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113662/Acessibilidades_repostas_na_Ponta_Delgada_com_excecao_do_sitio_do_Lombinho

Cruise ships arriving in Madeira

In more cheerful news, the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 will be sailing along the Funchal bay during the New Year celebrations. The ship is currently approaching Porto Santo and will stay in the Region until the first minutes of January.
In addition, the cruise ship MS Europa 2from Hapag Lloyd Cruise Lines, is scheduled to sail around Madeira after the New Year fireworks. None of the ships will be docking in Funchal.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113644/Mein_Schiff_3_chega_esta_noite_MS_Europa_2_esta_a_caminho


Madeira Reports 19th – 22nd December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 142 new Covid-19 cases, 96 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Saturday, there were 43 new Covid-19 cases (from 11 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from France and 31 cases of local transmission) and 26 recoveries.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. One of the new cases was from a member of staff of a care home. The number of patients in hospital increased to 19, 1 of whom was in intensive
care.

On Sunday, there were 31 new Covid-19 cases (from 10 passengers who had
arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Italy, 4 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from Central Portugal, 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and
14 cases of local transmission), 19 recoveries and 1 death. A 97 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions, became Madeira’s 9th fatality from Covid-19.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a hospitalised patient and 1 was from a healthcare professional who had contact with an
infected person outside work. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 16, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Monday, there were 26 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Central Portugal and 17 cases of local transmission), 23 recoveries and 1 death. An 80 year old female
patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and who had been in hospital since the 11th of December, died from Covid-19.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professional, 2 were residents from a private
care home where there had already been Covid-19 cases. The number of patients in hospital was 16, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

And on Tuesday, there were 42 new Covid cases (from 9 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 3 who had arrived from Venezuela, 2 who had arrived from Mexico, 1 who had arrived from the Netherlands, 1 who had arrived from Angola, 1 who
had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 25 cases of local transmission and 28 recoveries. So far, most cases of local transmission have been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. One of the new cases of
local transmission was from a SESARAM healthcare professional who had contact with an infected person outside work. The number of patients in hospital increased to 23, 1 of whom is intensive care.

There are currently 348 active cases, of which 110 were imported while the other 238 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,289 cases, 931 recoveries and 10 deaths.

There are currently 36 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 289 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 23 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 1 of whom is in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 145 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM
(Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 2,749 suspected
cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 130,661 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 20h00). Overall, 213,157 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 22,097 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. The number of visitors under monitoring more than doubled in the last week, which reflects the
increase in the number of passengers who have been arriving in the Madeira archipelago. There are also 1,940 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in
Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) has so far received 22,917 calls.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/19/43-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-63-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/20/31-novos-casos-131-novos-casos-suspeitos-de-covid-19-na-regiao/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/20/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-na-madeira-ja-sao-nove/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/madeira-soma-10-mortos-com-covid-19-hoje-ha-26-novos-casos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/22/42-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-145-casos-suspeitos/

Mandatory testing for UK arrivals

The Madeira Regional Government informed that all travellers arriving in the Region from the UK (only Portuguese citizens or foreign nationals legally resident and their relatives can travel to Portugal) who do not have evidence of a
negative Covid-19 test must be tested on arrival. While awaiting for the test results, they must also remain in prophylactic isolation in their own accommodation or in a hotel requisitioned by the Regional Government. They must also be
tested for a second time, between the 5th and 7th day after the 1st test had been carried out, and must remain in prophylactic isolation in their own home or accommodation.


https://observador.pt/2020/12/21/covid-19-viajantes-do-reino-unido-sem-testes-negativos-a-chegada-a-madeira-obrigados-a-dupla-testagem/


https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal?fbclid=IwAR3jGDUNjcmCIve_OHQ5hSiMM3aDoRkRXy16MUvy9nTy8CSrnFzhw4Pyc0s

President of Madeira Regional Government criticised treatment of BA passengers

Miguel Albuquerque said it was very unpleasant that passengers on a British Airways flight that had landed in Funchal had been forced by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) to
stay aboard the aircraft for about 3 hours, despite the fact an airport room had been arranged where passengers would have been more comfortable while waiting for the outcome of their situation. The flight had been carrying more than 40
passengers who are not Madeira residents. He made it clear this situation is not compatible with Madeira’s welcoming tradition.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/caso-do-aviao-britanico-tudo-isto-foi-muito-desagradavel/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113280/Covid-19_Proibicao_do_desembarque_de_43_passageiros_ingleses_foi_excesso_de_zelo

Genetic sequencing to be carried out

The Madeira Regional Government will carry out genetic sequencing to check if a more aggressive variant of Covid-19, which was first spotted in the UK, is present in Madeira. The research will be carried out in cooperation with
Instituto Ricardo Jorge.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113278/Governo_vai_fazer_analise_genetica_para_ver_se_variante_detetada_no_Reino_Unido_esteve_ou_esta_na_Madeira

9,750 Covid-19 vaccine doses to arrive in the first week of January

Miguel Albuquerque informed that the 9,750 doses of the new Covid-19 vaccine are due to arrive in the Region in the first week of January. The fridges that will be used to store the vaccine arrived in the Region last week and are ready
to be used. Albuquerque assured that Madeira and Porto Santo have all the necessary conditions for the vaccine storage, logistics and administration. He added that the regional team in charge of the vaccine rollout have been in regular
contact with the national vaccine task force.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/9750-vacinas-contra-a-covid-19-deverao-chegar-em-janeiro/

New Year fireworks display to go ahead

Miguel Albuquerque insisted the planned New Year fireworks display will ahead. Viewpoints, squares and Avenida do Mar will be monitored to ensure compliance with social distancing. Bars, restaurants and other similar places must close
at 1am on the 1st of January and customers should return home while avoiding gatherings. He added that each person must behave responsibly and that people either comply with the rules, ensuring a controlled situation in January or do
not comply with the rules and the consequences will not be good.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/fogo-de-fim-de-ano-esta-programado-e-vai-ser-dado/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113287/Albuquerque_diz_que_locais_mais_procurados__para_ver_o_fogo_de_artificio_vao_ser_alvo_de_controlo_apertado

Appeal for compliance with Covid-19 rules

Miguel Albuquerque appealed for every person to comply with social distancing rules, hand hygiene, the use of face masks, otherwise there will be a big price to pay. He advised families to avoid meals with people from other households,
to avoid unnecessary travel and to be very careful when meeting with older relatives. He reminded that this is currently the most dangerous period and that more must not be demanded from the healthcare teams.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/albuquerque-nao-ha-ate-agora-transmissao-comunitaria/

Non-compliance with mandatory isolation

There have been reports of students who had arrived in Madeira from outside the Region and who had not complied with mandatory isolation. For instance, some students were spotted meeting relatives and friends even before the results of
the first Covid-19 had been known. Reacting to this, Miguel Albuquerque said it was an absolutely irresponsible situation and that the police must take action whenever such situations are known.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113280/Covid-19_Proibicao_do_desembarque_de_43_passageiros_ingleses_foi_excesso_de_zelo

Big supermarkets and shopping centres threatened with closure

Miguel Albuquerque said bars and restaurants are now complying with the Covid-19 rules after a period of time
when this was not happening. On the other hand, he showed his
frustration with the situation in big supermarkets and shopping centres. He had visited one and had witnessed large numbers of customers doing Christmas shopping while not complying with temperature measuring, social distancing and
other rules. He warned there could be a big price to pay as far as public health is concerned. He added that Madeira can not afford to jeopardise everything now that the vaccine is due to arrive. He also issued a final warning to big
supermarkets and shopping centres, threatening to close them if they do not comply with maximum capacity limits and other Covid-19 rules. To aid in monitoring capacity limits, Madeira Shopping security guards have been provided an app
that allows them to check how many people are inside the premises.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113362/Aplicacao_permite_ver_quantas_pessoas_circulam_no_Madeira_Shopping

Madeira testing capacity

Miguel Albuquerque stressed that Madeira’s testing capacity has been constantly improved and adjusted as necessary. At the moment, the SESARAM laboratory is capable of processing over 2,000 tests per day. In contrast, at the start of
the pandemic it was only capable of processing 50 tests per day. He praised the laboratory for its performance. He also revealed that as of Sunday, 46,513 Covid-19 tests had been carried out in the Portuguese mainland on passengers that
had been due to travel to Madeira. As a result, 252 tests came back positive, which meant Madeira managed to prevent the arrival of dozens of infected travellers. Furthermore, the mandatory second Covid-19 test, carried out between the
5th and 7th day after the arrival of passenger in Madeira, has enabled the detection of 11 Covid-19 cases. As of Monday, 6,011 second Covid-19 tests had been booked since the 2nd of December.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Number of Covid-19 beds can be doubled within 24h

Miguel Albuquerque informed that the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça has 65 beds, 20 of which are currently being used. The Covid-19 unit for suspected cases has 25 beds, 10 of which are currently being used. He assured
that if necessary, the number of beds in both units can be doubled within 24 hours. He also said that a new Covid-19 unit, with 12 negative pressure rooms, will be set up below the Accident & Emergency department in the first fortnight
of January 2021.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Additional measures introduced after outbreaks in care homes and healthcare providers

In response to Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes and healthcare providers, Miguel Albuquerque said additional measures were taken. These include the ban on long visits, more testing of professionals, residents and visitors and the
restriction on professionals to move between different health centres and care homes.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Madeira Report 16th – 18th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 59 new Covid-19 cases, 68 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 24 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 16 cases of local transmission), 17 recoveries and 1 death. An 87
year old female patient became Madeira’s 7th fatality from Covid-19. She had several pre-existing conditions and been hospitalised in the Covid-19 unit since December 3rd.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Two of the new
cases were from hospitalised patients who had been tested for Covid-19 while in hospital and 2 were from social care (1 beneficiary and 1 member of staff). There were 14 patients in hospital, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 18 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland and 13 cases of local transmission) and 32 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to
previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 4 were from hospitalised patients and 1 was from a healthcare professional at SESARAM (Madeira Health Service). The number of patients in hospital
increased to 18, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 17 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Italy and 16 cases of local transmission), 19 recoveries and 1 death. A 92 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions, died in
hospital. Her death means Madeira has 8 deaths from Covid-19.

As of Friday, there have been 1,147 cases, 835 recoveries and 8 deaths.

The following data is from Thursday, as no updated figures were provided on Friday:

On Thursday, there were 307 active cases, of which 72 were imported while the other 235 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 44 cases were from non-residents while 263 were from Madeira residents.

On Thursday, there were 35 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 253 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 18 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 1 of whom was in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 122,036 samples had been collected until Thursday (at 18h30). Overall, 201,117 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Also on Thursday, 12,103 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There were also 1,986 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) had received 446 calls from Tuesday to Thursday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline was 21,413.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/16/24-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-66-suspeitos-e-mais-uma-morte/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/16/mais-uma-vitima-idosa-da-covid-19-na-madeira-eleva-numero-de-mortes-para-sete/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/17/mais-18-casos-de-covid-19-129-novos-casos-suspeitos/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113073/Faleceu_mais_um_doente_covid_na_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113069/Madeira_com_mais_17_novos_casos_e_apenas_um_importado

New Covid-19 prevention measures to be announced on Monday

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, will hold a press conference on Monday at 17h00. He will comment on the outcome of the measures that had been previously implemented and will also announce new
measures that will be applicable during the Christmas and New Year period.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113013/Covid-19_Miguel_Albuquerque_anuncia_novas_medidas_de_prevencao_na_segunda-feira

Students, teachers and school staff tribute to healthcare professionals

On Thursday morning, students,
teachers and staff from Escola Dr. Horácio Bento de Gouveia paid tribute to the SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) professionals. The Madeira Education, Science and Technology Secretary was in attendance. The school courtyard is in front
of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça and the group launched balloons and sang Christmas songs. In response, the healthcare professionals thanked the group for their gesture. A video of the tribute can be watched on the following website:


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112819/Veja_aqui_a_bonita_homenagem_que_a_escola_Horacio_Bento_de_Gouveia_prestou_ao_SESARAM__Video

Motorcycle group made donation to food bank

Bikers from a motorcycle group (Guardiões da Madeira Moto Clube) visited the Banco Alimentar da Madeira warehouse, where they delivered a donation of food. Carlos Ventura, the founder of this motorcycle group, said the current social
and economic crisis is a source of great concern to its bikers and hope this donation will help the Region in the fight against hunger. Fátima Aveiro, the director of Banco Alimentar da Madeira, hosted the group and expressed her
gratitude for the donation.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113065/Motards_solidarios_com_o_Banco_Alimentar_da_Madeira

Tourism in Madeira in better performance than the rest of the country

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, said Madeira has
been having more success than other Portuguese tourists destinations. He said Madeira has been losing fewer tourists than other destinations in Portugal (Madeira had a reduction of 63% while Lisbon Airport had a reduction of 80%).
Eduardo Jesus said the resilience of Madeira’s businesspeople had helped to provide trust in Madeira as a safe destination. He added that the Regional Government has been doing everything possible for tourism to recover and to provide
support to the tourism sector.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112978/Madeira_tem_registado_desempenho_turistico_melhor_do_que_o_pais

Regional Government to donate 10 patrol cars to the PSP

Pedro Calado, the Vice-President of the Madeira Regional Government, will preside over the handover ceremony of 10 patrol cars to the PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública – Public Safety Police). The donation is based on a collaboration
protocol signed between the Autonomous Region of Madeira, through the Vice-Presidency of the Madeira Regional Government and Parliamentary Affairs (Assuntos Parlamentares), and the PSP. As a result of this protocol, 1 all-terrain search
and weather vehicle, 4 900cc motorbikes, 6 125cc motorbikes, search and rescue and mountain rescue equipment (individual and collective), 2 emergency lighting systems, 1 laser radar and 2 sound level meters have been provided to the
PSP.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112970/Governo_Regional_vai_entregar_10_carros_patrulha_a_PSP

Madeira Situation Report 16th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 63 new Covid-19 cases56 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases and 20 recoveries. All new cases were cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Five of the new cases were from children, aged 8-15, who
attend schools in the municipalities of Funchal, Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 new case was from a healthcare professional from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service); 5 new cases were from social care professionals (1 who works in the
Municipality of Santa Cruz, 1 who works in the Municipality of Funchal and 3 who work at an institution in the Municipality of Funchal); and 2 of the new cases were from professionals working for the Municipality of Funchal. The number
of patients in hospital decreased to 13 and 4 of whom were in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 8 cases of local transmission), 22 recoveries and 1 death.

An 80 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and had been in the Covid-19 unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça since the 6th of December, became Madeira’s 3rd fatality from Covid-19. The office of Pedro Ramos
(Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) expressed its deepest condolences to her grieving family.

Most new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. One of the new cases was from an adult who works at an educational institution in Funchal. Another new case was from a social care professional working in
the Municipality of Funchal. There were 13 patients in hospital and 4 of them were in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 19 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 16 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases of local transmission had already been linked to
previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 3 were from children, aged 4-10, who attend educational institutions in the municipalities of Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 was from an adult who works at another
educational institution in the Municipality of Machico; 2 were from 2 patients who were already hospitalised in SESARAM and 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in public and private healthcare providers. The number of
patients in hospital increased to 14, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

There are currently 265 active cases, of which 54 were imported while the other 211 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 28 cases are from non-residents while 237 are from Madeira residents.
So far, there have been 997 cases, 729 recoveries and 3 deaths.

There are currently 16 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 235 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

At the moment, 8,347 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,868 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 194 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 1 was identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made
to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,457 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 116,012 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 190,134 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 623 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 20,302.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/29-novos-casos-de-covid-19-130-novos-suspeitos-ha-4-internados-nos-cuidados-intensivos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/mais-15-casos-de-covid-19-e-143-novos-suspeitos-no-dia-em-que-se-verificou-mais-uma-morte/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/mais-19-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-quase-200-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Madeira recognised by IHF’s Beyond the Call of Duty for Covid-19

The International Hospital Federation has recognised Madeira for its integrated response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It praised the Regional Secretariat for Heath and Civil Protection for having adopted an approach that “showed that early
and decisive action is crucial to fight a pandemic”. Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, said this award is an international recognition for all the work carried out to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the
Region and is a source of pride for all healthcare and civil protection professionals who took part in this integrated response.

The Beyond Call of Duty for Covid-19 award was also awarded to several other Portuguese hospitals:

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/distincao-internacional-para-resposta-integrada-a-covid-19-na-ram/

Day care centres ordered to close as a Covid-19 prevention measure

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, has ordered day care centres to close from Friday onwards in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although he said the existence of Covid-19 cases in a hospital
setting means the virus reaches hospitals and care homes, he stressed the sanitary authorities are still in control of the transmission chains and testing is ongoing. He added that from today care home professionals will not be allowed
to work in different care homes. Care home visits will still be possible while taking all precautions. Miguel Albuquerque said an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases is to be expected and reinforced the need to control the
transmission chains.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/albuquerque-diz-que-centros-de-dia-vao-fechar-como-prevencao-contra-a-covid-19/

Municipality of Ribeira Brava delivering 3,150 face masks to students

Yesterday, the Municipality of Ribeira Brava started the delivery of 3,150 face masks to students from educational institutions in the municipality. Each student from 1º Ciclo, 2º Ciclo, 3º Ciclo and Secondary School will receive 2 face
masks, made from textiles and by professionals from the Region. The aim of this measure is to make young people more aware of what needs to be done to fight Covid-19 in the Region, particularly in the Municipality of Ribeira Brava. This
includes the use of face masks, frequent hand washing and disinfection, social distancing and respiratory etiquette. The correct use of a face mask is crucial to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is why the municipality decided to
deliver 2 face masks to each student, so that each mask can be used and replaced according to the instructions. Young people were also encouraged to be Public Health agents and to encourage their relatives to comply with all Covid-19
guidelines.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/ribeira-brava-inicia-distribuicao-de-cerca-de-3150-mascaras-a-alunos/

More firefighters and Covid-19 equipment for Porto Santo Fire Service

Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, was in Porto Santo, where he took part in the
swear-in ceremony of 12 new Firefighters and in the delivery of new
equipment for the Porto Santo Fire Service. There are now 42 civil protection professionals. The Porto Santo Fire Service also received a BIO-BAG EBV – 30/40IN-CH capsule, a pioneering equipment that enables patients with infectious
diseases, namely Covid-19, to be safely transported. Pedro Ramos highlighted the role of the Porto Santo Fire Service and expressed the importance of reinforcing its operational capacity not only through the provision of more equipment
but also through professional recognition and training of its staff. He also explained that investment in civil protection has been a reality and stated that the Regional Government has invested more than €22M in the current Regional
Government term.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/12/porto-santo-reforcado-com-a-entrada-de-uma-duzia-de-bombeiros/

Fares discount on Madeira-Canary Islands flights

Binter has reduced fares on flights between Madeira and the Canary Islands. The discount will apply to flights booked until the 27th of December, for travel between the 11th of January and the 28th of February 2021. Fares will start at
€72,86 for flights to the Canary Islands on Wednesdays. These fares are valid per flight if a return flight is booked but the fare could be different, depending on the route. Checked luggage, seat selection and a high-quality in-flight
service are included in this discount campaign. Flights can be booked online (www.binter.pt), by phone (291 290 129) or through travel agencies.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/binter-avanca-com-promocao-para-voar-entre-a-madeira-e-as-canarias/

Water supply disruptions

There will be water supply disruptions in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobs, to allow for scheduled work to be carried out in the water supply network in order to prevent water leaks. The disruption will affect the following areas:

17th December (09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeiro Leal, Lourencinha and Fajã) & Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Covão, Panasqueira and Vargem)

17th December (11h00 to 15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Fajã, Palmeira and Torre)

18th December (09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Saraiva)

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/13/arm-alerta-para-interrupcao-no-fornecimento-de-agua-em-camara-de-lobos/

Madeira Report 12th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update




There were 63 new Covid-19 cases56 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases
of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases and 20 recoveries. All new cases were cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Five of the
new cases were from children, aged 8-15, who attend schools in the municipalities of Funchal, Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 new case was from a healthcare professional from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service); 5 new cases were from social care
professionals (1 who works in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, 1 who works in the Municipality of Funchal and 3 who work at an institution in the Municipality of Funchal); and 2 of the new cases were from professionals working for the
Municipality of Funchal. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 13 and 4 of whom were in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from outside the UK and 8 cases of local transmission), 22 recoveries and 1 death.

An 80 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and had been in the Covid-19 unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça since the 6th of December, became Madeira’s 3rd fatality from Covid-19. The office of Pedro Ramos
(Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) expressed its deepest condolences to her grieving family. Most new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. One of the new cases was from an adult who works
at an educational institution in Funchal. Another new case was from a social care professional working in the Municipality of Funchal. There were 13 patients in hospital and 4 of them were in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 19 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 16 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases of local transmission
had already been linked to previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 3 were from children, aged 4-10, who attend educational institutions in the municipalities of Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 was from an adult
who works at another educational institution in the Municipality of Machico; 2 were from 2 patients who were already hospitalised in SESARAM and 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in public and private healthcare providers.
The number of patients in hospital increased to 14, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

There are currently 265 active cases, of which 54 were imported while the other 211 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 28 cases are from non-residents while 237 are from Madeira residents.
So far, there have been 934 cases, 729 recoveries and 3 deaths. There are currently 16 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 235 patients in isolation at their
own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit. At the moment, 8,347 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities.
Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,868 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 194 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 1 was identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made
to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,457 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed. As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal
and Porto Santo airports, 116,012 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 190,134 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 623 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 20,302.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/29-novos-casos-de-covid-19-130-novos-suspeitos-ha-4-internados-nos-cuidados-intensivos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/mais-15-casos-de-covid-19-e-143-novos-suspeitos-no-dia-em-que-se-verificou-mais-uma-morte/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/mais-19-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-quase-200-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Remarks from the President of the Madeira Regional Government on the pandemic

On Wednesday, Miguel Albuquerque ruled out, once again, the creation of a sanitary cordon in Machico. He argued a sanitary cordon will only be imposed the situation gets “out of control” and there is community transmission. He also said
he had received classified information pointing to the increase of cases in Machico and reinforced the view that Madeira is currently facing one of the most complicated phases and a period of great risk. He appealed for the Covid-19
rules to be fully complied with and warned there will be rigorous inspections to check compliance with them on bars and restaurants. He specifically asked business owners to be very careful and to ensure compliance with social
distancing rules, to prevent gatherings, to ensure hand hygiene and the use of face masks. Miguel Albuquerque also said that although a recent outbreak at Santa Casa da Misericórdia had been brought under control, it could have been
much worse. He added that all transmission chains have been identified, which means there is no need for sanitary cordons to be imposed. However, he guaranteed he will not hesitate to impose a new lockdown if Madeira starts to face a
situation of active community transmission even if it means disrupting the Christmas and New Year celebrations.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112093/Albuquerque_rejeita_cerca_sanitaria_em_Machico_mas_avisa_que_havera_fiscalizacao_rigorosa

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112350/Confinamento_na_Madeira_nao_esta_fora_de_hipotese

Warning on fake phone calls to elderly residents

The Municipality of Santa Cruz has issued a warning about fake phone calls being made to several elderly residents. The fake callers have been telling elderly residents to head towards a van that is supposedly parked next to the the
football pitch (campo de Futebol das Faias) in Achada de Gaula, in order to be tested for Covid-19. The Municipality made several contacts, including to the local health authorities, and confirmed that this information is
false. The aim of these fake calls is not known and the Municipality has warned the population to be alert and not to head to the aforementioned place.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/camara-de-santa-cruz-alerta-para-telefonemas-falsos/

Air Force airlifted 8 patients in the last week

From the 30th of November until the 6th of December, the Portuguese Air Force airlifted 8 patients for urgent medical treatment. A total of 5 patients were airlifted within the Azores, 1 from the Azores to the Mainland, 1 within Madeira
and 1 from Madeira to the Mainland. The Air Force used C-295M aircraft from 502 Squadron “Elefantes“, Falcon 50 aircraft from 504 Squadron “Linces” and EH-101 Merlin helicopters from 751 Squadron “Pumas” to
carry out these missions, which had a total flight time of 21h35.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112164/Forca_Aerea_transporta_oito_doentes_na_ultima_semana_

Disruptions due to public works

The Municipality of Funchal announced the following traffic disruptions will take place, due to public works, on the 14th of December:

Modernisation of the water supply network at Caminho de Santo António, scheduled to last until the 4th of January 2021:
– Caminho de Santo António (between Rua Nova do Pico de São João and Rua das Maravilhas) to be
cordoned off, except for residents;

– Access to Caminho de Santo António from Travessa da Cruz de Carvalho to be cordoned off, except for residents:

– Drivers at Levada de São and Travessão de São João, heading towards Caminho de Santo António, will be diverted to Rua das Maravilhas

Road resurfacing at Caminho da Igreja, in São Gonçalo, scheduled to last until the 16th of December:
– Caminho da Igreja (between Rua Conde Carvalhal and Caminho da Bica de Pau) cordoned off for road traffic,
except for residents;

– Bus service number 37 (Horários do Funchal bus company) – heading upwards will head through Rua Conde Carvalhal towards Estrada da Camacha and will then resume its scheduled route & heading downwards will head through Estrada da
Camacha towards Rua Conde Carvalhal and will then resume its scheduled route.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/cmf-avisa-para-condicionamentos-devidos-a-obras-publicas/

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL
15th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Estrada do Lombo chão (numbers 31 to 51)

– Vereda das Balseiras (numbers 9, 11 and 37)

– Impasse das Balceiras

16th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Estrada da Fajã dos Cardos (numbers 95, 99 and 101)

– Vereda da Fajã dos Cardos (number 21-A)

– Vereda da Fajã do Capitão

– Vereda da Beira do Palheiro

ARCO DA CALHETA
16th December – 10h00 to 12h00
– Sítio do Pinheiro

CANHAS
16th December – 10h00 to 12h00
– SítIo do Pomar; Sítio da Levada do Poso (including britadeira AFA); Sítio das Eiras; Sítio do Chope; Sítio da Cova grande; Sítio da Malhadinha
(including britadeira)

– Parque Empresarial dos Canhas

– Vacaria

– 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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/12/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-97-2020/

Madeira Report Wednesday 9th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 76 new Covid-19 cases and 43 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Saturday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Russia, 1 who had arrived from the UK, 1 who had arrived from Venezuela and 7 cases of local transmission) and 7 recoveries. All cases of local
transmission were linked to previously identified cases. The number of patients in hospital increased to 11 although none were in intensive care.

On Sunday, there were 23 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who
had arrived from outside the UK, 2 who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 2 who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 17 cases of local transmission) and 11 recoveries. Four children, 3 of whom from educational
establishments in the municipalities of Funchal and Machico, and 2 healthcare professionals from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) were among the new cases. The number of patients in hospital increased to 13, with 2 of them being in the
Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

On Monday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Romania and 28 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Seven children from schools in the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Funchal and Machico
and 3 professionals from the security and military forces were among the new cases of local transmission. Most cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 1 was still under epidemiological investigation.
The number of patients in hospital increased to 17, with 3 of them going into the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

And on Tuesday, there were 13 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 who had arrived from Poland, 1 who arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from Venezuela and 9 cases of local
transmission) and 11 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a child who attends an educational establishment in the municipality of
Funchal, 2 were from adults who work at an educational establishment in the municipality of Machico, 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in health and social care in both private and public sector and 1 was from an adult who
works for the Municipality of Funchal. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 14, 3 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 259 active cases, of which 50 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 209 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 29 cases are from non-residents while 230 are from Madeira
residents. So far, there have been 934 cases, 673 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 222 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 3 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit..

At the moment, 8,087 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,503 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 203 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 10 were identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls
made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 2,394 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 113,979 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h30). Overall, 187,197 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 654 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 19,679.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111800/Covid-19_Madeira_regista_hoje_11_novos_casos_sendo_7_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111801/Covid-19_Doentes_internados_passam_a_ser_11

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/06/23-novos-casos-de-covid-19-na-ram-319-suspeitos-13-internados/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/07/mais-29-casos-de-covid-19-os-internados-sao-ja-17-143-novos-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/08/mais-13-casos-activos-203-novos-casos-suspeitos-de-covid-19/

12 Madeiran companies donated more than 1.7 Tonnes of food to Food Bank

Banco Alimentar da Madeira (the Madeira branch of Banco Alimentar – one of the most famous food banks in Portugal) received a donation of 1,773 Kg of food through Operation Christmas Tonne (Operação Tonelada de Natal).
This donation by 12 Madeiran companies aims to reinforce the effort to respond to an increasing number of requests for help. Fátima Aveiro, the leader of Banco Alimentar da Madeira praised the “commendable” attitude of these
companies, which have also been facing their own troubles. She explained a regular volunteer to the institution had challenged this group of businesspeople to join forces to collect food to donate. Despite this sizeable donation, she
explained the importance of increasing the number of donations.

The increase in unemployment highlights the urgent need to help whoever has lost their livelihoods as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. She added that Banco Alimentar da Madeira needs plenty of food to be donated because it is
not known how the pandemic situation will develop. According to her, the number of requests for help increased by more than 100% in comparison with the period before the pandemic. At the moment, 8.500 families in the Autonomous Region
of Madeira are being supported by Banco Alimentar da Madeira. All food donated to Banco Alimentar da Madeira is distributed to several institutions in the region which subsequently deliver it to families in need.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111834/12_empresas_madeirenses_doam_mais_de_17_toneladas_a_Banco_Alimentar

Two people arrested for drug trafficking

The Regional Command of PSP Madeira (Comando Regional da Polícia de Segurança Pública da Madeira) announced the arrest of two males, aged 30 (from the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos) and 32 (from the Municipality of Funchal),
for hashish and heroin trafficking.

One of the men was arrested on the 5th of December at his home, where Police seized
5 cannabis plants and dried cannabis leaves that were ready for consumption weighing 286.30 grams. He is subject to a statement of identity and residence.

The other man was arrested in the early hours of Sunday after being stopped in a traffic stop and attempting to escape. Police seized 396 doses of hashish, 376 doses of cocaine, a digital scale, a motorbike and a wide range of equipment
for use in illegal trafficking of drugs. He was remanded in police custody while waiting to appear at court.

The Regional Command of PSP Madeira reiterated its commitment to fight against drug trafficking and highlighted that the Câmara de Lobos Police Division has already made 21 arrests for drug trafficking this year.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/07/psp-deteve-dois-individuos-por-trafico-de-haxixe-e-cocaina/

Volunteers invited to help clean coastal areas in Porto Santo

The project “Porto Santo Sem Lixo Marinho” (Porto Santo Without Marine Litter) will be taking place from the 14th to the 19th of December. The aim of this project is to clean coastal areas and even streams and other areas that
contribute to the build-up of potential marine litter. If you are interested in helping, you must gather a group of people from your family or friends (maximum 5 people), choose a day and time you are all available, choose the place
where you would like to help, sign up for the project and head to the city hall (Câmara Municipal de Porto Santo) to collect the cleaning equipment. Applications can be made until the 11th of December at 12h30 by sending an email
to rubinabrito@cm-portosanto.pt

Below is a translation of the application form:

Ficha de Inscrição – Application Form

Local da limpeza – Place to clean up

Coordenadas GPS (não obrigatório) – GPS coordinates (not required)

Nome Participante – Name of the volunteer

Data de Nascimento – Date of birth

Nº do Cartão Cidadão – Citizen Card Number (Passport number may also be accepted)

NIF – Tax Number (perhaps not required)

Morada – Address

Código Postal – Post Code

Localidade – Location

Contacto Telefónico – Phone number

Endereço de E-Mail – Email address

https://cm-portosanto.pt/porto-santo-sem-lixo-marinho-2/

Water supply disruptions

As a result of scheduled work on the water supply chain, there will be water supply disruptions in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos. The following areas will be affected:

– 9th December (from 09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira and Pedregal) & Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Garachico)

– 9th December (from 11h00 to 15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira)

– 10th December (from 09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira and Pedregal)

http://www.aguasdamadeira.com.pt/noticias.aspx?n=200#.X9BswS10cWo

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

10th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho de São Roque (numbers 1 to 84-A)

11th December – 00h00 to 07h00

– Caminho do Monte (numbers 155 to 240)

– Caminho dos Pocinhos

– Caminho da Lombada (numbers 49 to 54)

– Caminho das Lajinhas (numbers 3 to 28)

– Caminho do Desterro (until number 62)

– Caminho da Confeiteira (number 1)

– Caminho das Babosas (numbers 8 to 10)

– Azinhaga da Cancela (number 39)

– Largo das Babosas

– Beco do Pereira

– Vereda das Quintas (until number 33)

– Vereda do Cabeço (numbers 3 and 7)

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

10th December – 09h00 to 11h00

– Estrada de Santa Clara (between even number 174 and odd number 203)

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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/05/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-95-2020/

 

 

Madeira Situation Report 5th December by Daniel Fernandes

 

 

Covid-19 update

There were 60 new Covid-19 cases and 38 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission. On Friday, Madeira registered the
highest ever number of new Covid-19 cases in a single day.

On Wednesday, all 13 new Covid-19 cases were cases of local transmission. One of the cases was from a healthcare professional working in the private sector. There were also 10 recoveries.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 13 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 3 of
them were from children (aged 5-12) attending schools in the municipalities of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.

And on Friday, there were 32 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal
and 31 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most
cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases while 3 are still under epidemiological investigation. Five of the new cases were from children (aged 2-16) with 4 of them attending schools in the municipalities of
Funchal and Machico. One of the cases was from an adult who works at the same school in the municipality of Machico.

There are currently 226 active cases, of which 42 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 184 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 27 cases are from non-residents while 177 are from Madeira
residents. So far, there have been 858 cases, 630 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 27 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 190 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 9 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

At the moment, 6,252 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,259 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 136 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 8 were identified through airport screening while the remaining 128 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls
made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,2318 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 111,841 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 181,370 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 517 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 19,025.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111518/Madeira_com_mais_13_novos_casos_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111610/Madeira_com_mais_15_novos_casos_13_de_transmissao_local


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/04/32-novos-casos-de-covid-19-136-suspeitos-actualmente-ha-9-internados-no-hospital/

53,000 rapid antigen tests available in Madeira

Yesterday, The Portuguese Air Force delivered a batch of 50,000 Covid-19 rapid antigen tests. Madeira had already received 3,000 rapid antigen tests last week. The health authorities hope to use these tests in very specific contexts,
namely in situations in which the risks are known, in order to quickly identify and isolate positive cases. These tests can be processed without using any laboratory equipment and at the same place where the sample is collected.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111609/53_mil_testes_rapidos_de_antigenios_ja_estao_na_Madeira

Remarks from Miguel Albuquerque

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, expressed approval for the renewal of the State of Emergency, said Madeira is facing “the most critical complicated, risky and difficult moment” in the pandemic and
advised young people to very careful. He warned young people can also develop complications from Covid-19. He is also worried that people have still not understood that this year’s festivities must be celebrated in a different way.

 

As for the Covid-19 vaccine, he remains confident that the vaccine task force will present a “thoroughly structured plan” in due time. He confirmed the Region will receive 200,000 vaccine doses and said Covid-19 vaccination in Madeira
is likely to begin at the start of 2021. He refused to commit to a specific date so as not to raise expectations.

He also praised Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, for having ordered vaccine supplies for all European Union countries despite Public Health not being an area of competence for the EU. He argued her
intervention not only prevented a race and a dispute for the vaccine but also ensured equal treatment for all member-states.

On a lighter note, Miguel Albuquerque praised the Christmas lights that were set up in Funchal and highlighted the technological innovations, particularly at Largo do Chafariz.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/04/miguel-albuquerque-da-parecer-favoravel-a-renovacao-do-estado-de-emergencia/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111607/Albuquerque_elogia_iluminacoes_e_reforca_apelo_a_contencao_dos_madeirenses

https://www.dnoticias.pt/2020/12/3/241425-albuquerque-resfria-expectativas-sobre-uma-rapida-vacinacao/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111550/Albuquerque_alerta_jovens_que_a_covid_pode_trazer_consequencias_graves_nao_apenas_para_os_idosos

Levada do Barreiro walking route temporarily closed

The PR 4- Levada do Barreiro (Poço da Nave – Casa do Barreiro) walking route is temporarily closed for safety reasons due to the collapse of the canal and pavement at Levada do Barreiro as a result of bad weather, which caused
obstructions along the route.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111580/Percurso_pedestre__da_Levada_do_Barreiro_encerrado_por_motivos_de_seguranca_

Porto Moniz hotel closed due to Legionnaires’ disease

A case of Legionnaires’ disease was detected on a Madeiran resident who had stayed in a hotel in the Municipality of Porto Moniz. An epidemiological investigation carried out by the regional health authorities on the hotel building,
equipment and water samples collected from the compound found traces of the Legionella bacteria. The hotel was closed and will remain so until there is no risk to public health.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111698/Bacteria_encerra_unidade_hoteleira_no_Porto_Moniz

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

7th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 71 to 140)

– Rua do Cano

– Travessa do Cano (numbers 6 and 7)

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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/05/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-95-2020/

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 2nd December 2020 by our volunteer Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 46 new Covid-19 cases and 28 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Saturday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from Sweden, 1 who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 11 cases of local transmission) and 8
recoveries. Five of the new cases of local transmission were from children and young people (aged 11-19) who attend educational establishments in the Municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, including a higher education
establishment.

On Sunday, there were 12 new Covid-19 cases, all from local transmission. Three of the cases were from children (aged 8-12) who attend educational establishments in the Municipalities of Santa Cruz and Funchal;
one case was from an adult who works at an educational establishment in
the Municipality of Machico while another case was from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professional. There was also 1 recovery.

On Monday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from France, 1 who had arrived from Luxembourg and 1 who had arrived from Poland and 9
cases of local transmission) and 9 recoveries. Most of the 25 cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified positive cases and 1 was still under investigation.

And on Tuesday, there were 5 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain and 4 cases of local transmission. Most cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 1 was still under
investigation. There were also 10 recoveries from Covid-19.

There are currently 204 active cases, of which 42 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 162 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 27 are from non-residents while 177 are from
Madeira residents. So far, there have been 798 cases, 592 recoveries and 2 deaths.

Below are the total number of Covid-19 cases by municipality (since the start of the pandemic):

Funchal: 198

Câmara de Lobos: 106

Santa Cruz: 94

Machico: 17

Ponta do Sol: 14

Calheta: 8

Ribeira Brava : 6

Porto Santo: 4

Santana: 2

São Vicente: 2

Porto Moniz: 1

There are currently 28 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 173 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 3 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, including 1 patient who remains in the
Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

At the moment, 5,941 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,392 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 119 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. One of the suspected cases was identified through airport screening while the remaining 118 are linked to patients who tested positive for
Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM. As of Tuesday, there had been 2,258 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 971 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h30). Overall, 178,672 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 488 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 18,508.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111143/Covid-19_15_novos_casos_11_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111207/Covid-19_Madeira_tem_12_novos_casos_todos_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111362/Madeira_com_mais_14_novos_casos_de_covid-19


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111427/Covid19_Ha_hoje_mais_um_doente_internado_no_hospital_dr_Nelio_Mendonca

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/01/5-novos-casos-activos-de-covid-19-119-novos-suspeitos-10-recuperados/

Overcrowded bars and restaurants

Two bars were forced to close and several owners were fined for not complying with social distancing and the maximum capacity limits. A joint operation by ARAE (Autoridade Regional de Atividades Económicas –
Regional Economic Activity Authority), BIR (Brigada de Intervenção Rápida –
Rapid Intervention Brigade) and the Criminal Investigation department of PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública – Public Security Police) was carried out on Saturday evening and in the early hours of Sunday in bars and restaurants in the
municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Machico and Santa Cruz. There had been similar inspections in the previous 2 weekends.

Reacting to these developments, Pedro Ramos (Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) revealed the Regional Government has been working to ensure there is a decrease in these situations and appealed for the public, particularly
bar and restaurant customers to comply with the Covid-19 rules. He also praised the ARAE and the PSP for their role in enforcing compliance with these rules.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111206/Acoes_de_fiscalizacao_da_ARAE_e_PSP_apanham_bares_e_restaurantes_cheios


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111364/Pedro_Ramos_Governo_esta_a_acompanhar_a_situacao_dos_excessos_nos_bares_e_restaurantes

Small tourism recovery in October

It is estimated that 57,300 tourists visited Madeira in October and accounted for 285,800 stays. This is an increase from the number of stays in September. This is the first time there has been such an increase in the
current century. It is also also estimated the number of stays was
bigger in October than in August.

As for the main tourist markets, there was some recovery despite the figures being lower than in October 2019. For instance, the French market recorded the biggest fall in the number of stays (-80.2%). The German market fell by 67,7%
while the British market had a smaller decrease (-46.6%. The British market also accounted for 34,400 more stays in October than in September.

It was also revealed that 50.4% of local tourist accommodation establishments were closed or did not host any guests in October, while 72.2% of hotels hosted guests (compared to 68.9% in September).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111256/Alojamento_turistico_Dormidas_na_RAM_em_outubro_foram_superiores_as_do_mes_de_setembro

Christmas lights in Funchal

In some rare cheerful news, Christmas lights have been set up in Funchal. Locals and tourists have already been cheered by the sight of these lights. Readers can view photos of Funchal’s beautiful Christmas lights on the following link:

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/01/funchal-ja-refulge-com-as-luzes-de-natal/

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

Source bePortugal

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 27th 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

angloinfo.com

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/

Situation Report Azores – 28th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
There will be no restrictions for the population travelling between municipalities over the next few weeks.
On Monday, a source from the office of the representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of the Azores told the press that the measures enacted by the Government of the Republic in the new State of Emergency due to the pandemic also applied in the archipelago, this was because the Initial version of the decree stated that “it is applicable to the entire national territory”.
The second amendment to the decree corrects throughout the decree the indication that it is applicable to the entire national territory, clarifying that “it is applicable to the entire continental national territory”, thus excluding the islands.
The Azores do not have counties with more than 240 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in the last 15 days, according to the most recent report by the Directorate-General for Health, so they are not covered by the most restrictive measures, applied to high risk counties, very high risk and extreme risk, but could be subject to the other measures.

Covid-19
There has been another death in the region, a 64-year-old woman, resident in the Municipality of Ribeira Grande. This is the first death recorded for six months and brings the total to 17. She had been in hospital for surgery fell ill at home during her recuperation.
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,650 tests carried out in the Region since the 24th of November in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of positive cases for Covid-19 is 95. 55 on the island of São Miguel and 38 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on Flores and 1 on Pico.
There have been 54 recoveries recorded, 50 on São Miguel and 3 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on São Jorge.
Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.

CURRENT SITUATION IN THE REGION
The Region now has 29 active transmission chains, 20 on the island of São Miguel, seven on the island of Terceira, one shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge and one on the island of São Jorge.
To date, 930 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have been detected, which causes Covid-19 disease, with 490 recovered cases and 344 active positive cases currently, of which one on the island of Santa Maria, 231 on the island from São Miguel, 106 on Terceira island, one on São Jorge island, one on Pico island, two on Faial island and two on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organisations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, here, or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate,
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available by emailing esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Azores report
Situation Report Azores – 25th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
New Government
The new Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores was sworn in today at a ceremony that took place in the city of Horta, Faial.
The new president is José Manuel Bolieiro who takes over from Vasco Cordeiro. José Bolieiro was, until recently, President of the Camara Municipal of Ponta Delgada.
The new Regional Government of the Azores includes 10 regional secretariats and one undersecretary, in addition to the presidency and vice-presidency.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 5,587 tests carried out in the Region since the 21st of November in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, there has been another increase in the number of cases, 100 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed. 75 on the island of São Miguel and 23 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on Santa Maria and 1 on Flores. 57 recoveries have also been recorded 51 on São Miguel and 3 on the island of Terceira, 1 on São Jorge, 1 on Faial and 1 on Pico.
Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.
The Region has 14 extinct transmission chains and 25 active transmission chains, 18 on the island of São Miguel, five on the island of Terceira, one shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge and one on the island of São Jorge.
So far, 835 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have been detected in the Region, with 436 recovered cases and 305 active positive cases currently, of which one on the island of Santa Maria, 228 on the island of São Miguel, 71 on Terceira Island, two on São Jorge Island, two on Faial Island and one on Flores Island.
In terms of hospitalizations, there are nine people admitted to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada and four to the Hospital de Santo Espírito in Angra do Heroísmo.
2533 people are under active surveillance.

Situation Report Azores – 21st November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Decree regulating the compulsory screening tests for COVID-19 before departure, for anyone who intends to travel to the Azores, came into force on Friday, 20th of November. This diploma, which was approved by the Government Council and which was published yesterday in Diário da República, was the subject of prior articulation with the Representative of the Republic for the Azores and provides that this obligation to carry out screening tests for the new coronavirus before boarding will remain in force as long as the State of Emergency is in force.
There has been an amendment to this Regional Regulatory Decree No. 24/2020 / A, of 19th November, stating that all passengers who board at airports on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira bound for another island in the archipelago must present proof, in support digital or paper, of a document issued by a national or international laboratory, attesting to the conduct of a screening test to SARS-CoV-2, carried out by the RT-PCR methodology in the 72 hours before the flight departure, which contains the identification of the passenger, the laboratory where the test was performed, the date of the test and the negative result. This amendment is yet to be approved.
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,795 tests carried out in the Region since the 17th of November in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, there has been another increase in the number of cases, 94 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed. 61 on the island of São Miguel and 32 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on Faial. 28 recoveries have also been recorded 20 on São Miguel and 3 on the island of Terceira, 4 on São Jorge and 1 on Santa Maria. Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.
The Region now has 14 extinct transmission chains and 18 active transmission chains, 11 on the island of , five on the island of Terceira, one shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge and one on the island of São Jorge. So far, 735 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 379 recovered cases and 263 active positive cases currently, of which 205 on the island of São Miguel, 51 on Terceira island, three on São Jorge island, one on Pico island and three on Faial island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations. The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 18th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Schools
The Regional Secretariat for Education and Culture has said that, following the permanent monitoring of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, on the island of S. Miguel, the following schools will be closed, starting at 00:00 on the 16th of November:
In Rabo de Peixe, EB1 / JI Luísa Constantino, in Ribeira Grande, the headquarters school of the Integrated Basic School, EB1 / JI of Ribeirinha and Secundária will be closed; in Arrifes, the main school, and the EB1 / JI of Covoada and Relva.
The Armando Cortês-Rodrigues Basic and Secondary School, in Vila Franca do Campo, and the EBI headquarters school of Água de Pau will also be closed.
In Ponta Delgada, in terms of public education, the headquarters school of Basic and Integrated Canto da Maia and Secondary Domingos Rebelo are also closed.
The professional schools of the Ponta Delgada and Povoação Chamber of Commerce will also be closed, as well as the Cantinho Encantado nursery school, Arco-Iris nursery and kindergarten, A Passarada, João de Deus and Castanheiro School, within the scope of private schools and private institutions of social solidarity.
The closure of the School of Tourism and Hotel Training of Ponta Delgada was added to the educational establishments already closed
This information is subject to update, according to the evolution of the epidemiological situation and the guidelines of the Regional Health Authority.

Masks
The Regional Decree regulating the mandatory use of masks in public spaces and roads, adapting to the Region the recently approved national law on this matter, comes into force on Tuesday, November 17th.
The diploma, which was approved by the Government Council on November 4th and which is published yesterday in Diário da República, takes into account the epidemiological situation in the Region, as well as the importance of implementing measures aimed at limiting the spread of the disease Covid-19, protecting the health of the population.
From Tuesday, the use of a mask is mandatory for people aged 10 and older for access, circulation or permanence in public spaces and roads in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, whenever the recommended physical distance by regional health authorities proves impractical.
This obligation is waived by presenting a medical certificate for multipurpose disability or a medical declaration, in the case of people with cognitive impairment, development and psychological disorders; of a medical declaration attesting that the person’s clinical condition is not consistent with the use of masks; when the use of a mask is incompatible with the nature of the activities that people are carrying out; and in relation to people who are part of the same household, when they are not in the proximity of third parties.
In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, enforcement of Law No. 62-A / 2020, of 27th October, is the responsibility of the security forces, the municipal police, health authorities and the Regional Inspection of Economic Activities.
This Regional Regulatory Decree is expected to be in force in the Region as long as the national law on the mandatory use of masks in public spaces and roads is in force.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 5,780 tests carried out in the Region since the 14th of November there has been another increase in the number of cases, 75 positive cases of Covid-19 have been diagnosed. 63 on the island of São Miguel and 11 on the island of Terceira, 6 and 1 on Faial. 40 recoveries have also been recorded 32 on São Miguel and 5 on the island of Terceira, 2 on Pico and 1 on São Jorge.
Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.
The rest of the cases are from chains of transmission that already exist in the region. The Region now has 13 extinct transmission chains and 12 active transmission chains, five of which on the island of São Miguel, four on the island of Terceira, two shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge and one on the island of São Jorge.
So far, 641 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 351 recovered cases and 197 active positive cases currently, of which 164 on the island of São Miguel, 22 on Terceira island, seven on São Jorge island, one on Pico island, two on Faial island and one on Santa Maria island.
There has been a total of 199,085 tests for SARS-CoV-2 undertaken in the region. 10 people are in hospital, 7 on São Miguel and 3 on Terceira.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 14th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Azores has changed from Orange to Red on the list of the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) for the transmission of the new coronavirus.
According to TSF (radio), after the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which also entered the red list last week, the Azores were the last Portuguese region where the risk was still classified as medium (Orange).
The risk maps are based on positive cases in the last 14 days per 100,000 inhabitants and on the percentage of tests done with a positive result.
It is considered a high-risk region when there are more than 50 active cases (those detected in the last 14 days) per 100,000 inhabitants and the rate of positivity is over 4%.
Covid-19
On Wednesday the 11th November the Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 1,516 tests carried out in the previous 24 hours in the two laboratories in the Region, as well as the tests carried out in private laboratories, 26 positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, 23 of which on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Santa Maria and two on the island of Terceira, and a recovery was recorded on the island of São Miguel.
As part of the screening of those who arrive in the Region, two positive cases were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel, one woman, 32 years old, and one man, 56 years old, non-residents, from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, who presented a negative SARS-CoV-2 screening test on arrival and whose analysis performed after the sixth day produced a positive result.
Within the scope of transmission chains in epidemiological investigation in the Region, 24 cases were identified, 21 on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Santa Maria and two on the island of Terceira.
In the context of epidemiological investigation related to an entertainment establishment in Ponta Delgada, 13 cases were diagnosed, namely 12 on the island of São Miguel and one on the island of Santa Maria.
On the island of São Miguel, six women were identified, aged between 11 and 66 years old, one of them through screening in the workplace, carried out in a private laboratory, and six men, aged between 4 and 69 years.
On the island of Santa Maria, a positive case was detected, referring to a 37-year-old man.
On the island of São Miguel, four women were also diagnosed, aged between 7 and 51 years old, and three men individuals, aged between 6 and 49 years old, and related to the chain of transmission in epidemiological investigation in Ribeira Grande.
In the context of the epidemiological investigation of another previously reported case, a 32-year-old woman and 34-year-old man were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel.
On the island of Terceira, a positive case was detected, referring to a 59-year-old woman, close contact with a high risk of a case reported on the 8th November.
A positive case was also diagnosed in the context of the chain of transmission related to a restaurant in the parish of São Mateus, in Angra do Heroísmo, namely a man, 25 years old.
In addition, two positive cases previously reported, referring to men, aged 26 and 37, on the island of São Miguel, presented documentation proving infection and subsequent recovery, so they are no longer considered active in the Region.
A positive case, corresponding to a 25-year-old man, also left the Region, namely the island of São Miguel, in spite of the authorities, with the Municipal Health Authority taking care of the procedures for its subsequent monitoring.
On Thursday the 12th of November the Regional Health Authority reported that, from 1,371 tests carried out in the previous 24 hours in the two reference laboratories in the Region and those carried out in private laboratories, 16 positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, 13 on the island of São Miguel, two on the island of São Jorge and one on the island of Pico.
It should also be noted that, following the updating of the recovery criteria and clinical discharge in force in the Region, in accordance with the criteria established by the Directorate-General for Health and following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, 66 recoveries were recorded, of which 55 on São Miguel island, one on Santa Maria island, six on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, two on Faial island and one on Flores island.
With these 66 recoveries, the number of cases recovered in the Autonomous Region of the Azores rises to 311.
Five positive cases were diagnosed in the context of screening those who arrive in the Region, three on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of São Jorge and one on the island of Pico.
On the island of São Miguel, two men, 35 and 47 years old, from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland were diagnosed, who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 screening test on arrival at the island of São Miguel, and another 20-year-old man, also from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 on arrival and whose analysis performed after the sixth day produced a positive result.
On the island of São Jorge, a 25-year-old woman was detected, coming from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, who also presented a negative SARS-CoV-2 screening test on arrival and whose analysis was performed after the sixth day produced a positive result.
On the island of Pico, a 58-year-old man, from an air connection with the American continent, whose SARS-CoV-2 screening test presented on arrival indicated a negative result and whose analysis performed after sixth day produced a positive result.
In the context of the epidemiological investigation related to an entertainment establishment in Ponta Delgada, five cases were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel, namely three women, aged between 15 and 49 years old, and two men, aged 18 and 72 years old.
Two positive cases were also detected, a woman, 49 years old, and a man, 56 years old, already identified as close contacts of high risk of a case detected in the scope of the screening for entry to the hospital. A positive case was detected on the island of São Miguel, corresponding to a 35-year-old woman, from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 screening test upon arrival with a result positive, but that, for having presented documentation proving infection and subsequent recovery, it is not considered an active case in the Region.
On the island of São Jorge, a positive case was identified, referring to a 17-year-old man, a close contact with another previously reported case, associated with a gym located in the municipality of Velas, with the Municipal Health Delegation triggering the procedures for identification, testing and surveillance of close contacts.
On Friday the 13th of November, The Regional Health Authority has reported that, from 1,566 tests carried out in the last 24 hours in the two reference laboratories in the Region and those carried out in private laboratories, 16 positive cases of COVID-19 on the island of São Miguel were diagnosed.
In the context of the epidemiological investigation related to an entertainment establishment in Ponta Delgada, nine women were diagnosed, aged between 6 and 63 years old, and five men, aged between 24 and 69 years old.
Two positive cases were also detected, corresponding to a woman, 35 years old, following the onset of symptoms, and to a man, 52 years old, in the scope of the screening of health professionals , cases that are now under epidemiological investigation, with the Municipal Health Authority having initiated the procedures inherent to the identification, testing and surveillance of close contacts.
In addition, it should be noted that a positive case reported on November 10th, corresponding to a 28-year-old man, from an air connection with the Portuguese mainland, presented documentation proving infection and subsequent recovery, so it is not considered an active case in Region.
It is further reported that there are currently 13 extinct transmission chains and eight active transmission chains in the Region, three on the island of São Miguel, two on the island of Terceira, two shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge and one on the island of São Jorge.
So far, 566 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 311 recovered cases and 162 active positive cases currently, of which 133 on the island of São Miguel, 16 on Terceira island, eight on São Jorge island, three on Pico island, one on Faial island and one on Santa Maria island.
Situation Report Azores – 11th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, as a result of the tests carried out in the Region there has been a large increase in the number of cases. 65 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the last 4 days, 51 on the island of São Miguel and 7 on the island of Terceira, 6 on the island of São Jorge and 1 on Faial. 3 recoveries have also been recorded 2 on São Miguel and 1 on the island of Terceira.
Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.
Other cases are associated with the existing chains of transmission, 10 chains on São Miguel and 1 on São Jorge.
These are some of the highest daily figures since the peaks in April earlier this year.
So far, 507 cases of infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, and there are currently 179 active positive cases, of which 141 on the island of São Miguel, 20 on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, six on São Jorge island, six on Pico island, three on Faial island, one on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Azores
Situation Report Azores – 7th November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Government Council approved a regional decree regulating the mandatory use of masks in public spaces and roads, an adaptation of the recently approved national law on this matter in the Region. This decision by the Government of the Azores, which met on Wednesday by videoconference, takes into account the epidemiological situation in the Region, as well as the importance of implementing measures aimed at limiting the spread of the COVID-19 disease, protecting the health of the population.
The use of a mask by people aged 10 and older is mandatory for access, circulation or permanence in public spaces and roads in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, whenever the physical distance recommended by the regional health authorities is shown to be impractical.
This obligation is waived by presenting a medical certificate for multipurpose disability or a medical declaration, in the case of people with cognitive impairment, development and psychological disorders; of a medical declaration attesting that the person’s clinical condition is not consistent with the use of masks; when the use of a mask is incompatible with the nature of the activities that people are carrying out; and in relation to people who are part of the same household, when they are not in the proximity of third parties. In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, enforcement of Law No. 62-A / 2020, of October 27, is the responsibility of the security forces, the municipal police, health authorities and the Regional Inspection of Economic Activities.
This Regional Regulatory Decree, which is expected to be in force in the archipelago while the national law on the mandatory use of masks in public spaces and roads is in force, is now going to be promulgated by the Representative of the Republic and comes into force on the day after its publication in the Official Journal.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, as a result of 3,396 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in since the 3rdNovember, 39 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, of which 31 on the island of São Miguel, 6 on the island of Terceira, 2 on Pico. 1 recovery has been recorded on the island of São Miguel. So far, 441 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, with 241 recovered cases and 121 active positive cases currently, of which 95 on the island of São Miguel, 15 on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, six on Pico island, two on Faial island, one on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
According to the Regional Director of Health, there are 11 active transmission chains – two in Terceira, one in Pico and eight in São Miguel. Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 3rd November 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Vouchers
The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for Tourism, has issued more than 2,500 “Destino Seguro Açores” vouchers, with a value of more than 90 thousand euros.
This is a measure implemented on the 21st of October and is an investment of 1.2 million euros.
The “Destino Seguro Açores” voucher is a financial incentive of 35 euros for conducting screening tests for SARS-CoV-2 prior to arrival in the Azores, which can be used exclusively for the acquisition of goods or services in the region related to the tourism sector.
To take advantage of this incentive, when filling out the Risk Assessment and Early Detection Questionnaire in the My Safe Azores tool, at https://mysafeazores.com , the passenger must select the option ‘Benefit from the “Destination Insurance Açores” Voucher, after the validation of the negative test by the Regional Health Authority, the voucher is sent to the email address in the questionnaire.
The incentive can be used with the Network of Members, which, so far, already has 238 companies distributed across all islands of the archipelago.
The list of participating companies, permanently open to new registrations, is available for consultation at https://voucher.azores.gov.pt/pt-pt/Rede-de-Aderentes .
Interested parties can obtain more information at https://voucher.azores.gov.pt/pt-pt .
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, as a result of 2,567 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in since the 31st October, 13 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, of which 8 on the island of São Miguel, 2 on the island of Terceira, 2 on Pico and 1 on the island of Faial, and 3 recoveries were recorded on the island of São Miguel.
It should be noted that a case reported on Saturday, October 31st, corresponding to a woman of 28 years, on the island of São Miguel, presented documentation proving infection and subsequent recovery, which is why it is no longer considered active in the Region.
There is also the recovery of 3 men on the island of São Miguel, bringing to 240 the number of cases recovered in the Region.
So far, 402 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected in the Region, and there are currently 86 active positive cases, of which 66 on the island of São Miguel, 10 on Terceira island, one on Graciosa island, four on Pico island, three on Faial island, one on Santa Maria island and one on Flores island.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Madeira Situation Report Saturday 28th November by our correspondent

Covid-19 update

There were 45 new Covid-19 cases and 25 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Wednesday, there were 7 new Covid-19 cases and 7 recoveries. All of these new cases were cases of local transmission, including those of a professional form the security forces and of a teacher and 2 children (aged 11-15) from 2
schools in the Municipality of Funchal and 1 school in the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

On Thursday, there were 12 new Covid-19 cases (from 2
passengers who had arrived from Northern Portugal, 1 passenger who had arrived from Germany and 9 cases of local transmission) and 9 recoveries. A healthcare professional from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) tested positive after
returning to the Madeira Autonomous Region and another tested positive as a case of local transmission. Another 2 new cases were from a non-teaching member of staff at a school in the Municipality of Funchal and from a child who attends
another school in the same Municipality.

And on Friday, there were 26 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from France while the remaining were cases of local transmission) and 9 recoveries. Most of the 25 cases of local transmission were linked to previously
identified positive cases. An investigation is still ongoing on the contacts of 2 of them. And 6 new cases of local transmission were from students from educational establishments in the Municipalities of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and
Calheta. These establishments have already activated their Covid-19 contingency plans.

There are currently 189 active cases, of which 45 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 144 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 29 are from non-residents while 160 are from
Madeira residents. So far, there have been 752 cases, 561 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 32 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 155 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 2 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. A patient remains in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

At the moment, 6,563 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,392 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 98 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. Five of the suspected cases was identified through airport screening while the remaining 93 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19
or to calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Friday, there had been 2,212 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 109,669 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 174,841 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 453 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 18,020.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/25/7-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-7-recuperados-e-100-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/26/172-casos-positivos-na-ram-182-novos-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/27/26-novos-casos-de-covid-19-quase-uma-centena-de-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Miguel Albuquerque remarks and announcements

On Wednesday, Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, made a speech on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic and announced new measures to fight it. Important announcements were made on testing for
travellers arriving in the Region and on guidelines for the Christmas and New Year festivities. Below is a summary of his speech:

Miguel Albuquerque thinks the pandemic is under control because all Covid-19 connections and local transmission circuits are currently known. He explained the current epidemiological situation in Madeira is not comparable at all with
that of the rest of the country, which means there is no need for Madeira to introduce confinement or a ban on travel between municipalities. Indeed, he assured that the Portuguese Government

decree renewing the state of emergency from the 24th of November (00h00) until the 8th of December (23h59) will not be applicable in the Autonomous Regions of Azores and Madeira. He also reinforced the need to avoid community
transmission.

Regarding testing, he was asked if mass testing of the population, as carried out in some Asian countries, would be a more efficient strategy. He said Madeira had already carried out a high number of tests (twice the national average)
and had to test with some rationality and aims. He highlighted professionals from risk jobs have been tested, testing have been carried out in the night places (airports, ports) and so far the procedures have been successful. He also
informed Madeira will spend over €12M on testing until the end of the year. He assured that the Region is ready to reinforce its testing capacity to cope with increasing demand from the 172 additional flights TAP is scheduled to
operate. He explained there are currently 25 testing stations and the infrastructure is in place to deal with an increase in the number of tourists and visitors. He also praised staff from the Tourist, Healthcare and Security sector for
their meritorious work at the airport.

Furthermore, he also announced that all Madeira residents, emigrants and students who have arrived at the Region’s airports and flown in from outside the Autonomous Region of Madeira will have to be tested twice, during an experimental
period from the 27th of November until the 11th of December (23h59).

According to him, Madeira expects to receive about 200,000 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. He added that a task force has been activated in order to plan for its arrival and distribution.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110835/Covid-19_A_pandemia_neste_momento_esta_controlada_


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110836/Covid-19_Governo_corrige_decreto_e_esclarece_que_medidas_nao_se_aplicam_a_Madeira_e_Acores


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110834/Covid-19_Madeira_vai_gastar_mais_de_12_milhoes_em_testes_ate_ao_final_do_ano


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110831/Covid-19_Albuquerque_garante_que_operacao_de_testagem_no_aeroporto_esta_preparada_para_o_aumento_dos_visitantes

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110825/Covid-19_Madeira_espera_receber_cerca_de_200_mil_vacinas_


https://observador.pt/2020/11/27/covid-19-dupla-testagem-na-madeira-a-estudantes-e-emigrantes-tem-periodo-experimental/

Christmas and New Year festivities

Miguel Albuquerque also made the following announcements regarding the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities:

– All food and drink vendors must only sell through take-away.

– They must also present a contingency plan that complies with sanitary regulation.

– There will be no evening markets, circus displays and theme parks.

– The Region’s markets can remain open at their usual opening hours and must
present their contingency plans that comply with the sanitary regulation.

– No gatherings will be allowed in markets and surrounding areas

– The sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks will be forbidden in public areas, except for licensed outdoor eating spaces.

– All bars must close at 01h00 on the 1st of January.

– There will be the traditional New Year’s fireworks display.

– The public is advised to watch the fireworks display from their homes or accommodation. The Regional Government is aware not everyone will be able to do so. As a result, there will be a plan ensure social distancing in public areas
such as squares and viewpoints in Funchal.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110822/Nao_havera_noites_do_mercado_circos_nem_parques_de_diversoes

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110823/Covid-19_Bares_encerram_a_01h_na_noite_do_fim_do_ano_


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110824/Fogo_de_artificio_deve_ser_assistido_nas_residencias_da_populacao_e_havera_limitacao_nos_espacos_publicos

Orange level warning for adverse sea

The north shore of Madeira and Porto Santo will be under orange warning from Sunday afternoon. Waves are expected to be up to 12 metres high from Sunday afternoon until the early hours of Monday. For the time being, a yellow warning
will be applicable from Friday (19h) until Monday (09h00). It will then become an orange warning. There will be very cloudy weather, showers until the end of today’s morning, in which rainfall will become less frequent. There will be
moderate wind (20-35 km/h) until the middle of the morning. it will become stronger (25-40 km/h) in the afternoon. In higher points, there will be moderate wind (25-40 km/h) in the morning and strong wind (40-50 km/h) in the afternoon
and gales (up to 85 km/h) are likely


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111076/Aviso_laranja_para_a_agitacao_maritima_a_partir_da_tarde_de_domingo

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

2nd and 4th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua dos Ferreiros (numbers 139 to 161)

3rd December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho de S. Roque (numbers 1 to 84-A)

– Rua Campo do Marítimo (numbers 29 and 31)

4th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada Monumental (number 239 and numbers 403 to 606)

– Beco da Vitória

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 25

th

November by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 47 new Covid-19 cases and 40 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Saturday, there were 12 new Covid-19 cases and 8 recoveries. All of these new cases were cases of local transmission, including that of a child (aged 0-2) who was linked to previously identified cases at a nursery school in the
Municipality of Câmara de Lobos.

On Sunday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who
had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had
arrived from Northern Portugal and 8 cases of local transmission) and 11 recoveries.

On Monday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases and 8 recoveries. All of these new cases were cases of local transmission that were linked to previously identified cases. Three of the new cases were from children (aged 7-9) who attend
schools in the Municipality of Funchal.

And on Tuesday, there were 16 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers – 1 from the UK, 1 from the Netherlands, 1 from Switzerland and 1 from the UK & 6 cases of local transmission) and 13 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were
linked to previously identified cases, 3 of them from children (aged 10-14) who attend schools in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos.

There are currently 169 active cases, of which 49 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 120 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 30 are from non-residents while 139 are from
Madeira residents. So far, there have been 707 cases, 536 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 24 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 141 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 3 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. A patient remains in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

At the moment, 6,679 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1207 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 61 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. One of the suspected cases was identified through airport screening while the remaining 60 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19
or to calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Tuesday, there had been 2,167 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 109,110 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h30). Overall, 172,434 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 487 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 17,567.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110549/Covid-19_Identificados_12_casos_na_Regiao_todos_de_transmissao_local


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110591/Covid-19_Onze_novos_casos_de_infecao_e_onze_recuperados_hoje_na_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110678/Mais_8_novos_casos_positivos__de_transmissao_local

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/24/16-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-mais-61-casos-suspeitos-na-regiao/

New Covid-19 measures to be announced today

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, will announce new measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly taking into account the upcoming Christmas season.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110768/Novas_medidas_anunciadas_amanha_as_12h00

Coordination between the Madeira Regional Government and the Covid-19 vaccine task force

Yesterday, Pedro Ramos (Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) had a video conference with members of the Health Ministry task force that is dealing with the logistics of distributing and administering the Covid-
19 vaccine to a significant proportion of the population.

The task force is composed of representatives from the DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde – Directorate-General of Health), Infarmed (Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde – National Authority of Medicines and
Health Products), the Armed Forces and Civil Protection.

The aim of the meeting was to prepare the coordination between the Health Ministry and the Autonomous Region of Madeira in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine. A vaccination plan will be made. The plan will address issues such as who will
be vaccinated, where the vaccination sites will be, where the vaccines will be stored, how potential side effects of the vaccine will be monitored and the communication strategy.

Pedro Ramos highlighted the importance of this coordination so as to take into the account the Region’s needs.

The Covid-19 vaccines will be delivered in the Portuguese mainland and the Portuguese Air Force will then airlift them to Madeira.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/24/madeira-ja-prepara-articulacao-com-a-forca-tarefa-responsavel-pelas-vacinas-contra-a-covid-19/

Adverse weather warning

Vessel owners are advised to ensure their vessels remain at docked because heavy wind (51-62 km/h) and heavy seas are expected today and tomorrow. Waves ranging from 5-6 metres are expected on the north shore and they could be 10 metres
high.

On the south shore, heavier wind is expected today and tomorrow at Madeira’s highest points, with wind ranging from 70 km/h to 90 km/h. Temperatures will be around 12-13ºC. Snowfall is also a possibility.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110766/Capitania__do_Porto_do_Funchal_alerta_para_mau_tempo

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110757/Vento_forte_e_queda_de_neve_nos_picos_mais_altos_

Porto Santo Line service cancelled today

Porto Santo Line announced that the Funchal-Porto Santo and Porto Santo-Funchal services, which had been scheduled for today, will be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions that pose a hazard to the safety of the ferry and its crew
and passengers.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110753/Viagem_para_o_Porto_Santo_de_amanha_cancelada

Former Funchal Mayor will not go on trial over deadly oak tree fall

Paulo Cafôfo, a former Funchal Mayor, will not go to trial over the death of 13
people as a result of the fall of a tree. However, Idalina Perestrelo (Deputy Mayor) and Francisco Andrade (Head of the Divisão de Jardins e Espaços Verdes – Municipality Division of Gardens and Green Areas) will go on trial. The
decision was announced by Tribunal Judicial do Funchal (Funchal Judicial Court).

The tree fall, which happened in Monte on the 15th August 2017, killed 13 people (including a French woman and a Hungarian woman) and left about 100 people injured.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/23/paulo-cafofo-nao-vai-a-julgamento-responder-por-consequencias-da-queda-da-arvore-no-monte/

Christmas lighting being tested

In more cheerful news, Christmas lights are being set up in Madeira and some, in areas such as on the bridge at Ribeiro Sêco, have already been tested. It is hoped Christmas lighting will being some joy after such an unusual year.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110586/Luzes_da_Festa_ja_estao_a_ser_experimentadas


Madeira Situation report 21st November by Daniel fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 44 new Covid-19 cases and 24 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Wednesday, there were 23 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 4 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 3 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived
from Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic and 10 cases of local transmission) and 3 recoveries. Regarding the cases of local transmission, 6 of the cases were from children (0-1 year old) in 2 in nursery schools
(1 in the Municipality of Funchal and 1 in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos) while another case was from a healthcare professional from the Madeira Health Service.

On Thursday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Venezuela, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Autonomous Region of the Azores and 12 cases of local transmission) and 9 recoveries. And on Friday,
there were 7 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 6 cases of local transmission) and 12 recoveries. Most of the new cases of local transmission are linked to previously identified cases and
there are 2 cases that are still under investigation. One of the cases of local transmission was of a child (0-1 year old) who attends a nursery school in the Municipality of Funchal. The nursery school has activated its contingency
plan.

There are currently 162 active cases, of which 58 were imported while the other 104 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 40 are from non-residents while 122 are from Madeira residents. So far, there have been
660 cases, 496 recoveries and 2 deaths. There are currently 36 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 121 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 5 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.




One of the patients in hospital is a Portuguese-Venezuelan man who is currently on a ventilator. He had recently arrived in Funchal and had tested negative for Covid-19 at the airport. A few days later he started showing symptoms and a
test carried out in hospital came back positive on the 15th of November. His condition was already serious when he was hospitalised in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. On Wednesday his respiratory condition worsened and
he was taken to intensive care, where he remains in critical condition and on a ventilator. At the moment, 7,886 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.
There are also 879 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 93 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. A total of 17 suspected cases were identified through airport screening while 98 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19 (including
in schools) or to calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Friday, there had been 2,120 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed. As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports,
107,741 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h30). Overall, 168,963 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 406 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 17,080.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/18/23-novos-casos-de-covid-19-na-ram-117-novos-suspeitos-quase-todos-locais/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110390/Mais_14_casos_por_covid-19_nas_ultimas_24_horas


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/20/covid-19-7-novos-casos-93-casos-suspeitos-12-recuperados-um-doente-nos-cuidados-intensivos/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110365/Covid-19_Luso_venezuelano_nos_cuidados_intensivos_com_suporte_do_ventilador_

Water supply disruptions

There will be water supply disruptions due to scheduled work on the water supply chain in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos in order to prevent water leaks. The disruptions will affected the following places:

Municipality of Câmara de Lobos

23rd November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Barreiros, Castelejo and Covão)

23rd November (11h00-15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Barreiros, Casa Caída, Castelejo, Marinheira and Pomar do Meio)

24th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Covão, Panasqueira and Vargem)

24th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Rancho)

25th November (09h00-15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira and Pedregal)

25th November (11h00-15h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Garachico)

26th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeiro Real, Lourencinha and Fajã)

27th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira)

Municipality of Câmara de Lobos

25th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Campanário (Calçada, Carmo, Chamorra, Corujeira, Igreja, Lombo do Romão, Serrado and Rodes)


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110480/Camara_de_Lobos_e_Ribeira_Brava_com_interrupcoes_de_abastecimento_de_agua

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 18

th

November by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 33 new Covid-19 cases and 83 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Most new Covid-19 cases were a result of local transmission.

On Saturday, there were 12 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Central Portugal and 11 cases of local transmission) and 32 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to recently identified cases.

On Sunday, there were 5 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Venezuela and 4 cases of local transmission) and 8 recoveries.

On Monday, there were 13 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from
Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Netherlands and 8 cases of local transmission) and 22 recoveries. Three of the local transmission cases were from children aged between 2 and 13 from
2 educational establishments (1 in the Municipality of Funchal and 1 in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos). Both educational establishments had already been identified and their contingency plan had been activated.

And on Tuesday, there were 3 new Covid-19 cases as a result of local transmission linked to previously diagnosed positive cases. There were also 21 recoveries.

There are currently 142 active cases, of which 64 were imported while the other 78 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 50 are from non-residents while 92 are from Madeira residents. So far, there have been 616
cases, 472 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 33 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 105 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 4 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

At the moment, 8,544 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 845 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and 10 people being monitored in Porto Santo.

There are currently 115 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. A total of 17 suspected cases were identified through airport screening while 98 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19
(including in schools) or to calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Tuesday, there had been 2,076 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 107,254 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h30). Overall, 166,967 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 445 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 16,674.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109919/Covid_hoje_ha_12_novos_casos_positivos_a_reportar

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109960/Mais_cinco_casos_novos_por_covid-19

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/16/mais-13-casos-activos-8-de-transmissao-local-incluindo-criancas/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/17/3-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-115-casos-suspeitos-21-recuperados/

Caniço pharmacy to reopen today

The pharmacy in Caniço (Farmácia do Caniço) is
reopening today, after its professionals twice tested negative for Covid-19 and the health authorities allowed them to end isolation. They had been in isolation since the 10th of November. Its premises were thoroughly disinfected. To
ensure continuity in providing services and to increase safety, its professionals will once again be divided into two teams. Its opening hours will be from 09h00 until 22h00. An evening service for urgencies (Serviço de Disponibilidade
Nocturna) will be operated from 22h00 until 09h00 (following day). This pharmacy will continue to have home delivery for purchases paid for by MBWay or by holders of a “Farmácia do Caniço” card. Orders can be made by email (
entregas@farmaciadocanico.pt) or by text message on WhatsApp (+351 915500800).

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110187/Farmacia_do_Canico_abre_amanha_ao_publico

Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship to sail by Madeira for New Year fireworks

Europa 2, the newest and biggest Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship, will be sailing by Madeira on New Year’s Eve so that its guests can watch the traditional fireworks display. The ship, which has been at sea since August, will not anchor in
Madeira. It is scheduled to leave Tenerife on the 23rd of December and to return on the 4th of January. It will provide its guests with a different Christmas and New Year celebration.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/110184/Cruzeiro_da_Hapag-Lloyd_passa_pela_Madeira_para_ver_o_fim-de-ano


Madeira Report Saturday 14th November by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 29 new Covid-19 cases and 32 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Wednesday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 who arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from Switzerland and 10 cases of local transmission) and 7 recoveries. All cases of local
transmission were linked to recently identified cases and had already been under monitoring by the regional health authorities. These include a second case at a nursery school in the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

On Thursday, there were 4 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from the UK, 1 and 1 case of local transmission) and 17 recoveries.

And on Friday, there were 10 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain and 7 cases of local transmission) and 17 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to
previously identified cases.

There are currently 192 active cases, of which 121 were imported and identified through airport screening, while the other 71 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 104 are from non-residents while 88 are from
Madeira residents. So far, there have been 583 cases, 389 recoveries and 2 deaths.

At the moment, 14,068 people are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

There are currently 65 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 123 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 4 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are currently 56 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and
analysis. A total of 2 suspected cases were identified through airport screening while 54 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19 or to calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Friday, there had been 2,043 suspected
cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

At the moment, 10,430 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. In addition, 625 people who had contact with positive cases are under monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out through the
‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 105,386 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h30). Overall, 163,479 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 377 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 16,229.

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, stressed there has not been any community transmission so far and rejected the idea that sanitary cordons are required in Funchal and Santa Cruz. As Christmas
approaches, he also appealed for Madeiran university students returning to the Region to get tested for Covid-19 before flying into Madeira. He expects the Christmas season to be the most critical one. He added that the Government
expects to spend €20 million on airports in Madeira and Porto Santo.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109665/Hoje_ha_15_novos_casos_positivos_de_covid_a_reportar

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109763/Covid-19_Ha_na_Regiao_17_novos_recuperados_e_4_novos_casos

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/13/mais-dez-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-7-dos-quais-de-transmissao-local/

More sample collection points to be created for testing on Madeira-bound passengers

Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, had a video call with representatives from the 6 labs the Regional Government have agreements with for Covid-19 testing on passengers flying to the Madeira archipelago from
the Portugal mainland. All representatives showed an interest in maintaining this partnership and some pledged to increased the number of sample collection points from 33 to 44. Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional
Government, said about 40,000 tests have already been carried out in the mainland and that more than 100 came back positive, which meant such passengers did not travel to Madeira.

The Madeira Regional Government has agreements with the following labs:

– Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas (CEDOC), in Lisbon (since July 1st);

– Laboratório de Análises Clínicas da Universidade de Coimbra (since July 13rd);

– Administração Regional de Saúde do Norte – ARS Norte – (since July 21st)

– Centro Hospital Universitário do Algarve e a Universidade do Algarve (since August 6th)

– LUMILABO, Laboratório de Análises Clínicas SA, in Lisboa, Porto and the Algarve (since August 1st).

– Laboratório AVELAB – Laboratório Médico de Análises Clínicas (since September 1st).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109699/700_pessoas_estao_ligadas_aos_71_casos_de_transmissao_local_de_covid-19


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109859/Laboratorios_vao_criar_mais_postos_para_testes_PCR_em_Portugal_Continental

Flu vaccination update

At the of the 7th week of the flu vaccination campaign, 50,539 vaccine doses had been administered, of which 75,1% were administered in health centres while 7,6% were administered in IPSS (Instituições Privadas de Solidariedade Social –
Private Institutions of Social Solidarity). Regarding those aged 65 or older, 53,5% of that population has already been vaccinated, which means 23,082 vaccines have already been administered to them.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109851/Gripe_sazonal_Vacinados_mais_de_40_mil_na_Madeira

Heavy rain and wind until Monday

Although tropical storm ‘Theta’ is likely to lose intensity and to become a post-tropical storm on Monday, it will still bring heavy rain and wind, sometimes with thunder, until Monday. The storm is expected to bring winds ranging from
63 km/h to 118 km/h. Heavy seas are also likely, with waves up to 4 metres high.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109841/Tempestade_Theta_perde_intensidade_mas_vai_trazer_muita_chuva_e_vento_no_fim_de_semana

Water supply disruptions

Water supply disruptions will take place in the Municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava, to reduce water leaks:

16th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeira da Alforra, Heras, Preces, Fonte da Rocha and Serrado da Adega) & Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Church and Ribeira Fernanda)

17th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Torre)

18th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Caldeira and Rancho) & Parish of Tabua (Zimbreiros, Candelária, Praia Tabua and Lugar da Serra)

19th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Achada and Pomar do eio)

20th November (09h00-13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Lourencinha and Ribeiro Real)


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109823/ARM_alerta_para_a_interrupcao_de_abastecimento_de_agua_potavel_na_Ribeira_Brava_e_Camara_de_Lobos

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

16th and 17th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminhos da Barreira e do Trapiche (numbers 113 to 172)

– Beco do Ribeiro Pereiro

– Vereda do Camacho

17th November – 09h00 to 11h30

– Rua da Montanha

16th and 17th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho da Azinhaga

– Ladeira de Santana (number 35)

– Travessa do Salão (numbers 1, 3 and 5)

– Becos da Azinhaga e do Terraço

– Impasse da Azinhaga

18th November – 09h00 to 11h30

– Estrada da Camacha (numbers 107 to 117)

18th and 19th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho da Terça

– Caminho do Velho da Igreja

– Travessa da Alegria

– Travessa da Terça

– Vereda da Alegria

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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/14/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-88-2020/

Madeira Report 11th November by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 50 new Covid-19 cases, 32 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Saturday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 who arrived from Poland, 1 who had arrived from France, 1 who had arrived from Italy, 1 who had arrived from Malta and 6 cases of local
transmission) and 9 recoveries. Two of the cases of local transmission are connected with travellers from outside the Region who had tested positive after returning home, while the other 4 are close contacts with 1 person who had
recently tested positive for Covid-19.

On Sunday, there were 13 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passenger
who had arrived from Venezuela, 1 who had arrived from the UK, 1 who had arrived from Austria and 8 cases of local transmission) and 7 recoveries. Two of the local transmission cases are linked with travellers from outside the Region
while 6 are close contacts of people who had recently tested positive. One of the cases is from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professional. A second Covid-19 patient died in Madeira at around 21h00 on the same day. The
male patient was 94 years old and had been hospitalised at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça since the 4th of November, the day he had been diagnosed with Covid-19.

On Monday, there were 9 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 1 who had arrived from the UK, 1 who had arrived from Venezuela, 1 who had arrived from Central Portugal and 2 cases of local transmission) and
10 recoveries. The 2 cases of local transmission are linked with patients who had recently tested positive for Covid-19.

And on Tuesday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 1 who had arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 who had arrived from Switzerland and 9 cases of local
transmission) and 6 recoveries. All cases of local transmission are linked with close contacts who had tested positive for Covid-19, including 2 healthcare professionals from dental healthcare and 1 student from a school in the
Municipality of Santa Cruz.

There are currently 204 active cases, of which 143 were imported and identified through airport screening, while the other 61 were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 554 cases, 348 recoveries and 2 deaths. As for
the active cases, 123 are from non-residents while 81 are from Madeira residents.

At the moment, 14,068 people are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

There are currently 76 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 125 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 3 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are currently 61 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. A total of 7 suspected cases were identified through airport screening while 54 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19 or to calls
made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Tuesday, there had been 2,014 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

At the moment, 11,198 travellers are under monitoring by the
health authorities of several municipalities. In addition, 487 people who had contact with positive cases are under monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 104,643 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h30). Overall, 161,836 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 430 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 15,852.

So far, a total of 12 schools in Madeira have been affected by confirmed cases or isolation requirements for possible suspected contacts with infected people. Only 10 of the schools have activated their contingency plans for such
situations.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/08/14-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-na-ram-46-casos-suspeitos-e-9-recuperados/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/08/mais-13-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-na-ram-ha-70-novos-casos-suspeitos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/09/9-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-52-casos-suspeitos-e-10-recuperados/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/09/morreu-mais-uma-pessoa-com-covid-19-na-madeira/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/10/mais-14-casos-de-covid-19-61-novos-casos-suspeitos-e-6-recuperados/

More flu vaccine doses administered than in 2019

As of the 7th of November, 38,729 doses of the flu vaccine had been
administered in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. So far, more than 60% of the healthcare professionals (3,325) and 52% of the elderly population (22,263) have been vaccinated. This year, more people have been vaccinated against flu
than last year. The health authorities are awaiting for the delivery of a further 15,000 doses in the last week of November and the beginning of December. There are issues with the vaccine’s supply in the country, which means some
health centres are likely to have shortages of the vaccine.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109391/Numero_de_Vacinas_Contra_a_Gripe_administradas_superam_o_total_da_campanha_de_2019

Search called off for missing German tourist

The search for a missing German tourist has been called off. SANAS Madeira (a search and rescue organisation) expressed its deep regret that his body had not been found despite all the efforts by the regional authorities. An extensive
20-day search had been carried out in adverse sea and weather conditions. The young German tourist had gone missing after falling into the sea next the dock in São Jorge (Municipality of Santana), on the north shore of Madeira.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109556/Sanas_encerra_buscas_por_turista_desaparecido_em_Sao_Jorge

Madeira Military Museum to commemorate the Armistice Day

Today is the 102th anniversary of the Armistice and of the end of the First World War. As such, the Madeira Military Museum (Museu Militar da Madeira) will have an exhibition at São Lourenço Palace (Palácio de São Lourenço), from the
11th to the 13th of November. Entry will be free. As a result of the pandemic, a maximum of 8 people are allowed inside at the same time. Visitors are advised to book in advance.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109480/Museu_Militar_da_Madeira_assinala_102_aniversario_do_Armisticio

Navy patrol vessel arrived in Madeira

NRP Figueira Foz, a Viana do
Castelo-class patrol vessel that was launched in 2003, arrived in Madeira yesterday for another mission on the waters of Madeira. Its commanding is Lieutenant-Captain Neves Cabrita, it has a crew of 53 sailors (14 officers, 9 sergeants
and 30 enlisted) and will remain in the area until the start of December. It will replace NRP Auriga and will be patrolling Portuguese waters around Madeira, maintaining an additional search and rescue capability, providing support to
the regional authorities in the event of a calamity or natural disaster and cooperating with other state departments that deal with issues related to the sea.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109413/Navio_Figueira_da_Foz_chega_esta_terca-feira_a_Regiao_para_mais_uma_missao

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

12th November – 09h00 to 12h00

– Caminho do Pinheiro das Voltas (numbers 2, 12 and 158)

– Caminho do Poço Barral (numbers 15 to 156)

– Rua de Santa Rita (number 102)

– Vereda dos Alecrins (number 1)

12th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada do Lombo Chão (numbers 31 to 51)

– Vereda das Balceiras (numbers 9, 11 and 37)

– Impasse das Balceiras

12th and 13th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua Pedro José de Ornelas (numbers 33 and 35)

– Travessa do Damião

– Rampa do Damião

13th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada das Murteiras (number 38)

– Estrada da Terra Chã (number 31 and 74)

– Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas (numbers 238 to 301)

– Caminho das Voltas (number 33)

– Caminho da Ladeira (number 2 to 136)

– Rua Edmundo Bettencourt (number 22 to 47)

– Rua do Poço das Fontes (number 2 to 19)

– Vereda da Terra Chã (numbers 29 to 112)

– Vereda do Poço das Fontes (number 3 to 30)

– Travessa da Terra Chã (number 31)

– 2º e 3º Impasses da Vereda da Terra Chã

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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/07/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-86-2020/

Madeira Situation Report 7th November by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 19 new Covid-19 cases and 29 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Wednesday, there were 10 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Italy and 5 cases of local transmission) and 5 recoveries. One of the cases of local transmission was from a
young student from a school in Funchal. As a result, 20 students from 1 class were ordered to go into isolation.

On Thursday, there was 1 new Covid-19 case (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic) and 1 recovery.

And on Friday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain,1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 2
cases of local transmission) and 23 recoveries. The cases of local transmission are from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) professional and a healthcare professional from a private pharmaceutical unit.

There are currently 187 active cases, of which 150 were imported and identified through airport screening, while the other 37 were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 504 cases and 316 recoveries. As for the active
cases, 131 are from non-residents while 57 are from Madeira residents. The number of deaths from Covid-19 remains at 1.

At the moment, 14,068 people are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

There are currently 84 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 100 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 3 patient are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are currently 30 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. A total of 10 suspected cases were identified through airport screening while 20 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19 or to
calls made to the SRS24 helpline. As of Friday, there had been 1,964 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

At the moment, 13,842 travellers are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. In addition, 586 people who had contact with positive cases are under monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out through the
MadeiraSafe’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 102,515 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h30). Overall, 157,922 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 441 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 15,422.

So far, a total of 12 schools in Madeira have been affected by confirmed cases or isolation requirements for possible suspected contacts with infected people. Only 10 of the schools have activated their contingency plans for such
situations.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108955/Mais_10_casos_de_covid-19_Madeira_ja_ultrapassou_as_duas_centenas_de_casos_ativos

https://covidmadeira.pt/publicacao/covid-19-relatorio-de-situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-em-04-11-2020/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/05/hoje-ha-apenas-um-caso-positivo-de-covid-19-importado-da-republica-checa/

https://covidmadeira.pt/publicacao/covid-19-relatorio-de-situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-em-05-11-2020/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/06/mais-8-casos-activos-de-covid-19-na-ram-23-recuperados-e-30-suspeitos/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109019/Covid-19_ja_atingiu_12_escolas_da_Regiao_

Reduction in maximum capacity in Horários do Funchal buses

Grupo Horários do Funchal informed that the maximum passenger capacity on its buses will be reduced to 2/3. If necessary, there will be additional services on routes and at times of greater demand. Although additional services can be
provided, passengers who do not have educational or professional commitments are advised to travel at times of lesser demand, which are from 9h00 to 12h00, from 14h00 to 16h00 and after 19h0. Hand sanitiser is available to passengers
and the buses are disinfected daily and the use of face mask is mandatory while onboard the bus. Horários do Funchal also asked for passengers to behave sensibly, both at bus stops and onboard its buses.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/109068/Reducao_da_lotacao_maxima_nos_autocarros_do_Grupo_Horarios_do_Funchal




Water supply disruption

There will be several water supply disruptions next week in the Municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava, due to scheduled work on the water supply network to prevent water leaks. The following areas will be affected:

Municipality of Ribeira Brava:

Parish of Quinta Grande (Quinta Grande, Church, Igreja, Lombo and Vera Cruz) & Parish of Campanário (Tranqual, São João, Pinheiro and Lugar da Ribeira) – from 23h00 (09th November) until 03h00 (10th November)

Municipality of Câmara de Lobos:

Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeira da Alforra, Heras, Preces, Fonte da Rocha and Serrado da Adega – 10th November (from 9h00 until 13h00)

Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeira Fernanda and Quinta do Leme) – 12th November (from 9h00 until 13h00)

Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Torre and Pé do Pico) – 13th November (from 15h00 until 17h00)


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/06/arm-avisa-para-cortes-na-agua-potavel-na-quinta-grande-e-em-camara-de-lobos/

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. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

10th November – 09h00 to 11h30

– Caminho 1º de Maio

10th November – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho de Santo António (number 127)

Beco da Barrqueira (numbers 3 to 27)

Azinhaga Levada do Cavalo

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.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/07/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-86-2020/


Madeira Report Wednesday 4th November from Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 45 new Covid-19 cases and 19 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. And sadly, Madeira suffered the first death from Covid-19 on Sunday.

On Saturday, there were 7 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 4 cases of local transmission) and 12 recoveries. There were 2 cases among healthcare professionals from the Regional Health Service and
private healthcare providers. They had spent time with a traveller from Northern Portugal who tested positive after staying in Madeira for less than 5 days.

On Sunday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived
from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from France and 3 cases of local transmission that are linked to other positive cases) and 2 recoveries. On that same day, the first death from Covid-19 in the
Autonomous Region of Madeira was announced. A 97 year old female patient who lived in Funchal and who had several pre-existing conditions passed away in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. She had been in hospital since
the 27th of October.

On Monday, there were 16 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 3 who had arrived from the UK, 2 who had arrived from France, 1 who had arrived from Belgium and 4 cases of local transmission) and 4
recoveries.

And on Tuesday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 5 passengers who had arrived from Poland, 3 who had arrived from the UK, 2 who had arrived from Spain, 2 who arrived from and 1 who had arrived from the Czech Republic and 1 case of
local transmission linked to a recently diagnosed patient) and 1 recovery. The case of local transmission is linked to a case that had recently been detected in the community.

There are currently 197 active cases, of which 167 were imported and identified through airport screening, while the other 30 were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 485 cases and 287 recoveries. As for the
active cases, 148 are from non-residents while 49 are from Madeira residents. The number of deaths from Covid-19 remains at 1.

There are currently 84 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 112 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 1 patient is in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are currently 26 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. Only 1 was identified through airport screening while 25 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19 or to calls made to the SRS24
helpline. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,945 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

At the moment, 14,631 people are under monitoring by the health authorities of several municipalities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 101,292 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h30). Overall, 155,699 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 493 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 14,981.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108552/Covid-19_Mais_sete_casos_positivos_na_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108609/Madeira_com_oito_novos_casos_positivos_de_covid-19

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108746/Madeira_regista_16_novos_casos_positivos_de_covid-19

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/11/03/mais-14-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-na-regiao-26-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Madeira Regional Government to announce new Covid-19 preventive measures on Wednesday

On Monday, Miguel Albuquerque (President of the Madeira Regional Government) informed that new and additional Covid-19 preventive measures will be announced on Wednesday. As for the possible return of the State of Emergency in the
Portuguese mainland, he thinks it should have already been restored.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108733/Covid-19_Miguel_Albuquerque_anuncia_novas_medidas_de_prevencao_na_quarta-feira_

Schools took preventive measures after Covid-19 cases

Escola Salesiana do Funchal took preventive measures after being informed that the father of a Year 7 student had tested positive for Covid-19. The father himself acted very responsibly and contacted the school to inform of his
diagnosis. This allowed the school to implement preventive measures very quickly, particularly because all students from that same class had reportedly attended the same birthday party. The entire class was advised to go into isolation
and Covid-19 tests have been carried out on them.

Colégio de Santa Teresinha, in Funchal, also activated their contingency plan after a student tested positive for Covid-19. The student’s 22 classmates are now in isolation.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108711/Pai_de_aluna_dos_Salesianos_testa_positivo_e_escola_adota_medidas_preventivas

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108535/Covid-19_Ha_mais_um_caso_positivo_numa_escola__do_Funchal

Yellow level warning due to rough seas

A yellow level warning was issued in Madeira due to rough seas. The warning
is applicable to the north shore of Madeira Island and the entire island of Porto Santo, with 4-meter high waves expected from 12h00 until 18h00 (today). The warning will be in effect until today (Wednesday). Autoridade Marítima
Nacional (AMN – National Maritime Authority) advised the population to remain vigilant while at sea or in coastal areas; to avoid walking by the sea or coastal areas, on beaches and cliffs; to avoid practicing sports in areas that are
exposed to heavy seas; to avoid recreational fishing in areas that are hit by waves and to reinforce the mooring and anchoring of vessels.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108733/Covid-19_Miguel_Albuquerque_anuncia_novas_medidas_de_prevencao_na_quarta-feira_

Transavia suspended flights between Madeira and Porto

On Friday, Transavia has temporarily suspended flights between Funchal and Porto due to Covid-19 restrictions in France. Staff from Jornal de Notícias searched for future flights on this route and discovered there will be no flights
until the 2nd of December. Transavia explained passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is cancelled. Alternatively, they can change their booking and choose a new flight, for a travel until the 30th of October 2021, without
incurring any charges for re-booking.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/108607/Transavia_suspende_ligacoes_entre_o_Porto_e_a_Madeira

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 12th 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.