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Algarve Situation Report 15th May 2020 – from our colleague reporting on the Algarve.

Cancellation of music festivals and other events

Summer music festivals and other events scheduled until September 30 will not be held in the Algarve.

In line with what had already been defined in the Council of Ministers on May 7, AMAL decided, at the Council meeting, that all music festivals and other events that may mean crowds of people will be postponed to 2021.

Considering that there is a moment of uncertainty in the context of the pandemic of COVID-19, the local authorities in the Algarve continue to assume as priorities to prevent the disease, contain the pandemic and save lives.

Thus, Festivals such as Seafood (Olhão), Sardinha (Portimão), MED (Loulé), FATACIL (Lagoa), Medieval Days (Castro Marim), Feira da Serra (São Brás de Alportel) or Mediterranean Diet (Tavira), the Hunting and Fishing Fair (Albufeira), the Ham Festival (Monchique), the Medieval Fair (Silves) among others, will only take place next year.

The municipalities of the Algarve have also decided not to hold other smaller events that involve large concentrations of people.

The mayors fear that the non-realization of larger events may increase the demand for other events, which may imply an outflow of the usual.

However, this decision may not be applied to all events, and will be taken, on a case-by-case basis, and by each of the municipalities, considering the evaluation of the conditions for its realization in view of the evolution of the pandemic and their physical conditions.

Social and Economic Emergency Plan for the Algarve

The District Coordinating Committee of Bloco de Esquerda (BE) has produced a Social and Economic Emergency Plan for the Algarve for the years 2020/21 that will be presented online, tomorrow, May 15th.

The document contemplates several proposals, covering different areas, such as support to people and companies, employment, housing, health, education, housing, mobility, environment, agriculture, fisheries, water, university and media.

This Plan will be the subject of legislative initiatives to be delivered soon to the Assembly of the Republic by the Parliamentary Group of the Left Block.

“COVID-19 is the first pandemic of the globalization era and has reached, very quickly, all continents and no country has been able to apply instruments to effectively tackle it, preventing serious social and economic consequences for a period over time, as long as there is no vaccine or treatment for the new coronavirus. This pandemic exposed the weaknesses of the country’s economy and, in particular, the Algarve, which depends almost exclusively on tourism”, justifies the Bloco de Esquerda, in a note sent to the Barlavento editorial staff.

“The Algarve really appears as the most vulnerable region in the country and if extraordinary measures are not taken in the short and medium term, the impacts of the crisis will prove to be catastrophic”.

In this way, the District Secretariat of BE Algarve will present the Plan, Friday, May 15, at 5 pm.

Municipality of Vila Real de Santo António will distribute, for free, a reusable mask for each citizen

Throughout the month of May, the Municipality of Vila Real de Santo António will distribute, for free, a reusable mask for each citizen, through the “solidarity mask” project.

With this measure, the municipality intends, “to contribute to the security of all Vila Realians and to stop the spread of Covid-19, namely during the phases of dis-confinement that follow”, points out the Municipality’s note.

The mask can be lifted by presenting the Identity Card or Citizen Card, with collection points available in the three parishes in the municipality.

According to the Mayor of Vila Real de Stº António, “There are 20 thousand masks, one for each citizen, which, we believe, will contribute to the safety of everyone and help us to overcome the challenges that follow”.

Thursday 14th May

DGS Report

The number of Covid-19 cases increased to 351 in the Algarve, one more than Tuesday.

Despite this new case in the Algarve, when analysing the DGS municipal data, there is no change in the number of infected in the municipality. As for the number of deaths in the region, they remain at 14.

Minister Ana Godinho praises ABC’s extraordinary work

The Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) has, until yesterday, performed 14 thousand tests on employees and home users, as well as on day care workers, in the Algarve region, in the Baixo Alentejo and Alentejo Litoral, announced today Nuno Marques, director of ABC .

This official was speaking during the visit that Ana Mendes Godinho, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, made this afternoon to the Quinta dos Pardais Children’s Center, in Albufeira, owned by the local Santa Casa da Misericórdia, one of the day care centers that will open in next the 18th.

Nuno Marques added that, in the homes of the elderly in the Algarve and in all the structures associated with them, 8152 tests have been carried out so far. “We did, therefore, many more than the 6000 we planned to do so.

In the 105 institutions tested (users and employees), “we only had one case of a positive home [that of Misericórdia de Boliqueime], but that was identified in a timely manner, which allowed for its adequate isolation”.

All other tests in the remaining Algarve institutions for the elderly were negative. “I never liked the term” negative “so much,” confessed the ABC director.

Loulé Library

The Municipal Library Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, in Loulé, will open its doors to the public again from next Tuesday, May 19, after having closed on March 10 as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID -19, within the scope of the Municipal Contingency Plan, and having operated for a month on a take-away basis, with the loan of books at the door of the building.

In this reopening, the services will be conditioned and all the guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health will be followed in terms of health security, hygiene of space and documentary material, guarantee of social distance between users, among other measures.

In the last two weeks of May, the Library will operate at an adapted time, at its headquarters and in each of its centers, but with rules common to all spaces, namely the non-availability of periodicals for reading, guidance by technicians in accessing spaces, in order to guarantee physical distance (2 meters) or access to shelves to be carried out exclusively by Library technicians.

Union of Journalists wants explanations from the Government about incident with Lusa team at the Castro Marim border

The Union of Journalists (SJ) has asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to explain why a reporting team from the Lusa agency, duly accredited, was prevented from crossing the border into Spain in Ayamonte, Castro Marim, on Thursday 8th May.

“As the SJ learned, the Lusa team was informed that the passage of journalists is not foreseen in the cooperation agreement between Portugal and Spain in force for the pandemic period. The union was told that Portuguese journalists cannot enter Spain, just as Spanish journalists cannot enter Portugal” said a union source.

In a statement, the SJ says that “it does not understand the arguments used” and recalls that “many other professionals from both countries are allowed to cross the common border”, considering “that such a decision represents an attack on press freedom”.

In “defence of the right to information”, the SJ claims to have reported the incident to the Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas de España (FAPE) and the European Federation of Journalists, “in order to pressure the governments of Portugal and Spain to specify, in the renewal of the cross-border agreement, which ends on the 17th, the exemption of journalists from restrictions on circulation”.

ituation Report Madeira 13th – 14th May – From our colleague reporting on Madeira

There were no new Covid-19 cases in Madeira for the eighth consecutive day and the overall number of cases stands at 90.

Two Funchal residents and two from Câmara de Lobos Municipality have recovered. There are now 59 recoveries and 31 active cases.

So far, there have been 1,518 suspected cases,
1,428 of which turned out to be negative. There are 253 people under active monitoring and 73 in self-monitoring.

As for Covid-19 testing, on the 13th of May, 82 tests were carried out on patents at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, of which 64 came back negative and 18 are being analysed. So far, 1,639 samples have been collected from patients at this
hospital.

On the same day, 151 samples were collected at Estruturas Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas (ERPI – a type of care homes for the elderly) and all came back negative. So far, 2,049 samples have been collected from ERPI.

Overall, 6,745 samples from 5,991 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 28 calls from Wednesday to Thursday. The total number of calls made to this helpline is 7,545. So far, the Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to support people in confinement has received 799 calls. The number of people being monitored is 108.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/14/covid-19-ha-hoje-mais-quatro-casos-recuperados-e-nenhum-novo-caso-activo-na-ram/


Funchal beaches and seaside swimming complexes to reopen

Funchal beaches and resorts are opening today, under strict safety rules and reduced capacity.

All necessary work is being undertaken to ensure compliance with the relevant sanitary rules.

Today, Lido Swimming Complex and Barreirinha Swimming Complex are reopening.

Tomorrow, Ponta Gorda Swimming Complex and Doca do Cavacas Swimming Complex, including the existing natural swimming pool, will be reopening.

There will be a maximum capacity of about 1,000 people at Lido Swimming Complex and Ponta Gorda Swimming Complex, 450 people at Barreirinha and 250 people at Doca do Cavacas.

All swimming complexes will have the following working hours: 9h00 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 19h00. The facilities will be disinfected during the lunchtime period, from 13h00 to 15h00.

All facilities will have clear and distinguished areas for entering and leaving.

There will be adequate protective measures at ticket offices and clear signalling to ensure social distancing. Disinfectant dispensers will be placed in busier areas.

All members of the public are required to follow the mandatory social distancing rules and to wear face masks in service and sanitary areas, including when moving into and out of these areas.

The swimming pools in the remain resorts will be closed.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92672/Covid-19_Praias_do_Funchal_reabrem_a_partir_de_sexta-feira_sob_apertadas_medidas_de_seguranca

Guidelines for restaurant customers

  1. a) Customers must wash hands with water and soap or an alcohol-based solution, when entering and leaving the premises. Hand-washing with water and soap is preferable before meals.
  2. b) Social distancing rules must be respected (2 metres distance between people – not applicable to the people customers came with).
  1. c) Prioritise payment that does not required physical contact between the staff member and the customer (for example by using a contactless payment system).

These guidelines are also applicable to food trucks.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92701/Conhecidas_as_regras_para_funcionamento_dos_restaurantes

Guidelines for public services

Whenever possible, contact by electronic or other non-presencial means should be prioritised.

Social distancing rules will apply. The maximum capacity inside the premises will be limited to 1/2. It will be up to the civil servant in charge of each office or service to decide the number of members of the public allowed inside, as
mandated by the Regional Heath Authority guidance.

All members of the public and civil servants in face-to-face service must wear face masks.

Members of the public should prioritise payment through electronic means in face-to-face service.

These measures are not applicable to health care staff, civil protection staff and all essential workers needed to ensure continuing essential public services.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92700/Conheca_os_termos_do_regresso_da_funcao_publica_

Reopening of marine and other outdoor tour operators

The Madeira Regional Government has allowed the reopening of sea tour operators, with the following rules:

All vessels, apart from small unpowered vessels and jet skis (personal watercraft), must have a maximum capacity of 70% or less (if needed) to ensure there is appropriate social distancing between customers.

Hand hygiene products must be provided.

Face masks must be worn by staff and customers.

The vessel must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

The Regional Government has also allowed outdoor sporting, recreational or cultural activities provided by tour companies or travel agencies that are legally certified to provide cultural tourism, outdoor tourism (on foot or in
vehicles).

All vehicles must have maximum capacity of 70%, although only the driver is allowed to be in the front seats of vehicles with a maximum capacity of 9 seats.

Hand hygiene products must be provided.

Face masks must be worn by staff and customers.

The vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92687/Reabertura_atividade_dos_operadores_maritimo-turisticos

Cable cars to reopen

Cable cars are reopening on the 18th of May. All cabins must be used individually unless by families or adults accompanying minors. Face mask use is mandatory for both customers and staff. Hand disinfecting before boarding the cabin and
periodic cabin disinfecting are also mandatory.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92689/Reabertura_Telefericos_retomam_atividade_a_18_de_maio

Bars and restaurants to reopen

Bars and restaurants will also reopen on the 18th of May, with mandatory distancing between tables, capacity limits, face mask wearing, among other rules that will be announced in the following days.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92688/Reabertura_Bares_e_restaurantes_tambem_abrem_segunda-feira

Madeira Casino to reopen

Casino da Madeira (Madeira Casino) will reopen on the 20th of May. Safety measures, such as the use of certain forms of PPE, social distancing and sanitary safety will be applicable.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92685/Reabertura_Casino_da_Madeira_autorizado_a_abrir_a_20_de_maio

Street markets to reopen

Street markets and street vendors selling food, drinks, tobacco, textiles, clothing, footwear, handbags, etc will be allowed to reopen on the 18th of May.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92681/Bancas_e_feiras_abrem_dia_18

Albufeira creates reception centre for homeless people

The Municipality of Albufeira leased a “hostel” for two months located in Brejos for homeless people at this stage of the pandemic. Logistical support is provided through its Civil Protection Social and Education Services. The City Mayor visited the facilities at the beginning of May to see the normal functioning of the Centre saying that “the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic aggravates all the difficulties experienced by homeless people and socially disadvantaged people and we couldn’t ignore this situation”. It should be mentioned the strict collaboration of all health services in the region. Source -Algarve Primeiro.

Lagoa Municipality meets with tour operators linked to the beach, coast and coastline sectors

Lagoa Municipality met with concessionaire’s services in support of the county’s beaches to know their positions on the 2020 bathing season. Source -Algarve Primeiro.

Algarve reaches 350 infected

The General Directorate of Health (DGH) announced this Tuesday the existence of 1,163 deaths in Portugal 19 more compared to yesterday. In relation to the Algarve

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

    PAN questions Olhão about possible environmental crime along the Ria

    Pan denounces that tons of construction and demolition waste (RCD) were recently launched in a protected area of Ria Formosa Natural Park, tons of construction and demolition waste (RCD) with the objective of building an access ramp for trucks and backhoes next to the boarding departure pier for the Islands in Olhão.

    In the area where the access ramp was installed discharges of urban and industrial wastewater exist for several years from old illegal connections to the rainwater collection net a regrettable situation that should have been resolved a long time ago. Source – Jornal Barnavento.

    Loulé repudiates slaughter of healthy mature trees in Ancão

    In response and clarification to the news that became public in the media and social networks regarding the environmental attack on massive cutting of trees on the land adjacent to Praia do Ancão the Municipal Council of Loulé clears that this action was not carried out under any urban planning operation subject to prior control. Source – Jornal Barnavento.

    Escola EB 2.3 Santo António and UAlg pick up some vegetables for people in need

    “To be able to do something that helps those who are in need contributes a lot not only to my happiness but also to those who will have this support” said a student of UAlg (university of the Algarve).. After the work lettuce, broccoli and cabbage were donated to the Homeless Support Centre (CASA). Source – Sul Informação.

    Alentejo farmers and processors donate wheat, flour and pasta to the Food Bank

    The farmers of Alentejo Cereals, the Germen and Cerealis delivered to the ´Food Bank Against Hunger´ some four tons of flour and a ton of pasta produced from wheat from the Alentejo. Source – Sul Informação.

    Man who hit his partner in front of the GNR was arrested in Loulé

    A 42-year-old man who attacked his partner with “punches, kicks and hair-pulling” and right in front of GNR police pushed her to the ground and tried to continue hitting her was arrested on Saturday in Celões in the municipality of Loulé. The woman was sent to the Hospital of Faro. The detainee after being present at the Loulé Judicial Court after being present at the Loulé Judicial Court he was in remand. Source – Sul Informação.

    Tuesday 12th May 2020

    COVID-19: Algarve registers new death

    In the Algarve there are two new cases of COVID-19 infection bringing the count to 348 with another death to be regretted bringing the records to 14.

    Portimão will exempt restaurant establishments from paying terrace fees

    Portimão will exempt restaurant establishments from paying terrace fees, allowing the installation of new ones and the increase of existing ones, to offset the economic impact caused by the covid-19 pandemic, announced the municipality.

    The municipality of Faro specified in a statement that the measures will be in force until the end of the year, “with an exceptional and temporary character and aims to mitigate the harmful effects of the crisis caused by the new coronavirus in the social and business fabric of Portimão”.

    The proposal presented by President Isilda Gomes (PS) and unanimously approved at an executive meeting, will be submitted for discussion and approval by the Municipal Assembly.

    “The proposal took into account the importance that restaurants and hotels have for the local economy and the fact that this is one of the sectors that, in recent months, has suffered the greatest negative impact”, reads the statement.

    The document authorizes establishments to extend their activity to the public space, sidewalks, streets and adjacent squares, through an extraordinary and simplified procedure for licensing esplanades.

    “Restaurants and the like can increase their capacity and guarantee, at the same time, more security conditions for their customers”, said the municipality.

    Fourth fatal victim at Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime

    A 90-year – old user from the home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime is the 4th fatal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve.

    The elderly woman passed away yesterday, Sunday, at the Hospital de Faro, where she was hospitalized, announced the Misericórdia de Boliqueime on her Facebook page.

    This is the fourth death since the start of the pandemic in this nursing home, prompted by the new coronavirus, where the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on April 3.

    As Sílvia Sebastião, provider of the SCM in Boliqueime, revealed to the Sul Informaco , that Maria Ana Coelho Inácio was already struggling with several health problems before contracting the new coronavirus. “She was a very weak person, who was in a wheelchair,” he said.

    A Citizen’s movement wants a free Algarve of 5G technology

    A movement of citizens from the Algarve is demanding the immediate suspension of the process of installing fifth generation telecommunications technology commonly known as 5G.

    “We demand that the government cease immediately the implementation and testing of 5G technology in Portugal. We demand the immediate application of the Precautionary Principle and an end to this attack on human health and Portuguese democracy”.

    Portimão Campaign Hospital is now operational

    Portimão Campaign Hospital installed in the Portimão Arena will remain on standby at least for the next summer as a preventive measure facing the development of Covid-19 pandemic particularly in this phase of gradual deflation.

    Covid.19: Union of Faro Parishes donates 90 stethoscopes for health professionals

    The Union of Faro Parishes was invited to visit the facilities about the facilities and operation of the CHUA field hospital at the Sporting Clube Farense Pavilion which can if necessary to receive patients infected with the SARS-CoV 2 virus, having this authority supported the structure with the donation of 90 stethoscopes for use by health professionals. (Algarve Primero)

    New-borns from the municipality of Silves receive “Mimos D’avós” (“Grandparents Pampering)

    This is a project recently launched by the Municipality of Silves in collaboration with the Poles of Lifelong Education, which aims to welcome the new-borns of the municipality with the offer of a symbolic layette consisting of three pieces. (Algarve Primeiro)

    Union of Lagoa and Carvoeiro Parishes reopen customer services

    The municipality confirms that the initiative “Protect yourself Stay at home we will go for you” will continue through, as it has already helped about two hundred people.

    The public service will take place on a continuous schedule between 9 am and 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Whenever there is no need for the citizen to go to the services in person they should continue to telephone at 282 352 655 or by email (geral@uf-lagoa.pt).

    Monday 11th May 2020

    Covid-19: Algarve with 1 more infected

    The General Directorate of Health announced this Sunday the following figures for the Algarve: Infections –

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

    In the Algarve there are 346 infected – 1 more compared to the count released on Saturday – and 13 deaths. A figure that has been the same for several days now. Source – Algarve Primeiro.

    A thousand people prevented from entering Spain through the Algarve

    Since the replacement of the borders between Portugal and Spain almost two months ago about a thousand people have been prevented from entering that country through the Castro Marim border but cross-border workers have been able to pass without difficulties. Source – Algarve Pimeiro.

    Monchique uses ecological machines to disinfect public spaces

    The Municipality of Monchique informed that at the time of reopening some services and commerce throughout the municipality as well as the gradual return to operation and service to the public by some municipal services a cleaning and disinfection generating plan was initiated that includes all public spaces. Source – Algarve Pimeiro.

    Facebook groups help hundreds in Portimão and Faro

    Created at the beginning of the new Coronavirus pandemic groups on Facebook social network gathered hundreds of people willing to help with food products, equipment for individual safety computers for children, clothing and even psychological support. One of these groups will soon be formalised as a non-profit association. In the capital of the Algarve, the group ‘Let’s all help Faro’, is little more than a month old but counts 3,400 members and has managed to offer help to 51 families and 211 people. ´COVID Marafade´ brings together makers and goodwill and brings together several solidarity projects mainly centralised in the municipality of Portimão. Source – Jornal Barlavento.

    Serve Portimão questions closure of Intensive Care during pandemic

    Considering the news that has been made public about the closure of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Portimão unit of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) Servir Portimão Municipal Group led by Hugo Mariano questions this decision.

    “The Portimão Hospital had six places in the Intensive Care Unit for patients with COVID-19, a number that in the opinion of the regional authorities and hospital management would be enough to face the pandemic. Both the national authority as well as the CHUA management itself, anticipate the existence of a second wave of contagions soon”. Source – Jornal Barlavento.

    Luxury brand counterfeiters already cash in with masks against Covid-19

    The counterfeiting industry has already adapted to the new times and is taking advantage of the covid-19 pandemic to launch new products that everyone needs right now. They are common fabric masks but they bear the symbols of major luxury clothing brands of the major national football clubs or even of automobiles. The products some made in Portugal and without any type of certification are for sale on the Internet on advertising sites or on social networks. ASAE is attentive. Source – Sul Informação.

    BACK TO MAJOR INCIDENT PAGE

Situation Report Madeira 12th to 13th May
– From our colleague reporting on Madeira

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases in Madeira for a seventh consecutive day and the overall number of cases stands at 90. There are now 55 recoveries and 35 active cases.

So far, there have been 1,517 suspected cases, 1,427 of which turned out to be negative. There are 260 people under active monitoring and 69 in self-monitoring.

As for Covid-19 testing, on the 12th of May 84 tests were carried out
on patents at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, of which 82 came back negative and 2 are being analysed. So far, 1,569 samples have been collected from patients at this hospital.

On the same day, 159 samples were collected at Estruturas Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas (ERPI – a type of care homes for the elderly) and all came back negative. So far, 1,898 samples have been collected from 22 ERPI. Overall, 6,507
samples from 5,789 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 27 calls from Tuesday to Wednesday. The total number of calls made to this helpline is 7,517. So far, the Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to support people in confinement has received 779 calls. The number of people being monitored is 106.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92555/Covid-19_Madeira_volta_a_nao_registar_novos_casos

Testing for kindergarten and nursery school staff

All staff from kindergartens and nursery schools who are returning to work will have to be tested for Covid-19. Testing for about 2,000 staff is scheduled to start next week so that the results are known before the reopening of these
premises.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92558/Funcionarios_das_creches_em_testes_de_despiste_a_covid-19_na_proxima_semana

Porto Santo Line journeys cancelled

Porto Santo Line informed that today’s scheduled journeys (Funchal – Porto Santo at 8h00 & Porto Santo – Funchal at 18h00) have been canceled due to poor weather. Bookings for these journeys will be automatically moved to Saturday (16th
May: Funchal – Porto Santo at 8h00 & Porto Santo – Funchal at 18h00). Passengers who wish to reschedule their booking for another day (free of charge) can do so by sending an email to
info@portosantoline.pt or calling 291 210 300 (on weekdays from 09h00 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 18h00).

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92526/Porto_Santo_Line_cancela_viagens_de_14_de_maio_de_e_para_o_Porto_Santo

Situation Report Madeira 12th to 13th May
– From our colleague reporting on Madeira

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases in Madeira for a sixth consecutive day and the overall number of cases stands at 90. In more good news, a resident from Funchal Municipality and another from Câmara de Lobos Municipality
recovered. There are now 55 recoveries and 35 active cases. All patients are in isolation at home or in designated hotels.

So far, there have been 1,497 suspected cases, 1,407 of which turned out to be negative. There are 224 people under active monitoring and 46 in self-monitoring.

As for Covid-19 testing, on the 11th of May 53 tests were carried out on patents at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, of which 50 came back negative and 3 are being analysed. So far, 1,488 samples have been collected from patients at this
hospital and processed.

On the same day, 169 samples were collected at Estruturas Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas (ERPI – a type of care homes for the elderly) and all came back negative. So far, 1,740 samples have been collected from 20 ERPI. A further 10
tests were carried out in hotels and all came back negative. So far, 636 samples have been collected from hotel customers. Overall, 6,254 samples from 5,559 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM
(Madeira Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 40 calls from Monday to Tuesday. The total number of calls made to this helpline is 7,490. So far, the Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every
day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to support people in confinement has received 748 calls. The number of people being monitored is 105.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/12/nao-ha-mais-doentes-covid-19-hoje-mas-ha-mais-dois-recuperados-estes-ultimos-sao-agora-55/


Gyms allowed to reopen

Gyms were allowed to reopen yesterday. However, it does not mean all gyms reopened. The following guidelines were issued for gyms:

  • Must comply with strict social distancing, safety and hygiene standards.
  • Gyms have a maximum capacity of 1/3.
  • Indoor group classes or with more than 2 people (including personal trainer/staff) are banned.
  • Outdoor group classes are allowed as long as there is one person per each 5 square metres.
  • Changing rooms closed and must not be used.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/12/museus-e-centros-culturais-reabrem-a-14-de-maio-e-embarcacoes-de-recreio-navegam-a-15-ginasios-ja-puderam-reabrir/

More facilities reopening

Tomorrow (14th of May), museums, art galleries, cultural centres, libraries and repositories will reopen, with protective measures (wearing face masks), social distancing and hygiene rules.

And on the 15th of May, pleasure vessels will be allowed to sail in Madeira territorial waters. Pleasure vessels can be sailed and anchored but must only use the port, pier or marina from where they
departed.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/12/museus-e-centros-culturais-reabrem-a-14-de-maio-e-embarcacoes-de-recreio-navegam-a-15-ginasios-ja-puderam-reabrir/


Water supply disruption

Due to scheduled work on water pipes, there will be a water supply disruption on Thursday (14th of May), from 10h00 until 12h00, in the parish of Santo António da Serra (Fajã das Vacas, Portela and Ribeira de Machico).

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/12/arm-anuncia-interrupcao-no-fornecimento-de-agua-do-santo-da-serra/

Situation Report Madeira 11th to 12th May – From our colleague reporting on Madeira

Maderia Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases for a fifth consecutive day. The number of cases remains at 90, with 37 active cases and 53 recoveries.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92371/Madeira_sem_novos_casos_positivos_por_covid-19


Funchal Municipality to deliver face shields to Funchal shops

The Funchal Municipality (Câmara Municipal) will start delivering face shields to Funchal shop owners and shopkeepers. This is another measure to ensure a safer reopening of the economy by protecting both staff and customers. Face
shields can be ordered on the following website:

http://tiny.cc/j70voz

Below is a translation of the online form:

  • Nome completo do requerente – Full name
  • Nome do estabelecimento comercial – Name of the shop/company/business
  • Número de identificação fiscal (NIF) – Tax number
  • Morada Completa – Full address
  • Código postal – Postcode
  • Contacto telefónico – Phone number
  • Endereço de e-mail – Email address
  • Indique o número de viseiras pretendidas – Tick the number of face shields required
  • Declaração de consentimento para tratamento de dados pessoais – Data processing agreement

  • Autorizo o tratamento dos meus dados pessoais pela Câmara Municipal do Funchal. Os dados recolhidos neste formulário, destinam-se exclusivamente a tratamento interno e serão geridos no estrito cumprimento do RGPD, (UE) 2016/679,
    nova lei europeia de proteção de dados.

    – I give my consent for my personal data to be processed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal (Funchal Municipality). The data in this form is solely for internal processing and will be processed strictly in accordance with General Data
    Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“RGPD”), the new European data processing legislation.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92372/CMF_vai_entregar_viseiras_aos_comerciantes_funchalenses

Porto Moniz Municipality facilities to reopen

The Municipality-owned mooring winch at Porto Moniz harbour (porto de abrigo) can now be used by leisure boats allowed to sail and which use these facilities to land or to depart.

9th May – Cemeteries to reopened, at the usual opening times.

Face mask use is mandatory and social distancing rules must be complied with.

Wakes are banned in areas where they usually take place.

Crowd limits, sanitary safety and social distancing rules to continue to apply at funeral ceremonies.

11th May – Porto Moniz Centro de BTT (mountain biking) reopened

Some supporting facilities, such as changing rooms will remain closed.

14th May – Reopening of Aquário da Madeira (Madeira Aquarium), Biblioteca Municipal (Municipal Library) and Espaço Multiusos de Porto Moniz

With a maximum capacity of 1/3 in each facility and requirement for the published sanitary safety rules to be complied with.

15th May – Reopening of Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz (Porto Moniz cable car)

With a maximum capacity of 1/3 in each cabin.

For use by farmers with farms in Calhau das Achadas da Cruz.

Requirement for the published sanitary safety rules to be complied with.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/11/porto-moniz-reabre-aquario-a-14-e-teleferico-das-achadas-da-cruz-a-15/

Situation Report Madeira 10th to 11th May
– From our colleague reporting on Madeira

Covid-19 update

There were no new cases for a fourth consecutive day. The number of cases remains at 90, with 37 active cases and 53 recoveries.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/10/madeira-sem-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-pelo-4-o-dia-consecutivo/

Reopening guidelines

The Regional Madeira announced guidance for the reopening of
certain businesses. The main slogan is “to restart, protect and recover”. The following guidelines were announced:

General Rules

  • Mandatory isolation for people who are infected or under active monitoring.
  • Civic duty of home confinement.
  • Ban on events or gatherings.
  • Face mask use is recommended.
  • Social distancing rules must be followed (a minimum of 2 metres).
  • Compliance with hygiene and respiratory etiquette guidelines.

Shopping centres

  • Shopping centres must have a contingency plan.
  • Rules for commercial businesses must be complied with, with shopping centres required to follow the international guideline of only one person per 25 square meter of space.
  • Separate areas must be created for vehicles and people to enter and leave the premises.
  • Separate paths must be created inside to prevent people from crossing paths.
  • Signs must be placed to warn people to comply with social distancing rules.
  • There must be permanent equipment for the disinfection and hygiene of all common areas (lifts, cash machines, escalators, toilets)
  • Until the Regional Government decides otherwise, all coffee shops and restaurants must remain closed, although take-away services are allowed.

Reopening of shops and service providers

  • All staff and customers inside premises must wear face masks.
  • All premises must have hygiene and disinfection protocols.
  • Body temperature checks for staff at the start and end of their shifts.
  • Premises and parking lots must have a maximum capacity of 1/3.
  • Social distancing rules must be complied with while inside or walking to/from the premises.

Barbers, hairdressers, beauty salons

  • By appointment only in order to avoid gatherings while waiting to be served (all gatherings are banned).
  • All tools and equipment must be disinfected after each customer has been served.
  • Social distancing between customers must be ensured, with 1/3 occupancy of the premises allowed.
  • All staff and customers must wear face masks.
  • An alcohol based (70%) antiseptic solution must be available at the entrance and its use must be encouraged.
  • Maximum capacity of 50%, according to the number of work seats available.

Public transport

  • Mandatory face mask use.
  • Maximum capacity of 50%.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/10/proteger-recomecar-e-recuperar-sao-palavras-chave-do-desconfinamento-veja-imagens-e-video/

Covid-19 press conferences

The press conferences for Covid-19 updates in Madeira will no longer be daily. Instead, there will be a weekly press conference every Friday. A press release, along with an epidemiological update, will be published on the remaining
days.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92257/Covid-19_Conferencias_de_imprensa_passam_a_ser_feitas_uma_vez_por_semana

Visits to care homes banned

Visits to care homes will continue to be banned. No decision to reverse it will be taken until testing has been carried out in all care homes in Madeira.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92255/Covid-19_Proibicao_de_visitas_aos_lares_vai_manter-se_na_Regia

Situation Report Madeira 9th to 10th May
– From our colleague reporting on Madeira

Covid-19 update

There were no new cases for a third consecutive day. The number of cases remains at 90, with 37 active cases. A patient from Santa Cruz has recovered, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 53. So far, there have 1,446 suspected
cases of which 1,356 were ruled out.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92168/Covid-19_Madeira_sem_novos_casos_ha_tres_dias

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92171/Covid-19_Madeira_tem_mais_um_caso_recuperado

VAT deductible on face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitisers

The Portuguese Government reduced to 6% the VAT (IVA) on face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Furthermore, VAT on these products will be deductible as health expenditure. This will bring some financial relief to families who
are facing this additional and unexpected financial expense. On average, a packet with 5 face masks will cost around €11. Assuming only 1 mask is be used per day, it could mean a monthly expenditure of €66.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/09/mascaras-e-gel-passam-a-entrar-nas-despesas-para-o-irs/


Police broke up a football match

The Police (PSP) were called to intervene to stop a football match, between friends, that was taking place at Quinta Deão, at around 17h45. Gatherings are not allowed under the current pandemic restrictions. There have been some
gatherings since the end of the state of emergency, which the Police have promptly broken up.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/09/policia-suspende-partida-de-futebol-na-quinta-deao-e-manda-cumprir-a-regra-de-distanciamento-social/

Lufthansa to resume flights to Madeira

In a further sign of the gradual reopening of the local economy, Lufthansa announced it will resume flights between Frankfurt and Madeira on the 3rd of June.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/92183/Lufthansa_voltara_a_voar_para_a_Madeira_no_dia_3_de_junho


Rubbish and recycling collection to resume on Monday

Águas e Resíduos da Madeira informed that normal residential rubbish and recycling collection will resume on Monday (11th May) in the Municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Machico, Porto Santo, Ribeira Brava and Santana.

The schedule for the rubbish and recycling collection is available on the Águas e Resíduos da Madeira website. Some localities may have collection in different days. The relevant Portuguese words and sentences were translated and can be
read below:

2ª Feira – Monday; 3ª Feira – Tuesday; 4ª Feira – Wednesday; 5ª Feira – Thursday; 6ª Feira – Friday; segunda a sexta – from Monday to
Friday;

Recolha Indiferenciados – General waste.

Recolha Ecoponto – Recycling Collection.

Recolha gratuita – Free collection.

Recolha gratuita nas 2 primeiras horas para clientes domésticos – Free collection for domestic customers in the first 2 hours.

Vidro – Glass; Plástico/Metal – Plastic/Metal items; Papel/Cartão – Paper/Cardboard

Verdes – Garden waste (leaves, grass, tree branches, etc).

Monos – Bulky waste that cannot be collected through the usual rubbish bins (large household items such as furniture, washing machines, mattresses, etc)

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/05/09/arm-retoma-circuitos-normais-de-recolha-de-residuos-urbanos/

http://www.aguasdamadeira.pt/Res%C3%ADduos/Recolhaderes%C3%ADduos/Diasezonasderecolha.aspx#.XrdkQy2ZMWp