Algarve Situation Report Saturday 15th of August
According to DGS on Friday the number of confirmed cases in Algarve since the start of the pandemic is 957, an increase of 11 since Thursday. Local health authority has reported 229 active cases as at 13th August 2359 hrs. A total of nine are in hospital and there are none in ICU. A total of 700 have recovered
The epidemiological situation in the Algarve “is stabilized”, after two weeks “with, practically, every day with a number of new single digit daily cases”, explained Ana Cristina Guerreiro, the Regional Health Delegate, at the press conference balance sheet of the pandemic, which took place today, the 14th, in Loulé.
Numbers achieved “at the height of summer, at a time when the population of the Algarve has tripled” and which, in practice, means that the Algarve has a ratio of less than 20 infected per 100 thousand inhabitants, that is, it is within the norms Europeans consider it a safe region.
According to José Apolinário, Secretary of State who is the coordinator of the State of Alert in the Algarve, the number of active cases “has been decreasing since the beginning of the month”, thanks to the “work and commitment” of the regional entities, whether in the sector health and civil protection. He gave the example of the outbreaks that arose in the Civil Construction sector, which, according to Ana Cristina Guerreiro, became “a great concern”, but which are now under control.
“As soon as these outbreaks emerged, we immediately carried out verification and awareness actions in shipyards with more than 20 workers”, he recalled. According to the Regional Health Delegate, many of the new cases are “imported”, since they are from foreigners or Portuguese who are on vacation in the Algarve. “Every day we have cases of foreigners. Usually, people arrive here without symptoms and develop them when they are here” she said. There have also been cases related to “emigrants and foreigners working here”
GNR issues 116 administrative offenses.
The National Republican Guard (GNR), through the Territorial Detachment of Portimão, the Regional Directorate of the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) of the Algarve and the Municipality of Vila do Bispo – Municipal Civil Protection Service, carried out on 13th August, an inspection in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, against wild camping and motorhome.
The operation took place in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park and involved 22 personnel. Taking place between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, it resulted in a total of 116 vehicles being checked surveyed, of which 91 were misdemeanours resulting from camping and wild caravanning were identified, as well as illegal parking in non-permitted places, and 25 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation.
Wild camping and campervans “is a problem that has been identified for a long time and constitutes a factor in the destruction of habitats, some of which are protected, in addition to representing an illegal occupation which results in a degradation of the places used by uncontrolled deposition of waste”, explains the ICNF. Thus, these inspection actions aim to “discourage illegal and strongly degrading practices in an area of high natural value but also tourism”.
Algarve report Wednesday 12th August 2020
Data from the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11
Yesterday the Algarve had three more cases of Covid-19 according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11 released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
The number of infected with the new coronavirus in the Algarve since the beginning of the pandemic is now 934.
In Alentejo there are also three more cases this Tuesday compared to yesterday’s DGS bulletin with the cumulative total rising to 770.
Man arrested for theft of more than 200 kilos of carob in Algoz
A 43-year-old man was arrested yesterday suspected of stealing carobs, with 212 kilos in his possession, in the town of Algoz, Silves municipality, according to the National Republican Guard (GNR).
The arrest occurred following a complaint that a man was stealing carob from a piece of land, so the GNR military went “immediately to the place”, where they surprised the suspect, “who was caught in possession of 212 kilograms of subtracted carob, already packed in bags for transportation”.
In a statement, the GNR reported that the suspect was arrested and the carob recovered, adding that the facts were referred to the Silves Judicial Court.
In this context, GNR highlighted the Campo Seguro operation, which takes place throughout the national territory, in which the soldiers of this security force remain attentive to the phenomenon of theft of agricultural products, especially in the Algarve region.
Algarve report Monday 10th August 2020
Covid-19: DGS records another death in the Algarve and three new cases
The Algarve has one more death caused by Covid-19 and three new cases of the disease, according to the epidemiological bulletin this Sunday, August 9, which has just been released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). This is the second day in a row with deaths in the region, according to DGS data.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, in accumulated numbers, there have already been 929 infections in the Algarve and 17 deaths, according to DGS.
This is the second consecutive day that the Directorate General for Health counts deaths in the Algarve after more than two months without deaths in the region.
A man from the municipality of Aljezur, over 70 years old, who had been hospitalized “for several weeks in intensive care” is the latest mortal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve, this being the death that was reported in the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate- General Health
The two men the other from Loule, according to the same source, “were hospitalized for several weeks in intensive care”.
José Gonçalves, Mayor of Aljezur, regretted the death of the citizen who, “he knew well”.
There are currently 17 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to DGS. In the figures of the Regional Health Authority, however, there are 19 fatalities accounted for, since two deaths of people who died in the region were also included in their data, despite being from other districts.
Truck of Hope ends tour of the Algarve in Lagoa
Truck of Hope has done a thousand tests in the Algarve.
Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is from today and until August 14 in the municipality of Lagoa next to the Senhora da Rocha promontory doing molecular and serological tests to Covid-19 and advising the population about public health care and practices during the pandemic.
Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is a mobile unit prepared to carry out tests on the new coronavirus and with a team of health professionals available for medical advice consultations and free nursing treatments to the population.
The molecular test (detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) requires a medical prescription has resulted in 24 hours (through Unilabs) and a cost of 100 euros.
The serological test (detects the presence of antibodies) does not need a prescription has an immediate result and costs 40 euros. The opening hours to the public are from 9 am to 2 pm.
Algarve Saturday 8th of August
Covid-19 Statistics
The number of cases yesterday increased by six bringing the total to 909 since the start of the pandemic. The total of deaths stands at 17 registered.
There are 252 active cases of whom 10 are in hospital and three in intensive care. A total of 640 have recovered i.e. 70.4%
Covid-19: Outbreaks in the Algarve related to family gatherings
Many of the new covid-19 outbreaks are related to family gatherings, especially in the Algarve, the Directorate-General for Health warned today, recalling that there are currently 178 active outbreaks in the country. However, the authorities are now paying particular attention to the south of the country: “Everyone wants to socialize and everyone is at risk and this is what is happening in the Algarve”, warned Rui Portugal.
“Outbreaks are, at this moment, mainly based on family,” said Rui Portugal, explaining that it is the meetings of people who do not live together that are potentiating the new cases. “Despite being from the same family and having the same names, they have to realize that if they are in different nuclei, contagions from one nucleus to another may occur,” he warned, asking everyone to continue to maintain the rules of social distance.
Rui Portugal also recalled that the danger is not limited to groups of young people: “At this stage, a lot of attention is paid to the risk that occurs in a more social gathering, for all generations”. Labour issues are no longer “worrying the same way they did”, and are now replaced by reunions during vacation times.
ABC to test Algarvians travelling to Madeira
Through an agreement established with the Regional Government of Madeira, the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) begins to test, as of today, the citizens of the region who travel to Madeira departing from the Mainland.
The tests are free and mandatory to be booked up to 72 hours before the flight, which can be done by email (harvesting.estadio@abcmedicalg.pt, with the title “Viagem à Madeira” and reference in the email body to the postal code of residence) or by phone (966418469, between 3 pm and 7 pm), according to a statement from ABC.
Both when scheduling and when testing, the following are required: name, phone number, email and passenger’s card number / passenger’s National Health Service number; destination address in Madeira; copy of airline ticket / travel receipt.
The tests are carried out between 17h30 and 20h00, at Estádio do Algarve.
Loulé distributes thousands of masks made in the municipality to cafes, shops and restaurants
Thousands of masks made by the seamstresses of the studio where the Carnival costumes are created, as well as professionals who joined this project, are being distributed by the Municipality of Loulé, from the coast to the interior. This action has as partner the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), an entity that designed and conceived the model of the masks, guaranteeing the safety standards appropriate to the prevention of Covid-19.
This initiative started in May, with the distribution of masks to residents of social districts, the elderly and professionals in the areas of intervention and civil protection and to families who resorted to the Loulé Solidário line during the peak of the pandemic. In this first phase, more than 2,500 masks were distributed throughout the municipality.
Now, at a time when many tourists are on vacation in the municipality of Loulé, the municipality decided to extend this preventive action and distribute social masks (reusable) by the local commerce in the municipality, as a way to reinforce the safety of these professionals, as well as the image of the municipality as a safe destination.
All restaurants, shops or cafes are receiving kits containing 2 masks, disinfectant wipes and explanatory leaflet.
The CLDS 4G team Castro Marim (Com) Vida is already taking its first steps on the ground, traversing the hills of the Castro Mountains. The objective is to raise the awareness of the elderly about the care to be taken with the sun, with the right to offer a solar kit. During the month of August, it is already possible to find Odiana’s CLDS4G team to intervene directly in situ and with the population.
The motto is awareness actions with a double objective: on the one hand, to inform and raise awareness about the care to be taken with sun exposure in the elderly; on the other hand, breaking the isolation of the elderly, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The timing of this action is done in accordance with the circuit of the Mobile Health Unit in Castro and takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, in order to avoid fear or feelings of insecurity on the part of seniors. This is the first action of CLDS 4G on the ground, with a fragile population. During the visit, all the elderly receive an awareness kit consisting of a straw hat, a fan, a sample of sunscreen and a leaflet. Specific recommendations are also made addressing dehydration, adequate food and clothing and the importance of sun protection.
Wednesday 5th August 2020
Covid-19 Algarve – 9 more cases
The Algarve now has nine more cases of Covid-19 and 901 cases accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 4th released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
Small 3.9 magnitude Earthquake 68 kms south of Albufeira
No damage recorded
A 3.9 magnitude earthquake (Richter), with an epicentre 68 kms south of Albufeira, has been felt in several locations in the Algarve.
The quake was recorded at 19.03 hrs and took place at sea, 12 kms.
There were several reports from people who felt the shock in Albufeira and Loulé.
NOTE
This level is classified as a “minor earthquake” around a hundred thousand of which take place each year globally.
Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters help to put out fire in Ayamonte
“A reason to be proud”. This is how those responsible for the Eurocity of Guadiana see the collaboration between the firemen of Portugal and Spain in the extinguishing of a fire yesterday, Monday in Ayamonte, Spain.
And it was, thanks to the quick action of forest firemen, including the Portuguese, but also of the security forces, which also included the GNR the fire has not evolved further.
Commander of Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters welcomed this type of collaboration.
He says that: “Besides being a border area we belong to the Eurocity of Guadiana and we trust that through this entity we can develop more extensive broader protocols for mutual aid and strengthen ties in the field of assistance and civil protection”.
Faro launches book with fresh recipes for the elderly
The Municipality of Faro launched a cookbook prepared by the Municipality’s Support Office for the Elderly with the support of Provectus and the Prato Certo (In Loco) in a project entitled “Fresh Cuisine for seniors”.
Aware that the feeding of the elderly is a concern especially with the arrival of high temperatures, the Elderly Support Office created this project that presents food suggestions and proposals that include, for example the need to drink water.
In this book to increase water consumption dozens of recipes are suggested to make the summer fresher and healthier for everyone for example, flavoured waters among others.
This book has already been sent by mail to about 250 elderly people in the municipality who have been in contact with the Department of Social Development and Education of the municipality, in the last two years.
The county’s elderly who do not receive the book can request it at that service, located in Plaza José Afonso, nr.1.
Detained Italian who had a greenhouse with 255 cannabis plants in Monte de Paderne
A 44-year-old Italian man who had a cannabis greenhouse with 255 plants in Paderne was arrested yesterday’s morning by the GNR Criminal Investigation Centre in Albufeira.
According to the investigation that took place about a month ago, it was initiated following a complaint.
GNR has not yet found evidence that the detainee had the plants for later sale, but “taking into account the size of the plantation” there is evidence to that effect.
In addition to the 255 cannabis plants were seized 31 bags of fertilizer, a revolver 4 adapted calibre, 72 various calibres of ammunition, a computer, a tablet and two mobile phones.
Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) classified as Intangible / Spiritual Cultural Heritage of Portugal
Inclusion of the Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) in this list was published yesterday in the Diário da República.
The confirmation of the inclusion of this cultural and religious event in the municipality of Loulé in this list, took place yesterday.
This classification is the recognition of “a work we did in 2015 for the preparation of all necessary documentation and submission to the success of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Mercy) of the service registration application in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.”
This recognition is “a major step towards affirming this identity, which is not only “louletana” (from Loulé) but also of the whole Algarve, because we are talking about the most important Marian manifestation south of Fátima”.
Monday 3rd August 2020
Rural Fires – Faro District at Red Alert
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) placed the districts of Santarém and Faro on alert of red level readiness, due to the increased risk of fire, and called for the care of the populations.
“We are going to have a very severe weather picture with an increase in wind speed. In the next two days we will have a very strong wind, not only during the day, but also at night, and with reduced recovery of the moisture retained during the night,” said Miguel Cruz, district grouping commander, at a press conference at ANEPC headquarters in Carnaxide.
“In this light, the appeal is to avoid any activity that could cause any ignition,” said the official, adding that the special red alert status for districts has been determined”.
Special alert states determine the degree of readiness for fire-fighting means to respond.
In yellow alert are the districts of Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo and in orange alert the remaining districts of mainland Portugal.
Mainland Portugal will enter an Alert Situation yesterday at 20.00 hrs until the 4th, in view of the forecast of “a significant increase in the risk of rural fire”, the Government announced yesterday.
All details have been posted on the Safe Communities Portugal Facebook page
Shark sighted Tavira
The alleged sighting by people of a shark on Terra Estreita beach, in Tavira, Algarve, led, on Sunday afternoon, to the raising of the red flag in three beaches for about an hour and a half. During this period, a water scooter travelled the coast, but found no sight of the shark.
Rui Andrade, Commander of the Captaincy of Tavira, said that the alert was given by the lifeguard from Terra Estreita beach, located in Santa Luzia, Tavira, at about 13.20 hours, following reports by bathers who said they had seen a shark approaching the coast.
“In order to safeguard the integrity of the people, as always happens in these cases, we ordered the flag to be hoisted on three beaches, Terra Estreita, Barril and Ilha de Tavira. Then, the area was covered by a personal watercraft, but there were no sightings”.
The occurrence concluded at about 14.45 hours, when the green flag was raised again and bathers on the three beaches were able to return to the water.
Saturday 1th of August
Covid 19 Situation
Yesterday, the Algarve region has 266 active cases and 583 people who have already recovered from the disease, according to the report of the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro.
The counties with the most active cases are Loulé (53), Albufeira (49) and Faro (43), while Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Vila do Bispo do not register any infection. The number of recovered people rose to 583, with a rate of 67.3%, lower than the previous week’s Situation Point.
In the Algarve hospitals 10 patients are hospitalized, five of them in intensive care and 93 have been discharged since the beginning of the pandemic, while 642 people are under active surveillance.
Regarding deaths, the Regional Health Authority, which provides the data to the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, reveals that 17 people have already died from covid-19 in the region, although the Directorate-General for Health only registered 15. According to one source of the Regional Health Administration, these “two deaths occurred in the region, but people did not have residence in the Algarve”, he revealed to JA.
Marcelo says that specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority”
The existence of a specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority”, this Friday, July 31, defended the President of the Republic, after a meeting with business associations in the region, in Tavira.
At the end of this hearing, at the Hotel Vila Galé Albacora, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considered that the Algarve “needs a redoubled and specific attention”. “There is no other region in the country that depends so much on tourism, a sector that hit the bottom,” he said. The Government has already announced the elaboration of a specific recovery plan for the region, something that Rui Rio, president of PSD, also mentioned, in a recent visit to the Algarve, to be necessary.
“When the Government spoke of a specific plan for the Algarve and I saw the opposition leader talking about it, I thought it was a good sign that they understood that this is a national priority. It is neither the government nor the opposition. It belongs to everyone”, stated Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, speaking to journalists.
The Municipality of Silves has distributed food baskets to 23 households in the municipality.
The baskets are the result of a donation made by elements of the foreign community and were destined to socioeconomically deprived households, residing in several parishes in the municipality, and referenced by the municipal Social Action Sector.
In a press release, the municipality states that the baskets delivered were made up of essential products, including dairy products, olive oil, grain, beans, canned goods, pasta and crackers.
In the same note sent to the media, the Municipality of Silves “thanks the entire foreign community involved for the generous offer of these products, which naturally made a big difference in the daily lives of these families” who were more vulnerable due to the pandemic situation that we currently go through.
“We have September and October still with good weather for bathing, but above all, we have new motivations for visiting, which find their peak season in this period, namely golf, which is one of the main reasons for visiting the region”, he said.
According to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve, “with these campaigns we want to encourage last minute reservations, a trend that, given the current context, has been growing significantly”.
In the course of several complaints informing the realization of a private party, the military of the Guard carried out several actions with a view to ascertaining the location of the event, having determined the exact location, and so proceeded to inspect the party. The event was widely publicized by the organizing company on social networks, with exclusive entrance for customers with table reservation and the location transmitted only 12 hours before its start, with several guest artists.
The average national occupancy rate / room was 32.6 percent, that is, 50.9 percentage points (pp) below that seen in July 2019 (-61.0 percent). Since January, this indicator has been 63.2 percent lower (-38.5pp) than in the previous year.
Lagos alone, the increase was 220% of families supported per month, representing about 660 monthly baskets, when before the pandemic, there were 120.
Through information available in Portuguese and English, the rules for responsible use in the 25 bathing areas of the municipality and the duties of bathers are pointed out in actions promoted by the Municipal Civil Protection Service.
“The capacity of the beach is largely exceeded and there is no inspection of compliance with it. There is no social distance. There is no indication of the capacity of the beach, such as signs or flags”, criticized the user of that beach in the district of Faro.