World Youth Day – Safety and Security
David Thomas President Safe Communities Portugal was interviewed by Owen Gee on CrimeCheck feature on Solid Gold Sunday, yesterday 30th July, on safety and security during World Youth day 1st to 6th August 2023. David outlined that:
The events are expected to attract over one million to 1.5 million people from all over the world in Lisbon alone. Some areas where major events will be extremely crowded.
It is an unprecedented major security operation for police and health authorities, with a numbers of measure to help people have a safe and enjoyable time.
The main events will take place at Parque Eduardo 7th and “Campo da Graça” (Tejo Park). All information available from JMJ website.
10,000 PSP deployed, 300 civil protection
Various police operations in place: Anti pick pocket operation, surveillance operations on the beaches of the Cascais line. Border security with Spain has been stepped up
Heat and health
High temperatures -Importance therefore of keeping hydrated use sunscreen
There will be health stations at major events for those requiring assistance.
The assistance provided by the National Health Service 24 (SNS24) and the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) will be available in 69 languages during World Youth Day (WYD).
Drones Prohibited
Due to the visit of Pope Francis to the Shrine of Fatima, 5th August the use of unmanned aircraft (Drones) in the Cova da Iria airspace will be prohibited from July 29 to August 6, 2023.
Events what is prohibited
Ttems that cannot be taken into the JMJ main event venues: drones, fireworks, pyrotechnics, laser pointers, knives, glass objects like bottles
IPMA
IPMA will support WYD 2023 participants through the launch of a microsite with meteorological information fin English and Portuguese from 31st July for quick information available will be for 3 locations in the city of Lisbon.
Transport
World Youth Day will cause constraints to traffic, including absolute restrictions from Parque Eduardo VII to downtown Lisbon on the 1st, 3rd and 4th of August, and constraints in the Parque das Nações area and on the Passeio Marítimo de Algés in the August 5th and 6th. There will be certain stations on the yellow and blue metro lines where stations are closed.
Advice is to use public transport and avoid use of cars.
Waste
All waste produced must be deposited in containers for recycling and, if it is not recyclable, place it in the undifferentiated container; Do not discard waste
Crime prevention
· General advice given concerning looking after valuables, use your group chat to check in with each other -Share your location with friends and family on your phone ; keep details of your accommodation.
More info:
In Portuguese and English https://www.lisboa2023.org/en/ + App
Safe Communities Portugal FB page https://www.facebook.com/scalgarve
Brits in Portugal has FB page with useful info https://www.facebook.com/BritsInPortugal
#safecom
#worldyouthday
#crimeprevention
#healthsafety