Covid-19: The New Lockdown Measures

New restrictive measures of the new general lockdown came into force on Wednesday 20th January, leaving some people confused as to what the current regulations are. We have set the new measures out below for you, clearly and concisely. These measures are in force until 11:59 on Saturday 30th January, with the possibility of an extension or change in regulations to be announced nearer the time.

In brief, the remaining rules of the new confinement are the general duty to stay at home as much as you can, you should work from home if possible. The new regulations have called for closure of trade, with the exception of essential goods and services establishments.

Mandatory confinement

General duty to stay at home.
Travel authorised to purchase essential goods and services, performance of professional activities, attendance at school establishments, physical activity and outdoor sports, or participation in the electoral campaign or the election of the President of the Republic.
Mandatory work from home, if this is not possible then a valid declaration must be issued.
Mandatory confinement for people infected with Covid-19 or under active surveillance by the health authorities.

Limited movement between municipalities

It is forbidden to move outside your own municipality between 8pm on Friday and 5am on Monday. Exceptions are applicable.
Prohibition of access to public spaces
Individual local councils to decide which public areas to close including beaches and riverside areas. Benches, playgrounds and sports areas prohibited for use.

Education

All educational and vocational training establishments including nurseries, schools and universities are to be closed as of Friday January 22nd.

Work

Mandatory remote working, whenever the functions allow.
Companies in the service sector with more than 250 workers are to provide a list of essential workers for the business to the ACT.
Non compliance with remote working is considered a very serious offense.

Trade and services

General retail and service provision businesses are now closed to the public.
There are exceptions in place for 52 types of establishments that can continue to operate, including newsagents and tobacconists, but businesses must close at 8pm on weekdays and 1pm on weekends and holidays.
Food retail trade businesses to close at 8pm on weekdays and at 5pm on weekends and holidays.
Exceptions to closing hours apply to certain essential services including petrol stations, pharmacies and doctors.
Restaurants, bars and coffee shops

Restaurants, bars and coffee shops work exclusively for the purpose of cooking for consumption outside the establishment through home delivery or take away;
The sale of any type of drinks at the door is prohibited.
No alcoholic drink deliveries are allowed after 8pm.
Closure of all restaurants and similar spaces located in shopping centres, even for take-away, and can only work for home delivery.

Public services

Public services provide assistance in person by appointment and the provision of services through digital media and contact centres is reinforced.
Courts remain open.

Sports

Gyms closed.
Pavilions and other sports venues closed, except for the practice of individual outdoor sports, training and competitive activities.
The national teams and 1st senior division are still active, which includes the Primeira Liga, but without an audience.

Religious ceremonies

Religious ceremonies are permitted according to the rules of the Directorate-General for Health.
Support for economic activity

Creation of extraordinary measures to support workers and economic activity, taxpayers, the culture sector, consumers and trade.
Automatic access to the simplified lay-off for companies forced to close.

Fines

Fines for non-compliance with the measures to combat the pandemic. have doubled during the state of emergency.
Administrative offense for not subjecting the test on arrival at the airport, with a fine between €300 and €800.

Fees and prices

In home meal delivery services, commissions charged to restaurants limited to 20 percent and delivery fees cannot increase.
Bottled gas (LPG) subject to maximum prices.
Presidential elections

Events are allowed within the scope of the electoral campaign and the election of the President of the Republic.

NOTE: Information correct at time of initial publication, but is open to change