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Olhão Mayor on return to beaches: ‘It may seem a little strange at first’

40beach returnLast week the Government announced the rules for the use of public beaches, which are set to open on June 6th. On the Algarve’s beaches, ‘assistants’ will be present to ensure that the rules are observed and “problems are avoided”, revealed António Miguel Pina, Mayor of Olhão.

In this way, as long as one sticks to the guidelines, it will be possible to access a number of the region’s discipline beaches, but discipline is being called for from residents. Speaking to press, Pina, also president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) says that “the return to the beaches will be smooth”. Each beach, depending on its type, will have rules adapted to the new reality we live in.

Mayor Pina reveals that “people will be available to raise awareness and guidance” for beachgoers, ensuring that the measures of the Government and the Directorate-General for Health are complied with. “More eyes on the beach will help to ensure that common sense prevails”, added the President of AMAL.

It will be a situation that calls on common sense and the ability to adapt, traits that are lacking in many these days. At the beginning “it may seem a little strange to everyone, but we will continue to enjoy the beautiful Algarve beaches”, guarantees Pina.

In addition to these measures on the beaches of the Algarve, all beaches in the country must comply with the recommended social distance of 1.5 meters. The awnings, stems and tents will be rented by a person or group only once (in the morning or afternoon), then cleaned and sterilised.

The beaches will work on a traffic light type system, working as follows: a green sign indicates low occupancy (1/3), meaning that the beach is relatively empty and can be used.

Yellow indicates high occupancy (2/3), meaning that there is a relatively large number of people on the beach, but it is still open to visitors.

Red means full occupancy (3/3), and as such no one else in allowed on that specific beach.

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