Reopening plan /3rd Phase
[Updated 1st June]

During the outbreak of pneumonia by the new Coronavirus – COVID-19 the Portuguese government has been taking all necessary public health measures to protect the entire population, and is currently in the 3rd phase of the reopening plan, which started in may.  The analysis of the evolution of the outbreak is constant and implementation of new measures will be carried out whenever necessary.

General behaviour guidelines were enacted, in which all people must adopt a social distance (2 meters) and the use of face masks is mandatory in public transport and services, shops and supermarkets, in closed spaces or in places with many people.

In order to prevent the spread of the virus and the possibility of contagion, all services should take hygiene and sanitisation measures according to the indications of the Directorate-General for Health, with specific recommendations for various sectors of activity.  In tourism, the “Clean & Safe” seal, defined by Turismo de Portugal, was implemented, which allows tourists to have greater security and confidence in the use of accommodation establishments, in the various tourist services and tourist attractions.

In the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, both regional governments have enacted some specific measures.

Detailed information about the Deconfinement Plan at https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/ (in Portuguese)
Azores - https://covid19.azores.gov.pt
Madeira - www.visitmadeira.pt

• Travel within Portuguese territory / Border restriction
  There are no specific restrictions on mobility, but social distancing rules and the use of face masks should always be observed.
  
  On the land border, document control will continue until 15 June, maintaining the right of national citizens, holders of residence or work permits to enter the country. The movement of goods and merchandise is permitted, as well as emergency vehicles.
  Authorized Crossing Points at the Land Border - www.sef.pt
  
  Regular international travel by bus or train remains limited  as long as land border restrictions exist - www.rede-expressos.pt / www.cp.pt 
  
  

• Trips to the Azores and Madeira Islands
  Passengers flying to the Madeira archipelago will be subject to a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival, except in the case of presenting a negative test to COVID-19 up to 72 hours before the time of arrival.
  As of July 1, it is expected that the mandatory quarantine will be eliminated, but passengers will have to present a negative test carried out within 72 hours before disembarkation or they will be able to take it upon arrival.
  More information at www.visitmadeira.pt 
  
  Passengers flying to the Azores archipelago will be subject to one of the following options:
  1. Submit proof of testing to COVID-19 up to 72 hours prior to flight departure;
  2. Perform test on arrival and stay in prophylactic isolation until the result is obtained;
  3. Perform voluntary quarantine for a period of 14 days in a hotel indicated for the purpose;
  4. Return to the destination of origin or travel to any destination outside the Region, fulfilling, until the time of the flight, prophylactic isolation in a hotel indicated for this purpose.
  More information at https://covid19.azores.gov.pt    
  
  
• Flights
  It is expected that during the month of June some air routes will resume depending on the opening of borders and circulation between Schengen area countries and within European Union. Before making a trip, it is important to consult the alerts and restrictions in the destination country. It is suggested to consult the border services in the country where the trip begins or the consular representation at destination.
  
  Portuguese airports (Lisboa, Porto, Faro, Ponta Delgada e Funchal) implemented several initiatives in order to keep staff and passengers safer. A body temperature measurement system was implemented on arrival.
  More information at https://www.ana.pt/en/passenger-guide/what-you-need-to-know/covid-19
  
  Useful links with information on flights from/to Portugal:
  - www.flytap.com 
  - www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/flight-restrictions
  - www.azoresairlines.pt 
  - www.ryanair.com 
  - www.airfrance.pt 
  - www.lufthansa.com
  - www.eurowings.com
  - www.easyjet.com
  
  On Portuguese territory, travellers from affected areas who show symptoms suggestive of respiratory disease during or after travel should immediately contact the National Health Service by calling 808 24 24 24 (SNS24).
  
  If you are a foreigner and you need to contact your embassy, please consult the website of the Diplomatic Corps in Portugal: www.portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/rede-diplomatica/corpo-diplomatico-em-portugal
  
  If you are Portuguese or you live in Portugal, in case you have a scheduled trip, you should consult the restrictions in each country on the Portal das Comunidades:
  Alerts (in Portuguese) - www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt
  Advice to Travellers (in Portuguese) - www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt/pt/conselhos-aos-viajantes 
  If you are travelling and you need support on your return to Portugal, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
  Portuguese travellers line - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ +351 217 929 714 / +351 961 706 472
  
  
• Embarkation and disembarkation of tourism cruises
  Passenger boarding and disembarkation at Portuguese ports is not permitted, except for resident passengers.
  
  
• Transports
  Public transports are limited to 2/3 of the capacity and mandatory use of face mask.
  Rent-a-cars are limited to 2/3 of the capacity.
  In taxis / TVDE, the front seats must be used only by the driver, and passenger occupancy cannot exceed 2/3 of the remaining space.
  
  
• Access to commercial premises and catering and beverage establishments
  In supermarkets, pharmacies and stores of essential goods, a minimum distance of 1,5mt must be maintained between table places. The use of face masks is mandatory when people walk around in the restaurant.  the take-away options and home deliveries can be maintained.
  
  
• Museums, cultural spaces and leisure spaces
  Museums, monuments and cultural spaces have reopened with specific circulation measures and social distance.
  Cinemas, theatres, auditoriums and showrooms must have marked seats, reduced capacity and must keep social.
  The use of face mask is mandatory.
  
  
• Open-air events
  Outdoor shows can take place in a delimited venue to allow access control, even if free. They must follow rules of social distance and circulation, in order to minimize physical contact.
  
  
• Religious Ceremonies
  Religious ceremonies must follow the rules of capacity reduction, social distancing and the mandatory use of a mask.
  
  
• Golf
  Each golf course follows the recommended health guidelines as well as specific measures established by the Portuguese Golf Federation available at www.fpg.pt.
  
  
• Beaches
  The bathing season begins at 6 June. Access to the beach is conditioned by rules of circulation and use. The practice of sports activities with 2 or more people is not allowed (eg. ball games, rackets, etc.), except for nautical activities, surf lessons and similar sports.
  An occupancy status system will be implemented through signage:
  Green: low occupancy (1/3)
  Yellow: high occupancy (2/3)
  Red: full occupancy (3/3)
  The information will be updated in real time on the “Info Praia” app and on the website of the Portuguese Environment Association - www.apambiente.pt (in Portuguese)
  Rules available at https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/plano-desconfinamento-medidas-gerais/desconfinamento-praias/ (in Portuguese)
  
  
• Accommodation
  During the month of June, the tourist accommodation will resume its activity, being able to adopt the “Clean & Safe” seal implemented by Turismo de Portugal, which allows the identification of establishments and services that have implemented enhanced hygiene and safety measures.
   
• Campings
  The campsites, as well as the service areas for motorhomes, will have a maximum capacity limited to 2/3 of the area.

The 58th edition of Portugal Open 2020 will take place in Royal Óbidos Golf Course.

The prestigious event of the European Challenge Tour, organised by the Portuguese Golf Federation, was created in 1953 and is one of the oldest and most emblematic tournaments on the European calendar, becoming one of the founding events of the European first division.

Portugal Open is still the most important tournaments of the FPG calendar in terms of size and opportunities it offers to professional Portuguese players and elite amateurs.

 Some of the biggest stars in the world today have played at the Portuguese Open, such as Martin Kaymer, Matt Wallace, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Ricardo Melo Gouveia and Pedro Figueiredo (currently on the European Tour).

The Portugal Open at Royal Óbidos 2020 will take place from 17 to 20 of September 2020 with Pro-Am on Wednesday, 16 September. 144 players will be up for grabs for the € 200,000.00 cash prize in a 72 hole (four round) tournament with Cut after 36 holes where the top 60 players (+ draws) will qualify.

The Royal Óbidos Golf Course offers the perfect conditions for a high level and challenging championship. Designed by golf legend Severiano Ballesteros, the 18-hole, 6,400-meter Par 72 course subtly blends with the natural surroundings, taking advantage of the undulating terrain, attracting golfers of all levels.

Créditos Obidosdiário

The international chocolate festival in Óbidos is back from the 25th of April until the 5th of May.

Schedules:
Sunday to Thursday - 11am to 7pm
Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays - 11am to 8pm

Prices:
Adult (≥12 anos)

Monday to Friday – €5
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays – €6
* Price per person
** If you purchase the ticket online its important to choose the correct day for your visit due to the different daily prices.

Child (≥3)

With one activity included – €4 ( available only at the event ticket office )
With two activities included – €5 ( available only at the event ticket office )
With four activities included – €6

Find out more HERE

After the first sucessful edition, the Rhodes Winter Festival, known for its eclectic and alternative side, is back. It starts with a transnational profile, on January 25 and lasts until the end of February. Lisbon, Nazaré, Barcelona, Madrid and London, are some of the venues that will be the stage of several concerts, which will take place in several concert halls simultaneously.

In addition to music, which contains will have varied musical styles, ranging from fado to folk, the Festival will also feature a Stand Up Comedy show.
In Nazaré, the artist Orlando Santos will perform on February 14th at 9:30 p.m., at the Cine-Teatro da Nazaré.
The artist, according to many, one of the best national male voices and one of the rare musicians in Portugal playing "slideguitar". Boasting an emerging spontaneous creativity, Orlando Santos delves into territories of Reggae, Rock, Blues and Soul to give shape to his original creations, marked by words.
In 2018, Orlando prepared the release of his second album "Box of Light" where he explores new sounds more closely related to Soul, which according to the artist reflects a calmer state of mind and the accumulated experience of the several years of road.

Source: Jornal Oeste