LISBON (AP) – Portugal will reinstate some of the strict restrictions against coronavirus, less than two months after eliminating most of them when the goal of vaccinating 86% of its population against COVID-19 was reached.
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A recent spike in infections forced the government to act, Prime Minister António Costa said on Thursday, although he noted that his country has not seen an increase in infections like that seen in other parts of Europe.
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As of December 1, the use of masks in closed spaces will be mandatory again; A digital certificate must be shown that certifies the vaccination or recovery of the coronavirus to enter restaurants, cinemas and hotels; and even vaccinated people will need to have a negative test to visit hospitals, nursing homes, sporting events, bars and discos.
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In addition, all persons arriving by plane from abroad must submit a negative test.
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The government also recommended that people test themselves regularly and work from home whenever possible.
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In addition, the booster injection campaign is intensifying, the prime minister reported.
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The measures are necessary, Costa said, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in some EU countries, because winter usually causes more respiratory infections and because families will be in close contact at Christmas.
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Authorities say there is currently no need for another lockdown in Portugal, while hospitals are grappling with the current situation.
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The General Directorate of Health reported 3,150 new cases on Thursday, with 691 people in the hospital, 103 in intensive care units and 15 deaths. The number of patients requiring hospitalization was the highest since September.
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On November 1, Portugal reported fewer than 500 new infections, 360 people hospitalized, 60 in intensive care, and five deaths. Those figures were similar to the previous month.
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Some 18,400 people have died of COVID-19 in the country of around 10.3 million people.
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