With the start of summer and the hot weather approaching, it’s likely that you’re planning your vacations or that you’re dedicating a few weekends to small getaways and outings.
Whether you’re staying in Portugal or going abroad, here’s a guide to the precautions you should take to ensure a safe and peaceful vacation in Covid-19.
Last year, the Directorate-General for Health launched the slogan “the virus doesn’t take vacations”.
That’s why you should reconcile your relaxation time with the continuous practice of hygiene and safety measures against the pandemic.
Regardless of the length of your vacation or your destination, you should:
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maintaining the correct use of masks
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sanitize your hands several times a day
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maintain social distancing
If you’re flying…
Before choosing your vacation destination, and even if you have already chosen it, you should inform yourself and keep up to date with the country’s Covid-19 restrictions and requirements.
Please note that there are restrictions at the European Union’s external borders on countries whose epidemiological situation of COVID-19 is not considered satisfactory, based on the criteria of the Council of the European Union.
There are also restrictions between EU countries.
Border restrictions can be found at Communities Portal and on the European Union website.
You should find out what proof of Covid-19 testing (Rapid Antigen Test and/or PCR Test) you need to provide:
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on leaving their country of origin
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where you will be passing through (possibly making a stopover)
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destination country
You should still:
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Check in at online to avoid the airport queues and whenever possible use the electronic ticket;
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Arrive at the boarding point well in advance to avoid the most crowded times;
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Respect the circulation circuits defined at the airport and take the opportunity to disinfect your hands whenever you see an alcohol gel dispenser.
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Make sure you book your test as far in advance as is necessary for the date and time of departure and request the result in the most convenient language (English tends to be a more universally safe option).
Also find out about the measures in force in your destination country.
Traffic rules, opening hours and hygiene and safety measures may vary from country to country.
If you go to the beach in Portugal…
Beach access measures have already been defined in Decree-Law no. 35-A/2021. In short, if you’re going to the beach you should consider:
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Bring a mask, which you will have to wear when you get to the beaches.
You should only take it off when you reach the beach; -
Sanitize your hands on the way to and from the beach and take hand sanitizer with you before you leave the house;
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Choose low-occupancy beaches with a green traffic light.
You can consult information about beach occupancy in the app InfoPraia; -
Keep a safe distance from other bathers: 1.5 meters between towels and 3 meters between parasols;
Only do sporting activities if the beach is under-occupied, i.e. only if it is half full.
If you go to restaurants, stores and other establishments…
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If you’re staying in Portugal, choose venues that display the Clean & Safe symbol, which certifies that the establishment complies with all the hygiene standards suggested by the Directorate-General for Health, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Disinfect your hands on entering and leaving;
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Keep your mask on inside the restaurant, removing it only when eating or drinking.
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Prefer outdoor spaces vs. indoor spaces.
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Respect the rules on physical distancing, either by following the signs on the floor or by following the rules on occupying tables and the like.
To meet your travel needs, SEPRI has been developing PCR and Antigen testing solutions.
You can take the test at our Drive Thru, at our clinic or at home.
Covid-19 Helpline: 932 467 755
