Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Lisbon, Portugal (March 16, 2020)
Location: Portugal
Event: There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China. The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 170,000 reported cases worldwide.
On March 12, the Portuguese Government declared a State of Alert for the country of Portugal (Please note that a “State of Alert” is not a “State of Emergency”) until at least April 9 and announced extraordinary measures to contain and mitigate the COVID-19 virus, including the following:
- The suspension of multiple international flights.
- All air and land borders with Spain are closed to tourism and leisure travelers.
- A bar on the entry of foreign cruise ship passengers.
- The closure of public and private schools and universities.
- The prohibition on the public consumption of alcohol.
- The closure of bars, discos, and similar establishments.
- The closure of all beaches to groups of over 5 people.
- The suspension of events with more than 100 people
- Museums, theaters, pools, and other public and private institutions have been closed in many municipalities around the country. Specific information can be found here for Lisbon and Porto.
The Portuguese Government regularly updates information on the situation here: COVID 19
On March 13, the Regional Governments of the Azores and Madeira (Portuguese) announced enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All new arrivals to the Azores and Madeira must complete a health questionnaire, undergo a health screening, and agree to a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days before being admitted, no matter the expected duration of travel on the islands. Cruise ships and yachts will not be allowed to dock in these two regions.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. The Regional Government of the Azores has requested that all flights in and out of the Azores be suspended, although at present, this has not yet been confirmed nor implemented.
On March 16, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Portugal.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Consult with Portuguese authorities if you have been in contact with an infected person and are experiencing symptoms.
Portuguese COVID-19 Health Hotlines:
- Mainland Portugal – (+ 351) 808 24 24 24 (Press 9 for English)
- Azores – (+351) 808 24 60 24
- Madeira – (+351) 800 24 24 20
- Consult the Portuguese Government’s latest updates on COVID-19 at:
Portuguese Director General of Health (DGS) COVID -19 information (for English click on the Globe on the upper side of the page)
Assistance:
- S. Embassy Lisbon, Portugal
Avenida das Forças Armadas
1600-081 Lisboa
(Business hours) – (+351) 21-770-2122
(After hours) – (+351) 21-727-3300
ConsLisbon@state.gov
Pt.usembassy.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Portugal Country Information
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