- Title: Portugal restricts movement to stem coronavirus, rules out rationing
- Date: 20th March 2020
- Summary: LISBON, PORTUGAL (MARCH 20, 2020) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE, SOME WEARING FACE MASKS, QUEUING TO BUY GROCERIES (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) 79-YEAR-OLD LISBON RESIDENT GRACINDA MOURA, SAYING: "Well I think that people shouldn't be queuing up but one young person and an elder person should get in. That is what I think. Right now I'm here doing a line." (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese
- Embargoed: 3rd April 2020 12:00
- Keywords: Lisbon coronavirus in Portugal empty streets restiction of movement traffic
- Location: LISBON, PORTUGAL
- City: LISBON, PORTUGAL
- Country: Portugal
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA001C5UWV9J
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Portugal's government said on Thursday (March 19) people should stay indoors but assured there would be enough food on the shelves as a nationwide state of emergency to combat the coronavirus outbreak began.
For at least 15 days, all non-essential businesses will be closed to customers, although restaurants will be allowed to provide takeaway services.
The government recommended that people work from home if possible.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, petrol stations and banks will remain open but must implement capacity restrictions.
Those infected with coronavirus or being monitored by health authorities will stay in mandatory isolation, and it would be a crime for them to leave the hospital or their homes, Costa said.
Portugal has 785 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with four reported deaths.
People over 70 and those considered vulnerable should only leave home to grab essential goods, go the doctor or walk their pets. All other citizens should avoid leaving their homes but can go to work, assist their families and accompany minors for recreation, among other essential activities.
The government imposed no mandatory lockdown, which Costa said would be "disrespectful" to the Portuguese, who have so far followed government guidelines on staying indoors responsibly.
The first state of emergency in Portugal's 46-year democratic history, declared by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Wednesday, can be extended in 15-day periods.
The government announced a 9.2 billion euro package on Wednesday to support workers and provide liquidity for companies affected by the epidemic, including the cancellations-hit tourism industry, which accounts for nearly 15% of GDP.
(Production: Miguel Pereira, Silvio Castellanos) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None