Portugal safety and security report Wednesday 21^st January 2025

 

Good afternoon. It will be a markedly wintry week, growing in intensity throughout the next few days. It started calmly on Monday, just some precipitation in the northwest, from Tuesday and specially from Wednesday it starts a pattern of low pressure systems approaching and with an impact that will be more pronounced and direct on mainland Portugal.

Storm Ingrid will bring very adverse weather conditions to the continent. The weather will worsen in the coming days in mainland Portugal, with falling temperatures, rain, strong winds and rough seas. Starting Thursday, a more severe depression may form, which will predictably be named ‘Ingrid’. It is expected to be a major storm with four risk factors that should be taken into account: stormy sea conditions, with waves up to 10 meters, especially between Figueira da Foz and Sines; winds with gusts up to 90 km/h and heavy rain and snowfall, with a very significant accumulation factor in some locations above 700 meters altitude. So be prepared with further IPMA weather warnings and ANEPC preventive measures expected over to be announced in the coming days.

This week the news has been dominated by the fatal railway accident on Sunday, Jan 18, involving the Iryo train 6189, traveling from Málaga to Atocha (Madrid) with 317 passengers on board, which derailed near Adamuz (Córdoba) and crossed onto the adjacent track. This caused the derailment of another train, the Alvia 2384, traveling in the opposite direction at that precise moment, from Madrid to Huelva with about 100 passengers. At the time of the collision, according to official sources, the Alvia was traveling at a speed of 200 km/h.

The scale of this tragedy is underscored by the fact that, after searching through the train wreckage, authorities are still unable to provide a definitive death toll. At least one more uncertainty remains: the fate of passengers on two train cars embedded in an embankment next to the tracks. The technical difficulties in extracting the two wrecked cars are immense, according to officials from both the central government and the Andalusian regional government. “Now, with the ongoing work and the heavy machinery, we hope that whatever remains can be extracted and transported soon to the Forensic Institute,” they added, stating that the work would continue “throughout the night.”

Thirty-nine people remain hospitalized in various Andalusian hospitals: 35 adults and four children. Of these, 13 patients are in intensive care, all adults. The Integrated Data Center (CID), the technical body that integrates forensic doctors and technicians with state security forces, has received 43 missing persons reports filed with the Guardia Civil headquarters in Huelva, Córdoba, Málaga, Seville, and Madrid.

Such rail accidents are relatively rare, but with trains travelling at very high speeds the impact in terms of loss of life can be considerable. In Portugal the ANEPC regularly organises railway accident exercises to test the response by the emergency entities involved.

Unfortunately the elderly are sometimes targeted by criminals, in this particular case when using ATM machine. Recently the GNR Aveiro Territorial Command, arrested a 58-year-old man for robbery at ATM machines in the municipality of Aveiro. As part of an investigation into the crimes of robbery and theft, the GNR officers determined that the suspect approached particularly vulnerable victims, aged between 65 and 83, near ATM machines, stealing money from them, sometimes resorting to the use of force.

During the police investigation, two searches were carried out, one at a residence and the other in a vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of €778 in cash. It is crucial to reinforce prevention and attention to this type of situation. Advice is not to trust strangers who approach or try to start a conversation while using the ATM; keep your distance from others while using the ATM, and if you suspect anything, move away immediately and seek help.

We wish you a safe week ahead.

News

More than 43,000 elderly people living alone have been identified by the GNR (National Republican Guard).

After Guarda (5,852 elderly people) and Vila Real (5,167), the districts where the most elderly people were identified were Bragança (4,191), Faro (3,414), Viseu (3,304), Beja (2,749), Évora (2,381) and Castelo Branco (2,316).

More than 43,000 elderly people living alone or in vulnerable situations have been identified this year by the GNR (National Republican Guard), with the districts of Guarda and Vila Real being those where the most cases were detected, the corporation reported.

In a statement regarding the Senior Census 2025 operation, which took place between October 1st and November 16th, the GNR (National Republican Guard) indicated that during the initiative it carried out several actions of direct contact with these people to alert them to the need to adopt safety behaviors, minimizing the risk of becoming victims of crime.

After Guarda (5,852 elderly people) and Vila Real (5,167), the districts where the most elderly people were identified were Bragança (4,191), Faro (3,414), Viseu (3,304), Beja (2,749), Évora (2,381) and Castelo Branco (2,316).

In the 2025 edition of the Senior Census operation, the GNR (National Republican Guard) carried out a series of classroom and door-to-door actions, reaching a total of 35,143 senior citizens.

Hiking and Hypothermia – Prevention Signs and Treatment

A group of six hikers were successfully rescued on Saturday, January 17, in the Estrela da Estrela after being unable to complete a trail due to heavy snowfall. All members of the group were safely rescued and in good health, with no hospital referral being required.

According to IPMA the municipality of Seia where they were hiking experienced temperatures ranging from minus -0.5 to a maximum of 3.4C and maximum winds of 16 km/h that day.

The ANEPC reminds people of the need for proper mountain activity planning, following safety guidelines, and checking weather conditions and trail conditions, especially in areas with increased natural risks.

Such situations can result in Hypothermia. Knowing what it is, how to recognise the signs, prevention and treatment are therefore vitally important.

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

Hypothermia can happen when a person is exposed to very cold temperature for a long period of time. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.

Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 4.5°C) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

SIGNS – Includes: shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss slurred speech and drowsiness

TREATMENT – Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 35° C, get medical attention immediately! If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up.

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
• Warm the centre of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible

PREVENTION – To reduce your risk of hypothermia while hiking, you should dress warmly, stay hydrated, and have extra supplies including the following: Wear layers, hat and gloves; cover your skin, including your scalp; wear wool or synthetic blends, which retain warmth even when damp, avoid cotton, which dries slowly and saps body heat; stay hydrated; bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks; avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine; have extra supplies; carry a daypack with extra supplies, such as thermal blankets and dry clothing.

Plan ahead, check weather conditions (is it safe to go?), travel in groups or with a partner and inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

 

 

 

 

Portugal Safe and Security Report Thursday 8^th January 2026

 

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our first weekly report of 2026.

In 2026, several measures adopted by the Government will come into effect, aligned with clear priorities in valuing work, social cohesion, and modernizing the State. We have selected the following which are relevant to our remit: 1. Control of illegal immigration and the integration of legal immigrants are strengthened within the framework of the structural reform of immigration policy; 2. The new rules for admission to the PSP (Public Security Police) come into effect, adjusting recruitment criteria to current needs, in order to strengthen public security; 3. Fifty infrastructure improvements for the PSP (Public Security Police) and GNR (National Republican Guard) have been completed, aimed at improving working conditions for officers and military personnel and strengthening the connection between security forces and the public; 4. The manufacture, modification, transport, purchase, possession, or operation of illegal speedboats is criminalized, and more effective sanctions and new penalties are created for criminals to address the growing sophistication of criminal networks, particularly those involved in drug and human trafficking; 5. The “Active Forest” program continues with the launch of new calls for proposals to support the active management and maintenance of forest areas, particularly on smallholdings, promoting resilience, biodiversity and forest enhancement, with a budget of 10 million euros.

An intense cold wave and snowfall is affecting several European countries, causing the closure of hundreds of schools, flight cancellations, disruption of public transport, and road accidents. France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, and Bosnia-Herzegovina are registering record low temperatures. Several European countries are being affected by cold weather including Portugal where temperatures dropped to below zero at 40 IPMA on-line weather stations at 0700 hrs yesterday morning with the lowest being minus -6.5C.

Unfortunately at the start of the year there were two shooting incidents, one in Lisbon and the other in Silves in the Algarve. On Saturday night, two hooded men fired dozens of shots at the facade of a house in Silves, in the Algarve, while a family with two minors was inside. The shooters have not yet been identified, and it is suspected that they used an automatic military weapon.  They arrived shortly before midnight, their faces covered, and fired dozens of shots at the facade of a house. The shots were captured by the surveillance camera of the house next door. This is being investigated by the Judicial Police.

The second incident refers to images circulating on social media of a group firing automatic and semi-automatic weapons during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Alfredo Bensaúde neighbourhood, Olivais, Lisbon. Carlos Moedas Mayor of Lisbon, stated this Monday that situations like this, are “unacceptable”.  The Mayor was speaking after a restricted meeting of the Municipal Security Council, attended only by officers from the Municipal Police and the Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP (Public Security Police), which also served to assess security in the capital. The mayor added that the PSP (Public Security Police) will be “more present and with more special crime prevention operations,” which will be “constantly and permanently increased” in the “coming weeks and months.” The mayor has called for an extra 500 PSP agents for Lisbon.

We are very concerned about what has happened particularly the availability of apparent military calibre weapons being used on the streets in Lisbon and Silves.

Given recent international developments, we support Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced yesterday (6th January 2025) that Portugal, together with its European partners, subscribes to the following declaration on Greenland: “Security in the Arctic remains a fundamental priority for Europe and is crucial for international and transatlantic security. NATO has made it clear that the Arctic region is a priority, and European Allies are strengthening their presence, activities, and investments to maintain Arctic security and deter adversaries. Greenland belongs to its people. It is up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters relating to Denmark and Greenland.”

We wish all our readers a Very Happy and Safe New Year

 

News

Lisbon Airport reinforced with 24 GNR (National Republican Guard) officers to reduce queues at arrivals.

Lisbon airport had already been reinforced with 80 PSP officers during the Christmas and New Year period due to long waiting times.

Lisbon airport is being reinforced this Tuesday with 24 members of the National Republican Guard (GNR), a measure by the Government to reduce waiting times in the arrivals area.

According to GNR spokesperson Carlos Canatário, who spoke to Lusa news agency, the 24 officers will work in “flexible shifts,” composed of teams of 10 members and a supervisor, and will be stationed in the arrivals area to check documentation.

The military personnel now reinforcing Lisbon airport have certified training in border control and received “purely administrative” training on Friday and Monday from the PSP (Public Security Police), the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), and ANA (Aeroportos de Portugal).

For now, the GNR (National Republican Guard) added, it is unknown how long the military personnel will remain at Humberto Delgado Airport.

In addition to this measure to reduce queues, the Government has decided to suspend the European border control system for non-EU citizens, known as the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES), for three months at Lisbon airport, with the European Commission already stating that it will request “more details” from Portugal regarding this interruption.

Lisbon airport had already been reinforced with 80 PSP officers during the Christmas and New Year period due to long waiting times.

The new European border control system for non-EU citizens came into operation on October 12 in Portugal and the rest of the Schengen Area, and since then waiting times have worsened, especially at Lisbon airport, with passengers sometimes having to wait for several hours.

 

The bar that caught fire in Switzerland had not been inspected since 2020.

The mayor of Crans-Montana discovered “a failure to carry out periodic inspections” at the site between 2020 and 2025.

The bar at a ski resort in Crans-Mointanana, Switzerland, which caught fire during a New Year’s Eve party, killing 40 people, had not been inspected since 2020.

In a press conference this Tuesday, the mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Feraud, said he “deeply regrets” discovering “a failure in carrying out periodic inspections” at the site between 2020 and 2025.

The last inspection report for Le Constellation, from 2019, did not mention any problems. The soundproof foam lining the bar ceiling was not considered a risk.

As a preventative measure to avoid this type of accident, ‘rocket’ candles have been banned in enclosed spaces, the mayor announced.

According to initial findings of the investigation, the fire that started on the ceiling of the room was likely ignited by sparks from these candles, which were placed in champagne bottles.

Authorities have closed another establishment run by the managers of Le Constellation, who, according to the Valais regional prosecutor, are suspected of involuntary manslaughter, involuntary bodily harm, and arson.

The French couple told the newspaper La Tribune de Genève that the establishment had been inspected three times in ten years and that “everything was in compliance with the regulations.”

 

 

 

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report New Year’s Eve Wednesday 31^st December 2025.

 

Good morning. Firstly we hope that you had a very happy and restful Christmas albeit the temperatures were rather on the cold side. But – more about the weather later.

After peak waiting times of up to seven hours at border control during the New Year’s week, the Government decided to suspend the application of the European border control system for non-EU citizens at Lisbon airport for three months. The decision includes the immediate reinforcement of security at Humberto Delgado Airport with GNR officers.

Lisbon Airport handles more than 70 % of the nation’s long-haul flights, and passenger numbers are forecast to jump 12 % over last December. Unlike previous years, officers must now capture and upload fingerprints, facial scans, passport data and a digital time-stamp for every non-EU passenger. Each step adds precious seconds; multiply by a full wide-body arrival and you get a two-hour bottleneck before breakfast.

Experts doubt a wholesale return to ink stamps will happen. Manual processing is slower, less secure and undermines the €1.3 B that EU states have invested in the system. Cyber-security advisers also warn that once a country reverts, synchronising the old and new databases becomes a nightmare. The likelier scenario, say union leaders, is a hybrid model during peaks: biometric gates for repeat visitors whose data are already on file, and human officers for first-timers

Portugal is not alone. France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany and even Iceland have reported wait-time spikes of up to 70 % since the EES went live on 12 October. Yet Lisbon’s single-runway layout and tight terminal footprint leave it less capable of absorbing snags. ACI Europe has already warned of “chaos” if the system stumbles during the twin peaks of 24–26 December which it has. The suspension of the system is allowed under what is known as the EES “kill switch” – a Commission-approved waiver that lets border guards revert to old-school passport stamps if waiting times top an unspecified red line.

On the roads this New Year’s Eve – The Christmas operation carried out by the PSP (Public Security Police) and GNR (National Republican Guard) recorded 15 fatalities and 1,444 injuries, 89 of which were serious, following 4,847 road accidents that occurred between December 18 and 26. Four less fatalities than last year but still far too many. In total, there are records of “around 300 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the GNR, the numbers are worrying [for the size of the country], but they are still lower than last year

Police will continue to be out and about to ensure drivers reach their destination safely so, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE – This New Year, the focus is clear: alcohol and driving do not mix. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination – so no need to rush. GNR Advice is: if you are visiting festivals in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, note that there may be parking and road restrictions. Research beforehand and opt for public transport, taxi, UBER etc. Before starting the trip, check the condition of the vehicle, first of all, all your documentation. If you have consumed alcoholic beverages, do not drive, if you have any doubts, do not drive, do not use your mobile phone and always use your seatbelt. If you are visiting festivals in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, note that there may be parking and road restrictions. Research beforehand and opt for public transport, taxi, UBER etc. Before starting the trip, check the condition of the vehicle, first of all, all your documentation. Finally if you have consumed alcoholic beverages, do not drive, if you have any doubts, do not drive, do not use your mobile phone and always use your seatbelt.

Lastly turning to the New Year weather covering the festive period. STORM FRANCIS – is the name given by IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere) to a low pressure system that, at 00UTC on January 1st, is forecasted to be centred north of the western group of the Azores archipelago, approximately at 39°N and 25°W, gradually deepening and moving east/southeast. Storm FRANCIS has associated fronts that will bring precipitation on January 1st and wind, sometimes strong and gusty, along the mainland coast and in the highlands. Temperatures should rise on this day, especially the minimum temperature, although still between 0 and -3°C in many inland locations in the North and Central regions.

There are many members of the emergency services, such as GNR, PSP, Civil Protection, Bombeiros and those in the health services who will be work overnight on New Year’s Eve away from their families. We thank them for all their amazing work in keeping us safe.

Our team at Safe Communities wish you a Safe and Very Happy New Year.

 

News

Flu vaccination campaign nears target of 2.5 million vaccinated

Another 14,066 people were vaccinated against the flu last week, bringing the total number immunized since the start of the campaign to 2,492,594, almost reaching the target set by the DGS (Directorate-General of Health) of around 2.5 million, according to data released today.

According to the latest report from the Seasonal Response in Health Surveillance and Monitoring of the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), relating to the week of December 15-21, there was a total increase in hospital emergency room visits (124,237, +1.9% compared to the previous week) and an increase in the proportion of emergency room visits due to acute respiratory infection (9.1%, +0.2 percentage points).

An increase was also observed in the proportion of emergency room visits due to flu-like symptoms (4.93%, +0.08 percentage points).

Health authorities have reinforced their appeal for vaccination due to the increase in acute respiratory infections and cases of influenza, which have led to a surge in demand for emergency services, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), and the National Health Service 24-hour helpline.

Data published in the DGS seasonal vaccination report indicate that influenza vaccination coverage in people over 85 years of age is at 86.74%, in the 80-84 age group it is at 77.88%, in the 70-79 age group it is at 74.21%, and in those over 65 years of age it is at 71.94%.

The main novelty of the 2025/2026 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign was the expansion of seasonal vaccination to all children aged 6 to 23 months, regardless of whether they are healthy or belong to risk groups.

Since the start of the seasonal vaccination campaign on September 23, 58,009 children aged between six and 23 months have been immunized, representing a vaccination coverage of 44.69%.

COVID-19 vaccination coverage is lower than that for influenza, reaching 59.06% in those over 85 years old, 47.74% among those aged 80 to 84, 42.83% among those aged 70 to 79, and 42.86% among those over 65.

The latest report from the Seasonal Response in Health Surveillance and Monitoring, relating to the week of December 15-21, 2025, shows that Portugal registers “an epidemic of influenza activity with an increasing trend”.

This week, there was an increase in the proportion of hospital emergency room visits for influenza cases in children under one year old (4.6%, +0.2 pp compared to the previous week) and in people aged 65 or older (21.5%; +1.5 percentage points compared to the previous week).

There was also an increase in the seven-day moving average of ward bed occupancy for all causes (80.9%) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed occupancy for all causes (72.1%)

The proportion of patients diagnosed with influenza admitted to ICUs, as reported by the Hospital Network for Clinical and Laboratory Surveillance in ICUs, decreased to 9%.

According to the DGS (Directorate-General of Health), overall mortality was higher than expected for this time of year, with excess mortality observed in the North and Central regions and in the age groups of 75 to 84 years and 85 years and over, respectively

 

Scheduled power outages on Sunday in areas of Greater Lisbon.

On the first Sunday of the year, some locations in three municipalities in the Lisbon region will be temporarily without electricity between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The scheduled interruptions will affect specific parishes to allow for manoeuvres, connections, repairs, and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure.

Next Sunday, January 4th, some areas in the municipalities of Cascais, Loures, and Odivelas will be temporarily without electricity due to maintenance work, according to E-Redes .

The power outages, which will be “limited and specific” will occur in the following locations:

Parish of the Union of Parishes of Cascais and Estoril 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Alameda Duquesa De Palmela, Lugar Praia Duquesa, Paredão Leste, Passeio Marítimo

Parish of the Union of Parishes of Camarate, Unhos and Apelação 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Azinhaga Das Mós, Azinhaga Dos Cucos, Estrada Militar – Bairro Fonte Da Pipa, Fontainhas, Rua 31 De Outubro, Rua A, Rua Aristides De Sousa Mendes, Rua B Pt Fugido, Rua B Vl Cristina, Rua B Vl Lopes, Rua Das Fontaínhas, Rua Do Casal Dos Cucos, Rua Dos Sacrifícios, Rua José Capítulo, Rua Principal, Rua Vl Martins, Rua Vl Rodrigues, Vila Teles

Parish of the Union of Parishes of Póvoa de Santo Adrião and Olival Basto 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Cassapia Neighbourhood , Quinta dos Cucos Neighbourhood, Roldão Square, Quinta dos Cucos, Quinta dos Cucos , Rua 1 Vivenda JNP , Rua 1, Rua 1º de Maio – Cassapia Neighborhood , Rua 20 de Abril, Rua 3, Cassapia Street, Rua da Escola, Rua da Esperança, Main Street, Rua Pedro Nunes

“Always in a planned and controlled manner,” the work carried out by E-Redes “occurs when all available power supply alternatives are exhausted, in order to ensure that the impact on customers is as minimal as possible,” notes the electricity distribution network operator.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 10^th December 2025

 

Good afternoon. On the eve of the General Strike there are already disruptions this Wednesday. Unions say that health, education, and transportation are expected to be the sectors most affected by Thursday’s general strike. There is one day left until the General Strike that threatens to paralyze the country, but the impact is already being felt this Wednesday, especially in the transport sector. Please see our first news item.

Yes Christmas is almost upon us and a time to celebrate with family and friends. However, criminals also like to celebrate in a rather different way! This can be through on-line scams or physical crime such as burglaries and other thefts.  This is the time of year when burglaries may increase. More often this is through “Opportunist crime” (crimes of opportunity) so it is preventable. The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year — but while many of us are away visiting friends and family, unoccupied homes can unfortunately attract unwanted attention.

If you are going away use smart plugs or light timers to turn lamps and Christmas lights on and off at realistic times. Avoid leaving the same light on constantly — varied lighting patterns give the impression that someone is at home. A TV simulator or a smart speaker playing low-level sound occasionally can also help create the sense of activity indoors. Before you go away ask someone you trust to keep watch. A trusted neighbour or friend can make your home look lived in by doing small but effective things while you’re away, such as: collecting post or parcels, moving bins on collection day, parking on your driveway occasionally or moving you own car. Small actions like these create the illusion of occupancy — one of the simplest and most effective deterrents.

It’s tempting to share your holiday countdown or airport selfies, but posting about your absence can unintentionally alert criminals that your home is, or will soon be, empty.  Wait until you return before posting travel updates or photos from your trip. Please read our Feature in The Resident newspaper out tomorrow 11^th December.

The GNR and PSP are already conducting their various crime prevention programs in the lead up to Christmas. During a meeting with GNR Faro Territorial District on 9^th December we discussed their main programs for Christmas and New year which focus on Safe Commerce, where they visit various stores concerning security of shops and traffic patrols especially over the holiday periods itself.

As far as scams there are several to be on the lookout for in the lead up to Christmas for example we are already seeing an increase in Portugal of on-line parcel delivery scams using the names of well-known couriers, such as CTT, DHL etc.     If you are expecting a delivery be particularly careful.  Do not click on any links in emails, open attachments or reply. These are mainly phishing emails where the fraudster is attempting to gain your personal information. Simply delete the email. Be aware any QR code embedded in an unsolicited email can be a scam. If you don’t know the sender, don’t scan the QR code.  If in doubt check with the company concerned but not using the contact details in the email.

Another are fake Charity scams. Unfortunately the number of fake charity scams are increasing tugging on your heart strings at this time of the year. Never click on a hyperlink in an email purportedly from a charity. Instead visit the charity’s website first by typing the address into your browser. Before you donate, check the website you are on is secure – the web address should begin with https:// (the “s” stands for “secure”) and look for the padlock symbol. It is very risky to respond to requests to donate through a money transfer company such as Western Union or MoneyGram.

With the increasing number of cases, the country has entered an epidemic phase of influenza, a scenario that is expected to worsen. In a press conference this Monday, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, acknowledged the challenge ahead, but assured that public health institutions are prepared. She also reinforced the appeal for vaccination of citizens who are part of priority groups.  Speaking directly from the Ministry of Health in Lisbon, Ana Paula Martins assured that health institutions are “prepared and coordinated” to give “the best possible response to the Portuguese people, from prevention to treatment.” She stated that currently “the Influenza AH3 virus is predominant,” with a new subtype that could have an increased impact on at-risk groups. Therefore, she warns: the next eight weeks “will be particularly demanding”.

Our team at Safe Communities wish you at nice week ahead.

News:

The general strike hasn’t started yet, but there are already disruptions this Wednesday.

Unions say that health, education, and transportation are expected to be the sectors most affected by Thursday’s general strike. There is one day left until the General Strike that threatens to paralyze the country, but the impact is already being felt this Wednesday, especially in the transport sector.

CP – Comboios de Portugal anticipates disruptions until Friday. In a statement, the company guarantees that it will reimburse or allow exchanges for those who have purchased tickets for Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, International, InterRegional and Regional services. Strike notice https://www.cp.pt/en/detalhe-aviso/greve-11-dez

Fertagus will have minimum services.

River connections between Lisbon and the south bank of the Tagus River will also be heavily affected by the general strike. Only a minimum service of 25% is planned during the most critical morning and afternoon hours.

Carris has already announced that it will only have 12 routes available.

In Porto, disruptions are expected on the metro. The situation is different in Lisbon’s metro, which is expected to be completely closed.

In the aviation sector, TAP has cancelled several flights and SATA will only operate nine connections between the autonomous regions and Lisbon and Porto.

In healthcare, staffing schedules identical to those on Sundays and holidays will be ensured. Minimum services will guarantee the operation of emergency rooms, urgent surgeries, hospitalizations, and intensive care units.

The UGT’s general secretary predicts a firm and determined response from workers. Unions say that health, education, and transport will be the sectors most affected.

 

 

General strike leads Air Europa to cancel flights and Iberia to reduce operations to Portugal.

Air Europa has cancelled all 16 of its flights to and from Portugal, while Iberia has reduced its scheduled connections by up to 75%, following the general strike called against labour law reform. TAP expects to operate only a third of its flights during the joint strike by the CGTP and UGT unions.

Iberia confirmed to the EFE news agency on Tuesday that it will cancel 75% of its flights to and from Porto via various Spanish airports, while the cancellation rate will be 50% for flights to and from Lisbon.

According to a statement from Air Europa, the company will suspend all sixteen of its flights to and from Portugal, all originating from and destined for Madrid-Barajas Airport, which had eight flights (four outbound and four return) to Lisbon and another eight to Porto.

Air Europa has informed affected passengers that they can change their travel dates free of charge between December 9th and 18th, change their route, request a voucher, or obtain a ticket refund.

Four aviation sector unions issued a joint statement on the same day expressing solidarity with Portuguese workers during Thursday’s general strike, while also criticizing the government’s draft labour reform proposal.

In a joint statement, the Civil Aviation Pilots Union (SPAC), the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), the Aviation and Airport Workers Union (Sitava), and the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Union (Sitema) considered the Trabalho XXI draft bill to be “a civilizational setback.”

TAP’s CEO, Luís Rodrigues, assured on Tuesday that the company is prepared for the general strike scheduled for Thursday and expects to operate a third of its flights, with the main effort being to avoid affecting passengers.