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Azores Situation Report Wednesday 20th October 2021

From our colleague in the Azores  

Covid -19 

Since the last Situation Report a week ago on the 13th September there have been 117 new cases of Covid-19 registered, 19 more than the previous week, and 94 recoveries, 10 more than last week.

As of the 19thOctober, there are seven patients hospitalised, all at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, none of whom is in intensive care unit.

Current situation:

The archipelago currently registers 173 positive active cases: 144 on the island of São Miguel, 17 on the island of Faial, six on the island of Santa Maria, four on the island of Terceira and two on the island of Pico.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 9,285 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the Azores, of which 8,884 recovered from the disease, 44 people died, 95 left the archipelago and 89 showed proof of cure of previous infection.

From December 31st, 2020 to October 11th, 173,743 people in the Azores have been vaccinated with the first dose (73.4 per cent) and 192,750 with complete vaccination (81,4 per cent), under the Regional Vaccination Plan.

The official Covid 19 page can be found here.

https://covid19.azores.gov.pt/

Care Home Outbreak 

The Regional Health Authority reported last week that there have been 16 positive cases of covid-19 since the 12th of October at ‘Lar Luís Soares de Sousa’, in Ponta Delgada.

With the onset of symptoms on the 11th, the contingency plan of the home was activated and people who showed symptoms, as well as close contacts, were tested.

From the subsequent testing, 16 positive cases were found, five concerning home professionals and 11 concerning users.

Visits have been suspended since the 11th and the contingency plan for this residential structure for the elderly was activated. The situation is being monitored by the Ponta Delgada Health Delegation.

Flood Management 

The second phase of the Region’s Flood Risk Management Plan, which will run from 2022 to 2027, indicates that in the last six years, eleven river basins at risk, have been identified, that is, six more compared to the previous cycle, in addition to two coastal areas also at risk, one of them São Roque, on the outskirts of the city of Ponta Delgada.

The revelation was made by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, Alonso Miguel, who specified that, in the case of hydrographic basins with additional risk, the Areia and Cinzeiro grottoes in São Miguel were involved; the Ribeira da Casa da Ribeira and the Ribeira de São Bento in Terceira; the Ribeira Seca in São Jorge and the Ribeira do Dilúvio in Pico.

Regarding risky coastal areas, the document points out, in addition to São Roque, São Roque do Pico.
In the first phase of the Region’s Flood Risk Management Plan, there were five river basins at risk: two in São Miguel (Ribeira Grande and Ribeira do Velado, in Povoação), two in Terceira and one in Flores.

Based on the occurrences registered in the last six years, a plan is defined with concrete measures for intervention in the water lines with the greatest history of damage, with a view to minimizing the risk of flooding in these places.

“Basically, this plan makes it possible to identify the basins that present the greatest risk of flooding in the region, and this also makes it possible to define a set of intervention measures in these river basins. In other words, it is the way we must make a diagnosis of which are the most urgent situations in terms of intervention”, he stressed.

With the effects of climate change, it is expected that there will be an increase in the intensity and frequency of floods in the Azores. Alonso Miguel considers that the answer to this problem involves the application of “very strict” measures and instruments for spatial planning, this “because a large part of these situations is avoided, naturally, with adequate spatial planning”.

It should be remembered that a flood warning system will be implemented in the archipelago in river basins at risk with the objective of providing, in advance, information that can be used to protect populations and minimize the risks of flooding and extreme natural phenomena.

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 20th October 2021

Covid-19: Simultaneous Flu and New Coronavirus Vaccination Stared on Monday

The simultaneous administration of vaccines against influenza and covid-19 started on Monday in mainland Portugal, with the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) planning to vaccinate around two million people in this modality.

Health director-general Graça Freitas assured, on Friday, that “everything is prepared” for the co-administration of the two vaccines to people aged 65 and over as of today, a practice carried out in Portugal and in the world, within the scope of national vaccination programs, which aim to optimize the recommended vaccination schedules.

The DGS said that the available data analysed by the Technical Commission on Vaccination against covid-19, which includes the results of the World Health Organization expert group meeting on vaccination, show that there is an acceptable safety profile after taking of the two vaccines.

Furthermore, the available information suggests the maintenance of the efficacy of both vaccines, as, to date, there is no evidence of altered immune response.

The administration of the third dose of the vaccine against covid-19 is underway in Portugal, with priority being given to the elderly aged 80 and over and users of homes and long-term care, and at this stage, people aged 65 and over. 

Loulé Civil Protection raises awareness of the risk of floods and floods

The Municipality of Loulé, through the Municipal Civil Protection Service, promoted with its fellow citizens an action to raise awareness about the proximity of the time of year where there is a greater risk of flooding and flooding in the municipality.

The municipality reports in a statement that leaflets and posters with preventive and self-protection information were distributed in various public, commercial and private spaces. “Municipal technicians also left advice on clearing and monitoring rainwater drainage systems and removing aggregates and other objects that could be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of water, among others”, explains the municipality.

The initiative was planned to provide direct contact with the population of the parishes of S. Clemente, S. Sebastião, Boliqueime, Almancil and Quarteira, considered the most vulnerable in this area.

“We must be aware of the effects of the first heavy rainfall, often accompanied by gusts of wind and increased sea agitation. During this period, it is important to be prepared to adopt protective measures, such as unblocking drainage systems and roofs, fixing loose structures and carefully circulating along trees and riverside areas”, clarifies the Municipal Civil Protection Service, which had the cooperation of the Fire Department in this action.

Ministry of Agriculture gives “direct support” to bee farms affected by fires in the Algarve

The Algarve Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Fisheries (DRAP Algarve) informed that it continues to provide direct support to livestock producers and beekeepers in areas affected by forest fires in August, in the municipalities of Castro Marim, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.

In a statement, DRAP Algarve says it has started this week the distribution of sugar to bee colonies, totalling 8,000 kg, covering a total of 15 beekeepers in the affected areas.

With the arrival of a new shipment of hay and cattle feed, the Regional Directorate continues to directly deliver emergency animal feed to livestock producers who need it.

In this phase, approximately 13,500Kg of straw and 8100Kg of cereals (corn and barley) will be distributed by 11 small ruminant producers.

It should be recalled that due to the fires this summer in the Algarve, a large percentage of agricultural land destined for pasture, as well as places for keeping animal food, such as haystacks, were consumed by fire, which is why this extraordinary support for entrepreneurs was carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, and has been “of extreme importance for livestock and bee holdings located in the affected areas”, reads the same document.

The Overseas Situation Report Tuesday 19 October 2021

by Mike Evans

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” 

– Colin Powell

As Portugal’s Covid rates fall further back to their early numbers this report is looking at some of the countries where the opposite is happening especially with the issue of deaths as a result of Covid 19.

First we look at Romania in Eastern Europe where covid numbers have been on the increase in the past few weeks. For Romania though the main issue is the number of people dying from the virus. The health crisis in Romania has taken a dramatic turn. The coordinator of Romania’s vaccination campaign, Valeriu Gheorghiţă, says that Romania is already in the same scenario as Italy was last year, writes Cristian Gherasim, Bucharest correspondent.

In the spring of 2020, at the onset of the COVID pandemic in Europe, Italy was the most affected country. The number of infections grew rapidly, and hospitals were overwhelmed.

Another top Romanian official dealing with COVID pandemic – the head of the country’s emergency unit- said that a comparison between the current situation in Romania and that in the Italian region of Lombardy is not exaggerated and admits that the situation is very serious.

After a botched communication campaign, all officials are calling for people to get vaccinated, saying it is the only way to overcome the 4th wave of the pandemic, which has become so virulent because the Delta variant is spreading much more easily.

Hospitals and ICUs across the country are overwhelmed with media constantly reporting that no ICU beds are available. The situation is as such that ICU beds usually become available only after a patient dies.

The European Union has so far sent to Romania 250 oxygen concentrators and over 5,000 bottles of monoclonal antibodies, as aid from the EU’s strategic reserve, for the treatment of COVID patients who are seriously ill. More than 20 fans and oxygen concentrators arrived in the country, according to a statement from the European Commission. The European Commissioner for Crisis Management says that the aid is also a form of reciprocity to Romania’s efforts to provide assistance to other EU countries during the pandemic.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has coordinated and co-financed the delivery of over 190 million items of personal protective and medical equipment, reinforced hospitals with additional medical staff and delivered vaccines and other essential equipment to more than 55 countries. In addition, the EU created a strategic rescEU medical reserve and distribution mechanism under the umbrella of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The reserve enables the swift delivery of medical equipment hosted by Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and The Netherlands.”, the EC statement reads.

Though not as bad as Romania, the region of Eastern Europe is by far the worst hit in Europe. Eastern Europe (Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina) is red showing a spike in COVID cases. These countries have a high number of deaths compared to their populations. Thus, Romania has the highest average, of 16.6. It is the highest average in Europe, but unfortunately, according to the latest data, it is also the highest average in the world.

Romania is followed, in Europe, by Bulgaria, with an average of 12.37 deaths, according to Our World in Data. Lithuania also has a rather difficult situation, with an average of 10.14 deaths, given that the incidence of COVID-19 is high in this country.

On the other hand, in Western Europe, France, Italy, Great Britain, Portugal have clamped down on the pandemic with the death rate being very low. In the UK it is below 2, although the number of cases is comparable to that of the previous wave of the pandemic. The number of deaths in the UK where the population is largely vaccinated is now even 20 times lower.

Meanwhile across the Atlantic we hear the news that former US Secretary of State , Colin Powell has died of complications due to Covid 19 even though he was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

But instead of demonstrating that the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective in preventing death, which was known, his death better serves to show the need to tamp down on coronavirus cases more broadly to help protect those most at risk.

That group included Powell. He was 84 years old when he died, well into the elderly age group that has been most ravaged by the virus. He had also been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing the effectiveness of vaccines in curtailing new infections and deaths from the coronavirus.

In August, it found, those who were vaccinated were six times less likely to become infected and 11 times less likely to die of covid-19. But the data also showed a disparity in the death toll: The incidence of covid deaths among those age 80 and over was nearly as high as the incidence among the unvaccinated age 50 to 64. This is not to say either that vaccines made no difference even among the most elderly or that the incidence of deaths among vaccinated elderly individuals was large. If we look at one week of the CDC’s data (the one in which the incidence of deaths was highest for those age 50 to 79), we see that the incidence of deaths among the unvaccinated was 21 times higher for those age 50 to 64, 15 times higher for those 65 to 79 and, among those 80 and older, more than four times higher.

Why the difference? For the very reason that so many people last year tried to diminish the danger posed by the virus. Older Americans have always been more at risk from covid, and the effects of the virus are clearly more pronounced with members of that age group even when they are vaccinated.

This should not be an impetus to nihilism, though. It’s not the case that this demonstrates that vaccines are futile or not useful. Instead, it’s a reminder that the virus still poses a risk to the elderly, even when vaccinated, and therefore that the goal should be to tamp down on the spread of the virus broadly. If Powell had been at little risk of contracting the virus because transmission rates were low, he would have been at almost zero risk of dying from it. But, instead, his death comes at a time when more than 80,000 people a day are still contracting the virus and more than 1,500 people are dying from it — about as many people as were dying in early April 2020.

The reason that health experts advocate vaccination is, in part, because it offers increased protection to individuals both from infection and death. But that to some extent is the icing on the cake. The broader advantage in widespread vaccination is that the virus has far less ability to spread, given how well protected the vaccinated are against contracting the virus. This is the goal of reaching herd immunity, creating a situation in which the virus can’t spread because it can’t find hosts without antibodies prepared to fight it.

When the United States achieves herd immunity, 84-year-olds with preexisting conditions will be better protected against death simply because they will be at much lower risk of contracting the virus.

As has long been the case, there are two paths to herd immunity. One involves a vaccine that is safe, free and effective. The other involves more people getting sick and building natural immunity. The risk with the latter, of course, is that it both increases the chances that the virus will spread in a community and it poses a risk to the infected person. There is a risk, in other words, both to the individual and to the community, both of which are ameliorated through vaccination.

It seems inevitable at this moment that Powell’s death will prompt new indifference to the vaccine, as though his death somehow proves that the vaccines don’t work. The lesson we should learn instead is that the vaccines work best when they work broadly and that, had Powell been protected both by the vaccine and by low rates of infection in his community, he might still be alive.

The arguments surrounding vaccinations had been going on for years long before Covid 19 appeared but there is overwhelming evidence from the medical profession that vaccination is by far the best way to beat the virus.

Until the next time Stay Safe.

Total Cases Worldwide – 241,615,106

Total Deaths Worldwide – 4,916,812

Total Recovered Worldwide – 218,830,885

Total Active Cases Worldwide – 17,867,409  (7.4 % of the total cases) 

Total Closed Cases Worldwide – 223,747,697

https://www.worldometer.info/coronavirus/

Information and Resources:

https://www.eureporter.co/world/romania/2021/10/18

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021

 

Madeira Situation Report Friday 15th October 2021

 

Covid-19 New rules apply from today until November 30th

There are up the ten changes coming to effect in the Region at midnight tonight after the resolution approved yesterday by the Government Council confirmed the changes to rules already announced Tuesday. In general, the order is to reopen without restrictions, but keeping recommendations from the health authorities and having a negative test and a digital vaccination certificate to enter major events.

The resolution approved on Thursday by the Governing Council states that the new measures will take effect at 0:00 on October 15th (midnight 14th/15th October) and apply until 23:59 on 30th November.

The regulation is subject to constant evaluation by the competent authorities and may be subject to revision in the event of a change in the circumstances that led the Executive to ease the restriction measures now.

No more compulsory curfew and masks only in closed spaces

As anticipated, the resolution approved yesterday puts an end to the “general duty to be home at night”. The same note explains that “there is no longer a ban on circulation on public roads” between certain hours

As for masks, their use is now recommended for citizens over six years of age in access, circulation or stay in closed spaces. This “whenever the physical distance recommended by health authorities proves impractical”, the resolution also explains.

Commercial establishments without any restrictions

It is another measure starting today, “commercial, industrial and service activities, including gambling establishments, casinos, bingos or similar, and hotel and hospitality establishments and local accommodation can operate without any restrictions”. This change is valid for both the capacity of the aforementioned spaces and their opening hours.

Rules relaxed for culture, sport and conferences

The rules are also relaxed for events of a cultural, artistic and sporting nature, including cultural events and conferences. However, there are two circumstances to take into account here:

If there are indoor events with more than 100 people, it is necessary to present an infection screening test with a negative result and carried out within 48 hours prior to the event.

If there are events in outdoor spaces with more than 500 people, tests with a negative result made within the previous 48 hours are required.

Post-religious events with lighter measures

At weddings, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, finalists and other events, the rules are similar to those of culture and sport. In other words, tests will only be requested in events held indoors that have more than 100 people or in outdoor actions with more than 500 people.

Free tests at pharmacies, laboratories and clinics

The tests mentioned by the Government for indoor events with more than 100 people or outdoor events with more than 500 people can be done free of charge for users. All that is required is for interested parties to do so in pharmacies, laboratories, clinics and posts that are part of the Regional Government’s testing campaign.

Unrestricted bars, liquor stores & nightclubs

As of 15th October bars, drinking establishments and venues with dance venues can operate without restrictions. However, the ordinance clarifies that this operation can only happen “provided that the health rules issued by the health authorities are respected” and provided that users present the Covid Digital Certificate of the European Union.

Homecare visits, but with tests

Visits to the Elderly Home Structures, the Integrated Continuous Care Units, as well as the shelters for Children and Youth are now carried out without restrictions, as long as they follow the sanitary rules and visitors present a negative test performed within 48 hours prior to visit.

Thus, the restrictions imposed on the limits on the number of visits fall. However, the resolution is silent on the form of visit, namely if the separation by glass or other restrictions is maintained, such as the impediment of physical contacts.

Spas are back to free use

The resolution approved yesterday allows the use of changing rooms, changing rooms and showers in sports facilities also “without restrictions”. However, the resolution approved by the Government Council explains that, as they are spaces for common use and with frequent contact surfaces, the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of the changing rooms must be increased.

Travel restricted until November 1st

Changes to entries into the Region through the Airport, ports and marinas continue to maintain the restrictions of recent months.

Yesterday’s resolution only indicates that these regulations will be changed from the first of November.

 

 

The Overseas Situation Report Friday 15 October 2021

by Mike Evans

“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.”

– W. Clement Stone

In the past week there has been a big increase in new infections across many countries in Europe. This is in contrast to the rest of the world with the exception of Oceania where there has also been a small increase. In this report we are looking at where the main increases have come from and what is happening in the area to combat this increase.

According to Worldometer.info the trend over the past week worldwide has seen a drop in new cases by 4%. The biggest percentage fall has been in Africa,(27%) and South America,(25%). In North America there has been a drop of 17% and a 10% drop in Asia, compared to the previous week.

However, in Europe the situation is very different. With over 1 million of the 2.8 million cases worldwide there has been some significant jumps in new cases detected over the past week.

The UK and Russia lead the table with almost 470,000 cases of the 1 million in the continent. The UK saw a 14% increase to 278,374 new cases and Russia saw 199,121 new cases, also an increase of 14%. Across Europe according to the data from Worldometer 30 out of the 47 countries listed saw an increase in new cases in the past 7 days.

Another disturbing statistic is that deaths from Covid 19 also rose by 13% across the region in the past week. Russia and the UK were again the two countries with the highest number of deaths attributed to the pandemic.

Let’s look closer at a few of these countries to see what may be the cause of this increase in both cases and deaths.

In the UK the number of new cases is increasing on a daily basis. On wednesday, the UK reported 42,776 new infections which is the highest daily number since the 21st July.

The figures are 11 per cent higher than Tuesday’s daily total of 38,520. The number of cases reported in the past seven days is 12 percent higher than the previous week. It takes Britain’s seven-day rolling Covid infection rate to 372.6 cases per 100,000, which is among the highest in Europe.

Trafford in Greater Manchester continues to have the highest rate in the UK, with 2,006 new cases in the seven days to October 9, the equivalent of 844.4 per 100,000 people. Looking at the infection rate more closely, figures released on Tuesday showed that 73 percent of local authority areas have seen a week-on-week rise in rates while 27 per cent have seen a fall.

Meanwhile the Government said a further 136 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the UK total to 138,080.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 163,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

While cases appear to be steadily increasing, the impact on the nation’s health appears to be more stable. Daily Covid-19 hospital admissions have been running reasonably flat in the 700s since the middle of September, having fallen from around 1,000 at the start of the month. The latest daily figures show 754 patients were admitted to hospital with coronavirus on Saturday.

Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown. The government coronavirus task force reported 973 coronavirus deaths, the highest daily toll since the start of the pandemic. Russia has repeatedly hit record daily death tolls this month, and daily infections also have been hovering near all-time highs, with 28,190 new cases reported Tuesday.

Despite the rapidly mounting toll, the Kremlin has ruled out a nationwide lockdown, delegating the power to make decisions on toughening coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities.The soaring infections has raised the pressure on Russia’s health care system, with hospitals filling up quickly. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said 11% of Russia’s 235,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients are in serious or critical condition.

Overall, Russia’s coronavirus task force has registered over 7.8 million confirmed cases and 218,345 deaths — the highest death toll in Europe. Yet the state statistics agency Rosstat, which also counts deaths where the virus wasn’t considered the main cause, has reported a much higher total — about 418,000 deaths of people with COVID-19. If that higher number is used, Russia would be the fourth hardest-hit nation in the world during the pandemic, after the United States, Brazil and India. Even the lower mortality figure only shifts Russia down to fifth place, after Mexico. The Russian government has blamed the sharp rise in infections and deaths that began last month on a slow vaccination rate. Only 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33% of its nearly 146 million people, have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, and 42.4 million, about 29%, were fully vaccinated, the government said Friday.

Speaking at a meeting with newly-elected Russian lawmakers, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized on Tuesday the importance of broad vaccination and urged lawmakers to help encourage the population to get the shots.

“We must patiently and persistently work with people and explain all the advantages of prophylactics against that dangerous disease,” Putin said, noting that the population must be persuaded to get the shots without resorting to administrative pressure. Amid a quick tide of infections, some Russian regions have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theaters, restaurants and other places to people who have been vaccinated, recently recovered from COVID-19 or tested negative in the previous 72 hours.

But life remains largely normal in Moscow, St. Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced. In Moscow, the authorities expanded free coronavirus tests in shopping malls, hoping it would help stem contagion.

Across the rest of Europe, many of the countries which had seen a drop in new cases are now seeing a resurgence of the virus. The Eastern countries of the continent seem to be those where the upsurge in infections is starting to happen again. Ukraine, and Romania, have the next highest number of new cases in the region while Germany and Serbia are also seeing increases compared to the previous week. With regards to deaths from Covid 19 all four of these countries have seen significant increases in the past week.

In Germany, whilst the number of infections remains stable they are bringing in a number of new rules to combat the virus. The Health authorities are concerned that among people over the age of 60, 3 million remain unvaccinated. Pressure to change that is mounting, yet falling just short of implementing an actual vaccine requirement. Much of public life in Germany now requires proof of test, vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. In some places, only the latter two will do.

As of Monday, the cost of rapid antigen tests is no longer covered by the state. That means unvaccinated people may be out €10 to €25 ($11 to $29) every time they want to join public life, for example to go a restaurant or get a haircut. Starting November 1, unvaccinated people will not receive compensation for lost pay if coronavirus measures force them to quarantine.The loss of earnings for all citizens who have to quarantine and cannot work because of a suspected or actual coronavirus infection has, until now, been covered by the state.

Despite fears over a potential spike in COVID-19, Health Minister Jens Spahn has defended the move. “Why should others pay for the fact that someone has decided not to be vaccinated?” he said.

He did stress, however, that it is still the right of every citizen to choose not to get vaccinated. His center-right Christian Democrat party (CDU) has staunchly opposed compulsory vaccinations across the board. “It is not about pressure, it is about fairness,” said Spahn.

At least 68% of people in Germany have received at least one shot, according to the Health Ministry, and at least 85% of those over 60 are fully vaccinated. The figures could be higher, based on a recent analysis by the Robert Koch Institute for public health (RKI). The uncertainty is due, among other things, to some doctors not registering all vaccinations. To many Germans, it may feel like the country is through the worst of the pandemic. Just 42% of those polled in a recent survey said they worry about rising infections. In the summer, that figure was at 62%.

Based on recent statistics, it appears Germany has been able to avoid dramatic developments in its fourth wave of the pandemic, which began in mid-August. The seven-day incidence rate has kept steady for the last several weeks at around 60 people per 100,000 — which is higher than the same point one year ago.Yet that is only part of the picture. Since late summer, German health officials have also been judging the situation based on the hospitalization rate, which better reflects serious cases and the burden on the health care system. At 1.6 per 100,000 people, COVID-19 hospitalizations are in the green. The number of those patients occupying intensive care beds is also low.

There are greater concerns at the local level, such as the four dozen cities or municipalities with incidence rates of at least 100, and in some cases 200. In the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s most populous state, 280 COVID-19 patients are in the hospital, half of them on ventilators. A large majority of the seriously ill are unvaccinated people.

The seasons are changing and as Germany approaches winter, social life is moving inside. This increases the risk of infections, which was the case during Germany’s second wave last autumn and winter. Spahn has warned that the vaccination rate is insufficient to guarantee that this won’t happen again.”We best not go too quickly, but step-by-step. So we don’t have to take a step backward,” he said. Epidemiologists like Lange have said that unlike in the United Kingdom, people in Germany should not expect “freedom day,” when all restrictions are lifted, anytime soon.

“Whether you can declare one is a political question. Whether you can stick to it is an epidemiological one,” she stated. Rules will be necessary, she added, if infections rise and again burden the system.

It is obvious that the pandemic is not over and we must all be careful in how we conduct our daily lives. In the meantime take Care and Stay Safe.

Total Cases Worldwide – 240,085,681

Total Deaths Worldwide – 4,892,166

Total Recovered Worldwide – 217,402,526

Total Active Cases Worldwide – 17,790,989  (7.4 % of the total cases)

Total Closed Cases Worldwide – 222,294,692

https://www.worldometer.info/coronavirus/

Other Resourcs:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/uk-covid-cases-deaths-latest-figures-pandemic-highest-daily-b960343.html

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/weekly-trends/#countries

https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-europe-russia-moscow-pandemics-9af74e65c48d40b8ddc6a346893a8563

https://www.dw.com/en/

 

 

Azores Situation Report – 13th October 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores

 

Covid -19 

Since the last Situation Report a week ago on the 6th September there have been 92 new cases of Covid-19 registered, less than last week, and 84 recoveries.

Hospitalizations

As of today, there are nine patients hospitalized, six at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, two at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, and one at the Horta Hospital, in intensive care unit.

Current situation:

The archipelago currently registers 152 positive active cases: 140 on the island of São Miguel, six on the island of Terceira, three on the island of Faial and three on the island of Pico.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 9,168 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the Azores, of which 8,790 recovered from the disease. There were 43 deaths, 95 people who left the archipelago and 88 cases with history of previous cure.

From December 31st, 2020 to October 11th, 173,743 people in the Azores have been vaccinated with the first dose (73,4 per cent) and 192,750 with complete vaccination (81,4 per cent), under the Regional Vaccination Plan.

House Collapse 

An “old house” was last night “totally destroyed” in the city of Ponta Delgada, due to heavy rain that fell in São Miguel, but “the residents were not injured,” said Civil Protection.

The coordinator of Civil Protection for the municipality of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Azevedo, explained that it was “an old house, located on Avenida Príncipe de Mónaco”, in the city of Ponta Delgada and that, due to heavy rain on the island of São Miguel, ended up collapsing”.

“The couple and the two children who lived in the house are all well and have gone to their relatives,” he explained.

As for the water level in the Sete Cidades lagoon, which “has risen considerably” due to heavy rain, the official said that “the situation is resolved for now”, since “cleaning works were carried out for the natural drainage of water”.

Pedro Azevedo also said that the situations of roads that were blocked on Monday are “practically resolved”, namely in the parish of Ginetes and Arrifes, with “the cleaning work being concluded”.

In São Vicente Ferreira, the multipurpose pavilion was flooded again on Monday, and the coordinator of Civil Protection for the municipality of Ponta Delgada explained today that the situation “is resolved, but the pavilion’s floor will have to be replaced”.

The heavy rainfall caused, on Monday, several floods in homes on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira and in various public roads, according to a source from the Civil Protection.

 

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 13th October 2021 

By Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 58 new Covid-19 cases, 102 recoveries and no deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report, which was published a week ago.

On Wednesday, there were 10 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported case from Lithuania & 9 cases of local transmission) and 13 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 7, none of whom was in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (3 imported cases – 2 from Germany and 1 from the UK & 8 cases of local transmission) and 21 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 10, none of whom was in intensive care.

On Friday, there were 7 new Covid-19 cases (2 imported cases from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region & 5 cases of local transmission) and 19 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to to 6, none of whom was in intensive care.

On Saturday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases (3 imported cases from the UK & 5 cases of local transmission) and 17 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital remained the same as the day before.

On Sunday, there were 7 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 6 recoveries.  There were 7 hospitalised patients.

On Monday, there were 4 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported case from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region & 3 cases of local transmission) and 11 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 8, although there were still no patients in intensive care.

And on Tuesday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (4 imported cases – 2 from the UK, 1 from the USA and 1 from Central Region & 7 cases of local transmission) and 15 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital was 8, none of whom was in intensive care.

There were 76 active cases on Tuesday, of which 18 had been imported while the other 58 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 11,839 cases, 11,688 recoveries and 75 deaths.

On Tuesday, there were 15 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 53 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 8 patients in hospital, none of whom was in intensive care.

On the same day, there were 36 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which were all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening.

There were 36,965 travellers under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There were also 178 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 314,920 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 15h30).

As for Covid-19 rapid antigen tests, a total of 350,900 tests had been carried out by October 3rd, 276m689 of which as part of mass testing campaigns.

By Tuesday, 652,380 samples from RT-PCR tests had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 737 calls in the last 7 days. Overall, it had received 65,275 calls.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 37 calls in the last 7 days. Overall, it has received 3,893 calls.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/06/10-novos-casos-de-covid-19-13-recuperados-129-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/07/11-novos-casos-de-covid-19-107-activos-116-suspeitos-21-recuperados/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/08/7-novos-casos-de-covid-19-19-recuperados-95-activos-78-suspeitos/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/143822/Madeira_regista_8_novos_casos_de_covid-19_neste_sabado_e_17_recuperados

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/143895/Domingo_com_sete_novos_casos_de_covid-19_na_Madeira

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/11/4-novos-casos-de-covid-19-11-recuperados-80-activos-71-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/12/11-novos-casos-de-covid-19-15-recuperados-36-suspeitos/

Further easing of Covid-19 restrictions likely

The Madeira Regional Government is currently assessing the current epidemiological situation on the archipelago, particularly since the start of school classes and since the Flower Festival (Festa da Flor) took place on October 3rd. A further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, particularly the end of the curfew and the reopening of nightclubs on October 15th, is being seriously considered. The Regional Government’s decision will be announced on Thursday.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/143524/Madeira_podera_voltar_a_normalidade_a_partir_de_15_de_outubro_

Live fire military exercise to take place

The Portuguese Military will carry out a live fire exercise on the parish (freguesia) of Ponta do Pargo, in the area around the lighthouse, on October 14th, from 10h00 until 18h00. Access to the  surrounding areas (both at sea and on land) will be closed and there will be warnings and advice will be provided in the area. There will be some noise as a result of explosions and of the firing of ammunition.

If any remains of explosives and ammunition are found, they must not be touched. Instead, the population are advised to inform the Police (PSP – 291 208 400) or the relevant military regiment (RG3-Regimento de Guarnição Nº3 — 291 765 579 or 291 765 580).

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/12/rg3-vai-realizar-dia-14-exercicio-de-fogos-reais-na-ponta-do-pargo/

Additional Binter flights between Madeira and the Canary Islands

Binter will increase the number of flights from Madeira to the Canary Islands in November. Flights to Tenerife will resume and flights to Gran Canaria will continue. There will be 8 weekly flights to the Canary Islands.

From November 2nd, Binter will have flights between Funchal and Tenerife on Tuesdays and on

Saturdays. On Tuesdays and on Saturdays, the flight from Funchal will depart at 14h00 and land in Tenerife Norte-Cidade de La Laguna at 15h20. The flight from Tenerife Norte-Cidade de La Laguna will depart at 16h05 and land in Funchal at 17h25.

Binter will keep 2 weekly flights between Grand Canaria and Funchal. They will be operated on Thursdays and on Sundays. On Thursdays, the flight from Funchal will depart at 12h30 and land in Gran Canaria at 14h00. The flight from Gran Canaria will depart at 14h45 and land in Funchal at 16h15. On Sundays, the flight from Funchal will depart at 13h45 and land in Gran Canaria at 15h15. The flight from Gran Canaria will depart at 16h00 and land in Funchal at 17h30

Bookings can be made on Binter’s website (www.binter.pt), by phone (291 290 129) or through a travel agency.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/143561/Binter_retoma_ligacoes_entre_Madeira_e_Tenerife_e_mantem_voos_com_Gran_Canaria 

EasyJet increases seat capacity on flights between Porto and Funchal

EasyJet announced it will add additional 14,000 seats on its route between Porto and Funchal. This means there will be 3 flights per day between both cities on Fridays and on Sundays, and 2 flights per day on the remaining days of the week.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/06/easyjet-reforca-capacidade-de-viagens-entre-porto-e-funchal/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. It cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:

FUNCHAL

October 14th – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua Conde Carvalhal (number 25A)

– Rua da Nova Alegria (numbers 36 to 57)

– Rua da Nova da Rochinha (numbers 1A to 6A)

ESTREITO DE CÂMARA DE LOBOS

October 14th – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua António Prócoro Macedo Júnior (odd numbers – 49 to 69E & even numbers – 20 to 68)

However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.

If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/12/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-85-2021/

Portugal Situation Report Wednesday 13th October 2021

Introduction

Good morning – It was announced last week the travellers from the UK to Portugal, who have a NHS Covid-19 pass will be able to enter Portugal without a negative test result, in other words the same as for those with an EU Digital Covid Certificate.

This was published on the Gov.UK travel advice page. To date there has been no announcement from the Portuguese side, and we doubt if there will be one given that this has already been covered under “reciprocity”.

Yesterday Brits in Portugal Facebook page updated their previous post stating “that whilst most airlines are applying this correctly, we have received some reports of passengers still being asked to show test results. We have followed this up urgently with carriers and Portuguese Tourism and Border authorities and expect this situation to be regularized shortly. In the meantime, it is recommended that you check directly with your airline ahead of travelling for confirmation”.

An important reminder concerning beach safety particularly so in taking a dip in the sea. There have been several accidents this month where people have got into difficulties whilst swimming. Fortunately they were rescued. It is important to follow that flags regarding entry into the sea and at all times even if conditions appear safe, beware of rip currents and action to take if you do get dragged in one of these.

A reminder that on 5th November 2021 government will be conducting the annual “A Terra Treme” Earthquake awareness exercise throughout the country. This, as the title suggests, is to create awareness of the earthquake risk in Portugal and should a major earthquake occur, what action to take.

This is important as although the potential of a major earthquake taking place are low, the effects could be considerable in terms of destruction, injuries and possible loss of life.

Safe communities Portugal is a partner for “A Terra Treme” and in the lead up to the event we will be publishing various awareness material. Usually around half a million students participate in the exercise as well as many businesses. It only takes less than 5 minutes involving practicing the safety precautions “Drop, Cover, Hold On”.

We will also be covering awareness of tsunamis and action to take should this occur.

I will be talking more about this as well as beach safety on Solid Gold Sunday on KissFm radio this coming Sunday 17th October.

With that please have a good day.

Headlines

Portugal is now Europe’s vaccination frontrunner

The Financial Times (FT) reported in detail recently that a former submarine commander has almost single-handedly instilled confidence in a vaccination programme that had a faltering start in Portugal.

Vice Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, the former submarine commander who has become a quiet hero of Portugal’s fight against COVID-19, could not stop his voice cracking with emotion when he was greeted by a prolonged ovation at a crowded vaccination centre. “I couldn’t help it,” said the grey-bearded vice-admiral, who heads the country’s vaccination task force, referring to the moment. “People were . . . saying to me “we’re with you”.

A week earlier, he won plaudits for his handling of an anti-vaccine protest, calmly telling angry demonstrators that “the real killer is the virus” as some in the placard-waving crowd shouted “murderer” at him. Such protests have been rare in Portugal. An overwhelmingly positive response from the public to Gouveia e Melo is one of several factors that have made the country a frontrunner in the global race to vaccinate against Covid.

About 83% of its population are already fully vaccinated and 86% have received at least one dose (as of 28 September), which meant it remarkably achieved one of the highest vaccination rates in the world alongside the likes of the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Pedro Simas, executive director of the Católica Biomedical Research Institute in Lisbon, believes the strong public adherence to the programme has its roots in Portugal’s first national vaccination plan in 1965. “It was tremendously successful and people have understood and trusted the benefits of vaccination ever since,” he said. Marta Temido, health minister, said Portugal’s national health service, has always had a strong focus on primary care. “Our doctors and nurses have been at the heart of a strategy based around large-scale vaccination centres in which the support of the military and municipalities has been vital,” she told the Financial Times.

Covid-19 Situation Tuesday 12th Portugal 2021

Confirmed Cases: 1.076.358 (+ 719 / + 0.07 %)

Number of admitted: 345 (-11 /-3.09 %)

Number of ICU admitted: 56 (-2 /-3.45 %)

Deaths: 18.056 (+ 8 / + 0.04 %)

Recovered: 1.028.465 (+ 1041 / + 0.10 %)

Active cases: 29,837 (-330 /-1.09%)

TRENDS

New daily cases higher than last week’s daily average (600)

Number of deaths higher than yesterday, but below last week’s daily average and remaining in single digits.

Welcome decrease in hospitalisations after a moderate increase yesterday

Large number of recoveries for one day.

Health

Nurses unions to strike

The nurses’ unions scheduled a strike for the first week of November and a rally on the 28th of this month in front of the Assembly of the Republic.

The decision was taken by all the unions that represent nurses in a meeting that began on Monday afternoon and ended this morning, the president of the Nurses Union, Pedro Costa, told Lusa.

The concentration of nurses and all unions, in front of the Assembly of the Republic, aims to claim the rights of nurses, with the delivery of the petition: “Nurses demand career unfreezing and performance assessment equal to nurses in the Autonomous Region of Madeira”.

Despite the measures announced, Pedro Costa stated that “the capacity for dialogue” between the unions and the Government has not been exhausted.

“For this reason, a national strike was decreed for the first week of November, which we want to announce on Friday. In a way, we are giving the Government some time here to be able to speak out,” he added. The union leader stressed that “the strike always has a dual responsibility”: “responding to the fair demands of nurses, but at the same time valuing the population’s access to health care”.

“We are currently not valuing the human value” of the NHS, which impedes the recovery of the national health system, he told Lusa.

The measures announced by the unions follow on from the lack of response to a claim submitted to the Ministry of Health on September 21 by the seven unions.

Some requirements included in the document include “the hiring of nurses who are in a precarious situation”, an “appropriate performance assessment for the profession”, the “correction of point-counting problems” and “equal conditions for nurses with individual employment contracts and contracts in public functions”.

Hospital visits with fewer restrictions

The General Directorate of Health (DGS) updated Guideline 038/2020, which defines the recommendations for companions and visits to hospital units.

The Guidance states that the Boards of Directors of Hospitals, Hospital Centers and Local Health Units, in conjunction with the PPCIRA Local Coordination Group (GCL-PPCIRA), should facilitate visits to inpatients and adapt the Visiting Regulation accordingly .

Under current legislation, visitors must present a valid EU COVID Digital Certificate or, alternatively, a negative result in a test for SARS-CoV-2: rapid antigen test (TRAg) performed up to 48 hours before, self-test on day and on site and under supervision of a responsible person or PCR test up to 72 hours before the visit.

Infection prevention and control recommendations must continue to be respected, namely the physical distance between visitor, user and health professionals; respiratory tag; correct use of surgical mask; and frequent hand hygiene. The number of visitors per hospitalized user must also be adjusted to ensure effective compliance with infection prevention and control measures.

The document also determines that users admitted to the health services of the National Health Service are entitled to religious assistance, regardless of their religion.

Covid-19: WHO experts consider co-administration of flu vaccines and covid-19 “acceptable”

The limited data on co-administration of inactivated vaccines (produced from inactivated virus) against seasonal influenza with that of covid-19 did not show an increase in adverse events,” indicate the recommendations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) in immunization programs released today, which do not yet constitute WHO guidance on co-administration of vaccines.

According to the advisory group’s opinion, taking into account that the priority age group to receive the seasonal flu vaccine is also considered at risk for more serious covid-19 situations, the co-administration of the two vaccines “is acceptable” and will allow to immunize a greater number of people against both diseases.

On Friday, the Director-General of Health announced that she plans to combine flu vaccination and the administration of the third dose against covid-19, to simplify the two processes, a possibility that was awaiting WHO guidance.

“It would be great for people, because it is much more comfortable to go and vaccinate themselves once with two inoculations and it is also much easier for our nurses, for our logistics and for our services”, explained Graça Freitas, at a conference in press.

Matosinhos students sent home. Parents against ARS Norte decision

The health delegate’s decision is generating controversy among those in charge of educating students at the Quinta de São Gens Basic School, in Matosinhos.

Matosinhos health delegate sent more than 300 students from the Quinta de São Gens Basic School to prophylactic isolation, after an employee tested positive for Covid-19.

Parents are disgusted with the decision they consider to be “overkill” and question how the rest of the year will go as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate.

For this reason, they decided to deliver, to the General Directorate of Health, a petition with 216 signatures.

To TVI24, ARS Norte said that the decision was taken as a “precautionary measure”.

The educational action assistant, who works in the cafeteria and is also a supervisor at recess, was considered a “risk contact” for at least more than 300 students at the school. At the moment, only fifty continue to attend classroom classes.

For students who are in prophylactic isolation for 10 days, online classes are available. Only the first year does not have this option.

The children concerned are between 6 and 10 years old, so they are not included in the national Covid-19 vaccination plan.

Students have already started to be tested for the disease and, so far, there has been no record of positive cases.

Other news

Rail Safety

Alpha/Accident: Security is “Critical Concern” for IP and it’s Important to Hear – Government

Lisbon, 12 Oct 2021 (Lusa) – The Government is analysing the final report on the derailment of the Alfa Pendular in Soure, said today the Minister of Infrastructure, stressing that “security is a crucial concern for Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP)”, which should be heard.

“We are still doing the analysis of the report ourselves. […] Apparently, it is not true that IP has not taken the measures that were determined in the past, and that is why it is important to listen to IP”, said Pedro Nuno Santos, who was heard in the parliamentary committee on Economy, Innovation , Public Works and Housing.

“Security is a crucial concern for IP, which is not to say that we still don’t have much to do,” added the official.

According to the final report of the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF), which the Lusa agency had access to on October 1st, the derailment of the Alfa Pendular train, in the village of Soure, which caused two deaths and 44 injured, were due to human error, but the investigation also blames Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP).

The train, with 212 passengers and heading south-north, bound for Braga, derailed in the afternoon of July 31, 2020, after colliding with a catenary conservation vehicle (VCC), which had entered the track, seconds earlier, close to the locality of Matas, causing the death of two IP workers, who were at the VCC, and 44 injured, three of them serious.

“The accident was not due to any technical anomaly, having established as the most likely explanation for the undue overtaking of signal S5 [red] by the VCC an error by the crew in the identification of the signal that related to the line the train was on, having it was understood that signal S3 with a green appearance was applied to them for the passage of fast train no. 133 [Alfa Pendular]”, concluded the GPIAAF. 

State Budget – Internal security grows 8% with budget of 2,311 million euros

Lisbon, October 12, 2021 (Lusa) – The amount foreseen in the State Budget proposal for 2022 for internal security is 2,311 million euros, representing an 8% increase compared to the estimated budget execution for 2021.

“The budget program for internal security shows, in the 2022 budget, a total of 2,311.6 million euros of total consolidated revenue and total consolidated expenditure allocation, which exceeds the estimated execution by the end of 2021 by 8%”, refers to the proposal for the State Budget for 2022 (OE2022) delivered on Monday to the Assembly of the Republic.

The Government’s proposal states that, of the total consolidated expenditure allocation, personnel expenses have greater weight, which “represent 76.5% of the total consolidated expenditure, with 1,767.9 million euros of allocation, highlighting the structure of the payroll of the security forces and services, distributed between the National Republican Guard (GNR), with 842.3 million euros, and the Public Security Police (PSP), with 787.5 million euros.

The document gives an account of the appropriations for investment expenditure, whose caption for acquisitions of capital goods amounts to 152.8 million euros, of which 53.2 million euros relate to the Law on the Programming of Infrastructure and Equipment of Forces and Services Security, and 40.9 million euros related to budgeted funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

“We also highlight the purchase of goods and services, with 239.1 million euros, of which 114 million euros are allocated to the security forces, intended to finance the current activity of these entities”, reads the proposal.

The OE2022 for the Ministry of Internal Administration highlights the specific allocation for pensions and reforms carried out by the GNR, with 106.5 million euros, and by the PSP, with 55.1 million euros, fully financed by tax revenues.

The proposal also states that the GNR will have 39.8 million euros in health expenses and the PSP 35.3 million euros, which are fully covered by its own revenue.

 

Algarve Situation report Wednesday 13th October 2021

World experts debate future of leisure and post-covid tourism in Vilamoura

The 2021 edition of the conference ‘The Resort and Residential Hospitality Forum’ (R&R) dedicated to investment in resorts will take place between 25 and 27 October at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Resort, bringing together international specialists in investments in the area of ​​hospitality and leisure.

The R&R, part of the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), hopes to attract a senior audience of leading investors, developers and operators in the hospitality and leisure sector. This year’s conference theme ‘Leisure Supports the Turnaround’, in addition to focusing on the adaptability demonstrated by this industry, will discuss systemic shifts in hospitality and leisure investment that continue to drive the industry forward, with increasingly blurred lines between life personal and professional, requiring innovation in all aspects so that one can work remotely while living outside the large urban centers, taking advantage of all types of infrastructure and technologies that the resorts make available to their residents.

In the 2019 edition, more than 400 delegates from 14 countries participated in this international meeting that offers a balance between networking and information on investment strategies and trends in the sector.

The CEO of Vilamoura World, João Brion Sanches, will be one of the participants at the conference, on the panel “Destination Portugal”, a session in which the President of Turismo de Portugal, Luís Araújo, and Julio Delgado, CEO of Ombria Resort, will also participate jointly talk about Portugal’s opportunities as an investment destination.

Algarve in the race for Best Beach Destination in the World 2021

The Algarve Tourism Region – RTA, reported that the Algarve is once again nominated for “Best Beach Destination in the World 2021” at the World Travel Awards, the Tourism Oscars, a category that won for the first time last year.

Voting is open to both travellers and the general public, as well as travel and tourism professionals and takes place at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote, with the winner being announced in November, during a gala taking place in Moscow, Russia.

The region’s hospitality industry is also represented in the race to choose the best in the world in the tourism industry, with 20 nominations in various categories, including «Best Beach Resort in the World», «Best Family Resort in the World» or «Best Hotel of the Luxury of the World», among others.

To the two dozen nominations from hotels in the Algarve are added six nominations from units from Madeira, five from Lisbon and one from Alentejo. Portugal is also nominated for “Best Destination in the World”, “Best Family Destination in the World” and “Best Nature Destination in the World”, in a total of 54 national nominations.

Established in 1993 to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, the World Travel Awards celebrate their 28th anniversary in 2021. Every year, a series of gala ceremonies Regional companies recognize excellence in each continent, culminating in a Grand Final in which only destinations, companies, services and equipment are named among the best in the world. 

Nau Victoria from Spain will dock at Marina de Lagos

Nau Victoria, the replica of the 16th century ship that went around the world with Fernão de Magalhães and Elcano, docks in Lagos from 26th to 31st October.

The show Spain, biennial initiative program more than 40 cultural activities by 2022 across the country, arrives in October to Lagos, with Nau Victoria, a replica of the ship that between 1519 and 1522, has achieved the greatest maritime adventure story:  First Round the World by captains Fernão de Magalhães and Juan Sebastián Elcano.

During the Nau’s stay at the Lagos marina, there will be a program of free visits, guided visits to educational establishments and expert lectures on Spanish-Portuguese maritime exploits.

This replica was built in Spain in 1991, and to delineate the shapes and define the characteristics of the ship, Ignacio Fernández Vial, its designer and builder, conducted a long process of historical research. An exhaustive study, based on documental sources, chronicles, nautical treatises from the 16th century, and iconography of the time, which allowed us to determine its main dimensions, mast, sails and equipment.

 

The Overseas Situation Report Tuesday 12 October 2021

– By Mike Evans

“Wine makes every meal an occasion every table more elegant and everyday more civilized”

Author Unknown

As the world starts to recover from the Global Pandemic this report tells of one aspect of Portuguese culture that tourists have been sampling since well before the pandemic and how the government and producers are working together to build a sustainable future post covid. We are talking about the amazing wines and their impact on tourism to Portugal.

 Last month The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Visit Portugal and the city of Reguengos de Monsaraz organized the 5th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism on 8-10 September 2021 in Reguengos de Monsaraz (Alentejo), Portugal.

Held under the theme ‘Wine Tourism – a driver for rural development’, the Conference focused on the contribution of wine tourism to social and economic regional integration and its great potential to generate development opportunities in remote rural destinations.

Building on UNWTO’s work on advancing tourism at the centre of plans for recovery, the Conference represented a unique opportunity for experts from across the growing field of wine tourism to work together to find concrete solutions to build back better and make tourism an enabler of the way forward towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for rural communities.

Speaking at the event, The Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, highlighted that “10% of those who have visited Portugal in recent years have chosen the country for reasons associated with wine”, according to the newspaper Diário Alentejo.

The Government is “working very focused” on wine tourism “since 2019 and we can already say that 10% of those who visited Portugal in recent years, before the pandemic, came exclusively with reasons associated with wine”, said Rita Marques.

Portugal is “one of the few European countries” that has “an action plan” aimed at wine tourism and betting and investing in this sector “is a path” that the country is “treading”, highlighted the Secretary of State,  in Monsaraz.

The conference theme was how to rebuild the market post Covid 19 and a number of initiatives were put forward to help the growers increase sales and have a greater exposure to the world markets. Ideas for a new beginning were:

  1. Open air, smaller known groups, encourage more individual tourism.
  2. New markets : domestic, promoted in the region as well as across the country.
  3. Smaller groups, higher spending
  4. Bookings – better planning, better experience
  5. Online wine activities as a complement to stay working in tandem with hotels.

The Secretary of State for Tourism recalled that the national action plan for wine tourism has “four major dimensions”, starting with the ‘terroir’, that is, “for working the territories with the 14 wine committees, distributed over seven regions”.

“Then, working on the quality product, as it presents itself, as it is, can be well appreciated by the tourist”, adding that “the training and qualification of people is very important”, as well as “the promotion and continuous addition to the value chain.” And sustainability, a matter in which tourism “has played an important role, because it has assumed a very strong leadership”, must “be part of the DNA” in Portugal, defended Rita Marques.

“Many” of the 14 Portuguese wine regions develop their activity in rural and inland territories, and the Secretary of State warned that, as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, wine tourism in these regions could benefit. “The reasons for travelling have changed slightly, we are all looking for places where we can be a little more isolated from the hustle and bustle of the cities”, and there is “a greater appetite for tasting local products, whether food or wine”.

And it is necessary to “provide products, but also experiences and diversity” to visitors, because Portugal has to ensure that visitors can “stay longer”, that is, in addition to the average “2.7 nights” stay, to “ guarantee more economic value”.

As the biggest consumers of wine per capita globally, it might be expected that domestic sales of Portuguese wines would have fared well over the course of the pandemic, where drinkers globally were largely turned onto local vinous offerings.

In Portugal however, domestic consumption only forms half the picture.

While the Portuguese undoubtedly consume more than their fair share of wine, (on average, 55 litres annually for each of the country’s 10 million people), a large proportion of those sales come from tourists from countries like the UK. With the pandemic grounding planes everywhere, this has shifted the balance of sales abroad.

“We ended the year with a roughly 25% decrease in domestic wine consumption,” Frederico Falcão, president of Wines of Portugal.“Regarding our exports, we were one of only two countries globally that managed to grow in both volume and value: Portugal and New Zealand. There was a decrease in world wine trade, but Portugal managed to grow in value for our exports. Consumption was lower in Portugal, but we managed to export more.”

He said that Portugal exported a total of €846m in 2020, a 3% uplift on 2019 when sales reached €818m.

A significant proportion of this shift came from Portugal’s’ number three export market in value, the UK, where sales rose 16% in 2020.

Falcão puts this down to greater risk-taking among Brits, who displayed a willingness to convert on-trade spend to more adventurous off-trade purchases.

“Because of the lockdown of restaurants, people started to drink more wine at home, and they were buying wines with a bit more value. Usually, in restaurants, consumers don’t take many risks because the wines are expensive. But if they’re buying in an independent store or supermarket and they are willing to risk more, they find Portuguese wines are very good value for money,” he said.

When it comes to Port, Portugal has an interesting relationship with France, the US and the UK, it’s top three export markets by value.

For the past six years in the UK, sales of Port in these markets have been stable with a very slight increase of 0.1% in value. The share of Port however, is decreasing.

“Six years ago it was 68%, whereas in 2020, Port represented 52%. Table wines are increasing a lot,” said Falcão.

France remains Portugal’s number one export market, predominantly due to large amount of Port usually consumed in the country. Last year saw a significant dip because of the loss of the on-trade.

“Portuguese wines saw a huge increase in almost all countries except for France last year (because of Port) and also Angola. There is a problem with the economy in Angola these days. But France remains the biggest export market for Port in volume. The loss of the on-trade meant sales in 2020 dipped a lot.”

He added that France over-indexes at the entry level for Port. It’s an everyday drinking wine, whereas premium trends have greater weight in the US and UK.

“The Portuguese also don’t drink a lot of Port,” he said – a fact which was laid bare last year as consumption dipped significantly in the country.

Many of the trends which have become popular in the UK in recent years – for example Port & Tonic – originated in the bars and restaurants of Porto. While this was a domestically driven trend, Falcão said, it is not a traditional drink, and was created largely with tourists in mind.

It’s far more popular on the export market, where trends such as rosé Port are driving buy-in and excitement.

“My guess is that the premium categories of Port will go on for a long time. The future will be mixology like Port & Tonic, because the younger generation doesn’t like to drink those styles of wines, not just Port, but other fortified styles. Drinks like Port & Tonic are an excellent solution to keep Port sales going,” he said.

All of this leads us to believe that Portugal has a great chance to see their wine and tourism businesses move forward to greater things as we leave behind the fears of Covid 19.

Until the next time, Stay Safe.

Total Cases Worldwide – 238,761,035

Total Deaths Worldwide – 4,869,694

Total Recovered Worldwide – 215,938,873

Total Active Cases Worldwide – 17,952,468  (7.5 % of the total cases) 

Total Closed Cases Worldwide – 220,808,567

Information and Resources:

https://www.worldometer.info/coronavirus/