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Algarve Situation Report – Wednesday 30th December 2020

Portimão says goodbye to 2020 with music at the door

On December 31st, Portimão will say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2021 without the usual cultural animation and traditional fireworks, however the municipality has prepared an alternative for pandemic times: “New Year’s Eve at Home – Music at the Door”.

In a press release, the city announced that, to mark the New Year and respecting the rules and constraints enacted by the Government, and the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, two large trucks will be circulating, between 3 pm and 9 pm, around Portimão, to the sound of the live concerts starring César Matoso, Filipa Sousa, Gabriel de Rose and Filipe Konx, with DJ Ari Girão and Virgul as headliners.

The same publication advances that, despite the pandemic times, Portimão will not fail to welcome the arrival of 2021.

It should be noted that, although Portimão is still classified as high risk, it is about to return to the list of municipalities at moderate risk, therefore, the municipality warns that “the contribution of citizens is fundamental, based on understanding and responsibility”.

In this sense, the trucks’ itinerary will not be disclosed, “so that everyone has the good sense to comply with the rules and stay at home, having fun at the window with the music that will pass at the door”, stressed the same source.

Covid-19: Operational Program of the Algarve released until October, 19.7 million to minimize the effects of the pandemic

The Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve) published the second edition of the Covid-19 Algarve Bulletin, with the latest information on the socio-economic impact of the pandemic in the region and on public policy measures adopted with funds from European funds allocated to the Algarve Operational Program, in support of companies and institutions in the Algarve.

In a statement, the CCDR explains that the elaboration of the second edition of the bulletin coincides with a period in which Portugal is in a state of emergency, whose measures implemented by Portugal and most countries to contain the spread of the pandemic, «caused a strong contraction of the demand and supply, both domestically and globally, with significant consequences for employment and the economy”.

In recent months, following the country’s trend, the Algarve presented milder negative year-on-year rates of change than in the initial period of the pandemic, in most of the indicators followed. Despite this, the region continues, in many cases, to record falls above the national average, translating into a more marked economic and social impact in the Algarve. According to the same document issued today to the media, September and / or October showed slightly more severe breaks than in previous months.

In this context, until October 31, the Operational Program of the Algarve mobilized 19.7 million euros for the adoption of measures aimed at minimizing the effects generated by the pandemic, with 17 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 2.4 million from the European Social Fund (ESF).

To date, nine notices have been launched and 214 operations have been approved in the three notices already completed, resulting in a total of 7.26 million euros of eligible investment, corresponding to 4.7 million European funds, adding up to all support provided in terms of unemployment benefits, social inclusion income food support.

 

Algarve Situation Report – Monday 28th December

Covid-19: Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) to start vaccination on Tuesday

The Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) will start vaccination against covid-19 on Tuesday, the president of the centre’s board of directors, which includes hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos, told the Lusa agency today.

“We will start vaccinating on the 29th, Tuesday,” said Ana Castro, clarifying that CHUA has planned to vaccinate “professionals and patients who meet the criteria” defined in the vaccination plan until January 31st.

Asked when vaccines will arrive at the hospital and when time is needed later to operationalize the administration of the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, the same source replied that he is still not sure of the arrival date, but assured that “as soon as they arrive [vaccines], you start vaccinating right away ”.

“From the moment they arrive, we start immediately, because we have a ready and assembled team, which will be dedicated to just that. So, as soon as the vaccines arrive, we start vaccinating, we have the list of people and it is to start calling them, which will be easy and immediate, because we have the list of people, everything is prepared, we know where people are and what services belong, so it’s getting started, ”he said.

Ana Castro acknowledged that she still has no information on when the vaccine will actually be delivered, but guaranteed that the process will start without delay on the 29th.

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 23rd December

Aljezur Municipality supports institutions in the municipality in the purchase of protective material

The Municipality of Aljezur decided to grant financial support, of approximately 7,500 euros, to the institutions of the municipality, for the purchase of individual protection material and disinfection.

This support was decided under the “Aljezur – Present Municipality” program, created by the municipality to promote support to minimize the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Municipality of Aljezur stresses that this is “a considerable financial effort, not allowing this type of material to be lacking in the municipality’s institutions, namely the Casa da Criança do Rogil (Integrated Long Term Care and Maintenance Unit (ULDM)) Aljezur and nurseries), the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Aljezur and the Association of Voluntary Firemen of Aljezur”.

Also within the scope of the support measures, the Aljezur municipality financially supported the Juventude Clube Aljezurense, in the amount of 978.25 euros, to cover the operating expenses of its headquarters building, namely the payment of water, electricity and telecommunications.

“These measures will continue to be assumed and supported by the autarchy and understood as essential, at this point in the life of the associations, which have been at the forefront of the fight against Pandemic”, adds the municipality.

Albufeira Municipality attributes “Vale Restauração” to professionals who deal with the pandemic on a daily basis

Within the scope of the “Present Municipality” program, a new initiative was approved yesterday, this time aimed at the catering sector. This is the “Vale Restauração”, a voucher with a unit value of 20 euros and which will be distributed by professionals who deal with the pandemic daily.

The initiative results from a tripartite protocol between the municipality of Albufeira, ACRAL – Association of Commerce and Services of the Algarve and AHRESP – Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Services of Portugal.

In a statement, the municipality adds that the investment is around 120 thousand euros and that this is yet another initiative to apply the funds initially planned for the organization of the Christmas and New Year’s events, “in responses that can boost the economy and support the families of the municipality ».

For the Mayor, José Carlos Rolo, “it is a gesture of recognition for those who have given so much for others, often in situations of extreme mental and physical fatigue, but also a way to support restoration local, one of the sectors of activity that has suffered the most from the contingencies of the current economic situation”. In total, more than 5,700 beneficiaries will be covered by this measure, whose investment is around 120 thousand euros.

Faro municipality offers 400 king cakes to security forces, firefighters, hospital and INEM

The municipality of Faro has announced that it will symbolically offer 400 king cakes to GNR, PSP, INEM, Firefighters Sapadores de Faro, Voluntary Firefighters from Faro and Hospital de Faro.

The delivery of these cakes traditionally alluding to the Christmas season will take place on Christmas Eve, December 24, and intends, according to the municipality, to recognize “the extreme importance of the work, commitment, altruism and notion of public cause of the professionals of these entities in a year marked by a very difficult situation due to the situation of pandemic crisis”.

The local authority invested a value of 3,618 euros in the purchase of 400 bolo-rei, plus VAT at the legal rate in force.

Overseas Report Wednesday 30th December 2020
“♩♪♫ Every man (and woman) should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page ♫♪♩” – Henry Ward Beecher
I hope you all had a good Christmas holiday. Across the world Covid-19 has played a massive part in making this year so different from any other year.
The news from around the world has shown that cases are still increasing with a number of new mutant strains showing up in different parts of the world. The one with the biggest publicity was the new mutant virus announced by the NHS in the United Kingdom. This caused more than 40 countries to ban travellers arriving from the UK unless they had proof of a negative test result. The resultant chaos for freight businesses was huge and meant many drivers spent Christmas in their cabs along the motorways of Kent. This new strain is seen to be more contagious although not as severe. In the week since my last posting, the UK has had 289,583 new cases.
Elsewhere in the world cases, seem to be rising again compared to the first wave back in March, although the seven day moving average has fallen since the 24th December from a high of 644,949 to 562,712 cases worldwide.
So what do we know about these mutant strains of Covid-19? Researchers have watched SARS-CoV-2 evolve in real time more closely than any other virus in history. So far, it has accumulated mutations at a rate of about one to two changes per month. That means many of the genomes sequenced today differ at about 20 points from the earliest genomes sequenced in China in January. It is not just in the UK that there is this new mutant.
In South Africa, scientists have sequenced genomes in three provinces where cases are soaring: Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu Natal. They identified a lineage separate from the UK variant that also has a N501Y mutation in the spike gene. In the case of N501Y, more young people may be getting sick because many more are getting infected; Latest figures from South Africa show that they now have recorded over 1 million cases and over 27,000 deaths. In the whole of the continent, according to the Worldometer website, the total cases reported are just under 2.7 million, with deaths currently at 63,449. At first glance it may seem that South Africa is suffering more than other countries in the continent but the figures are only as good as the numbers provided and in many cases the recording of figures is sporadic.
Whilst the UK has been the country in the news across the world, scientists say the new strain may already be much more widespread. Researchers in the Netherlands have found it in a sample from one patient taken in early December.
Other countries may have the variant as well, says epidemiologist William Hanage of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the United Kingdom may have just picked it up first because it has the most sophisticated SARS-CoV-2 genomic monitoring in the world. Many countries have little or no sequencing.
One aspect of this pandemic which is starting to affect people who do not have the virus is the idea of “Lockdown fatigue”.
Living through a global health crisis takes its toll on your physical and mental well-being. As the weeks go on under quarantine, lots of people have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings – from sadness and anger to tiredness and feeling ‘groggy’.
“One of the key reasons why being under lockdown during a health pandemic is draining is because we’re experiencing a lot of mental strain”, says Dr Sarita Robinson, principal lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire.
“We expect to feel tired when we have been on a run or have completed an exercise class. However, high levels of mental effort and increased anxiety can also make us tired too,” she says.
“This is because when we face psychological stressors our bodies still mount a physiological response – we can enter fight or flight mode – and this takes up energy. So our heart rate increases and we start to feel more alert and energised. However, keeping the body in this high state of alert really takes its toll on our energy levels.”
This is why we feel tired when we are facing financial or health concerns. It also happens when we have to adapt to an unfamiliar way of doing things, such as life under lockdown. We are now having to work out new ways of doing pretty much everything from entertaining the children, remote working, to socialising with friends. So what do we do to make life feel better? It’s easy to feel ‘groggy’ and unmotivated when you’re not on your usual schedule, so it’s important to create a routine for your sleep and mealtimes, work and rest. It’s also important to factor in more time to rest. If you’re working from home, take time off and schedule in regular breaks to get fresh air and unwind. Make sure you have a cut-off point, so you have enough downtime to relax. We need to keep to a regular exercise routine in order to remain physically healthy. However, exercise also has a good influence on our mental health and can lower anxiety levels.It’s also important to be kind to yourself. You may not be as productive or motivated as usual – and that’s OK.
Give yourself credit for any little achievement in this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. Stay well and stay safe until the next time.
Total number of cases worldwide – 82,394,792
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,798,097
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 58,402,310
Active cases – 22,194,385
Closed cases – 60,200,407
Information and statistics from:
www.worldometers.info
www.sciencemag.org
https://patient.info/

Overseas Report Monday 21st December 2020
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope
With the news of even greater lockdowns for many countries around the world due to an increase in Covid-19 cases, we take a look at how countries are handling the rolling out of the various vaccines which are now starting to be given to citizens across the world. We also look at the situations in Japan and Sweden and take note of what a French Philosopher said about time, and how it seems to drag when people are in lockdown situations.
In the USA, where last week they had the highest death toll in a single day at 3,611 since the start of the Pandemic, the vaccine was administered to over 211,000 across 38 states by yesterday (20th Dec). As with most countries, the vulnerable and health workers are the first to receive the vaccine. Elsewhere in the world, according to Bloomberg news, the first Covid-19 shots have been given to more than 1.6 million people in four countries. It’s the start of the biggest vaccination campaign in history and one of the largest logistical challenges ever undertaken.
Canada and the U.K. are among those countries that have started to vaccinate their citizens with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and this vaccine is expected to get emergency clearance in the EU as soon as next week. The Pfizer-BioTech vaccine, and the shot from Moderna, were both found to reduce coronavirus infections by 95% in trials of tens of thousands of volunteers. In both China and Russia, people have been receiving their own manufactured vaccine which is still in its testing phase.
One of the most striking things about the Covid-19 pandemic is just how dramatically different the responses have been from country to country. In early 2020, when little was known about the virus, this difference was unsurprising. Today, with tens of thousands of research articles and cases of best practice to learn from, one would expect to see more convergence. And yet some countries continue to resist popular strategies, such as lockdowns, and insist on going their own way – with varying degrees of success.
Two such countries are Sweden and Japan, which in 2020 have forged a different path to their neighbours on coronavirus and attributed their early successes to the assumed advantages of an inherent national character. But today, both seem to be paying the price. Leaders in both countries have emphasised that their constitutions prevent violations of civil liberties, such as lockdowns and fines. Instead, both governments have based their strategies on voluntarism, self-responsibility, and perhaps most importantly, the exceptional nature of their populations.
Sweden, famously, has left bars, restaurants and gyms open throughout the pandemic, as well as not requiring masks in any public settings. In fact, the official position in Sweden is still that masks may do more to increase the spread of Covid-19, rather than reduce it. This view was common in many European countries at the start of the pandemic, but other governments quickly changed their minds and mandated mask-wearing in public places.
In Sweden, rather than implement any mandatory restrictions, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven called on the populace to use their folkvett – a blend of good manners, morality, and common sense that is supposed to be innate to all good Swedes – to follow the voluntary recommendations.With a number of public officials calling lockdowns in other countries as “mad” and “ridiculous”, there was also some who announced that Covid 19 was no worse that seasonal flu and that herd immunity would see the disease eradicated. Time has shown that this was not the case and they have started putting in place similar measures to either countries to try and stem the increase in cases.
Like Sweden, Japan took the “no lockdown” route and refrained from imposing mandatory restrictions – though it closed its borders earlier this year. Unlike Sweden, however, virtually everyone in Japan voluntarily wears a mask, and the government engages in aggressive contact-tracing.
Japan implemented a domestic tourism campaign, “Go To Travel”, to encourage people to spend money and boost the economy. It’s now feared that this campaign, which saw the government subsidise people’s domestic tourist trips, could be responsible for driving the country’s third wave.
Another aspect of lockdowns and curfews is the feeling that time is dragging and everything seems to go at a slower pace. The French philosopher Henri Bergson (1859-1941), who was a bit of a celebrity in his time, came up with an idea that can help us understand why time has felt so strange in the year of the pandemic, ‘la durée’.
Bergson argued that time has two faces. The first face of time is “objective time”: the time of watches, calendars, and train timetables. The second, la durée (“duration”), is “lived time,” the time of our inner subjective experience. This is time felt, lived, and acted. He argues that we mostly don’t pay attention to la durée. We don’t need to — “objective time” is far more useful. But we can get a glimpse of the difference between them when they come apart.The stretch of objective time between 3pm and 4pm is the same as that between 8pm and 9pm. But this does not have to be so with la durée. If the first interval is spent waiting at the dentist’s office and the second at a party, we know the first hour drags and the second just passes by too quickly.
To put this into the perspective of the pandemic, It’s not just that that for many la durée slowed down during lockdown and sped up towards the relatively restriction-free summer.People who were lucky enough to not have to cope with the negative effects of the pandemic might have felt a sense of “novelty” about the first lockdown: the sales of exercise equipment rose sharply, some started learning Welsh, others began making bread. The reason why we often struggle to get into the same mindset now is that the memory of the first lockdown “flavours,” as Bergson would say, the current one. Countless yoga-mats will end up behind cabinets as we recall how fed up we got having to stay inside the first time around.
The pandemic has distorted both our ideas of the past and the future in ways that “objective time” cannot capture. If we now look into the past, we realise that trying to remember exactly how many months ago the Australian bushfires were raging is quite hard but that it was this year and before the pandemic. Similarly, if we look forward to the future, our feelings about stretches of time between now and the future are distorted. When will we go on holiday? How long will it be before we see our loved ones? Without signposts in objective time, we feel that time passes – but because nothing happens it passes much more slowly and we’re stuck in the present.
Let’s all hope as we come to the end of this year that we can start the New Year with a sense of a new beginning.
Merry Christmas.
Stay safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 76,897,690
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,696,352
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 53,935,251
Active cases – 21,266,087
Closed cases – 55,631,603
Information and statistics from:
www.worldometers.info
www.who.int
theconversation.com
www.bloomberg.com/news

Overseas Report Friday 18th December 2020
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” – Seneca
As we come towards the last weekend before the Christmas holidays, it may be the right time to look at how Europe is faring, especially as many people will be travelling to countries over the next week or two to visit families.
By the end of week 50 (ending Sunday 13th December 2020), most countries have started or continued to observe a stabilisation or reductions in case notification rates, test positivity and new hospital/ICU admissions. Absolute values of these indicators remain high, even where they are stable or decreasing, suggesting that transmission is still widespread. Furthermore, case rates among older age groups continue to increase in nine countries and death rates in seven countries. Twelve countries continue to observe increases in hospital or ICU admissions and/or occupancy due to Covid-19.
By the end of week 50, (13th December) the infection rates in Europe, based on data collected from 31 countries, was 375 cases per 100,000 people.This figure has remained the same for three consecutive days.
Among 30 countries with high case notification rates (at least 60 per 100 000), sustained increases (for at least seven days) were observed in three countries (Cyprus, Denmark and Estonia). Four countries (Czechia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Slovakia) had increases of less than seven days duration. Stable or decreasing trends in case rates of 1–28 days’ duration were observed in 23 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
All of these figures are highly dependent on several factors, one of which is the testing rate. Weekly testing rates for week 50, available for 29 countries, varied from 678 to 13 000 tests per 100 000 population. Luxembourg had the highest testing rate for week 50, followed by Denmark, Cyprus, Malta and the UK.
The 14-day Covid-19 death rate for the EU/EEA and the UK, based on data collected by ECDC from official national sources from 31 countries, was 102.1 (country range: 5.6–268.1) per million population. The rate has been stable for 15 days.
Among 30 countries with high 14-day Covid-19 death rates (at least 10 per million), sustained increases (for at least seven days) were observed in seven countries (Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Latvia). Two countries (Lithuania and Norway) had increases of less than seven days duration. Stable or decreasing trends in death rates of 1–21 days’ duration were observed in 21 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK).
During the early stages of the Pandemic it was the older age people who were contracting the virus in greater numbers. What has happened more recently is that a younger age group are becoming infected. Take Portugal as an example, and we see that during April and May the number of people infected in the age range up to 24 years was never above 40 people in 100,000. Looking at the latest figures we see that this number is now over 900 cases per 100,000 people. Many who contract the virus at this age are recovering without having to be in hospital.
However there is another issue surrounding the young getting the virus.
While there has been good news in recent weeks about the arrival of vaccines that proved successful in trials, the global pandemic has already fundamentally altered the health, economic, educational, and political landscape of our world. Moreover, it will be a daunting process for countries worldwide to approve, distribute, and administer the vaccines to billions of people.
According to the World Health Organization, as of 15th December, the world had more than 71 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, with more than 1.6 million deaths attributed to the virus. In addition, the World Bank estimates the pandemic will push as many as 115 million additional people into extreme poverty this year, and school closures are affecting hundreds of millions of children. For many of the world’s most vulnerable populations, the growing economic uncertainty of the past several months has resulted in numerous negative impacts on children. The crisis has increased threats of violence against children, the risk of child labour, child marriage and child trafficking. Furthermore, at least a third of the world’s children are unable to access remote learning with so many schools closed to in-person learning.
With more and more schools having to close due to staff and pupils contracting Covid-19 there are many education authorities who are increasingly concerned about the long term impact on the students. In the UK the government education office, Offsted, have carried out nearly 2,000 visits to education and social care providers during the autumn term. Today’s reports reflect on the experiences of leaders working in schools, further education and skills, early years and SEND.
Inspectors heard that repeated absences due to COVID-19 outbreaks have resulted in pupils losing more learning. Many children are thought to be at least 6 months behind where they should be. And for a significant number of pupils, repeated periods of self-isolation have chipped away at the progress they have been able to make since September.
The reports find that in just over half of the schools visited, pupils in bubbles were sent home to self-isolate at some point during the term. More children were sent home in bubbles from secondary schools than primaries. Some schools were extensively affected by COVID-19-related absence. And a few school leaders said that a significant proportion of their pupils had to self-isolate on 2 or 3 separate occasions.
Inspectors found schools were having to provide meaningful remote education under two distinct circumstances: bubble isolation and individual isolation. Many schools were making real progress with remote provision for bubbles, which often included live or pre-recorded online lessons. However, pupils who were self-isolating individually for a fortnight at a time often had a poorer experience. Whole bubbles can more easily be kept up to speed with the planned curriculum while they work from home. But isolating individuals often miss out on the new content being taught to peers in class, instead doing revision at home. For these children, the loss of learning they experienced in the summer is being repeated.
As we look towards the start of a new decade we must all hope that these issues are confronted and that the next generation are not affected long term by the pandemic.
Stay safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 75,307,233
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,668,818
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 52,873,981
Active cases – 20,764,434
Closed cases – 54,542,799
Information and statistics from:
www.who.int
www.worldometers.com
www.ecdc.europa.eu
www.gov.uk

Overseas Report Wednesday 16th December 2020
“There’s not much point to being alive if you don’t do what you can to make life better for someone else, is there?” ― Michael Thomas Ford
As the USA death toll from Covid-19 reaches 300,000 and the first people in the States are given the vaccine, we are going to take a look at what the world is experiencing regarding other forms of disease and disability.
Just released from the World Health Organisation are the statistics showing the top 10 killers in the world. With so much emphasis on Covid-19 for the past 12 months, it is a fact that 7 of the top 10 causes of deaths in the world are from non communicable ailments. Pandemics are rare occurrences and, as such, when there is one that impacts the world’s population, it does tend to get more publicity than those causes of death that have been around for a while.
I am sure it will not surprise too many people to know that heart disease is still the number 1 killer throughout the world. Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death at the global level for the last 20 years. However, it is now killing more people than ever before. The number of deaths from heart disease has increased by more than 2 million since 2000, to nearly 9 million in 2019. Heart disease now represents 16% of total deaths from all causes. More than half of the 2 million additional deaths were in the WHO Western Pacific region. From the European perspective, there was some good news in that the number of deaths from this cause dropped by 15%.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are now among the top 10 causes of death worldwide, ranking 3rd in both the Americas and Europe in 2019. Women are disproportionately affected: globally, 65% of deaths from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are women.
Deaths from diabetes increased by 70% globally between 2000 and 2019, with an 80% rise in deaths among males. In the Eastern Mediterranean, deaths from diabetes have more than doubled and represent the greatest percentage increase of all WHO regions. In 2019, pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections were the deadliest group of communicable diseases and together ranked as the fourth leading cause of death. However, compared to 2000, lower respiratory infections were claiming fewer lives than in the past, with the global number of deaths decreasing by nearly half a million. Two of the communicable diseases that have seen drops in the past decade are HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis. Worldwide these two diseases have seen numbers fall. Tuberculosis is also no longer in the global top 10, falling from 7th place in 2000 to thirteenth in 2019, with a 30% reduction in global deaths. Yet, it remains among the top 10 causes of deaths in the African and South-East Asian regions, However, as with a lot of diseases it does depend on how wealthy a country or area is as to whether the authorities can keep the disease under control. Africa saw an increase in tuberculosis mortality after 2000, though this has started to decline in the last few years.
With the advancement of medicines and technology, many countries have in the past 20 years seen their citizens living longer. In 2019, people were living more than 6 years longer than in 2000, with a global average of more than 73 years in 2019 compared to nearly 67 in 2000. But on average, only 5 of those additional years were spent in good health. disability is on the rise. To a large extent, the diseases and health conditions that are causing the most deaths are those that are responsible for the greatest number of healthy life-years lost. Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were collectively responsible for nearly 100 million additional healthy life-years lost in 2019 compared to 2000.
As societies become more healthy from better living conditions and higher wages we see that this can also have an effect on people’s health. More people are able to own a car with the result of increased injuries. These are another major cause of disability and death: there has been a significant rise in road traffic injuries in the African region since 2000, with an almost 50% increase in both death and healthy life-years lost. Similar but slightly smaller increases (at around 40%) were also observed for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Globally, deaths from road traffic injuries are 75% male. Death and disablement are not all by accident. In the Americas, drug use has emerged as a significant contributor to both disability and death. There was a nearly threefold increase in deaths from drug use disorders in the Americas between 2000 and 2019. This region is also the only one for which drug use disorder is a top 10 contributor to healthy life-years lost due to premature deaths and disability.
As of today, Covid-19 has tragically claimed more than 1.5 million lives. People living with pre-existing health conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory conditions) are at higher risk of complications and death due to Covid-19 so whilst the pandemic is still around these different causes of death do have a link.
Although all of these statistics do make somewhat gloomy reading for a Wednesday morning, hopefully it does help us to put this challenging pandemic into some sort of perspective and we hope that, as we learn more about Covid-19, we all follow the guidelines that are provided to keep us and others healthy, and vaccines become more available, we will soon start to see numbers concerning Covid cases and fatalities fall.
Stay Safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 73,841,836
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,642,418
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 51,844,949
Active cases – 20,354,469
Closed cases – 53,487,367
Information and statistics from:
www.who.int
www.worldometers.com

Overseas Report Monday 14th December 2020
“Your success will shine as a light of hope and inspire numbers you cannot total” – Mary Anne Radmacher
In this report we take a look at countries around the world and what their latest situation is regarding the virus, and how countries are handling the second wave of the virus.
Latest figures from the Worldometer website show that yesterday (Saturday) the number of new cases reported across the world was 638,030 and the number of new deaths reported for the previous 24 hours was 10,432. Compared to the previous 24 hour period this was a drop of around 10% in cases reported and around a 20% drop in deaths. Although these figures are encouraging, the trend for both cases and deaths is still on an upward curve albeit levelling out as we get towards the end of the year and the hoped for vaccine being rolled out early in the New Year.
In the USA, the total number of new cases reported was 220,298. The state of California continues to be the hardest hit state with new cases recorded on Saturday at 29,216. Since the beginning of December the number of reported cases has risen dramatically from 16,893 on the 1st December to a high on Friday 11th of 37,114. Many have put this down to the Thanksgiving holiday period which saw many people travelling across the country to visit family. Regretfully deaths from the virus are moving in the same direction, with California’s death toll reaching just under 21,000. Although California has a case rate per 1 million people of 39,355 the state is now rated 40th out of 51 states. The state with the highest cases per 1 million is North Dakota with a rate of 114,938. The state the least affected by the virus is Vermont. Their rate of infection is at 9,016 cases per 1 million and deaths are 152 per 1 million people.
Across the border in Canada, they have reported a total of 454,852 cases since the start of the pandemic. In terms of cases per 1 million people, they are relatively low at a rate of 12,004. The number of people who have died from Covid-19 in Canada is also relatively low at 13,350. In terms of deaths per 1 million people, again, their numbers are fairly low at 352. Putting this into context the country with the highest ratio of deaths to its citizens is Belgium with 1,532. Portugal stands at 536 and the UK at 914.
In South America, the virus has hit some countries worse than others. Brazil has the highest recorded number of cases at 6,880,595. Whilst it has also recorded the highest death toll in South America, they are not the country with the highest death toll per 1 million people. Peru has a figure of 1,103 deaths per 1 million people, and Argentina has the highest case numbers per 1 million people at 32,934.
Across the world the number of people recovering from Covid 19 is increasing daily. However when you compare the number of cases recorded against the number of active cases, it shows that different parts of the world are recovering at different speeds and that some parts of the world are seeing longer recovery periods than others.
In total across the world, out of all the recorded cases, around 28% are still active although different continents are at different stages of recovery. In Europe the statistics show that 49% of the cases recorded are still active, meaning people are still feeling the effects of the virus. Compare this with Asia and South America where only 8 and 8.6% respectively are currently active. What this means is that the cycle of the virus is at a different point in Europe compared to some of the other parts of the world.
Although Asia has far fewer active cases than some other parts of the world. Some of the countries in this region are seeing big increases in new cases.
Japan has recorded 3,030 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, its highest single-day rise in infections since the pandemic began, the country’s Ministry of Health has reported. Among the new cases, 621 were in the capital Tokyo, the highest number ever recorded in the city. Japan has now recorded 177,999 cases and 2,575 deaths, including 28 on Saturday. The ministry said that 23,990 Covid-19 patients are currently receiving medical care in hospitals, while 578 of them are in critical condition.
South Korea reported 1,030 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, its highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Over 1,000 of the cases were locally transmitted and 28 were imported. More than 780 cases were in the Seoul Metropolitan area. South Korea has now reported 42,766 cases in total and 580 deaths, including two from Saturday. There are 10,372 people in quarantine in the country, according to KDCA.
Whilst statistics can give us an idea of how things are we must always remember that they are only as good as the people who provide them and there has been a lot of discussion about how accurate many of these figures are. Maybe that is for another day.
In the meantime Stay Safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 72,367,770
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,615,640
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 50,710,977
Active cases – 20,041,153
Closed cases – 52,326,617
Information and statistics (from Sunday 13th December) from:
www.worldometers.info
https://edition.cnn.com
https://www.who.com

Overseas Report Friday 11th December 2020
“There is no stress in the world, only people thinking stressful thoughts and then acting on them.” Dr. Wayne Dyer
With so much doom and gloom around there is lots to be thankful for as we head towards a very different Christmas for us all. All over the world, in spite of the Covid crisis we hear of great stories that lift us all. For this edition of the world report l have picked a few and will continue to show the statistics for the virus.
One aspect of the Covid virus is the shut down of many countries’ manufacturing plants. The Himalayas are now visible from certain parts of India for the first time in “decades”.
The unexpected side effect of reduced air pollution has meant that locals in the northern Indian state of Punjab, along with other surrounding areas, can now enjoy views of the famous mountain range, which is some 160km away.
The clearer views are thought to be courtesy of a dramatic improvement in air quality, made possible by the Covid-19 lockdowns across India.
According to India’s pollution authority, Delhi saw a 44% reduction in PM10 air pollution levels on just the first day of restrictions. Another 84 other cities across India are reporting similar reductions in pollution levels.
India currently has reported over 9.7 million cases of Covid-19 with deaths at just under 142,000. On a daily basis they have reported 13,420 new cases.
Finland was named the world’s happiest country in 2019, and now Visit Finland has launched a virtual travel initiative inviting housebound travellers and those feeling blue in lockdown to Rent a Finn.
The new Rent a Finn social media campaign lets people from around the world experience the Finns’ natural way of life, via livestream sessions and one-on-one chats, where they’ll be sharing some of the daily routines and closely guarded secrets that make everyone in Finland so ‘gosh darn’ cheerful. Some of the reasons that the Finnish way of life is known to boost happiness include: taking time to connect with nature regularly, which boosts happiness hormones; and simply appreciating the small things in their daily lives. Finland has fared well in combating Covid-19 with one of the lowest rates of infection and deaths in the world, although there has been an increase in cases during the second wave.
In New Zealand, where they were one of the first countries to lockdown, they are now through the second wave and trying to get back to some form of normality. Known as a country with a love of the outdoors and extreme sports it is no surprise that The Mayor of Queenstown Lakes, Jim Boult, has celebrated the easing of coronavirus travel restrictions across New Zealand in the most fitting way possible: by bungee jumping!
The Queenstown Lakes Mayor made the leap at Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre as a celebration, signifying the end of the seven-week lockdown for the region. According to TVNZ, Mr Boult said he was delighted to be marking the reopening of the Kawarau Bridge (often considered the home of bungee jumping) even if he had to jump off a bridge first thing in the morning to do it. With just 2088 cases since the start of the pandemic and 26 deaths, New Zealand are at the forefront of the curve. In fact the latest figures for confirmed cases show that have recorded just 3 new cases on the 9th December 2020.
In a tribute to medical workers, Rio De Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated in a doctor’s uniform over the Easter long weekend during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 38-metre-tall statue was lit up wearing hospital scrubs, a white lab coat, and stethoscope offering thanks to healthcare workers on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statue bore the word Obrigado (the Portugeuse word for ‘thank you’) and the hashtag “#FiqueEmCasa” (meaning ‘stay at home’) at the bottom of the illumination.
Rio de Janeiro’s Archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta, also performed a special mass atop Corcovado mountain to honour those risking their lives to help others during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Rio’s iconic statue was also lit up with flags of nations around the world and videos of medics and doctors during the tribute. According to the latest data from the WHO, Brazil has reached 6.73 million cases since the start of the pandemic and has lost over 179,000 of its citizens. The latest figures for new cases shows they had 54,203 in the 24 hour period up to the 9th December 2020.
With no visitors around to enjoy Holland’s famous blooms, Dutch tulip farmers have been inspired to get creative with their flower beds; they’re using them as a way to share uplifting messages with the world.
We’re often told to gaze towards the heavens for comfort, but for those who prefer to seek solace a little closer to home, Holland’s tulip farmers have teamed up to brighten your quarantine.
Dutch Daffodils and Tulips in Holland joined forces to write “see you next year” in large letters alongside a giant heart in their otherwise unappreciated flower beds.
The image was shared to their Facebook page with a message that read: “We headed the tulips a bit earlier to write this message, from our families to yours… We hope that this brightens your day… and we hope to see you next year!” The Netherlands recorded 6,528 new cases of Covid-19 in the paast 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic they have seen 576,965 cases with deaths at 9,841.
Stay safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 69,597,651
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,582,651
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 48,256,651
Active cases – 19,758,604
Closed cases – 49,839,367
Information and statistics from:
www.worldometers.info
www.reuters.com
https://www.delicious.com.au/

Overseas Report Wednesday 9th December 2020
Two gentlemen to consider today – William Shakespeare from Warwickshire (died in 1616, aged 52) famous for many works of literature, poems and plays, including “The Taming of the Shrew”.
William (Bill) Shakespeare, aged 81, also from Warwickshire – the second patient in the UK to receive the new coronavirus vaccine yesterday – centre stage in “The Taming of the Flu!”
On 8th December the roll out of the new coronavirus vaccine began in the UK. About 70 hospital hubs in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are gearing up to give the Pfizer/BioNTech jab.
As we move closer to the Christmas holiday period we are hearing more and more from airlines and their call to governments across the world to lift the quarantine restrictions imposed on travellers in most countries. The latest call comes from the European Travel Commission in response to guidance from the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).The document confirms that air travellers account for less than 1% of all detected cases of the virus and do not increase the rate of transmission.
It also states that imported cases of Covid-19 account for a “very small proportion” of all detected cases and are “unlikely to significantly increase” the rate of transmission.
As we know here in the Algarve, the economy of the region depends so much on visitors throughout the year and it is estimated that in 2020 the Algarve has lost almost 90% of its annual tourist revenue. The ETC argues that the European tourism sector is at a “precipice” and cannot survive another round of “unco-ordinated ineffective” restrictions.
ETC president Luís Araujo said: “The importance of restarting mobility in Europe cannot be understated in terms of the role it will play in the recovery of tourism and the wider European economy over the coming months.
“Millions of livelihoods depending on the tourism sector are on the brink of collapse now and we simply cannot afford wasting more time on these unjustified restrictions”.
In the UK, travellers will be able to cut the length of quarantine by half, but at a price. Travellers who arrive in England from high-risk countries will soon be able to reduce their quarantine period by more than half if they pay for a Covid test after five days – and of course, if that test is negative. The new system will begin on 15th December and will cost between £65 and £120 per person. The travel industry welcomed the policy but described it as long overdue. The Transport Secretary said it would allow people to see loved ones and give a boost to business.
In Brazil, the spread of the virus has moved in a different way to many other countries. From a fairly low start in March they have seen a steady increase in cases right through with no let up like other countries and they continue to show increases with over 6.6 million cases since the start and almost 177,000 deaths. On a daily basis they are recording over 26,000 new cases.
There seems to be no let up for the USA with the number of new cases being reported each day over 175,000 and deaths reported as still above 1000 in a 24 hour period. Since the start of the pandemic, the USA has lost over 290,000 of its citizens to the virus and has reported over 15 million cases.
One of the traditional activities for children has always been the visit to Santa Claus. This year things will be very different throughout the world with many countries taking to the internet with virtual visits from Santa. Others are offering Zoom meetings with children.
In New York the famous store Macy’s is moving Santa online with a virtual experience that includes walks through Santa’s village and workshop with interactive games, ending with a chance to “meet” the man himself.
Chatbooks’ experience will include a 10-minute Zoom chat with Kris Kringle, where kids can discuss all things Christmas related, including whether they’re on the “nice list” or what they’re wishing for on Christmas Day. Parents can choose one of three Santas that will be available to chat and book them through an online form. At the end of the chat, you’ll also get a photo to remember the occasion. The best part? It’s free.
Stay safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 68.266,536
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,556,925
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 47,256,030
Active cases – 19,453,581
Closed cases – 48,812,995
Information and statistics from:
www.ecdc.europa.eu
www.bbc.com/news
www.worldometers.info

Overseas Report Monday 7th December 2020
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” Samuel Smiles
This weekend in the UK was a momentous occasion for many thousands of football supporters. For the first time since March, football and rugby fans were allowed into their clubs’ stadium to support their team. A limited number of just 2000 were allowed at each venue, where the tier level for their particular area was not of the highest level, but it is hoped that this is the start of some sort of normality.
For months sports fans have been questioning the merit of the rule which allows people to go into shopping centres but not into sports stadiums. But, as clubs in certain areas of England prepare to open their turnstiles for the first time in almost nine months, a BBC Sport poll suggests fans are divided over whether they should be allowed to return before a Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out. In a Savanta ComRes poll of 2,100 football fans, 52% said they should be allowed to return to watch matches in person before a vaccine is available, while 45% said they should not.
At the same time in the UK, an area in one city where the tier level is at its highest, Nottingham, opened their Christmas market in the city centre and saw thousands of people converge on the city square.With very little sign of social distancing it was not surprising that, after just one day the city council, made the decision to shut down the market. Across the UK cases are slowly receding and from a peak in November of 34,000 cases the figures are now around 15,000 in the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile across the world in Australia a full house crowd of 40,000 people watched the Australian cricket team take on India at the Sydney cricket ground. This is because the whole country have reported just 7 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.
With much of sport being played behind closed doors in many countries, there are still issues surrounding the players catching the virus. In Capetown, South Africa, the England cricket team are currently touring but have had to abandon one of their matches due to hotel staff, where they are staying in isolation, testing positive. Currently South Africa is going through a resurgence of the virus with a so called ‘second wave’. In the past 24 hours the country has reported 4,932 new cases and this is the highest daily total since the peak in July.
Looking closer to home in Europe, many EU/EEA countries have started to observe a stabilisation or reductions in case notification rates. This may be evidence that some countries may have peaked.
It could be an effect of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in those countries. However, we are still in the midst of this pandemic, and the case notification rates remain generally high. A combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions adapted to the local epidemiological situation, accompanied by clear, targeted communication messages to the public, remain the fundamental elements of the public health approach to controlling transmission.
Among the 32 countries reporting increases (for at least seven days) were five countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania). Two countries (Cyprus and Denmark) had increases of less than seven days’ duration. Stable or decreasing trends in case rates of 1–24 days duration were observed in 23 countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and Italy. Among 30 countries with high case notification rates (at least 60 per 100 000), were Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
Of the 24 countries in which weekly test positivity was high (at least 3%), four countries (Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden) had positivity that had increased compared to the previous week. Test positivity remained stable or had decreased in 20 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the UK)
With the run up to the Christmas holidays, countries across the world are implementing actions to make sure the virus remains under control, while at the same time allowing citizens to meet with family and friends over Christmas.
Some, like Italy, have made it illegal to move around the country during the Christmas period. The Italian government on Wednesday night separately approved a decree law prohibiting non-essential travel between regions from December 21st-January 7th.
The rules will be even stricter on Christmas Day itself, with a ban on travelling between towns and communes in place on December 25-26th and on New Year’s Day, as the government seeks to avoid a third wave of coronavirus infections being triggered by socialising over the festive period.
“From December 21st 2020 to January 6th 2021, travel between different regions (including those to or from the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano) will be prohibited, with the exception of travel for proven work reasons, situations of necessity or health reasons,”.
This has not gone down well with the citizens of Italy according to The Guardian newspaper of the UK. According to the newspaper- “The Italian government’s move to ban people travelling around the country during the Christmas period has been described as a “slap in the face” to families and their deeply rooted traditions.”“Christmas is very important for Italians,” Riccardo Ciogli said outside Gatsby Cafe in Rome’s Esquilino district. “This is what we do – we get together with family, with friends, and we eat.” His friend Erica Salvatore, who works at the nearby federation of architects, is from the southern region of Molise, where she usually spends Christmas with her parents added “I will go and see them for a few days this weekend but I don’t know if I’ll be able to travel before 20 December,” she said. “In Italy our traditions are very important, you can’t just take them away.”
Time will tell if they decide to follow the rules.
Stay safe.
Total number of cases worldwide – 67,147,969
Total number of deaths worldwide – 1,538,689
Total number of recovered cases worldwide – 46,453,353
Active cases – 19,155,927
Closed cases – 47,992,042
Information and statistics from:
www.ecdc.europa.eu
www.bbc.com/news
www.worldometers.info

Brought to you by Safe Communities Portugal – From our correspondent, Mike Evans
Information accurate at the time of writing. Information about our sources here.

Situation Reports Overseas 2020-11-13 to 2020-12-05
Situation Reports Overseas 2020-08-01 to 2020-11-12
Situation reports Overseas 2020-05-11 to 2020-07-31
Situation reports Overseas 2020-04-20 to 2020-05-10
Situations reports Overseas 2020-03-30 to 2020-04-19

Situation Report Azores – 30th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 1,513 tests carried out in the Region over the last two days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 55. There were 51 on the island of São Miguel, 4 on the island of Terceira.
There have been 31 recoveries recorded, 23 on São Miguel, 7 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Pico.
There was one death on the 28th of December of a 72-year-old man at 2:15 pm, at the Hospital Santo Espírito de Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. The patient had underlying health problems.
The current situation in the region.
There are 17 patients in hospital.
15, at the Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada (one of which in the ICU)
2, at the Hospital of Santo Espírito in Angra do Heroísmo (both in ICU)
There are 59 transmission chains
48 on São Miguel (two new chains in the last 24 hours).
11 on Terceira (a new chain in the last 24 hours).
76 chains are now extinct.
Five of them in Ribeira Grande and three in Angra do Heroísmo, in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 296 positive cases active in the Region, 253 in São Miguel, 34 in Terceira, one in Pico, one in São Jorge and seven in Faial.
– 1,858 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 22 deaths and 1,449 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line Covid-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 28th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Government of the Azores has announced that the first batch of 9,750 doses of vaccine against Covid-19 in the region is on the way. They should arrive by Tuesday 29th December.
The vaccines, said in a statement the regional secretary of Health, Clélio Meneses, will be delivered directly to the island of Terceira, and will be transported on a SATA plane.
“The supplier has already informed that the delivery will take place on the 28th or 29th of this year “.
The 9,750 doses of the vaccine will be administered to 4,875 people, with half reserved for the second inoculation, since the vaccine is administered in two doses per person, 21 days apart.
In the region, up until March, the first residents to be vaccinated, will be the institutionalized elderly in homes, residential structures, and long-term care network and health homes.
At the same time, health professionals and people identified in the regional vaccination plan with disease or pathology will be vaccinated.
“From March to June, the vaccines that arrive will be administered to other people, namely elderly people over 65 and people between 50 and 64 years old, with pathologies. From July, the inoculation is generic”.
The first vaccines will be available on the islands of Terceira and São Miguel, as they are the islands where there is community transmission of the new coronavirus.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 6,619 tests carried out in the Region over the last five days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 105. The rate of infection seems to be on the decline.
87 on the island of São Miguel, 12 on the island of Terceira,4 on Faial, 1 on Pico and 1 on São Jorge.
There have been 181 recoveries recorded, 129 on São Miguel and 52 on the island of Terceira.
The current situation in the region
There are 20 people in hospital
14, at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada (1 of which in the ICU)
6, at the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island (2 of which in ICU)
There are 60 transmission chains.
46 in São Miguel
14 in Terceira
From today there are 67 extinct chains.
6 of which in São Miguel in the last 24 hours (4 in Ribeira Grande, 1 in Ponta Delgada and 1 in Vila Franca do Campo)
There are currently 273 positive cases in the Region, 225 in São Miguel, 38 in Terceira, 2 in Pico, 1 in São Jorge and 7 in Faial.
To date, 1,803 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have been detected, which causes Covid-19 disease, with 21 deaths and 1,418 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line Covid-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 23rd December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Vaccine.
The Azores should have about 28 thousand people in the first group for vaccination against covid-19, revealed the head of the monitoring committee.
“We have so far identified more than 12,000 members of the public who meet the ‘risk’ group criteria, that is, individuals over 50 who have heart failure, chronic kidney disease or another of the chronic conditions that are identified, we have about 7,000 health professionals identified and about 9,000 other employees from multiple social response areas. These numbers still need some confirmation”, said Gustavo Tato Borges.
The chairman of the Monitoring Committee on the Fight against Pandemic in the Azores spoke, in Angra do Heroísmo, at a hearing, by videoconference, at the Social Affairs Committee of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, in which he participated together with the regional secretary for Health and Sports, Clélio Meneses, and with the regional director of Health, Berto Cabral.
Gustavo Tato Borges stressed the region should receive about 2% of the number of vaccines attributed to Portugal, noting that the official number is not yet known.
“It is not possible to say at this point how many people per island will be vaccinated, nor how many vaccines per island will be distributed, because the number of vaccines that are going to reach the Portuguese Republic is not yet official”, he stressed, adding that both Pfizer and AstraZeneca have already announced a reduction in the quantities initially indicated.
The head of the monitoring committee stressed that priority will be given to nursing homes.
“Taking into account what happened in ‘Nordeste’, in the first phase, we will prioritize the vaccination of residents who are in care homes and employees who work there,” he said, referring to a home where 12 residents died.
Gustavo Tato Borges said that the vaccines will be stored in a first phase at the hospital in Terceira, but Ponta Delgada also has storage capacity at a later stage.
“Bearing in mind that the Pfizer vaccine needs to be kept at -70 degrees and five days to thaw, we will take advantage of the trips to allow this vaccine to thaw, so that vaccination can take place as soon as possible,” he said.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,537 tests carried out in the Region over the last four days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 60. A big reduction on recent days.
54 on the island of São Miguel and 6 on the island of Terceira.
There have been 82 recoveries recorded, 54 on São Miguel and 28 on the island of Terceira.
The current situation in the region.
There are 16 people in hospital
11, at Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada
5, at Santo Espírito Hospital on Terceira Island (2 of which in ICU)
There are 67 active transmission chains
49 in São Miguel (1 in the last 24 hours, shared between Ribeira Grande, Lagoa and Ponta Delgada)
1 chain shared between São Miguel and São Jorge
17 on Terceira Island (1 new chain in Angra do Heroísmo in the last 24 hours)
49 chains have been extinct to date (3 in São Miguel and 2 in Terceira, in the last 24 hours).
There are currently 353 positive cases in the Region, 270 in São Miguel, 79 in Terceira Island, 1 in Pico and 3 in Faial.
1,698 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 21 deaths and 1,237 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 19th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Starting today, December 19th, passengers traveling from the airports on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira will have to test Covid-19 negative. These tests will be paid for by the regional government and this applies to flights going to the other islands in the archipelago.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,279 tests carried out in the Region over the last three days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 89.
60 on the island of São Miguel and 25 on the island of Terceira, 1 on Pico and 3 on Faial.
There have been 170 recoveries recorded, 145 on São Miguel, 24 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Faial
The Current Situation

  • There are 15 patients in hospital
  • 8 at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada
  • 7 at the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island, two of which are in the ICU.
  • There are 72 active transmission chains.
  • 50 in S. Miguel (three new chains in the last 24 hours, one in Ponta Delgada and two in Ribeira Grande);
  • A chain shared between São Miguel and São Jorge;
  • 21 in Terceira (a new chain in the last 24 hours in Angra do Heroísmo).
  • 36 transmission chains have been extinct to date, two of which in the last 24 hours, one in Ponta Delgada and the other in Ribeira Grande.
  • There are currently 377 active positive cases, 272 in S. Miguel, 101 in Terceira Island, one in Pico and three in Faial.
  • 1,638 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 21 deaths and 1,155 recoveries.

Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.
Situation Report Azores – 16th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Rabo de Peixe
Between the 3rd and the 13thof December the village of Rabo de Peixe had been closed off to the rest of São Miguel with a sanitary fence. The fence was used to help control the number of infections springing up locally.
Currently, according to data from the Azores Health Authority, there are 221 active cases in the village, with the region having a total of 459 patients with Covid-19.
The coordinator of the fight against Covid-19 in the Azores, Gustavo Tato Borges, had also told journalists at the beginning of the testing operation that there would be a significant increase in the number of infections, but, after ten days, a number of people would recover from the disease.
Despite the end of the fence, the Government of the Azores determined to maintain the closure of the schools of Rabo de Peixe until the end of the current school term.
The measure was justified with the “close, present and permanent assessment of the various entities involved”, and with the fact that there are five days until the end of the first term of the school year.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,264 tests carried out in the Region over the last four days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 162, a big increase.
130 on the island of São Miguel and 32 on the island of Terceira.
There have been 114 recoveries recorded, 73 on São Miguel, 40 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Pico.
The Current Situation
The number of patients in hospital is 15
9 at Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada
6 at Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island – 3 of which in the ICU
Active transmission chains – 67
São Miguel – 49 (four new chains in the last 24 hours, two in Vila Franca do Campo and two in Ribeira Grande);
A chain shared between São Miguel and São Jorge.
Terceira – 15 (with two new chains identified in the last 24 hours in Angra do Heroísmo).
31 chains have been extinct to date, three of which on the island of S. Miguel (one shared between Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada and two in Ponta Delgada).
There are currently 459 positive cases, 358 in S. Miguel, 100 on Terceira Island and one in Faial.
1,549 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 21 deaths and 985 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available by email esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 12th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority says, from 3,350 tests carried out in the Region since the 9th of December in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of positive cases for COVID-19 is 58, many fewer cases than in recent weeks. 36 on the island of São Miguel and 22 on the island of Terceira. There have been 93 recoveries recorded, 62 on São Miguel and 21 on the island of Terceira. Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region. Most cases now are as a result of local chains of transmission.
CURRENT SITUATION IN THE REGION:
There are 12 patients in hospital.
6, at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada
6, at Santo Espírito Hospital on Terceira Island – 3 of which in ICU.
The only patient who was admitted to the Hospital da Horta was transferred in the last hours to the Hospital of Ponta Delgada, to perform a procedure, with the return to the Hospital da Horta expected soon.
ACTIVE TRANSMISSION CHAINS – 50:
– 35 in São Miguel
– An active chain São Miguel + São Jorge
– 14 on Terceira Island
– 26 chains have been extinct to date, the last of which in Ponta Delgada, in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 411 active positive cases, 301 in S. Miguel, 108 in Terceira Island, 1 in Pico and 1 in Faial. 1,387 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 21 deaths and 871 recoveries. Yesterday, one death was recorded on the island of S. Miguel, of a 73-year-old man, resident in Fajã de Baixo, admitted to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo. Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations. It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus

Situation Report Azores – 9th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Rabo de Peixe
The Rabo de Peixe health quarantine, in force since the 3rd of December, was extended until the 13th of December because of the high potential for active community transmission of Covid-19. The parish is in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
119 cases of the infection have been identified following the mass testing of the village. To date 7000 people have been tested.
Sadly, there has been another death, an 89 year-old woman from the island of Terceira. It happened yesterday, at 12:36 pm, at the Hospital de Santo Espírito. She had just entered the Health Unit a few hours earlier. She lived in the parish of Doze Ribeiras, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.
The Regional Health Authority says, from 8,120 tests carried out in the Region since the 5th of December in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 202.
173 on the island of São Miguel, 27 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Pico.
There have been 107 recoveries recorded, 68 on São Miguel, 35 on the island of Terceira, 2 on Flores, and 2 on Pico.
The number of patients in hospital at the moment is 13,
6 at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada
6 at the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island – three of which in the ICU
1 at the Hospital of Horta.
49 transmission chains are active, 34 in S. Miguel (with the emergence of a new São Miguel + Vila Franca chain, a São Miguel + S. Jorge chain, and 14 in Terceira (two new chains, one in Angra do Heroism and another at Praia da Vitória).
23 transmission chains are already extinct, the last of which are on the island of São Miguel, one in Ribeira Grande and the other in Ponta Delgada.
There are currently 447 positive cases, 328 in S. Miguel, 117 on Terceira Island, one in Pico and one in Faial.
1,329 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 20 deaths and 778 recoveries.

Situation Report Azores – 5th December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Azores Airlines
The airline SATA / Azores Airlines will reconnect Ponta Delgada to London and vice versa, starting in June 2021.
According to a statement, flights between Ponta Delgada and the British capital will begin on June 3rd, 2021 and continue until September 30th, 2021.
The carrier has planned three weekly connections, which will be operated on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Rabo de Peixe
Jaime Vieira, the president of the Parish Council of Rabo de Peixe commented on the imposition of a sanitary fence around the village, which came into force yesterday, and the carrying out of tests on the approximately nine thousand inhabitants of the parish with more cases of Covid-19 in the Azores (78).
“It will be a mega operation. We know that it is impossible to test everyone, but this operation is ‘very complex’ and involves several institutions. Only with this union of efforts will we do what we intend and we know that everything will be fine” he said.
The testing of residents of the village in the municipality of Ribeira Grande will start on Friday and will run until Sunday.
According to the chairman of the board, there will be five mobile units, which will be in “strategic points” of the parish, so that “people do not have to walk far to go to this mobile unit”.
Jaime Vieira pointed out that fixed testing stations will still be set up in the parish naval club and in front of the Ruy Galvão de Carvalho school.
“On Friday we will test a part of the village and Saturday and Sunday another part of the village, with mobile units going through the streets so that those who cannot drive and who have mobility difficulties are also tested,” he added.
“This village is to be congratulated so far for the way it is facing and behaving during this state of confinement,” he said.
The chairman of the board also stressed that the mass tests will make it possible to identify outbreaks of contagion and put a “brake” on the spread of Covid-19 in Rabo de Peixe.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,168 tests carried out in the Region since the 2nd of November in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 84.
59 on the island of São Miguel and 25 on the island of Terceira.
There have been 148 recoveries recorded, 129 on São Miguel, 16 on the island of Terceira, 1 on Flores, and 1 on Santa Maria
The Regional Health Authority also reported that a 70-year-old woman died on the island of São Miguel, on December 3rd, at 4:00 am, victim of Covid-19, resident in the municipality of Ponta Delgada.
The patient was not hospitalized.
With this further death, the Region has had 18 deaths.
41 transmission chains active in the Region
The Region has 41 active transmission chains, 30 in São Miguel (with the emergence of a new São Miguel chain in Ribeira Grande in the last 24 hours), a chain shared between São Miguel and São Jorge, one in Pico and nine in Terceira island (the connection between the elements of two transmission chains, which merge) is determined in Praia da Vitória. In the Region, 18 transmission chains have already been extinguished.
356 active cases
To date, there are 356 active positive cases, 225 in São Miguel, 126 in Terceira, two in Pico, one in Faial and two in Flores.
To date, 1,1128 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have been detected, with 18 deaths and 671 cases recovering.
18 hospitalizations
There are 18 patients in the region’s hospitals, seven at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada (one at the ICU), 10 at the Hospital de Santo Espírito on the Terceira Island (two of which at the ICU) and one at the Hospital of Horta.

Situation Report Azores – 2nd December 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
In view of developments at the international and national level, with the declaration of a State of Emergency for the entire national territory, and taking into account the air connections from abroad to the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, it is now justified the extension of the declaration of the Situation of Public Calamity in these islands, as well as the extension of the declaration of the contingency situation in the islands Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo.
In an extraordinary meeting of the Government Council held by videoconference, it was resolved to:
1. To determine, to be in effect throughout the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in the period between 00:00 hrs on December 2nd and 23:59 hrs on December 8th, the following:
a) The closure of all drinks and similar establishments, with dance spaces;
b) The closing, as of 10:00 pm, of bars and other beverage establishments, with or without a show and with or without terrace service;
c) From 22:00 hours until 06:00 hours of the following day, fuel filling stations can maintain their operation, exclusively for the purpose of selling fuel and supplying vehicles to the public;
d) The closure of the Social Centers and suspension of visits to users of Residential Structures for the Elderly, except in exceptional situations, limited to one visitor, during restricted hours, and provided that the rules for wearing a mask, physical distance and respiratory label defined by the Regional Health Authority;
e) The suspension of all travel, inter-islands and out of the Archipelago, of regional administration workers, including public institutes and public companies, in service, unless absolutely essential, and the recommendation to other public and private entities in the Region that adopt the same procedures regarding the displacement of their workers to the outside of the Region, without prejudice to the displacement of the holders of political and high public positions;
f) The suspension of all trips to the archipelago by external entities requested by the regional administration, including public institutes and public companies, unless absolutely essential, provided they are authorized by the Regional Health Authority;
g) The suspension of the holding of public events promoted by the regional administration, including public institutes and public companies, and a recommendation addressed to all public entities, namely local authorities, and private ones for not holding events open to the public;
h) The suspension of opening to the public at sporting events and competitions.
2. To recommend to local authorities the signalling, with the security forces and competent inspection entities, of non-compliance with the rules provided for in the preceding paragraph, as well as with those arising from guidelines of the regional health authority.
3. To determine, at the level of readiness and response, within the scope of the Legal Regime of the Civil Protection System of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, between 00:00 hours, on December 2nd, and 23:59 hours on 8th, December:
a) The extension of the declaration of the situation of public calamity in the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial;
b) The extension of the declaration of the contingency situation in the Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo Islands.
4. For passengers disembarking in the Region:
a) Recommend that, until the result of the SARS-COV-2 screening test, performed on the 6th day, limit travel to the essential and comply with the rules for the use of a mask, physical distance and respiratory label defined by the regional health authority;
b) When they intend to travel to another island (s), passengers must communicate this intention, upon arrival, to the health authority, by completing a declaration for this purpose and, when they arrive at the island of final destination, should contact the county health authority to perform the SARS-COV-2 screening test, on the sixth day, counting from the date of the test carried out within 72 hours prior to departure for the Region.
5. With regard to inter-island travel, recommend that they be limited to the essential, and must comply with the rules for the use of a mask, physical distance and respiratory etiquette defined by the regional health authority.
6. To determine that the implementation of the provisions of paragraph 3 of this Resolution is coordinated, under the terms of Regional Legislative Decree No. 26/2019 / A, of 22 November, by the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service of the Azores, being he is already authorized to request the collaboration of the security forces, as well as the use of human and material resources from the regional administration.
7. The charges resulting from accommodation, in addition to that initially hired by passengers disembarked in the Region, pursuant to paragraph 4, for compliance with mandatory confinement derived from POSITIVE result to SARS-CoV-2, as well as for prophylactic isolation, determined by the health authority, are assumed by the Region, under the terms to be defined by joint order of the members of the Regional Government with competence in matters of finance, health and tourism.
8. Failure to comply with mandatory confinement or prophylactic isolation, when determined by the regional health authority, implies the immediate presentation, by the health authority of the municipality where you reside or is staying, of a complaint for the practice of the crime of disobedience.
9. The measures provided for in this Resolution can be reversed or cancelled at any time, taking into account the evolution of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region.
10. Under the provisions of article 6 of Regional Legislative Decree no. 26/2019 / A, of 22 November, this resolution takes effect from 00:00 hours, from December 1 until 23:59 on December 8th.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 5,690 tests carried out in the Region since the 28th of November in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 114.
79 on the island of São Miguel and 33 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on Flores and 1 on Pico.
There have been 33 recoveries recorded, 13 on São Miguel, 14 on the island of Terceira, and 1 on São Jorge.
Some of the cases have been discovered as part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test carried out on arrival at ports and airports and through the analysis performed after the sixth day in the region.
CURRENT SITUATION IN THE REGION
The Region now has 37 active transmission chains, 26 on the island of São Miguel, eight on the island of Terceira *, one shared between the island of São Miguel and the island of São Jorge, one on the island of Pico and one on the island of São Jorge.
* In the course of the epidemiological investigation in Angra do Heroísmo, the connection between the elements of two initially distinct transmission chains, which merge, was determined, and the island of Terceira now has eight active transmission chains.
1,044 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 17 deaths, 523 recovered cases and 421 active positive cases, of which one on the island of Santa Maria, 296 on the island of São Miguel, 117 on the island of Terceira, one on the island of São Jorge, two on the island of Pico, three on the island of Faial and two on the island of Flores.
There are 14 people who have been admitted to the hospital, six at the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada, seven at the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Ilha Terceira and one at the Hospital da Horta.

Parish of Rabo de Peixe to be placed under health quarantine
The parish of Rabo de Peixe, on the island of São Miguel, will be under a Health quarantine from 00:00 hrs until December 8, and the population will be tested, announced today the Government of the Azores.
According to a note from the press office of the Azorean executive, travel by land and sea between Rabo de Peixe, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, and the rest of the parishes is forbidden, and the health authorities will proceed to carry out “rapid population tests “.
By parishes, the fishing village of Rabo de Peixe, with around ten thousand inhabitants, is the one that registers the most cases (61) in the Azores.

Madeira 28th and 29th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 107 new Covid-19 cases and 37 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Monday, there were 47 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Luxembourg, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived
from France, 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 35 cases of local transmission) and 23 recoveries. All new cases of local transmission were linked to
previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 27, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

And on Tuesday, there were 60 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from France, 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain, 6 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon
and Tagus Valley Region and 49 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases had already been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Epidemiological investigations were still taking place. The number of
patients in hospital increased to 35, 4 of whom are in intensive care.

There are currently 563 active cases, of which 163 were imported while the other 400 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,620 cases, 1,045 recoveries and 12 deaths.

There are currently 55 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 473 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 35 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 120 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20)
and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 3,080 suspected cases.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 140,223 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h00). Overall, 228,399 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 26,653 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,185 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/47-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-116-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/29/60-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ha-35-pessoas-internadas-no-hospital/

Rules for New Year firework display

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, asked people and not to leave
their homes to watch the New Year firework display in Funchal. The firework display can be watched on RTP-Madeira (TV channel) and on naminhaterra.com (online TV channel).

However, there are still ways for people to watch the firework display outside their homes. The Regional Government will set up specific areas where people can watch it. Designated areas, known as “bolsas” will be set up and
clearly marked and separated, where up to 5 people (preferably from the same family) can stand. Social distancing and the use of face masks will be mandatory. There will be 2,060 designated areas, where as many as 10,300 people will be
allowed to watch the firework display.

The designated areas (“bolsas”) will be located in the following places:

– Praça CR7

– Avenida Sá Carneiro

– Avenida do Mar

– Miradouro da Nazaré (Nazaré Viewpoint) & miradouro das Neves (Das Neves viewpoint) – access will be controlled and limited to 380 people

– Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos (Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint) – up to 515 people

On the 31st of December, bars and restaurants can be open until 1am on the 1st of January.

Three cruise ships will be on the bay of Funchal, where 1,400 passengers will watch the firework display without disembarking.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113741/Governo_pede_para_os_madeirenses_verem_o_fogo_em_casa


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/29/ja-comecaram-as-ser-desenhadas-no-chao-as-mais-de-2-mil-bolsas-para-ver-o-fogo/

More details on the new Covid-19 variant detected in Madeira

It was revealed that 18 Covid-19 patients were infected with the new variant that had been initially detected in the UK. One of the patients had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region while the remaining 17 had arrived from the
UK. Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, assured that all these passengers had been taken into isolation after their arrival and had complied with the prophylactic isolation requirement. The Madeira
health authorities had sent 21 samples for analysis at Instituto Ricardo Jorge. More samples are due to be sent to the same institution.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

Vaccine arrival

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, said he was not sure if the vaccines will arrive today or tomorrow. The vaccines had been due to arrive on Monday. Nevertheless, he assured that everything is ready
so that vaccines can be defrosted in just 6 hours and administered. He also informed that a representative from Pfizer is in Madeira to provide training on the vaccine and its administering.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

British couple refused entry into Madeira

On Sunday, a British couple who had arrived in Madeira via Bucharest, refused to be tested for Covid-19 and to go into isolation. As a result, they were refused entry into the Region and were deported.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/28/vacinas-devem-chegar-a-31-18-infectados-com-a-nova-estirpe-do-coronavirus/

https://observador.pt/2020/12/28/covid-19-madeira-nao-sabe-ainda-quando-ira-receber-vacinas/

Madeira Report 2rd– 27th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 224 new Covid-19 cases, 77 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 54 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 50 cases of local transmission), 10
recoveries and 1 death. A 64 year old male, who was infected with Covid-19, died at his home after having had a cardiac arrest. He became Madeira’s 11th fatality with Covid-19.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously
identified cases or contacts. Three of the new cases were from 3 healthcare professionals, 1 of whom was linked to a positive case from outside a professional context. The number of patients in hospital increased to 22, 1 of whom was in
intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 38 new Covid-19 cases (from 8 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Angola, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 1
passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 26 cases of local transmission) and 10 recoveries.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital increased to 25, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Friday, there were 48 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 3 passengers who had arrived from Spain, 5 passengers who had arrived from Northern Portugal, 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and
Tagus Valley Region and 36 cases of local transmission) and 26 recoveries.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital increased once again. There were was 29 hospitalised patients, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Saturday, there were 35 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from France, 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 1 passenger who had arrived from Switzerland, 3
passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 23 cases of local transmission), 17 recoveries and 1 death. A 91 year old female patient, who had been in hospital since the 21st of December, became Madeira’s 12th
fatality from Covid-19.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 27, 2 of whom were in intensive care.

And on Sunday, there were 49 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from the Czech Republic, 4 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who
had arrived from Northern Portugal and 35 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries.

Most cases had already been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Epidemiological investigations were still taking place. As for the new cases, 15 were identified (13 residents and 2 members of staff) after contact tracing
in a private long-term healthcare unit where a new case had been identified on Saturday. The number of patients in hospital increased to 30, 4 of whom are in intensive care.

There are currently 493 active cases, of which 145 were imported while the other 348 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,513 cases, 1,008 recoveries and 12 deaths.

There are currently 61 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 402 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 30 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

There are currently 244 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira
Regional Health Service). As of Sunday, there had been 2,973 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 138,212 samples had been collected until Sunday (at 19h00). Overall, 224,244 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 26,653 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 2,185 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 1,326 calls from Tuesday to Sunday. Overall, 24,243 calls have been made to this helpline.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/recorde-de-54-novos-casos-de-covid-19-na-madeira-em-24-horas/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113415/Madeira_regista_11ª_morte_com_covid-19

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/24/38-novos-casos-de-covid-19-114-casos-suspeitos-10-recuperados/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/25/48-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-160-casos-suspeitos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/madeira-com-35-novos-casos-positivos-e-uma-morte-por-covid-19-nas-ultimas-24-horas/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/madeira-regista-mais-uma-morte-por-covid-19-sendo-agora-12-as-vitimas-mortais/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/27/49-novos-casos-de-covid-19-244-suspeitos-14-recuperados/

Important information on 2nd Covid-19 test

Unidade de Emergência de Saúde Pública (UESP – Public Health Emergency Unit) informed that if passengers, who are on their 4th day after arrival in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, have not been contacted to book a 2nd Covid-19
(SARS-Cov-2) test, they can call the following numbers: 966 735 594 or 969 381 326. Tests can take place from 09h00 until 21h00.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/informacao-sobre-testes-covid-19-na-ram/

Proof of prophylactic isolation

The Regional Health Directorate informed that proof of prophylactic isolation can be requested though the following website:

http://apps.iasaude.pt/S-Alerta/COVID19/DIP/

This form can be used to justify absence from the workplace as a result of prophylactic isolation.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113498/Saiba_onde_pode_pedir_a_sua_declaracao_se_estiver_em_Isolamento_profilatico_na_Regiao__

New Covid-19 variant detected in Madeira

On Sunday, it was confirmed the new Covid-19 variant, which had spread throughout the UK, was detected in passengers who had arrived from the UK. The Regional Health Directorate (Direção Regional de Saúde) had sent samples from Covid-19
patients for genomic sequencing at Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113634/Confirmada_a_presenca_da_nova_estirpe_do_virus_do_Reino_Unido_na_Madeira

Covid-19 vaccination in Madeira

The Autonomous Region of Madeira will receive 400,000 vaccine doses. Senior citizens, people with certain pathologies and healthcare professionals will be among the first to be vaccinated. This means 50,000 people are expected to be
vaccinated in the 1st phase, 50,000 people in the 2nd phase and 100,000 people in the 3rd phase.

The 1st phase is likely to start before the new year.
Although 9,750 Pfizer vaccine doses were originally scheduled to arrive in Madeira in the first week of January, they have arrived in the mainland earlier than expected and are likely to arrive in the Region today.

Military and security forces, under coordination by Comando Operacional da Madeira (Madeira Operational Command), led by Admiral João Dores Aresta, will be responsible for the delivery of the vaccine to the Region.

Today, SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professionals will be provided training on administering the vaccine. Vaccination will be optional and free of charge. The vaccine must be administered twice.

From today, a Covid-19 vaccination helpline (800 210 263 – available from 09h00 to 20h00 – for administrative support) and email address (vacinacao@sesaram.pt – for queries and vaccination
bookings) are available.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/madeira-tera-tres-fases-de-administracao-da-vacina-contra-a-covid-19/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/23/linha-regional-de-apoio-a-vacinacao-covid-19-operacional-a-partir-de-28-de-dezembro/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113592/Vacinacao_arranca_na_Madeira_antes_do_fim_do_ano


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113455/Covid-19_Idosos_doentes_e_profissionais_de_saude_sao_os_primeiros_a_receber_a_vacina_


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113495/Covid-19_Comando_Operacional_vai_coordenar_transporte_da_vacina_na_RAM

SESARAM provided medical treatment and psychological assistance after Northern Madeira floods

Several residents were unable to leave their homes as a result of the floods that hit the Municipality of São Vicente. As a result, SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) covered the dialysis treatments of 4 citizens who had been affected by
the floods. The Fire Service helped some of these patients leave their homes and provided transport so they could receive treatment. SESARAM also made inquiries to assess the needs of other patients, particularly in regards to the
provision of medication.

A team of SESARAM psychologists was also deployed to provide psychological support to those who were affected by the floods. This team can be contacted by calling the São Vicente Health Centre (Centro de Saúde de São Vicente – 291 840
065).


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/26/sesaram-responde-aos-doentes-da-ponta-delgada-e-proporciona-apoio-psicologico/

Clean up after Christmas Day floods

Most roads in Ponta Delgada, apart from Lombinho (due to reopen today), have been reopened to traffic. However, drivers are asked to be cautious because there is still some damage and cleaning and repair work is still underway. Drivers
are advised to drive in affected roads only in case of extreme need.

Two days after the floods, the sunny weather in Ponta Delgada helped to speed up the removal of debris from roads and homes. Water supplies have been mostly restored. However, Miguel Freitas, President of the Parish (Freguesia) of Ponta
Delgada, said the most worrying situation is access to the higher areas of the parish, particularly the 3 Lombadas.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113662/Acessibilidades_repostas_na_Ponta_Delgada_com_excecao_do_sitio_do_Lombinho


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113662/Acessibilidades_repostas_na_Ponta_Delgada_com_excecao_do_sitio_do_Lombinho

Cruise ships arriving in Madeira

In more cheerful news, the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 will be sailing along the Funchal bay during the New Year celebrations. The ship is currently approaching Porto Santo and will stay in the Region until the first minutes of January.
In addition, the cruise ship MS Europa 2from Hapag Lloyd Cruise Lines, is scheduled to sail around Madeira after the New Year fireworks. None of the ships will be docking in Funchal.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113644/Mein_Schiff_3_chega_esta_noite_MS_Europa_2_esta_a_caminho


Madeira Reports 19th – 22nd December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 142 new Covid-19 cases, 96 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. The majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Saturday, there were 43 new Covid-19 cases (from 11 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from France and 31 cases of local transmission) and 26 recoveries.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. One of the new cases was from a member of staff of a care home. The number of patients in hospital increased to 19, 1 of whom was in intensive
care.

On Sunday, there were 31 new Covid-19 cases (from 10 passengers who had
arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Italy, 4 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from Central Portugal, 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal and
14 cases of local transmission), 19 recoveries and 1 death. A 97 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions, became Madeira’s 9th fatality from Covid-19.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a hospitalised patient and 1 was from a healthcare professional who had contact with an
infected person outside work. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 16, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Monday, there were 26 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from Central Portugal and 17 cases of local transmission), 23 recoveries and 1 death. An 80 year old female
patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and who had been in hospital since the 11th of December, died from Covid-19.

All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professional, 2 were residents from a private
care home where there had already been Covid-19 cases. The number of patients in hospital was 16, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

And on Tuesday, there were 42 new Covid cases (from 9 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 3 who had arrived from Venezuela, 2 who had arrived from Mexico, 1 who had arrived from the Netherlands, 1 who had arrived from Angola, 1 who
had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 25 cases of local transmission and 28 recoveries. So far, most cases of local transmission have been linked to previously identified cases or contacts. One of the new cases of
local transmission was from a SESARAM healthcare professional who had contact with an infected person outside work. The number of patients in hospital increased to 23, 1 of whom is intensive care.

There are currently 348 active cases, of which 110 were imported while the other 238 cases were a result of local transmission. So far, there have been 1,289 cases, 931 recoveries and 10 deaths.

There are currently 36 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 289 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 23 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 1 of whom is in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 145 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which are all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM
(Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 2,749 suspected
cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 130,661 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 20h00). Overall, 213,157 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

At the moment, 22,097 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. The number of visitors under monitoring more than doubled in the last week, which reflects the
increase in the number of passengers who have been arriving in the Madeira archipelago. There are also 1,940 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in
Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) has so far received 22,917 calls.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/19/43-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-63-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/20/31-novos-casos-131-novos-casos-suspeitos-de-covid-19-na-regiao/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/20/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-na-madeira-ja-sao-nove/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/madeira-soma-10-mortos-com-covid-19-hoje-ha-26-novos-casos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/22/42-novos-casos-de-covid-19-mais-145-casos-suspeitos/

Mandatory testing for UK arrivals

The Madeira Regional Government informed that all travellers arriving in the Region from the UK (only Portuguese citizens or foreign nationals legally resident and their relatives can travel to Portugal) who do not have evidence of a
negative Covid-19 test must be tested on arrival. While awaiting for the test results, they must also remain in prophylactic isolation in their own accommodation or in a hotel requisitioned by the Regional Government. They must also be
tested for a second time, between the 5th and 7th day after the 1st test had been carried out, and must remain in prophylactic isolation in their own home or accommodation.


https://observador.pt/2020/12/21/covid-19-viajantes-do-reino-unido-sem-testes-negativos-a-chegada-a-madeira-obrigados-a-dupla-testagem/


https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal?fbclid=IwAR3jGDUNjcmCIve_OHQ5hSiMM3aDoRkRXy16MUvy9nTy8CSrnFzhw4Pyc0s

President of Madeira Regional Government criticised treatment of BA passengers

Miguel Albuquerque said it was very unpleasant that passengers on a British Airways flight that had landed in Funchal had been forced by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) to
stay aboard the aircraft for about 3 hours, despite the fact an airport room had been arranged where passengers would have been more comfortable while waiting for the outcome of their situation. The flight had been carrying more than 40
passengers who are not Madeira residents. He made it clear this situation is not compatible with Madeira’s welcoming tradition.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/caso-do-aviao-britanico-tudo-isto-foi-muito-desagradavel/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113280/Covid-19_Proibicao_do_desembarque_de_43_passageiros_ingleses_foi_excesso_de_zelo

Genetic sequencing to be carried out

The Madeira Regional Government will carry out genetic sequencing to check if a more aggressive variant of Covid-19, which was first spotted in the UK, is present in Madeira. The research will be carried out in cooperation with
Instituto Ricardo Jorge.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113278/Governo_vai_fazer_analise_genetica_para_ver_se_variante_detetada_no_Reino_Unido_esteve_ou_esta_na_Madeira

9,750 Covid-19 vaccine doses to arrive in the first week of January

Miguel Albuquerque informed that the 9,750 doses of the new Covid-19 vaccine are due to arrive in the Region in the first week of January. The fridges that will be used to store the vaccine arrived in the Region last week and are ready
to be used. Albuquerque assured that Madeira and Porto Santo have all the necessary conditions for the vaccine storage, logistics and administration. He added that the regional team in charge of the vaccine rollout have been in regular
contact with the national vaccine task force.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/9750-vacinas-contra-a-covid-19-deverao-chegar-em-janeiro/

New Year fireworks display to go ahead

Miguel Albuquerque insisted the planned New Year fireworks display will ahead. Viewpoints, squares and Avenida do Mar will be monitored to ensure compliance with social distancing. Bars, restaurants and other similar places must close
at 1am on the 1st of January and customers should return home while avoiding gatherings. He added that each person must behave responsibly and that people either comply with the rules, ensuring a controlled situation in January or do
not comply with the rules and the consequences will not be good.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/fogo-de-fim-de-ano-esta-programado-e-vai-ser-dado/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113287/Albuquerque_diz_que_locais_mais_procurados__para_ver_o_fogo_de_artificio_vao_ser_alvo_de_controlo_apertado

Appeal for compliance with Covid-19 rules

Miguel Albuquerque appealed for every person to comply with social distancing rules, hand hygiene, the use of face masks, otherwise there will be a big price to pay. He advised families to avoid meals with people from other households,
to avoid unnecessary travel and to be very careful when meeting with older relatives. He reminded that this is currently the most dangerous period and that more must not be demanded from the healthcare teams.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/albuquerque-nao-ha-ate-agora-transmissao-comunitaria/

Non-compliance with mandatory isolation

There have been reports of students who had arrived in Madeira from outside the Region and who had not complied with mandatory isolation. For instance, some students were spotted meeting relatives and friends even before the results of
the first Covid-19 had been known. Reacting to this, Miguel Albuquerque said it was an absolutely irresponsible situation and that the police must take action whenever such situations are known.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113280/Covid-19_Proibicao_do_desembarque_de_43_passageiros_ingleses_foi_excesso_de_zelo

Big supermarkets and shopping centres threatened with closure

Miguel Albuquerque said bars and restaurants are now complying with the Covid-19 rules after a period of time
when this was not happening. On the other hand, he showed his
frustration with the situation in big supermarkets and shopping centres. He had visited one and had witnessed large numbers of customers doing Christmas shopping while not complying with temperature measuring, social distancing and
other rules. He warned there could be a big price to pay as far as public health is concerned. He added that Madeira can not afford to jeopardise everything now that the vaccine is due to arrive. He also issued a final warning to big
supermarkets and shopping centres, threatening to close them if they do not comply with maximum capacity limits and other Covid-19 rules. To aid in monitoring capacity limits, Madeira Shopping security guards have been provided an app
that allows them to check how many people are inside the premises.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113362/Aplicacao_permite_ver_quantas_pessoas_circulam_no_Madeira_Shopping

Madeira testing capacity

Miguel Albuquerque stressed that Madeira’s testing capacity has been constantly improved and adjusted as necessary. At the moment, the SESARAM laboratory is capable of processing over 2,000 tests per day. In contrast, at the start of
the pandemic it was only capable of processing 50 tests per day. He praised the laboratory for its performance. He also revealed that as of Sunday, 46,513 Covid-19 tests had been carried out in the Portuguese mainland on passengers that
had been due to travel to Madeira. As a result, 252 tests came back positive, which meant Madeira managed to prevent the arrival of dozens of infected travellers. Furthermore, the mandatory second Covid-19 test, carried out between the
5th and 7th day after the arrival of passenger in Madeira, has enabled the detection of 11 Covid-19 cases. As of Monday, 6,011 second Covid-19 tests had been booked since the 2nd of December.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Number of Covid-19 beds can be doubled within 24h

Miguel Albuquerque informed that the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça has 65 beds, 20 of which are currently being used. The Covid-19 unit for suspected cases has 25 beds, 10 of which are currently being used. He assured
that if necessary, the number of beds in both units can be doubled within 24 hours. He also said that a new Covid-19 unit, with 12 negative pressure rooms, will be set up below the Accident & Emergency department in the first fortnight
of January 2021.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Additional measures introduced after outbreaks in care homes and healthcare providers

In response to Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes and healthcare providers, Miguel Albuquerque said additional measures were taken. These include the ban on long visits, more testing of professionals, residents and visitors and the
restriction on professionals to move between different health centres and care homes.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/21/miguel-albuquerque-agastado-com-as-grandes-superficies-comerciais/

Madeira Report 16th – 18th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 59 new Covid-19 cases, 68 recoveries and 2 deaths from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 24 new Covid-19 cases (from 6 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 2 passengers who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 16 cases of local transmission), 17 recoveries and 1 death. An 87
year old female patient became Madeira’s 7th fatality from Covid-19. She had several pre-existing conditions and been hospitalised in the Covid-19 unit since December 3rd.

All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases or contacts. Two of the new
cases were from hospitalised patients who had been tested for Covid-19 while in hospital and 2 were from social care (1 beneficiary and 1 member of staff). There were 14 patients in hospital, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 18 new Covid-19 cases (from 4 passengers who had arrived from the UK, 1 passenger who had arrived from Poland and 13 cases of local transmission) and 32 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to
previously identified cases or contacts. Among the new cases of local transmission, 4 were from hospitalised patients and 1 was from a healthcare professional at SESARAM (Madeira Health Service). The number of patients in hospital
increased to 18, 1 of whom was in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 17 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Italy and 16 cases of local transmission), 19 recoveries and 1 death. A 92 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions, died in
hospital. Her death means Madeira has 8 deaths from Covid-19.

As of Friday, there have been 1,147 cases, 835 recoveries and 8 deaths.

The following data is from Thursday, as no updated figures were provided on Friday:

On Thursday, there were 307 active cases, of which 72 were imported while the other 235 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 44 cases were from non-residents while 263 were from Madeira residents.

On Thursday, there were 35 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 253 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 18 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 1 of whom was in the Covid-19 Intensive
Care Unit.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 122,036 samples had been collected until Thursday (at 18h30). Overall, 201,117 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Also on Thursday, 12,103 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There were also 1,986 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the
health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) had received 446 calls from Tuesday to Thursday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline was 21,413.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/16/24-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-66-suspeitos-e-mais-uma-morte/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/16/mais-uma-vitima-idosa-da-covid-19-na-madeira-eleva-numero-de-mortes-para-sete/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/17/mais-18-casos-de-covid-19-129-novos-casos-suspeitos/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113073/Faleceu_mais_um_doente_covid_na_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113069/Madeira_com_mais_17_novos_casos_e_apenas_um_importado

New Covid-19 prevention measures to be announced on Monday

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, will hold a press conference on Monday at 17h00. He will comment on the outcome of the measures that had been previously implemented and will also announce new
measures that will be applicable during the Christmas and New Year period.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113013/Covid-19_Miguel_Albuquerque_anuncia_novas_medidas_de_prevencao_na_segunda-feira

Students, teachers and school staff tribute to healthcare professionals

On Thursday morning, students,
teachers and staff from Escola Dr. Horácio Bento de Gouveia paid tribute to the SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) professionals. The Madeira Education, Science and Technology Secretary was in attendance. The school courtyard is in front
of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça and the group launched balloons and sang Christmas songs. In response, the healthcare professionals thanked the group for their gesture. A video of the tribute can be watched on the following website:


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112819/Veja_aqui_a_bonita_homenagem_que_a_escola_Horacio_Bento_de_Gouveia_prestou_ao_SESARAM__Video

Motorcycle group made donation to food bank

Bikers from a motorcycle group (Guardiões da Madeira Moto Clube) visited the Banco Alimentar da Madeira warehouse, where they delivered a donation of food. Carlos Ventura, the founder of this motorcycle group, said the current social
and economic crisis is a source of great concern to its bikers and hope this donation will help the Region in the fight against hunger. Fátima Aveiro, the director of Banco Alimentar da Madeira, hosted the group and expressed her
gratitude for the donation.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/113065/Motards_solidarios_com_o_Banco_Alimentar_da_Madeira

Tourism in Madeira in better performance than the rest of the country

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, said Madeira has
been having more success than other Portuguese tourists destinations. He said Madeira has been losing fewer tourists than other destinations in Portugal (Madeira had a reduction of 63% while Lisbon Airport had a reduction of 80%).
Eduardo Jesus said the resilience of Madeira’s businesspeople had helped to provide trust in Madeira as a safe destination. He added that the Regional Government has been doing everything possible for tourism to recover and to provide
support to the tourism sector.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112978/Madeira_tem_registado_desempenho_turistico_melhor_do_que_o_pais

Regional Government to donate 10 patrol cars to the PSP

Pedro Calado, the Vice-President of the Madeira Regional Government, will preside over the handover ceremony of 10 patrol cars to the PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública – Public Safety Police). The donation is based on a collaboration
protocol signed between the Autonomous Region of Madeira, through the Vice-Presidency of the Madeira Regional Government and Parliamentary Affairs (Assuntos Parlamentares), and the PSP. As a result of this protocol, 1 all-terrain search
and weather vehicle, 4 900cc motorbikes, 6 125cc motorbikes, search and rescue and mountain rescue equipment (individual and collective), 2 emergency lighting systems, 1 laser radar and 2 sound level meters have been provided to the
PSP.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112970/Governo_Regional_vai_entregar_10_carros_patrulha_a_PSP

Madeira Situation Report 16th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 63 new Covid-19 cases, 56 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases and 20 recoveries. All new cases were cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Five of the new cases were from children, aged 8-15, who
attend schools in the municipalities of Funchal, Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 new case was from a healthcare professional from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service); 5 new cases were from social care professionals (1 who works in the
Municipality of Santa Cruz, 1 who works in the Municipality of Funchal and 3 who work at an institution in the Municipality of Funchal); and 2 of the new cases were from professionals working for the Municipality of Funchal. The number
of patients in hospital decreased to 13 and 4 of whom were in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 8 cases of local transmission), 22 recoveries and 1 death.

An 80 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and had been in the Covid-19 unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça since the 6th of December, became Madeira’s 3rd fatality from Covid-19. The office of Pedro Ramos
(Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) expressed its deepest condolences to her grieving family.

Most new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. One of the new cases was from an adult who works at an educational institution in Funchal. Another new case was from a social care professional working in
the Municipality of Funchal. There were 13 patients in hospital and 4 of them were in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 19 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 16 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases of local transmission had already been linked to
previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 3 were from children, aged 4-10, who attend educational institutions in the municipalities of Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 was from an adult who works at another
educational institution in the Municipality of Machico; 2 were from 2 patients who were already hospitalised in SESARAM and 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in public and private healthcare providers. The number of
patients in hospital increased to 14, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

There are currently 265 active cases, of which 54 were imported while the other 211 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 28 cases are from non-residents while 237 are from Madeira residents.
So far, there have been 997 cases, 729 recoveries and 3 deaths.

There are currently 16 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 235 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit.

At the moment, 8,347 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,868 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 194 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 1 was identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made
to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,457 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 116,012 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 190,134 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 623 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 20,302.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/29-novos-casos-de-covid-19-130-novos-suspeitos-ha-4-internados-nos-cuidados-intensivos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/mais-15-casos-de-covid-19-e-143-novos-suspeitos-no-dia-em-que-se-verificou-mais-uma-morte/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/mais-19-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-quase-200-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Madeira recognised by IHF’s Beyond the Call of Duty for Covid-19

The International Hospital Federation has recognised Madeira for its integrated response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It praised the Regional Secretariat for Heath and Civil Protection for having adopted an approach that “showed that early
and decisive action is crucial to fight a pandemic”. Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, said this award is an international recognition for all the work carried out to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the
Region and is a source of pride for all healthcare and civil protection professionals who took part in this integrated response.

The Beyond Call of Duty for Covid-19 award was also awarded to several other Portuguese hospitals:

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/distincao-internacional-para-resposta-integrada-a-covid-19-na-ram/

Day care centres ordered to close as a Covid-19 prevention measure

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, has ordered day care centres to close from Friday onwards in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although he said the existence of Covid-19 cases in a hospital
setting means the virus reaches hospitals and care homes, he stressed the sanitary authorities are still in control of the transmission chains and testing is ongoing. He added that from today care home professionals will not be allowed
to work in different care homes. Care home visits will still be possible while taking all precautions. Miguel Albuquerque said an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases is to be expected and reinforced the need to control the
transmission chains.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/albuquerque-diz-que-centros-de-dia-vao-fechar-como-prevencao-contra-a-covid-19/

Municipality of Ribeira Brava delivering 3,150 face masks to students

Yesterday, the Municipality of Ribeira Brava started the delivery of 3,150 face masks to students from educational institutions in the municipality. Each student from 1º Ciclo, 2º Ciclo, 3º Ciclo and Secondary School will receive 2 face
masks, made from textiles and by professionals from the Region. The aim of this measure is to make young people more aware of what needs to be done to fight Covid-19 in the Region, particularly in the Municipality of Ribeira Brava. This
includes the use of face masks, frequent hand washing and disinfection, social distancing and respiratory etiquette. The correct use of a face mask is crucial to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is why the municipality decided to
deliver 2 face masks to each student, so that each mask can be used and replaced according to the instructions. Young people were also encouraged to be Public Health agents and to encourage their relatives to comply with all Covid-19
guidelines.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/ribeira-brava-inicia-distribuicao-de-cerca-de-3150-mascaras-a-alunos/

More firefighters and Covid-19 equipment for Porto Santo Fire Service

Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, was in Porto Santo, where he took part in the
swear-in ceremony of 12 new Firefighters and in the delivery of new
equipment for the Porto Santo Fire Service. There are now 42 civil protection professionals. The Porto Santo Fire Service also received a BIO-BAG EBV – 30/40IN-CH capsule, a pioneering equipment that enables patients with infectious
diseases, namely Covid-19, to be safely transported. Pedro Ramos highlighted the role of the Porto Santo Fire Service and expressed the importance of reinforcing its operational capacity not only through the provision of more equipment
but also through professional recognition and training of its staff. He also explained that investment in civil protection has been a reality and stated that the Regional Government has invested more than €22M in the current Regional
Government term.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/12/porto-santo-reforcado-com-a-entrada-de-uma-duzia-de-bombeiros/

Fares discount on Madeira-Canary Islands flights

Binter has reduced fares on flights between Madeira and the Canary Islands. The discount will apply to flights booked until the 27th of December, for travel between the 11th of January and the 28th of February 2021. Fares will start at
€72,86 for flights to the Canary Islands on Wednesdays. These fares are valid per flight if a return flight is booked but the fare could be different, depending on the route. Checked luggage, seat selection and a high-quality in-flight
service are included in this discount campaign. Flights can be booked online (www.binter.pt), by phone (291 290 129) or through travel agencies.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/15/binter-avanca-com-promocao-para-voar-entre-a-madeira-e-as-canarias/

Water supply disruptions

There will be water supply disruptions in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobs, to allow for scheduled work to be carried out in the water supply network in order to prevent water leaks. The disruption will affect the following areas:

17th December (09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Ribeiro Leal, Lourencinha and Fajã) & Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Covão, Panasqueira and Vargem)

17th December (11h00 to 15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Fajã, Palmeira and Torre)

18th December (09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Saraiva)

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/13/arm-alerta-para-interrupcao-no-fornecimento-de-agua-em-camara-de-lobos/

Madeira Report 12th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update




There were 63 new Covid-19 cases, 56 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases
of local transmission.

On Wednesday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases and 20 recoveries. All new cases were cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Five of the
new cases were from children, aged 8-15, who attend schools in the municipalities of Funchal, Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 new case was from a healthcare professional from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service); 5 new cases were from social care
professionals (1 who works in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, 1 who works in the Municipality of Funchal and 3 who work at an institution in the Municipality of Funchal); and 2 of the new cases were from professionals working for the
Municipality of Funchal. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 13 and 4 of whom were in intensive care.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 7 passengers who had arrived from outside the UK and 8 cases of local transmission), 22 recoveries and 1 death.

An 80 year old female patient, who had several pre-existing conditions and had been in the Covid-19 unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça since the 6th of December, became Madeira’s 3rd fatality from Covid-19. The office of Pedro Ramos
(Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) expressed its deepest condolences to her grieving family. Most new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. One of the new cases was from an adult who works
at an educational institution in Funchal. Another new case was from a social care professional working in the Municipality of Funchal. There were 13 patients in hospital and 4 of them were in intensive care.

And on Friday, there were 19 new Covid-19 cases (from 3 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 16 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most cases of local transmission
had already been linked to previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 3 were from children, aged 4-10, who attend educational institutions in the municipalities of Machico and Santa Cruz; 1 was from an adult
who works at another educational institution in the Municipality of Machico; 2 were from 2 patients who were already hospitalised in SESARAM and 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in public and private healthcare providers.
The number of patients in hospital increased to 14, 4 of whom were in intensive care.

There are currently 265 active cases, of which 54 were imported while the other 211 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 28 cases are from non-residents while 237 are from Madeira residents.
So far, there have been 934 cases, 729 recoveries and 3 deaths. There are currently 16 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 235 patients in isolation at their
own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 4 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit. At the moment, 8,347 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities.
Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,868 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 194 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 1 was identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made
to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,457 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed. As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal
and Porto Santo airports, 116,012 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 190,134 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 623 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 20,302.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/29-novos-casos-de-covid-19-130-novos-suspeitos-ha-4-internados-nos-cuidados-intensivos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/mais-15-casos-de-covid-19-e-143-novos-suspeitos-no-dia-em-que-se-verificou-mais-uma-morte/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/10/morreu-mais-uma-doente-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/mais-19-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-quase-200-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Remarks from the President of the Madeira Regional Government on the pandemic

On Wednesday, Miguel Albuquerque ruled out, once again, the creation of a sanitary cordon in Machico. He argued a sanitary cordon will only be imposed the situation gets “out of control” and there is community transmission. He also said
he had received classified information pointing to the increase of cases in Machico and reinforced the view that Madeira is currently facing one of the most complicated phases and a period of great risk. He appealed for the Covid-19
rules to be fully complied with and warned there will be rigorous inspections to check compliance with them on bars and restaurants. He specifically asked business owners to be very careful and to ensure compliance with social
distancing rules, to prevent gatherings, to ensure hand hygiene and the use of face masks. Miguel Albuquerque also said that although a recent outbreak at Santa Casa da Misericórdia had been brought under control, it could have been
much worse. He added that all transmission chains have been identified, which means there is no need for sanitary cordons to be imposed. However, he guaranteed he will not hesitate to impose a new lockdown if Madeira starts to face a
situation of active community transmission even if it means disrupting the Christmas and New Year celebrations.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112093/Albuquerque_rejeita_cerca_sanitaria_em_Machico_mas_avisa_que_havera_fiscalizacao_rigorosa

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112350/Confinamento_na_Madeira_nao_esta_fora_de_hipotese

Warning on fake phone calls to elderly residents

The Municipality of Santa Cruz has issued a warning about fake phone calls being made to several elderly residents. The fake callers have been telling elderly residents to head towards a van that is supposedly parked next to the the
football pitch (campo de Futebol das Faias) in Achada de Gaula, in order to be tested for Covid-19. The Municipality made several contacts, including to the local health authorities, and confirmed that this information is
false. The aim of these fake calls is not known and the Municipality has warned the population to be alert and not to head to the aforementioned place.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/09/camara-de-santa-cruz-alerta-para-telefonemas-falsos/

Air Force airlifted 8 patients in the last week

From the 30th of November until the 6th of December, the Portuguese Air Force airlifted 8 patients for urgent medical treatment. A total of 5 patients were airlifted within the Azores, 1 from the Azores to the Mainland, 1 within Madeira
and 1 from Madeira to the Mainland. The Air Force used C-295M aircraft from 502 Squadron “Elefantes“, Falcon 50 aircraft from 504 Squadron “Linces” and EH-101 Merlin helicopters from 751 Squadron “Pumas” to
carry out these missions, which had a total flight time of 21h35.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/112164/Forca_Aerea_transporta_oito_doentes_na_ultima_semana_

Disruptions due to public works

The Municipality of Funchal announced the following traffic disruptions will take place, due to public works, on the 14th of December:

Modernisation of the water supply network at Caminho de Santo António, scheduled to last until the 4th of January 2021:
– Caminho de Santo António (between Rua Nova do Pico de São João and Rua das Maravilhas) to be
cordoned off, except for residents;

– Access to Caminho de Santo António from Travessa da Cruz de Carvalho to be cordoned off, except for residents:

– Drivers at Levada de São and Travessão de São João, heading towards Caminho de Santo António, will be diverted to Rua das Maravilhas

Road resurfacing at Caminho da Igreja, in São Gonçalo, scheduled to last until the 16th of December:
– Caminho da Igreja (between Rua Conde Carvalhal and Caminho da Bica de Pau) cordoned off for road traffic,
except for residents;

– Bus service number 37 (Horários do Funchal bus company) – heading upwards will head through Rua Conde Carvalhal towards Estrada da Camacha and will then resume its scheduled route & heading downwards will head through Estrada da
Camacha towards Rua Conde Carvalhal and will then resume its scheduled route.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/11/cmf-avisa-para-condicionamentos-devidos-a-obras-publicas/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL
15th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Estrada do Lombo chão (numbers 31 to 51)

– Vereda das Balseiras (numbers 9, 11 and 37)

– Impasse das Balceiras

16th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00
– Estrada da Fajã dos Cardos (numbers 95, 99 and 101)

– Vereda da Fajã dos Cardos (number 21-A)

– Vereda da Fajã do Capitão

– Vereda da Beira do Palheiro

ARCO DA CALHETA
16th December – 10h00 to 12h00
– Sítio do Pinheiro

CANHAS
16th December – 10h00 to 12h00
– SítIo do Pomar; Sítio da Levada do Poso (including britadeira AFA); Sítio das Eiras; Sítio do Chope; Sítio da Cova grande; Sítio da Malhadinha
(including britadeira)

– Parque Empresarial dos Canhas

– Vacaria

– Ovo Girão

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 (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/12/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-97-2020/

Madeira Report Wednesday 9th December by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 76 new Covid-19 cases and 43 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission.

On Saturday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Russia, 1 who had arrived from the UK, 1 who had arrived from Venezuela and 7 cases of local transmission) and 7 recoveries. All cases of local
transmission were linked to previously identified cases. The number of patients in hospital increased to 11 although none were in intensive care.

On Sunday, there were 23 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who
had arrived from outside the UK, 2 who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 2 who had arrived from Northern Portugal and 17 cases of local transmission) and 11 recoveries. Four children, 3 of whom from educational
establishments in the municipalities of Funchal and Machico, and 2 healthcare professionals from SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) were among the new cases. The number of patients in hospital increased to 13, with 2 of them being in the
Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

On Monday, there were 29 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Romania and 28 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Seven children from schools in the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Funchal and Machico
and 3 professionals from the security and military forces were among the new cases of local transmission. Most cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 1 was still under epidemiological investigation.
The number of patients in hospital increased to 17, with 3 of them going into the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

And on Tuesday, there were 13 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 who had arrived from Poland, 1 who arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from Venezuela and 9 cases of local
transmission) and 11 recoveries. All cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases. Among the new cases of local transmission, 1 was from a child who attends an educational establishment in the municipality of
Funchal, 2 were from adults who work at an educational establishment in the municipality of Machico, 1 was from a healthcare professional who works in health and social care in both private and public sector and 1 was from an adult who
works for the Municipality of Funchal. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 14, 3 of whom are in the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

There are currently 259 active cases, of which 50 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 209 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 29 cases are from non-residents while 230 are from Madeira
residents. So far, there have been 934 cases, 673 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 222 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 14 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, 3 of whom are in the Covid-19
Intensive Care Unit..

At the moment, 8,087 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,503 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 203 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 10 were identified through airport screening while the remaining 193 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls
made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Tuesday, there had been 2,394 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 113,979 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h30). Overall, 187,197 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 654 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 19,679.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111800/Covid-19_Madeira_regista_hoje_11_novos_casos_sendo_7_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111801/Covid-19_Doentes_internados_passam_a_ser_11

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/06/23-novos-casos-de-covid-19-na-ram-319-suspeitos-13-internados/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/07/mais-29-casos-de-covid-19-os-internados-sao-ja-17-143-novos-casos-suspeitos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/08/mais-13-casos-activos-203-novos-casos-suspeitos-de-covid-19/

12 Madeiran companies donated more than 1.7 Tonnes of food to Food Bank

Banco Alimentar da Madeira (the Madeira branch of Banco Alimentar – one of the most famous food banks in Portugal) received a donation of 1,773 Kg of food through Operation Christmas Tonne (Operação Tonelada de Natal).
This donation by 12 Madeiran companies aims to reinforce the effort to respond to an increasing number of requests for help. Fátima Aveiro, the leader of Banco Alimentar da Madeira praised the “commendable” attitude of these
companies, which have also been facing their own troubles. She explained a regular volunteer to the institution had challenged this group of businesspeople to join forces to collect food to donate. Despite this sizeable donation, she
explained the importance of increasing the number of donations.

The increase in unemployment highlights the urgent need to help whoever has lost their livelihoods as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. She added that Banco Alimentar da Madeira needs plenty of food to be donated because it is
not known how the pandemic situation will develop. According to her, the number of requests for help increased by more than 100% in comparison with the period before the pandemic. At the moment, 8.500 families in the Autonomous Region
of Madeira are being supported by Banco Alimentar da Madeira. All food donated to Banco Alimentar da Madeira is distributed to several institutions in the region which subsequently deliver it to families in need.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111834/12_empresas_madeirenses_doam_mais_de_17_toneladas_a_Banco_Alimentar

Two people arrested for drug trafficking

The Regional Command of PSP Madeira (Comando Regional da Polícia de Segurança Pública da Madeira) announced the arrest of two males, aged 30 (from the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos) and 32 (from the Municipality of Funchal),
for hashish and heroin trafficking.

One of the men was arrested on the 5th of December at his home, where Police seized
5 cannabis plants and dried cannabis leaves that were ready for consumption weighing 286.30 grams. He is subject to a statement of identity and residence.

The other man was arrested in the early hours of Sunday after being stopped in a traffic stop and attempting to escape. Police seized 396 doses of hashish, 376 doses of cocaine, a digital scale, a motorbike and a wide range of equipment
for use in illegal trafficking of drugs. He was remanded in police custody while waiting to appear at court.

The Regional Command of PSP Madeira reiterated its commitment to fight against drug trafficking and highlighted that the Câmara de Lobos Police Division has already made 21 arrests for drug trafficking this year.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/07/psp-deteve-dois-individuos-por-trafico-de-haxixe-e-cocaina/

Volunteers invited to help clean coastal areas in Porto Santo

The project “Porto Santo Sem Lixo Marinho” (Porto Santo Without Marine Litter) will be taking place from the 14th to the 19th of December. The aim of this project is to clean coastal areas and even streams and other areas that
contribute to the build-up of potential marine litter. If you are interested in helping, you must gather a group of people from your family or friends (maximum 5 people), choose a day and time you are all available, choose the place
where you would like to help, sign up for the project and head to the city hall (Câmara Municipal de Porto Santo) to collect the cleaning equipment. Applications can be made until the 11th of December at 12h30 by sending an email
to rubinabrito@cm-portosanto.pt

Below is a translation of the application form:

Ficha de Inscrição – Application Form

Local da limpeza – Place to clean up

Coordenadas GPS (não obrigatório) – GPS coordinates (not required)

Nome Participante – Name of the volunteer

Data de Nascimento – Date of birth

Nº do Cartão Cidadão – Citizen Card Number (Passport number may also be accepted)

NIF – Tax Number (perhaps not required)

Morada – Address

Código Postal – Post Code

Localidade – Location

Contacto Telefónico – Phone number

Endereço de E-Mail – Email address

https://cm-portosanto.pt/porto-santo-sem-lixo-marinho-2/

Water supply disruptions

As a result of scheduled work on the water supply chain, there will be water supply disruptions in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos. The following areas will be affected:

– 9th December (from 09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira and Pedregal) & Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Garachico)

– 9th December (from 11h00 to 15h00) – Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira)

– 10th December (from 09h00 to 13h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (Nogueira and Pedregal)

http://www.aguasdamadeira.com.pt/noticias.aspx?n=200#.X9BswS10cWo

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

10th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho de São Roque (numbers 1 to 84-A)

11th December – 00h00 to 07h00

– Caminho do Monte (numbers 155 to 240)

– Caminho dos Pocinhos

– Caminho da Lombada (numbers 49 to 54)

– Caminho das Lajinhas (numbers 3 to 28)

– Caminho do Desterro (until number 62)

– Caminho da Confeiteira (number 1)

– Caminho das Babosas (numbers 8 to 10)

– Azinhaga da Cancela (number 39)

– Largo das Babosas

– Beco do Pereira

– Vereda das Quintas (until number 33)

– Vereda do Cabeço (numbers 3 and 7)

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

10th December – 09h00 to 11h00

– Estrada de Santa Clara (between even number 174 and odd number 203)

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 (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/05/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-95-2020/

 

 

Madeira Situation Report 5th December by Daniel Fernandes

 

 

Covid-19 update

There were 60 new Covid-19 cases and 38 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. Once again, the vast majority of new cases were cases of local transmission. On Friday, Madeira registered the
highest ever number of new Covid-19 cases in a single day.

On Wednesday, all 13 new Covid-19 cases were cases of local transmission. One of the cases was from a healthcare professional working in the private sector. There were also 10 recoveries.

On Thursday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from the UK and 13 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. All new cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 3 of
them were from children (aged 5-12) attending schools in the municipalities of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.

And on Friday, there were 32 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Northern Portugal
and 31 cases of local transmission) and 14 recoveries. Most
cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases while 3 are still under epidemiological investigation. Five of the new cases were from children (aged 2-16) with 4 of them attending schools in the municipalities of
Funchal and Machico. One of the cases was from an adult who works at the same school in the municipality of Machico.

There are currently 226 active cases, of which 42 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 184 cases were a result of local transmission. Also, 27 cases are from non-residents while 177 are from Madeira
residents. So far, there have been 858 cases, 630 recoveries and 2 deaths.

There are currently 27 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 190 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 9 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

At the moment, 6,252 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,259 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 136 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, of which 8 were identified through airport screening while the remaining 128 are linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls
made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service). As of Friday, there had been 2,2318 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 111,841 samples had been collected until Friday (at 18h30). Overall, 181,370 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 517 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 19,025.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111518/Madeira_com_mais_13_novos_casos_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111610/Madeira_com_mais_15_novos_casos_13_de_transmissao_local


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/04/32-novos-casos-de-covid-19-136-suspeitos-actualmente-ha-9-internados-no-hospital/

53,000 rapid antigen tests available in Madeira

Yesterday, The Portuguese Air Force delivered a batch of 50,000 Covid-19 rapid antigen tests. Madeira had already received 3,000 rapid antigen tests last week. The health authorities hope to use these tests in very specific contexts,
namely in situations in which the risks are known, in order to quickly identify and isolate positive cases. These tests can be processed without using any laboratory equipment and at the same place where the sample is collected.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111609/53_mil_testes_rapidos_de_antigenios_ja_estao_na_Madeira

Remarks from Miguel Albuquerque

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, expressed approval for the renewal of the State of Emergency, said Madeira is facing “the most critical complicated, risky and difficult moment” in the pandemic and
advised young people to very careful. He warned young people can also develop complications from Covid-19. He is also worried that people have still not understood that this year’s festivities must be celebrated in a different way.

 

As for the Covid-19 vaccine, he remains confident that the vaccine task force will present a “thoroughly structured plan” in due time. He confirmed the Region will receive 200,000 vaccine doses and said Covid-19 vaccination in Madeira
is likely to begin at the start of 2021. He refused to commit to a specific date so as not to raise expectations.

He also praised Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, for having ordered vaccine supplies for all European Union countries despite Public Health not being an area of competence for the EU. He argued her
intervention not only prevented a race and a dispute for the vaccine but also ensured equal treatment for all member-states.

On a lighter note, Miguel Albuquerque praised the Christmas lights that were set up in Funchal and highlighted the technological innovations, particularly at Largo do Chafariz.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/04/miguel-albuquerque-da-parecer-favoravel-a-renovacao-do-estado-de-emergencia/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111607/Albuquerque_elogia_iluminacoes_e_reforca_apelo_a_contencao_dos_madeirenses

https://www.dnoticias.pt/2020/12/3/241425-albuquerque-resfria-expectativas-sobre-uma-rapida-vacinacao/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111550/Albuquerque_alerta_jovens_que_a_covid_pode_trazer_consequencias_graves_nao_apenas_para_os_idosos

Levada do Barreiro walking route temporarily closed

The PR 4- Levada do Barreiro (Poço da Nave – Casa do Barreiro) walking route is temporarily closed for safety reasons due to the collapse of the canal and pavement at Levada do Barreiro as a result of bad weather, which caused
obstructions along the route.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111580/Percurso_pedestre__da_Levada_do_Barreiro_encerrado_por_motivos_de_seguranca_

Porto Moniz hotel closed due to Legionnaires’ disease

A case of Legionnaires’ disease was detected on a Madeiran resident who had stayed in a hotel in the Municipality of Porto Moniz. An epidemiological investigation carried out by the regional health authorities on the hotel building,
equipment and water samples collected from the compound found traces of the Legionella bacteria. The hotel was closed and will remain so until there is no risk to public health.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111698/Bacteria_encerra_unidade_hoteleira_no_Porto_Moniz

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. These works must not be postponed. The following areas will be
affected:

FUNCHAL

7th December – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 71 to 140)

– Rua do Cano

– Travessa do Cano (numbers 6 and 7)

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 (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/05/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-95-2020/

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 2nd December 2020 by our volunteer Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 46 new Covid-19 cases and 28 recoveries from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report.

On Saturday, there were 15 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passengers who had arrived from Germany, 1 who had arrived from Sweden, 1 who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region and 11 cases of local transmission) and 8
recoveries. Five of the new cases of local transmission were from children and young people (aged 11-19) who attend educational establishments in the Municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, including a higher education
establishment.

On Sunday, there were 12 new Covid-19 cases, all from local transmission. Three of the cases were from children (aged 8-12) who attend educational establishments in the Municipalities of Santa Cruz and Funchal;
one case was from an adult who works at an educational establishment in
the Municipality of Machico while another case was from a SESARAM (Madeira Health Service) healthcare professional. There was also 1 recovery.

On Monday, there were 14 new Covid-19 cases (from 2 passenger who had arrived from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, 1 passenger who had arrived from France, 1 who had arrived from Luxembourg and 1 who had arrived from Poland and 9
cases of local transmission) and 9 recoveries. Most of the 25 cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified positive cases and 1 was still under investigation.

And on Tuesday, there were 5 new Covid-19 cases (from 1 passenger who had arrived from Spain and 4 cases of local transmission. Most cases of local transmission were linked to previously identified cases and 1 was still under
investigation. There were also 10 recoveries from Covid-19.

There are currently 204 active cases, of which 42 were imported and identified through airport screening while the other 162 were a result of local transmission. As for the active cases, 27 are from non-residents while 177 are from
Madeira residents. So far, there have been 798 cases, 592 recoveries and 2 deaths.

Below are the total number of Covid-19 cases by municipality (since the start of the pandemic):

Funchal: 198

Câmara de Lobos: 106

Santa Cruz: 94

Machico: 17

Ponta do Sol: 14

Calheta: 8

Ribeira Brava : 6

Porto Santo: 4

Santana: 2

São Vicente: 2

Porto Moniz: 1

There are currently 28 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 173 patients in isolation at their own accommodation and 3 patients are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, including 1 patient who remains in the
Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit.

At the moment, 5,941 visitors are under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There are also 1,392 people being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira
municipalities and in Porto Santo.

There are currently 119 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis. One of the suspected cases was identified through airport screening while the remaining 118 are linked to patients who tested positive for
Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline and to referrals by SESARAM. As of Tuesday, there had been 2,258 suspected cases, of which 1,460 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 971 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h30). Overall, 178,672 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 488 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 18,508.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111143/Covid-19_15_novos_casos_11_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111207/Covid-19_Madeira_tem_12_novos_casos_todos_de_transmissao_local

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111362/Madeira_com_mais_14_novos_casos_de_covid-19


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111427/Covid19_Ha_hoje_mais_um_doente_internado_no_hospital_dr_Nelio_Mendonca

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/01/5-novos-casos-activos-de-covid-19-119-novos-suspeitos-10-recuperados/

Overcrowded bars and restaurants

Two bars were forced to close and several owners were fined for not complying with social distancing and the maximum capacity limits. A joint operation by ARAE (Autoridade Regional de Atividades Económicas –
Regional Economic Activity Authority), BIR (Brigada de Intervenção Rápida –
Rapid Intervention Brigade) and the Criminal Investigation department of PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública – Public Security Police) was carried out on Saturday evening and in the early hours of Sunday in bars and restaurants in the
municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Machico and Santa Cruz. There had been similar inspections in the previous 2 weekends.

Reacting to these developments, Pedro Ramos (Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary) revealed the Regional Government has been working to ensure there is a decrease in these situations and appealed for the public, particularly
bar and restaurant customers to comply with the Covid-19 rules. He also praised the ARAE and the PSP for their role in enforcing compliance with these rules.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111206/Acoes_de_fiscalizacao_da_ARAE_e_PSP_apanham_bares_e_restaurantes_cheios


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111364/Pedro_Ramos_Governo_esta_a_acompanhar_a_situacao_dos_excessos_nos_bares_e_restaurantes

Small tourism recovery in October

It is estimated that 57,300 tourists visited Madeira in October and accounted for 285,800 stays. This is an increase from the number of stays in September. This is the first time there has been such an increase in the
current century. It is also also estimated the number of stays was
bigger in October than in August.

As for the main tourist markets, there was some recovery despite the figures being lower than in October 2019. For instance, the French market recorded the biggest fall in the number of stays (-80.2%). The German market fell by 67,7%
while the British market had a smaller decrease (-46.6%. The British market also accounted for 34,400 more stays in October than in September.

It was also revealed that 50.4% of local tourist accommodation establishments were closed or did not host any guests in October, while 72.2% of hotels hosted guests (compared to 68.9% in September).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/111256/Alojamento_turistico_Dormidas_na_RAM_em_outubro_foram_superiores_as_do_mes_de_setembro

Christmas lights in Funchal

In some rare cheerful news, Christmas lights have been set up in Funchal. Locals and tourists have already been cheered by the sight of these lights. Readers can view photos of Funchal’s beautiful Christmas lights on the following link:

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/12/01/funchal-ja-refulge-com-as-luzes-de-natal/

Algarve Situation Report 19th of December

Three Municipalities at High Risk

Prime Minister António Costa announced this Thursday, new restrictive measures to curb the contagion of the covid.19, namely for the New Year period.

After reviewing the epidemiological situation in the country, the Council of Ministers updated the list of risky municipalities.

In the Algarve there are 3 counties at “high risk”: Faro, Portimão and Loulé, (the latter rose to “high risk”). There are 3 other municipalities that have gone down to “moderate risk”: Lagos, Monchique and Lagoa.

The remaining counties, namely Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Olhão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Stº António, remain at “moderate risk”.

The new measures take effect on November 24.

Covid-19: RTA President predicts “significant impact” on demand for Christmas and New Year

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) today acknowledged that restrictions to contain the covid-19 pandemic will have a “significant impact” on demand in the region at Christmas, but especially over the New Year.

“There are no specific estimates, but we know that there will be a significant impact,” said considering that the tightening of the restriction measures that the Government imposed on Thursday for the New Year will prevent “some expected activity” in a context more permissive.

The president of RTA regretted that the “less serious” epidemiological situation in the Algarve, compared to other regions of the country, was not taken into account by the Government when, on Thursday, it tightened up the restrictions for the New Year, imposing the 23: 00 as the time limit for curfew on the 31st and limiting the circulation on public roads until 13:00 on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of January.

“I am sure that there will be a lot of people coming to their second homes in the Algarve, but [the decision to tighten restrictions on New Year’s Eve] will have a lot of impact on tourism and is a very difficult year extension”, he said .

João Fernandes considered that, although circulation between municipalities remains the same as predicted before the aggravation decided by the Government on Thursday, “the impossibility of circulating on public roads from 13:00 on 01, 02 and 03 will also limit the enjoyment of what in the Algarve is a special condition, which is being able to walk outdoors for a good part of the day”.

“It was a year in which this demand was obviously very important, the coincidence of the 31st being on a Thursday and 01 Friday allowed for a long weekend, but these measures – which come to condition the period of pre-booked dinners, New Year’s Eve festivities and New Year’s lunch, as well as circulation on the public road in the following days – end up dictating a loss of the potential we had for this period”, he argued.

Arrivals of illegal immigrants to the Algarve do not reveal a migratory route

The arrival in the Algarve of illegal immigrants, less than 100 people, does not yet make it possible to say whether there is a new migratory pattern or whether Portugal is just a transit point, according to the Secretary of State for Migration, Cláudia Pereira.

“There are less than 100 people who have arrived. I know that they had a lot of media visibility, but there are less than 100, which still doesn’t allow us to know if it is a new migratory pattern. We still don’t even have data to understand if they wanted to come to Portugal or if they wanted to leave Portugal and go to other countries. More than half have applied for asylum”, but none of these people have yet been given any status, the Secretary of State for Integration and Migration, Cláudia Pereira, said in an interview to Lusa, regarding the International Migration Day, which is being celebrated today.

Since December 2019, small groups of migrants on boats, originating in Morocco, have sporadically arrived in the Algarve.

This reality led the Portuguese State to decide to speed up a process that was already underway to reach a bilateral agreement with Morocco, to be worked on by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to frame migrations based on the demand for work in Portugal, said Cláudia Pereira, who also mentioned that, so far, the Government is unaware of any other possible route besides this one.

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 16th December 2020

Marcelo: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a lifetime, to thank João de Deus”

I’ve been waiting for this moment for a lifetime, to thank João de Deus for what has changed in me almost 70 years ago. With him, I started to learn to love Portugal more, when I still didn’t know what Portugal was, and I doubt that I would understand better what would transform my life knowing how to read and write in Portuguese. But it transformed my life. Mine and that of millions of Portuguese. Thank you João de Deus!”

That was how the President of the Republic ended, this Monday, his address at the Closing of the Commemorations of the 190 Years of the Birth of João de Deus, which took place in São Bartolomeu de Messines, hometown of the pedagogue and poet.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s first words even went to Algarve researcher Maria João Raminhos Duarte, who would shortly present his most recent work, the book «João de Deus Immortal and Timeless».

The head of state spoke a word “for his work and for his talent in research, writing, concern for the reader, in affective identification with today’s great honouree”.

The President would also commend his hostess Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves, stressing her work in defence of the municipality.

Considering that “there is no future that can dispense with the experiences of the present and the lessons of the past”, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa highlighted the “rich and unexpected life of João de Deus, so well celebrated in his land”.

https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/12/marcelo-andei-uma-vida-inteira-a-espera-deste-momento-para-agradecer-a-joao-de-deus/

Eight thousand children and young people from Albufeira will receive a gift check from the municipality

The municipality of Albufeira, in collaboration with ACRAL – Association of Merchants of the Algarve, will offer a voucher that will work as a gift voucher directed to the entire school population.

In a press release, the municipality clarifies that the gift voucher will have a one-year value of 15 euros, and is intended for all children and young people who attend institutions in the municipality, from day care centres, kindergartens, 1st, 2nd, 3rd students cycles and secondary.

In total, about 8 thousand children and young people will benefit from this measure, whose investment is around 120 thousand euros. According to the municipality, the objective is to support families in this area, channelling resources in order to boost the local economy.

“We will allocate a substantial part of the resources initially allocated to the organization of events connected to the court, namely Christmas and New Year, to initiatives aimed at supporting families and the local economy» explains José Carlos Rolo. The municipality also hopes to implement other measures aimed at catering and transport, which will be announced shortly.

In the same statements, the mayor argues that “it is necessary to strengthen support for the economy, interconnecting the social needs of current families and working in a network with municipal services, IPSS and business associations”.

Municipality of Vila do Bispo delivers 90 Christmas baskets to needy families

In order to provide a dignified Christmas dinner to the most needy families, the Vila do Bispo City Council promotes the delivery of 90 Christmas baskets, until next December 23.

In a press release, the municipality notes that the baskets, which are appropriate to the composition and characteristics of each household, include foodstuffs such as cod, olive oil, flour, sugar, milk, canned goods, rice, pasta, bolo-rei, among other goods.

According to the same publication, the beneficiaries of the Christmas baskets were identified by the municipality’s Social Action services in conjunction with the local Social Security Service of Vila do Bispo (NLI), the Figueira Cultural and Social Center and Santa Casa da Misericórdia Vila do Bispo – CLDS – Dignitate of Vila do Bispo, through the Food Bank Against Hunger and FEAC.

The council says that this measure of support for needy families, “is part of the strategy that the municipality has been applying in the area of social action, and that is particularly important in this Christmas season”.

Algarve Report December 12 of 2020

Regional Covid-19 update

The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro yesterday revealed new data on the current epidemiological situation in the Algarve with 1,729 active cases of covid-19.

According to the regional health delegate, 5,838 infected were registered until yesterday, 80 more in the last 24 hours and 4,046 recovered (cumulative).

37 people are hospitalized, 11 in the Intensive Care Units and 4 ventilated. The same source said that since the beginning of the pandemic, 63 deaths have been recorded in the region. Currently, 2,089 people are under active surveillance and 236 (cumulative) were discharged. In relation to last week’s bulletin, another 66 active cases and 428 new cases are confirmed. Another 356 people are recovered. There are less 6 people hospitalized (37), 3 less in intensive care (11) and the same number of ventilated patients (4). Under active surveillance there are 33 fewer people.

Lagoa exchanges Christmas lights for support to the local community

Source bePortugal

Lagoa Municipality will provide 102 thousand euros to encourage residents to buy in local stores, stimulating the county’s economy. In a statement it said, “in this very unusual year, the Christmas season will continue to be celebrated among all, but with the awareness and responsibility that the current situation imposes, having taken the decision to redirect the funds destined to the Christmas lighting, which in previous years reached expenses between 50 thousand and 65 thousand euros, for a direct support of 102 thousand euros to residents and traders”

This amount will be introduced into the local economy through the approximately 1300 unemployed, registered at the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), residents of the municipality of Lagoa, who will receive at home a voucher to make purchases in the local commerce and through raffles to be held at the end of January, February, March, April and May. In all, the municipality will distribute around 52 thousand euros for the unemployed and raffle 50 thousand euros for the population, awarding prizes ranging from 1500 euros to the lowest, which will be 20 euros. The municipality is preparing the mechanisms to put this initiative into practice, which will involve “the delivery of a coupon for every 10 euros in purchases, in the adhering establishments, in a total of 10 coupons for each purchase, which will be placed in symbols and drawn at the end of each month. Winning citizens will receive vouchers to spend on local businesses”.

In 2020 Christmas spending is higher in the southern region

According to data from Observer Cetelem Natal 2020, the Portuguese intend to spend around 216 € during the Christmas period, 172 € less than the 388 € registered in the previous year. Most of this amount (55%) is expected to be spent on gifts. However, this percentage also decreased compared to the same period last year (minus 6 percentage points). For this category of spending, an average budget of € 119 is set – € 115 less than in 2019. After the gifts, the grocery store is the second largest expense, although like the gifts this category has also suffered a sharp decline, going from 41% of the budget in 2020 to only 36% in 2019, with a budget stipulated for this category of € 88.

Christmas decorations are the category that will gain the least from the Portuguese, as only 4% intend to spend money on seasonal decorations, with an average budget of 9 €. The highest values ​​will be spent by the age groups between 35 and 54 years, while the lowest values ​​are indicated by respondents between 18 and 24. It was also found that the Portuguese intend to spend an average of 64 € on gifts for children, 51 € less than in 2019. With the end of the year festivities, the Portuguese intend to spend an average of 85 € – a break of 90 €. It is in the South that the average value will be higher, around 306 €. Next, respondents from Greater Porto intend to spend € 248 and those from Greater Lisbon an average of € 188. At the end of the table are residents in the North and Center regions with an average spending intent of € 179 and € 172 respectively.

Fund supports companies in Albufeira with 1.2 million euros

The payment for the second phase of the Business Support Fund, promoted by the Albufeira Council, is completed. In total, 591 applications were accepted and support of almost 1.2 million euros was granted. With an initial allocation of 1 million euros, the Fund reached a total of 235 approved applications in its first phase, 131 from individual entrepreneurs and 104 from commercial companies, which translated into support of 470 thousand euros. According to the Albufeira Council, “individual entrepreneurs, commercial companies, cooperatives and professionals were the beneficiaries. The support resulted in the allocation of a two thousand euros non-refundable grant, for each of the approved applications », with« Albufeira being one of the pioneer municipalities in the implementation of this support instrument”.

However, “since the amount allocated to the Fund was not exhausted in the first phase, a second was opened which widened the range of recipients. At this stage, the number of approvals reached 356 applications, with 238 from individual entrepreneurs, 19 from self-employed professionals, 97 from commercial companies and 2 from cooperatives”. Adding the two phases of candidacies, the amount initially stipulated was exceeded by 182 thousand euros, which led the municipal executive “to extend the budget allocation in order to fully respond to all requests under conditions of approval”. This measure allowed a total value of 1,182,000 euros to be reached.

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 9th December 2020

Moncarapacho and Fuseta to receive 500 Christmas Baskets

The Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta, as has been customary every year during this festive season, will start distributing Christmas baskets to 500 needy families in the parish, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 9 December.

In this year of 2020, this solidarity action was reinforced in relation to previous years, given the increase in the number of precarious situations due to the pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The executive of the Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta intends, above all, to contribute so that those who need it most, can have a happier festive season, providing a more dignified and comforting Christmas dinner, in the best possible conditions.

Orders from more than 100 children await sponsors at Refood in Faro

More than 100 children supported by Refood de Faro can have a happier Christmas if the population sponsors an initiative by the institution to purchase gifts requested by children.

There are many letters hanging on the Christmas tree, all with requests from the children of families supported by the Faro branch, which can be collected by the community to fulfill the wishes of the youngest.

“Anyone in the community who wants to help us and provide a happier Christmas for these children, just go through Refood, take one of these letters, see the children’s wishes and provide one of the requests,” Carlos Reis, one of the coordinators, told Lusa in Faro from the institution, which collects and distributes surplus meals from restaurants, but also made by volunteers, and food baskets.

Refood will “keep in touch” with whoever takes the letter and once it has the gift it will be stored for later delivery to all children.

The idea also emerged in the confinement phase, when the voluntary movement took the baskets to the families’ homes and came across children who “were delirious with a box of cereal”, Paula Matias, also coordinator, told Lusa.

To try to “minimize the impact” that families are having this year with the crisis generated by the covid-19 pandemic, at a time when requests for food aid increased significantly, the organization seeks to provide more “some joy to these children ”.

Unstable cliff repairs at Porto de Mós beach Lagos

The Maritime Police followed, on Sunday morning, the works of controlled collapse of an installable cliff in the area to the east of Porto de Mós beach, in the municipality of Lagos.

Following a partial collapse of this cliff, on the 21st of November, the National Maritime Authority (AMN), said in a statement, that it was necessary to re-establish its stability, using controlled collapse works, which were co-ordinated by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA – ARH do Algarve).

On site were members of the Civil Protection of the Municipality of Lagos and four members of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Lagos with two vehicles, carrying out the security perimeter of the affected area, having interdicted the area to the east of Porto de Mós beach, as well as the access rails to the cliff.

Algarve Situation Report Saturday 4th December 2020

Deaths in the Algarve from Covid-19

A 92-year-old man, user of the Lar da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lagos, and a 70-year-old woman, resident in Faro, are the deaths by Covid-19 recorded this Friday, December 4th, in the Algarve.

Source of the Regional Health Authority told the South Information that both people “were hospitalized”. The 70-year-old woman even had “other associated comorbidities”.

Although the Directorate-General for Health recorded three new deaths in the Algarve yesterday, the Regional Health Authority said to our newspaper that “there are only two registered”.

This Friday, December 4th, the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro released its regional situation of Covid-19, where it reports a total of 5410 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic (plus 69).

As for those recovered, there are now over 45, out of a total of 3690. The number of active cases has increased (+22) to 1663.

In Algarve hospitals, 43 people are hospitalized, 14 of whom are in intensive care. 4 are ventilated.

In this situation, it is also advanced that a Rapid Social Security Intervention Brigade was activated to support a Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI) in the municipality of Olhão and a Support Structure for People with Disabilities in the municipality of Lagos.

https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/12/utente-de-lar-de-lagos-e-mulher-de-faro-sao-os-mais-recentes-obitos-por-covid-19/

Covid-19: Algarve with lowest hotel occupancy in the last 24 years in November

In November, the Algarve recorded the lowest occupancy per room in hotels and developments in the last 24 years, with an occupancy rate of 12.3%, more than 70% below the value registered in the same month in 2019.

According to data released today by the Association of Hotels and Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), since 2010, the year in which the occupation in the month of November in the Algarve was 26%, which was not so low.

Compared to 2019, hotel occupancy in November 2020 fell 71.7%, adds the largest regional association in the sector, one of the activities that has been most penalized by the covid-19 pandemic.

The British market was the one that most contributed to the decrease (86.9% less), followed by the German (84.6% less), Irish (56.1% less) and the domestic market (28.5% less).

Sales volume decreased by 72.5% compared to the same month of the previous year.

In accumulated values, the occupancy per bed has registered an average decrease of 56% since January and the volume of sales a decrease of 58.4%.

The data released by AHETA account for occupation in November since 1996 and until 2020.

Maximum occupancy per room was reached in 1999, with 55.8%.

Covid.19: Portimão implements “pioneering” measure to help lock transmission chains

In order to anticipate a possible increase in cases, following several outbreaks that appeared in the community in early November, the Portimão municipality says in a press release that the Permanent Municipal Subcommittee on Civil Protection for covid-19, decided to reinforce in the last weeks the nucleus of support to public health with six more senior technicians from the city council, dedicated to the areas of sport, culture and education, who join 12 more municipal technicians from other fields, already collaborating with this nucleus since March, a total of 18 elements.

In the same letter, it is mentioned that under the Municipal Emergency Plan for Civil Protection of Portimão, “a municipal command post was activated in the first few days of March, and these technicians are dependent on the operations cell, in a pioneering measure to National level”.

Installed in the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Centre of Portimão, and operating in the fire department, the unit of technicians of the municipality is divided between school health, in view of the high number of classes in prophylactic isolation, due to the emergence of cases isolated in the various educational establishments (public and private) in the municipality, and direct support in monitoring people under active surveillance. It is an operation considered essential to lock transmission chains that could affect various segments of the community “and cause irreversible consequences”, underlines the same source.

The functioning of this exception centre is based on the creation of a dynamic that relies on the technical coordination of a “regulating doctor”, permanently in the room, and who directs the activities, also responding to situations that exceed the skills of the technicians, ensuring differentiated support, whenever the situation justifies it, like the method used in other aspects of the emergency.

The nucleus is reinforced with more health professionals (doctors and nurses) whenever the situation requires it.

Also in the scheduling of tests, a communication / information circuit was established through the Municipal Room for Operations and Emergency Management, with the support of the Humanitarian Association of Voluntary Firefighters of Portimão, whose employees also carry out this «essential» action, underlines the authority.