Madeira Situation Report 29th August by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 16 new cases in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report. There were 6 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, of which 2 were imported from South Africa and from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region while 3 were a result
of a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Porto Santo and 1 was from a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal.

There were 6 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, of which 4 were imported from Italy and Poland and 2 were a result of a local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal. And there were 4 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, which were a
result of local transmission chain in the Municipality of Funchal.

As for the Porto Santo transmission chain, the epidemiological investigation meant 23 contacts have been traced, with 3 being confirmed cases and 20 tests coming back negative. The epidemiological investigation into the Funchal
transmission chain meant 9 contacts have been traced, with 6 being confirmed cases and 3 tests coming back negative. All contacts traced in both transmission chains remain in isolation and the epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
Pedro Ramos, informed that a hotel in Porto Santo is ready to host Covid-19 patients who require a place for isolation.

There are currently 40 active cases, of which 29 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 11 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 158 cases and 118
recoveries. There are 21 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 19 in isolation at their own accommodation.

A passenger were identified as a suspected case on Friday. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,617 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed. There are 9,732 people under
active monitoring and 10,496 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 40,070 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Thursday, 72,381 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 190 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,545. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 2,012 calls, with 174 people being monitored.

It was also announced that the laboratory at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital is now able to carry out about 1,800 Covid-19 tests per day. The testing capacity at the start of pandemic was 50 tests per day and the testing capacity in the
Autonomous Region of Madeira is now approaching 2000 tests per day.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/28/ram-com-40-casos-activos-de-covid-19-e-nova-transmissao-local-no-funchal

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102245/Covid-19_Seis_novos_casos_detetados_na_Regiao

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102335/Covid-19_Mais_seis_casos_positivos_na_RAM


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/28/criancas-da-ram-com-mais-de-6-anos-tambem-vao-ter-de-usar-mascara-na-escola/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102223/Porto_Santo_unidade_hoteleira_sera_acionada_em_caso_de_necessidade


Face masks compulsory for children in school
premises

Children older than 6 years old must wear face masks in school premises. This policy is part of the school reopening plan that will be implemented when schools reopen. Schools are scheduled to reopen in September.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/28/criancas-da-ram-com-mais-de-6-anos-tambem-vao-ter-de-usar-mascara-na-escola/

More testing sites to be available in the Mainland

Pedro Ramos revealed the Madeira Regional Government will soon sign a contract with another laboratory so that Madeira-bound passengers in the Mainland can be tested for Covid-19 before flying to Madeira. He said there will be 14 more
sample collection points in the Mainland.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102220/Covid-19_Havera_mais_14_postos_de_colheita_fora_da_Regiao

President of the Regional Government appeals for tourists to wear masks on the streets

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, has asked hotel staff to advise tourists to wear masks in public places and on the streets. He stressed the importance of “making a small sacrifice in order to
prevent cases similar to those that happened in Porto Santo”.

He said the situation in Porto Santo seems to be under control. However, he said people should not get carried away and mentioned the worsening pandemic situation in Italy, Spain and even in the Portuguese Mainland. He added that people
in Madeira must be careful and wise, keep social distancing, wear face masks and try to carry on with life while taking all precautions.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102284/Albuquerque_faz_apelo_a_hotelaria_Pecam_aos_turistas_o_uso_da_mascara_na_rua_

Jet2holidays increased its offer in Madeira

Jet2holidays added 100,000 further seats for destinations in Greece, Turkey and Portugal (Faro and Madeira) so as to meet demand. The flights are operated from Stansted Airport. On the other hand, it has cancelled its offer for the
Balearic Islands until the 30th of November and extended the suspension of its programmes to Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and Croatia until the 12th of September.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102336/Jet2holidays_reforca_programas_de_ferias_para_a_Madeira

Madeira Report 22nd August by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Saturday and another on Monday. Both cases are from non-resident passengers who had been screened at Funchal Airport. On Tuesday, it was announced that 11 patients had recovered.

There are currently 24 active cases, of which 23 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 142 cases and 118
recoveries.

There are 18 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 6 in isolation at their place of residence. The 3 patients who had been hospitalised at the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, including 1 in the intensive care
unit, have recovered and have returned home.

On Tuesday, 2 passengers were identified as suspected cases. An
epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Monday, there had been 1,601 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

There are 7,506 people under active monitoring and 10,496 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 38,075 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Monday, 69,014 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 262 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,355.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,983 calls, with 169 people being monitored.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101923/Covid-19_Novo_caso_detetado_no_aeroporto_da_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102064/Madeira_conta_hoje_com_mais_um_caso_de_covid-19


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/25/11-novos-casos-recuperados-de-covid-19-entre-eles-os-doentes-hospitalizados-dois-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Ten people in quarantine in Porto Santo

Ten people are in quarantine in Porto Santo after having been in
close contact with a tourist who had been on holiday at the island and tested positive for Covid-19 after returning to Lisbon. Rogério Correia, the Porto Santo health delegate, said the tourist had tested negative for Covid-19 on
arrival at Funchal Airport and then traveled to Porto Santo two days after her arrival. She had traveled to Porto Santo on the Lobo Marinho ferry. She arrived in Porto Santo on the 7th of August and left on the 24th of August. She
started feeling ill a few days after her arrival at the golden island. However, according to the health authority, she didn’t care about the symptoms, which got worse after returning to the mainland. She only sought medical help after
her return to Cascais and tested positive for Covid-19. The health delegate said the tourist hadn’t had a very active social life while in Porto Santo and that all close contacts and been identified, tested and found to be asymptomatic.
The health delegate assured that so far, there are not any positive cases of Covid-19 in Porto Santo. Due to the 14-day incubation period, he raised the possibility that the tourist had been infected on the mainland, before traveling to
Madeira.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/102172/Dez_pessoas_foram_testadas_e_estao_em_quarentena_no_Porto_Santo

Playgrounds reopened in Santa Cruz

The Municipality of Santa Cruz informed that all municipal playgrounds have reopened. There are disinfectant dispensers in each playground and it will be regularly disinfected. There are:

a) Information on the respiratory etiquette and rules must be displayed.

b) Mandatory use of face masks by children aged 10 or older and their companion.

c) Maintain social distancing – a minimum of 2 metres.

d) Avoid gatherings around equipments

e) Respiratory etiquette must be complied with.

f) It is forbidden to eat, drink and to share materials and equipments and to bring toys to the playground.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/23/parques-infantis-reabriram-em-santa-cruz-mas-com-numerosos-cuidados/

Madeira at yellow and orange level for high temperature warning

The Madeira archipelago is under yellow and orange warning for
high temperature until Sunday (30th August), with maximum temperatures expected to reach 32ºC. The south shore and mountain regions are expected to be the most affected areas. Air humidity is expected to be low, with temporary levels
below 30%, wind will reach between 10-35 Km/h, with wind gusts reaching 50-70 Km/h at the far east and far west and in mountain areas.

The barbecue spots in forest areas will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the risk of forest fires. The Areeiro/Eira do Serrado forest road will also be closed during the same period of time. Surveillance will be increased by
the Forest Police.

People are asked to behave responsibly, not to light fires in forests and to avoid behaviours that could be dangerous to forests.


https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/incendios-instituto-de-florestas-interdita-churrascos-na-madeira-devido-a-risco-elevado

Madeira Report 22nd August by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Wednesday, 2 new cases on Thursday and on Friday. There was also 1 recovery on Wednesday. There are currently 33 active cases, of which 32 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal
Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 140 cases and 107 recoveries.

There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 7 in isolation at their place of residence. There are also 2 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 patient remains in the Covid-19 intensive care
unit at the same hospital. Yesterday, 3 passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport were identified as suspected cases. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,599 suspected cases, of
which 1,459 were not confirmed.

There are 7,564 people under active monitoring and 10,809 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 34,042 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, as of Sunday, 65,132 samples had been processed in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira. As for testing on Madeira-bound passengers, before flying from the mainland, 12,986 tests have been carried out so far.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 109 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,093. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,964 calls, with 168 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/22/mais-dois-casos-de-covid-19-mais-tres-casos-suspeitos-em-estudo/

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101735/Madeira_com_mais_um_caso_ativo_e_um_suspeito_de_covid-19_

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101807/Mais_dois_novos_casos_de_covid-19_e_outros_dois_em_estudo_

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101865/Covid-19_Mais_dois_casos_na_Regiao_e_tres_suspeitos

Covid-19 test booking slots unavailable for flights in August and September at Porto laboratory

ADC Porto Ocidental, a laboratory in Porto that has an agreement with the
Madeira Regional Government for testing Madeira-bound passengers, has reached its maximum capacity for testing before flights in August and in the first fortnight of September. This is the information a Madeiran passenger received
automatically when she tried to book a test well in advance of her flight from Porto to Madeira.

This laboratory has a maximum capacity of 50 tests per day, which are carried out 72 hours before a flight so that test results can be provided before a flight. Tests are booked according to the order of arrival of a request (along with
evidence of a flight booking) and it is not possible to bested on weekends and holidays.

This passenger’s personal experience shows how popular this testing scheme has been with passengers flying into Madeira from the Portuguese mainland. Since Wednesday, two additional laboratories were added to the scheme, one in Porto
and another in Loulé. So far, this scheme is available in 22 locations in the mainland and negotiations are underway with additional laboratories.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101728/Covid-19_Laboratorio_do_Porto_com_capacidade_esgotada_para_voos_deste_mes_e_setembro

Machico Municipality delivered PPE to cultural and sporting institutions

On Thursday, the Municipality of Machico delivered PPE to cultural and sporting institutions located the municipality. The delivery ceremony took place at Museu da Baleia da Madeira (Whale Museum), in Caniçal, after the municipality
contacted the institutions in order to learn what their needs were.

Overall, 27 kits of PPE were delivered. The cultural institutions received gloves, hand-sanitising gel and face masks while the sporting institutions received surface disinfectants, face masks, gloves and thermometers. In addition to
these deliveries, the Municipality of Machico has already provided similar PPE kits to the municipality’s businesses, such as hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and taxi drivers.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101818/Machico_entrega_kits_de_protecao_as_instituicoes_culturais_e_desportivas_do_concelho

Water supply disruption

There will be a water supply disruption on Monday, from 9h30 to 15h00, due
to planned work on the water supply chain. The disruption will affect the Parish of Imaculado Coração de Maria (Rua Jaime Bruno Pereira, Rua das Lajes, Vereda das Lajes and Rua Álvaro Justino de Matos).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101797/Intervencao_na_rede_vai_afetar_abastecimento_de_agua_no_Imaculado_Coracao_de_Maria


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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

24th August – 09h00 to 12h00

  • Caminho de S. Roque (number 15)
  • Estrada Dr. João Abel de Freitas (numbers 13 to 174)
  • Rampa do Muro da Coelha (numbers 3 to 5)

24th August – 09h00 to 11h30

  • Caminhos da Partilha (number 45)
  • Caminho da Fonte (numbers 25 and 42)
  • Travessa Ribeira das Vacas (number 9)

24th, 25th and 26th August – 09h00 to 12h00

Rua dos Estados Unidos da América (numbers 104, 112 and 114)

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/2020/08/21/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-61-2020/

Madeira report by Daniel Fernandes Wednesday 19th August 2020

Covid-19 update

There was 1 new Covid-19 case on Saturday, 2 new cases on Monday and 2 new cases on Tuesday. There were also 3 recoveries on Saturday, 1 recovery on Monday 1 recovery on Tuesday.

There are currently 29 active cases, of which 28 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other active case was a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 135 cases and 106
recoveries.

There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel and 3 in isolation at their place of residence. There are also 2 patients in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 patient remains in the Covid-19 intensive care
unit at the same hospital.

Yesterday, a passenger who had arrived at Funchal Airport was identified as a suspected case. An epidemiological investigation and analysis is underway. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,594 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not
confirmed.

There are 7,487 people under active monitoring and 11,245 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 32,036 samples had
been collected until Tuesday (at 16h30). Overall, as of Sunday, 62,364 samples had
been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 117 calls from Friday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 11,093.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,938 calls, with 168 people being monitored.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101394/Madeira_com_mais_um_novo_caso_de_covid-19_mas_outros_tres_recuperaram

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101432/Covid-19_Madeira_sem_novos_casos_e_com_mais_um_recuperado

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101528/Madeira_com_mais_dois_novos_casos_de_covid-19


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/18/mais-dois-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-um-novo-caso-recuperado-casos-activos-sao-29/

3 people injured in gas explosion in Câmara de Lobos

Three members of the same family (father, mother and son) were injured as a result of a gas explosion at an apartment in Câmara de Lobos. The explosion took place on Tuesday at around 08h30. The father is in intensive care due to
second-degree burns. Although the cause of the explosion are unknown, this is another reminder that all care should be taken when dealing with gas appliances at home.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/18/explosao-de-gas-feriu-tres-pessoas-em-apartamento-em-camara-de-lobos/

Increased police patrol in Porto Santo

Police in Porto Santo have increased their presence on the streets of Porto Santo since Friday, after several episodes of vandalism, robberies and violence in the last few weeks. Officers from GNR, PSP and the Maritime Police have been
seen on the streets and on the beach.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101413/Porto_Santo_GNR_e_elementos_de_investigacao_criminal_reforcam__contingente_policial_

15 free wireless internet hotspots in Câmara de Lobos

The Municipality of Câmara de Lobos has set up 15 free wireless internet hotspots in the town centre of the municipality’s 5 parishes. According to Pedro Coelho, the Mayor of Câmara de Lobos, this means Câmara de Lobos has become the
first municipality in Madeira to have a municipal wi-fi network that covers all of its parishes and areas beyond urban areas.

This is a result of a successful application for the project “WIFI4EU – Free
wifi for Europeans”, a project financed by the European Commission that allows citizens and visitors in the European Union to have free and secure wireless internet access in the main places of interest. The Municipality received
€15,000 for use in setting up the wireless infrastructure in areas that had previously not had free wireless internet hotspots. The use of these hotspots is free and without any time limits.

The following areas have had free wireless internet since 2017: Largo do Poço, Jardins do Ilhéu, Varadouro, the bus station next to Miradouro do Espirito Santo (Churchill), Mercado Municipal and Praça da Autonomia. Two more hotspots
were set up to complement these, one at Largo São Sebastião (next to Igreja Matriz) and one at Praia do Vigário.

The following places have free wireless internet hotspots for the first time, thanks to the WiFi4EU project:

– Estreito de Câmara de Lobos – Largo do Centro Cívico do Estreito, Largo do Patim/adro da Igreja e Praça do Mercado Municipal;

– Jardim da Serra – Rua das Corticeiras;

– Curral das Freiras – Praça Central;

– Quinta Grande – Parque Infantil.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101480/Camara_de_Lobos_tem_a_partir_de_hoje_15_pontos_de_acesso_a_rede_Wi-Fi

Water supply disruptions

There will be some water supply disruptions in the following days. The following areas will be affected:

Today (09h00-13h00) – Câmara de Lobos (Torre & Espírito Santo)

Thursday (15h00-18h00) – São Jorge Parish (Achada de António Teixeira, Achada do Pico, Achada Grande, Açougue Velho, Barranco, Calhau, Covas, Cruz, Fajã Alta, Furna Pedro Jorge, Jogo da Bola, Lombo do Cunha, Lombo do Pico, Pé do Pico,
Poço e Vale, Pomar, São Pedro & Tranquada)


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101462/Camara_de_Lobos_Sitios_da_Torre_e_Espirito_Santo_vao_ter_falta_de_agua_no_dia_19

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101602/Vai_faltar_agua_em_Sao_Jorge_esta_quinta-feira

Madeira Situation report 15th August from Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There was one new Covid-19 case on Wednesday and 2 new cases on Thursday and 1 new case on Friday. A patient recovered on Monday.

There are currently 30 active cases, of which 27 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 130 cases and 100
recoveries. A passenger was identified as a suspected case during screening at Funchal Airport. An epidemiological investigation is underway. As of Friday, there had been 1,589 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

There are 25 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence, 2 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça while 1 is in intensive care at the same hospital.

There are 7,946 people under active monitoring and 11,230 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 28,406 samples had been collected until Friday (at 17h00). Overall, 58,311 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24
20) received 125 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,976.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,911 calls, with 167 people being monitored.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101193/Covid-19_Ha_um_novo_caso_na_Regiao_e_quatro_suspeitos

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101268/Madeira_com_mais_dois_casos_ativos_de_covid-19_e_tres_em_estudo


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/14/madeira-chega-aos-30-casos-activos-de-covid-19-ha-tambem-um-novo-caso-suspeito/

Spa reopened at VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira

VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira’s Thalasso Sea SPA has reopened with a special campaign for guests staying at the hotel or simply using the spa services. The spa’s opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10h00 and 19h00. The
spa has been given the Clean & Safe seal.

It has adopted the following
safety guidelines, due to the pandemic: bookings must be made beforehand, the use of masks is mandatory unless it is during treatment/massaging sessions, there is the possibility of receiving treatment sessions in outdoor areas,
individual facilities are thoroughly disinfected after each use and there is a mandatory time span between each booking.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101317/VidaMar_Resort_Hotel_Madeira_reabre_spa

New support packages for workers, businesses and the unemployed

The Madeira Regional Government approved a new €28 million extraordinary support package to provide support and protection for workers, businesses and the unemployed. The support packages are the “Incentivo Regional à Normalização da
Atividade Empresarial” (Regional Stimulus to the Normalisation of Business Activity), “Complemento Social Regional” (Regional Social Complement and “Programa Qualificar + para Empregar” (Qualify + to Employ Scheme). According to the
Regional Government, “30,000 workers, 1,000 companies and 200 unemployed will benefit from this new measures.”


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101287/Novos_apoios_para_30_mil_trabalhadores_mil_empresas_e_200_desempregados

Youths making the most of free entry to museums managed by the Regional Government

International Youth Day is being celebrated through free entry, for youths aged between 12 and 29, at all museums managed by the Madeira Regional Government. This scheme started on Wednesday (12th August) and will end today. Guided
tours are being provided for groups of youths or youths visiting with relatives. So far, large numbers of youths have been taking part in this scheme. A list of all museums managed by the Regional Government can be found on the
following website:

https://cultura.madeira.gov.pt/en


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/13/jovens-tem-aderido-a-entradas-gratuitas-em-museus-sob-tutela-do-governo-regional/


Doca do Cavacas to be closed on Monday

The resort of Poças do Gomes – Doca do Cavacas will be closed on Monday due to maintenance work. The connecting tunnel between Poças do Gomes and Praia Formosa will also be closed.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101341/Doca_do_Cavacas_encerra_na_proxima_segunda-feira

Water supply disruption on Monday

There will be a water supply disruption on Monday (17th August), from 14h00 and 19h00, due to scheduled maintenance work to prevent water leaks on the water supply network. The disruption will affect the following areas (all in Machico
Municipality): Poço do Gil, Paraíso and Ribeira Seca.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101289/Vai_faltar_agua_em_Machico_esta_segunda-feira

Madeira Situation Report – 12th August 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases on Monday and 2 new cases on Tuesday and no new cases on Sunday. A patient recovered on Monday.

There are currently 26 active cases, of which 23 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 126 cases and 100
recoveries. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,585 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

There are 23 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 1 is in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are 8,150 people under active monitoring and 11,262 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 26,485 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 18h00). Overall, 55,561 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 40 calls from Sunday to Monday and 49 calls from Monday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,851.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,881 calls, with 165 people being monitored.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101012/Covid-19_Madeira_sem_novos_casos_pelo_segundo_dia_consecutivo

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/11/dois-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-na-ram-2-novos-casos-suspeitos/

Porto Santo bars closed early as a protest

The main bars in Porto Santo closed at 22h30 on Tuesday evening, as a protest against the maximum capacity limit of 50%. Zarco, Taskaki, Boutique da Poncha and Mr Outlet were some of the bars which closed early.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101109/Bares_da_noite_do_Porto_Santo_fecharam_em_sinal_de_protesto

Botanical Garden Cable Car reopening

The Botanical Garden Cable Car is reopening on the 14th of August. To celebrate its reopening, there will be a special discount of 20% on a trip.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101065/Teleferico_do_Jardim_Botanico_reabre_a_14_de_agosto

Meals from Pingo Doce can be delivered at home through Bring Eat

It is now possible to have home delivery of meals from Pingo Doce, through a partnership with Bring Eat, a home delivery service. Pingo Doce ensures its meals are delivered in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Caniço. Meals can be purchased
online, through the app or by phone. The meals will be sourced from the restaurant at Pingo Doce La Vie and bookings can be made on Bring Eat’s website (www.bringeat.pt), its app or by phone (+351
304 500 510). Payment can be made by cash, debit card or MB Way.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100969/Pingo_Doce_associa-se_a_Bring_Eat_e_passa_a_entregar_encomendas_de_take_away_em_casa_

Exhibition celebrating the arrival of Gibraltarians during the Second World War

An exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the arrival of about
2,000 Gibraltarians, mostly women and children, in Madeira has opened at the Funchal town hall. They arrived in Madeira between July 23rd and August 13th 1940, were well-received and found refuge that enabled them to live in peace
during wartime. Many Gibraltarians and their relatives visit Funchal every year to remind them of their stay and to show their relatives the place were they found plenty of happiness. Indeed, 38 Gibraltarians had been expected to
celebrate this year’s anniversary but were unable to, due to the pandemic. Since they are over 80 years old, doctors advised them against travelling to Madeira, which would have required travelling through 4 airports. The exhibition can
be viewed in the atrium (átrio) of the Funchal Municipality town hall until the 18th of August and includes work from students from Funchal schools, from the Funchal Senior University and from a group of customers from Ginásio
da Barreirinha (gym).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101077/Funchal_celebra_os_80_anos_da_chegada_dos_gibraltinos_a_Madeira_com_exposicao_no_atrio_da_CMF_

Water supply disruptions

There will be water supply disruptions today and tomorrow, in the following places:

Today

Parish of Santa Maria Maior (Rua de Santa Maria – between Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot and Rua da Boa Viagem) – 15h00-17h00

Tomorrow

Parish of Câmara de Lobos (Saraiva) – 09h00-12h00

Municipality of Porto Santo (Serra de Fora & Porto dos Frades) – 14h00-18h00

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101054/Corte_de_agua_entre_a_Rua_Brigadeiro_Oudinot_e_a_Rua_da_Boa_Viagem

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101090/Interrupcao_de_agua_quinta-feira_em_Camara_de_Lobos

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/101101/ARM_informa_que_vai_faltar_agua_no_Porto_Santo

Madeira by Daniel Fernandes Monday 10th August 2020

Covid-19 update

There were 3 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and no new cases on Sunday. A patient recovered on Sunday.

There are currently 25 active cases, of which 22 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. So far, there have been 124 cases and 99
recoveries. As of Saturday, there had been 1,583 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

There are 20 patients in isolation at a
dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 3 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are 8,015 people under active monitoring and 10,479 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 24,082 samples had been collected until Sunday (at 16h00). Overall, 53,240 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 46 calls from Friday to Saturday and 38 calls from Saturday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,762.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,866 calls, with 164 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/08/ram-com-mais-3-casos-de-covid-19-ha-mais-2-casos-suspeitos-total-e-agora-de-26-casos-activos/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/09/ram-sem-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ha-um-doente-recuperado/

Increase in monitoring of safety and distancing guidelines in Porto Santo

Dr. Rogério Correia, the health delegate at Porto Santo, warned there will be a greater monitoring of compliance with the safety and distancing guidelines during the evenings. Although these guidelines are being complied with, there is
a trend for compliance to more relaxed during the evenings, in part due to alcohol consumption. He warned “there will only be an active island if Porto Santo is a safe island”.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100864/Rogerio_Correia_diz_que_controle_no_Porto_Santo_sera_mais_apertado_a_partir_da_proxima_semana

Number of deaths increased in Madeira during the pandemic

There were 919 deaths among the Region’s residents between March 17th and July 19th. The number of deaths increased this year despite the lack of deaths from Covid-19. The number of deaths in the same period of time last year and in
2019 was 851 and 916 respectively. There were 243 deaths in April 2020 (232 deaths in April 2018 and 219 deaths in April 2019); 231 deaths in May 2020 (214 deaths in May 2018 and 213 deaths in May 2019). The were fewer deaths in June
2020 (182) than in June 2018 (215) and in June 2019 (197). As of July 19th, the data from July suggest there will be a similar trend to April-May.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100902/Estatistica_Numero_de_mortos_aumentou_na_Madeira_durante_a_pandemia

Authorities praise the public for their behaviour at Rally Vinho da Madeira

Members of the public watching Rally Vinho da Madeira were
praised by the authorities for their behaviour during the event. They complied with the event’s safety and distancing guidelines. Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Madeira Regional Government, said the event had been “a great success
regarding safety and prevention”, with spectators having “complied with the regional and national guidelines issued by the health authorities”. There was “a spirit of civic duty and solidarity”. He finished by pointing out that this
event had been an example, “at a time when we need some well-organised festivals and events”.

Despite this, there was still plenty of criticism on social media and in the media about the fact this event had taken place while other events, such as Festa da Flor (Madeira Flower Festival), which attract plenty of tourists to the
Region, had been cancelled. They were also critical of the lack of social distancing among spectators in several places.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/09/autoridades-civis-nao-poupam-nos-elogios-ao-rally-vinho-da-madeira/

Madeira by Daniel Fernandes Saturday 8th of August

Covid-19 update

There were 2 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, 2 new cases on Thursday and no new cases on Friday. All these new cases were imported.

So far, there have been 121 cases. There are currently 23 active cases, of which 20 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. There
have been 98 recoveries. Screening at Funchal Airport has detected 3 suspected cases that are currently under epidemiological investigation and testing. As of Thursday, there had been 1,580 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not
confirmed.

There are 18 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 2 in isolation at their place of residence and 3 are in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. There are 7,772 people under active monitoring and 9,976 people in
self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 22,419 samples had been collected until Friday (at 16h00). Overall, 51,314 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 254 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,678. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available
every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,857 calls, with 164 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/05/dois-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ram-tem-ja-21-casos-activos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/06/madeira-com-23-casos-de-covid-19-hoje-surgiram-dois-casos-activos-ha-mais-dois-suspeitos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/07/mais-tres-casos-suspeitos-de-covid-19-tres-internados-no-hospital-23-casos-activos/

Increased police patrol at Rali Vinho Madeira to be funded by the Regional Government

The Madeira Regional Government will fund the increase in the
number of PSP police officers on duty during Rali Vinho da Madeira 2020. This decision was taken to ensure compliance with the regional, national and international sanitary and safety rules on the Covid-19 pandemic. The event organisers
have designed a Covid-19 contingency plan and a safety plan for drivers and spectators.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/06/governo-regional-vai-pagar-a-psp-para-reforcar-fiscalizacao-durante-o-rali-vinho-madeira/

Portuguese President on holiday in Porto Santo

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Portuguese President, has been on holiday in Porto Santo. He arrived on Thursday and is due to leave today. It is his 10th visit to Madeira since becoming President, although the current visit is not an
official visit. He has been spending time walking and swimming at Porto Santo beach. He has also been approached by beachgoers and has not refused to take selfies with them!

He noticed that while in the past beachgoers were more likely to go to the beach earlier in the day, this year they have been more likely to go to the beach later in the day. He was also spotted eating ice-cream from Lambecas, Porto
Santo’s most famous ice cream parlour, and visiting a bar that serves poncha (traditional Madeira alcoholic drink).

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100659/Marcelo_ja_chegou_ao_Porto_Santo


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100732/Marcelo_nadou_durante_30_minutos_nas_aguas_limpidas_do_Porto_Santo_

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100693/Marcelo_desfruta_de_uma_das_maravilhas_do_Porto_Santo

“If not for Covid-19, this would have been the best ever tourist year” in Porto Santo

Idalino Vasconcelos, the Mayor of Porto Santo, expressed his sadness with
the fact 2020 would have been the best tourist year in Porto if the Covid-19 pandemic had not happened. He said Porto Santo is a safe and crime-free destination, doesn’t have big social problems and has one of the best beaches in
Europe.

He highlighted the praise Porto Santo received from “European Best Destinations” and “Forbes” as a safe tourist destination. Once again, he asked for all health guidelines to be complied with. He also mentioned UNESCO recently approved
Porto Santo’s bid to be included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100722/Se_nao_fosse_o_covid-19_teriamos_hoje_o_melhor_ano_turistico_de_sempre_Idalino_Vasconcelos

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. The following areas will be affected:

ARCO DA CALHETA

11th August – 09h30 to 10h30

– Sítio do Pinheiro

CANHAS

11th August – 09h30 to 10h30

– Eiras, Chope, Pomar, Cancela – Vacaria, Malhadinha (including Britadeira and Cova Grande), Levada do Poiso (including Britadeira AFA), 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/2020/08/07/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-59-2020/

Madeira report Wednesday 5th August 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 5 new Covid-19 cases on Monday and 1 new case on Tuesday. The 5 cases from Monday were from 5 passengers who had been under epidemiological investigations and analysis, after screening at Funchal Airport. The other 2
suspected cases turned out to be negative. The case from Tuesday was from another passenger who had already been under epidemiological investigation and analysis.

On Monday, 2 passengers were placed under
epidemiological investigation and analysis, with 1 coming back positive and another coming back negative. On Tuesday, 2 more suspected cases were identified and were waiting for the test results. As of Tuesday, there had been 1,576
suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

So far, there have been 117 cases. There are currently 19 active cases, of which 16 were imported and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. There
have been 98 recoveries.

There are 14 patients in isolation at a dedicated hotel, 4 in isolation at their place of residence and 1 is in the Covid-19 unit at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

There are 7,314 people under active monitoring and 9,390 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 20,315 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 17h30). Overall, 48,447 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 126 calls from Sunday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,424.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,832 calls, with 161 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/03/casos-de-covid-19-aumentam-na-madeira-hoje-ha-mais-5-total-agora-e-de-18/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/04/mais-um-caso-confirmado-de-covid-19-na-ram-ha-hoje-mais-dois-casos-suspeitos/

Another Lisbon laboratory where travellers to Madeira can be tested

Passengers traveling from mainland Portugal to Madeira can now be tested for Covid-19, free of charge, in 6 laboratories, after the Madeira Regional Government signed a deal with LUMILABO. This laboratory has the capacity to carry out
250 tests per day and has 13 sample collection points. Testing can be booked by phone (21 7210480) or by email (geral@lumilabo.pt or mail@lumilabo.pt). Sample
collections take place from Monday to Saturday (07h00-19h00).

The Madeira Regional Government had already signed an agreement with 5
labs in the Portuguese mainland: 1 in Lisbon (Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas (CEDOC)), 1 in Coimbra (Laboratórios da Universidade de Coimbra), 1 in Porto (ADC Porto Ocidental), 1 in Vila Real (ADC Vila Real) and 1 in Barcelos
(ADC Barcelos).

Madeira estabelece protocolo com laboratório em Lisboa para testes gratuitos para covid-19

Madeira residents can be tested for free before traveling to Azores

Madeira residents can be tested for Covid-19, free of charge, at SYNLAB, before traveling to the Azores archipelago. The laboratory is located at Rua do Bom Jesus (number 18). Testing must be booked by contacting SYNLAB by phone
(291143454) or by email (agendamentos.funchal@synlab.pt). The ticket receipt or the electronic ticket of the flight to the Azores must be presented and samples can be collected from
Monday to Friday (11h00-12h00 & 14h00-18h00).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100483/Covid-19_Testes_de_despiste_antes_de_viagem_para_os_Acores_sao_realizados_no_SYNLAB_do_Bom_Jesus

Bathing ban at Praia das Palmeiras for several days

Bathing is banned at Praia das Palmeiras (Palmeiras Beach),
located in Santa Cruz due to a rupture of the waste water lifting station in the municipal market. The rupture was detected on Friday. On Tuesday, it was found that the rupture had led to a discharge of sewage into the sea, which
resulted in a bathing ban in the area between the swimming pool at Praia das Palmeiras and Praia de São Fernando (São Fernando beach – next to Hotel Vila Galé). The complexity of the necessary repair work means bathing in Santa Cruz is
forbidden for several days. The red flag was raised at Praia das Palmeiras. Although the seawater swimming pool at Praia das Palmeiras can still be used, bathing could be banned if the problem has not been resolved by the time the sea
water is renewed.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100467/Santa_Cruz_Praia_das_Palmeiras_interdita_a_banhos_durante_alguns_dias

Biggest ever heroin haul seizure in Madeira

Polícia Judiciária (PJ) made the biggest ever heroin haul seizure in Madeira after arresting a woman carrying about 10 Kg of heroin, the equivalent of about 120,000 individual doses. The arrest was made during an operation in the last
weekend, after a four-month investigation. The 55 year-old woman was in possession of about 10 Kg of heroin at the time of her arrest, shortly after landing at Funchal Airport. The woman was remanded in custody. The PJ is continuing its
investigation.

https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/policia-judiciaria-faz-maior-apreensao-de-heroina-registada-na-madeira

Water supply disruptions

There will be several water supply disruptions today:

(09h00-12h00) – Caminho da Ladeira (Santo António)

(09h00-12h00) – Parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos – Castelejo, Rochas Altas, Casa Caída and Fajã das Galinhas

(14h00-17h00) – Parish of São Jorge – Farrobo, Achada Grande, Achada Felpa, Achado do Vigário, Covas, Corrida, Achadinha, Lombo do Cunha, Pé do Pico, Pico, São Pedro and Tanque

And there will be a water supply disruption tomorrow, from 14h00 to 18h00, in Porto Santo, affecting the following areas: Lombas and Matas.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/04/cmf-anuncia-corte-na-distribuicao-de-agua-amanha-em-santo-antonio/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/04/arm-avisa-para-interrupcao-no-abastecimento-de-agua-potavel-no-estreito-de-camara-de-lobos/


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/04/fornecimento-de-agua-interrompido-em-sao-jorge-no-dia-5-de-agosto-das-14-as-17h/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/04/arm-avisa-para-mais-um-corte-de-agua-desta-feita-no-porto-santo/

Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes, Monday August 3rd 2020

Covid-19 update

There were 2 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and 3 new cases on Sunday. The 3 cases from yesterday are from 3 tourists who had arrived from Switzerland. They had already been in isolation and under monitoring after a member of the group
had tested positive on arrival last week. And 7 travellers are under epidemiological investigations and analysis after screening at Funchal Airport.

In more positive news, a patient who had arrived in Madeira and who had been in isolation in a designated hotel has recovered. So far, there have been 111 cases, 98 recoveries and 13 active cases. Ten of the active cases were imported
and identified through screening at Funchal Airport, while the other 3 active cases were a result of a local transmission chain. And 8 patients are in isolation in a designated hotel while 5 are in isolation in a temporary home.

There are 6,467 people under active monitoring and 8,413 people in
self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Saturday, there had been 1,570 suspected cases, of which 1,459 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 17,794 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 45,654 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 113 calls from Friday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,424.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,811 calls, with 160 people being monitored.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100260/Covid-19_Dois_novos_casos_identificados_na_Madeira


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/08/02/mais-3-casos-de-covid-19-na-ram-outros-sete-casos-suspeitos-sob-investigacao/

President of the Madeira Regional Government does not believe mandatory use of masks will deter visitors to Madeira

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional Government, acknowledged the use of a face mask is “boring” but he does not believe its mandatory use in public places will deter visitors from coming to Madeira. Although he was
aware this policy would be controversial, he believes it is preferable to have this policy in place than to face transmission chains and uncontrollable situations.

He reinforced this by highlighting two crucial developments coming up.
The first is connected to the pandemic situation in countries such as Spain, France and Germany, which is “reaching alarming levels”. Madeira will be very exposed to tourists from these countries. The second is the reopening of schools
and nurseries in the first fortnight of September. He said there will be 43,000 students and 6,000 teachers which will mean more gatherings and a greater risk of transmission. Furthermore, the Region is expecting the arrival of 70,000
tourists in August and 80,000 in September.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100155/_Nao_acredito_que_ninguem_deixe_de_vir_a_Madeira_por_causa_do_uso_da_mascara

Return of Jet2 to is a “happy day to Madeira”

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, was very pleased with the return of Jet2 flights to Madeira after several months without any. Jet2 is the biggest British tourism operator to Madeira and today it will carry hundreds of
people though several flights to the archipelago. He said this is happening despite the quarantine requirements for
tourists when returning to the UK. He added that Jet2 had managed to motivate a
large number of tourists who believe Madeira is a safe destination and who are still willing to come to Madeira on holiday, even if it means being in quarantine after their return. He believes Jet2 and the British market have shown
great trust in Madeira due to the policies adopted by the Regional Government to ensure it is a safe destination and to the “exemplary control of the pandemic” in the Region. He finished by saying “the recovery is underway” and “it is
necessary to believe and to use these positive news” to motivate the entire tourism industry.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100310/Regresso_da_companhia_aerea_Jet2_e_um_dia_feliz_para_a_Madeira_diz_Eduardo_Jesus

Roadworks at Via Rápida (VR1)

The exit road of VR1 at junction 18 (nó 18 – Gaula– marked in red on the map), heading from Funchal towards Ribeira Brava, will be closed to traffic due to scheduled work on the road pavement, from August 4th (10h00) to August 5th
(02h00).

As a diversion, Vialitoral suggests drivers exit at the previous junction (junction 19 – Boaventura) or at the following junction (junction 17 – Porto Novo). Vialitoral asked drivers to comply with all existing road signs. All similar
information is available and constantly updated on the following website:

www.vialitoral.com


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100162/Vialitoral_encerra_saida_da_via_rapida_em_Gaula_no_sentido_Funchal_-_Ribeira_Brava

Water supply disruptions

There will be water supply disruptions tomorrow due to scheduled work on the water supply chain to prevent water leaks. The disruptions will affect the following areas:

Municipality of Câmara de Lobos – Vila, Pé do Pico and Espírito Santo (09h00 to 12h00)

Municipality of Santana – Corrida, Curral Velho, Fonte da Pedra, Lombo de Antão Alves, Pico, Pinheiro, Serra de Água, Silveira and Serrado (14h00 to 18h00)

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100178/Abastecimento_de_agua_afetado_em_Camara_de_Lobos_a_4_de_agosto


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100180/Remodelacao_na_rede_deixa_Santana_sem_agua_em_varios_sitios_na_proxima_terca-feira

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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

4th August – 09h00 to 11h30

– Calçada da Cabouqueira (numbers 17, 21, 62, 64, 76 and 80

5th August – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua do Lazareto (number 239)

– Beco do Ribeiro Seco (São Gonçalo)

5th and 6th August – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua dos Álamos (numbers 3 and 5)

6th August – 09h00 to 12h00

– Rua Nova da Igreja (S. Gonçalo) & Rua Prof. Modesto Trindade

– Beco do Carteiro

– Travessa Pedra Mole

– Calçada do Pico (numbers 12 and 14)

CAMPANÁRIO

4th August – 09h00 to 11h30

– Caminho da Pedra de Nossa Senhora & Caminho da Gloria

– Ribeiro dos Melões (including Via Litoral)

– Vigia (partial)

4th August – 09h30 to 09h45 & 16h00 to 16h15

– Chamorra de Baixo, Cima e Porta Nova

ARCO DA CALHETA

5th August – 09h30 to 11h30

– Faias

CALHETA

5th August – 09h30

– Pico Atouguia

SÃO VICENTE

5th August – 09h00 to 09h30 & 17h00 to 17h30

– Ginjas, Miradouro (Ginjas) and Parque Empresarial de São Vicente

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/2020/08/01/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-57-2020/

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 19th August 2020

Covid 19 Situation

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) today pointed out the existence of 1007 cases of covid-19 in the Algarve, 11 more than yesterday, and totalling 17 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic

Marcelo: Portugal on the UK’s safe list makes a “brutal difference” for the Algarve

It is “great news” that makes “a brutal difference” in the economy – and the general panorama – of the Algarve. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Portimão commented about the inclusion of Portugal in the list of safe destinations in the United Kingdom.

He stated “It is great news. Great news for the mayors here in the Algarve for many others from other parts of the country but first of all for the 300,000 Portuguese who live and work in the United Kingdom. It is also good news for the almost 50 thousand Britons who live and like to live in Portugal and also for all those who wanted to move from one country to another”.


João Fernandes: Algarve must “make the most» air corridor to the United Kingdom”

The inclusion of Portugal in the United Kingdom’s list of safe countries to travel was deserved “for some time” and will open a window of opportunity that the Algarve region “should make the most of”, according to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve. The British Government’s decision, announced yesterday by the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Transport, comes at a time when “we still have four months to go”, until winter arrives.

“We have September and October still with good weather for bathing, but above all, we have new motivations for visiting, which find their peak season in this period, namely golf, which is one of the main reasons for visiting the region”, he said.

It should also be borne in mind that “September will be marked by the realization of the Portugal Masters”, in golf, and in October there are Formula 1 and Moto GP events in Portimão.

“At this moment, we start for four months of the year when we still have opportunities. We have to guarantee that we have exhausted its potential”, added a satisfied João Fernandes. This was, moreover, “a news that we had hoped for and which we had deserved for some time”. “There is a feeling here that, finally, the security that exists in Portugal is recognized, specifically here in the Algarve, the main tourist destination of the British», he illustrated.


Turismo do Algarve wants tourists to visit the region outside the usual “high season” period.

Turismo do Algarve is intensifying the creation of partnerships with some of the main European airlines that fly to the region, with the aim of reinforcing the effort to promote the destination and to attract the interest of new visitors until the end of this year. British Airways, Eurowings, Ryanair, Easyjet, AirFrance and Edelweiss are some of the companies that are already collaborating in the creation of joint marketing campaigns, to enhance reservations for stays in the region even during 2020.

Based on a multiplatform dissemination strategy, which integrates and combines digital and printed channels carefully selected in some of the main markets (such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland), these actions aim to promote the Algarve as a safe destination and place highlighted the diversity of experiences that the region has to offer.

According to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve, “with these campaigns we want to encourage last minute reservations, a trend that, given the current context, has been growing significantly”.

João Fernandes adds that “many people cancelled or postponed the holidays they had already scheduled because of the pandemic and it is mainly these tourists that we want to arrive, showing them that they are still in time to schedule these holidays in a destination that is fully prepared for the receive, with security, quality and flexibility. In addition to the diversity and richness of the region’s offer, the mild climate that the Algarve has throughout the year is another of our strong arguments, which we hope to capitalize on at this time and which we believe will be an important stimulus for travellers to book your holidays outside the traditional periods of high season”.


Aljezur: GNR detects 122 infractions in action to inspect illegal camping

On Thursday the GNR carried out several inspection actions to combat illegal caravanning and wild camping, within the scope of the “Safe Summer 2020” operation, in the municipality of Aljezur, with a special focus on the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park.

According to a statement by that security force, of the inspection actions, “122 records were prepared, of which 97 were for offence resulting from wild camping as well as motorhome and illegal parking in prohibited places and 25 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation”.

The action that was carried out with the reinforcement of the Coastal Control Detachment (DCC) of Sines and in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for Nature Conservation and Forests of the Algarve, aimed to “mitigate wild camping activities and illegal caravanning”.


Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 19th August 2020

Almancil – GNR Breaks up an illegal party with more than 200 people attending

The Faro Territorial Command, through the Territorial Detachment of Loulé, on August 16, stopped an illegal party with more than 200 people, in the locality of Almancil.

In the course of several complaints informing the realization of a private party, the military of the Guard carried out several actions with a view to ascertaining the location of the event, having determined the exact location, and so proceeded to inspect the party. The event was widely publicized by the organizing company on social networks, with exclusive entrance for customers with table reservation and the location transmitted only 12 hours before its start, with several guest artists.

Promoters of the event were previously alerted by GNR to the measures in force due to the pandemic COVID-19 and warned not to hold the party. In addition, the Health Authority was asked to give an opinion, which was negative, as all preventive, protective and safety measures required for such an event were not safeguarded.

Nevertheless, the organizers continued with the event, with the GNR military arriving at the place and ending the party immediately, ordering all people to leave the place. The operation had the reinforcement of the Intervention and Public Order Group (GIOP) and the Cinotechnical Intervention Group (GIC) (Dog Unit).

The event organizers were identified and the facts forwarded to the Loulé Judicial Court.


Hotel occupancy with the lowest value ever for the month of July

Figures revealed yesterday by the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) account for falls in all markets. Portuguese and Spanish vacationers gave some encouragement to the high season 2020.

The average national occupancy rate / room was 32.6 percent, that is, 50.9 percentage points (pp) below that seen in July 2019 (-61.0 percent). Since January, this indicator has been 63.2 percent lower (-38.5pp) than in the previous year.

According to the latest data released by the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), on Monday, August 17, the average occupancy rate / bed was 32.0 percent, 2.0pp above the verified in July 2019 (+5.9 percent) With the decrease seen, the occupancy rate registered the lowest value ever for the month of July.

This year-on-year variation is justified by the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, whose impact on hotels began to be felt at the beginning of March with reservation cancellations, evolving abruptly to a situation of progressive closure of accommodation units.

All geographic areas suffered severe falls, which ranged between -38.5pp (-53.0 percent) in Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António and -59.6pp (-68.6 percent) in Albufeira.

The area of ​​Faro and Olhão registered the highest occupancy rate, 39.3 percent, while the lowest occurred in the Albufeira area, with 27.3 percent.


Covid.19: Algarve registers exponential increase in requests for food support

According to a “JN” (news) survey of 308 city councils in the country to which 178 responded, there is a worrying reality: the Algarve is one of the regions most affected by hunger.

The support of the Chambers is provided through baskets, meals and vouchers. For example, in the municipality of Lagos alone, the increase was 220% of families supported per month, representing about 660 monthly baskets, when before the pandemic, there were 120.

In the municipality of Loulé, two canteens were created, having prepared more than 24 thousand meals, adding to more than 1100 baskets delivered.

According to the same source, Faro supports 900 people, Albufeira 771 residents, Portimão 775, plus 532 baskets for families per month. Olhão supports 600 people and delivers 550 food kits.

Speaking to TVI, the president of the Food Bank against Hunger in the Algarve said that 24,000 people are supported, which is a historical value, since, before the pandemic, 16,000 people were supported. Nuno Alves stressed that he expects a further increase in requests for support after the summer.

For this person, many of these people were employed, “they had a normal life and never thought about resorting to food support”. There has been additional aid in addition to the food emergency network, businesspeople in the region and foreigners. Until November, the Food Bank has reserves to provide support. Nuno Alves hopes that the next big fundraising campaign will materialize to help from that period. However, due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, there is no certainty about the expected results.

Algarve Situation Report Saturday 15th of August

According to DGS on Friday the number of confirmed cases in Algarve since the start of the pandemic is 957, an increase of 11 since Thursday. Local health authority has reported 229 active cases as at 13th August 2359 hrs. A total of nine are in hospital and there are none in ICU. A total of 700 have recovered

The epidemiological situation in the Algarve “is stabilized”, after two weeks “with, practically, every day with a number of new single digit daily cases”, explained Ana Cristina Guerreiro, the Regional Health Delegate, at the press conference balance sheet of the pandemic, which took place today, the 14th, in Loulé.

Numbers achieved “at the height of summer, at a time when the population of the Algarve has tripled” and which, in practice, means that the Algarve has a ratio of less than 20 infected per 100 thousand inhabitants, that is, it is within the norms Europeans consider it a safe region.

According to José Apolinário, Secretary of State who is the coordinator of the State of Alert in the Algarve, the number of active cases “has been decreasing since the beginning of the month”, thanks to the “work and commitment” of the regional entities, whether in the sector health and civil protection. He gave the example of the outbreaks that arose in the Civil Construction sector, which, according to Ana Cristina Guerreiro, became “a great concern”, but which are now under control.

“As soon as these outbreaks emerged, we immediately carried out verification and awareness actions in shipyards with more than 20 workers”, he recalled. According to the Regional Health Delegate, many of the new cases are “imported”, since they are from foreigners or Portuguese who are on vacation in the Algarve. “Every day we have cases of foreigners. Usually, people arrive here without symptoms and develop them when they are here” she said. There have also been cases related to “emigrants and foreigners working here”


GNR issues 116 administrative offenses.

The National Republican Guard (GNR), through the Territorial Detachment of Portimão, the Regional Directorate of the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) of the Algarve and the Municipality of Vila do Bispo – Municipal Civil Protection Service, carried out on 13th August, an inspection in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, against wild camping and motorhome.

The operation took place in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park and involved 22 personnel. Taking place between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, it resulted in a total of 116 vehicles being checked surveyed, of which 91 were misdemeanours resulting from camping and wild caravanning were identified, as well as illegal parking in non-permitted places, and 25 for non-compliance with the traffic sign regulation.

Wild camping and campervans “is a problem that has been identified for a long time and constitutes a factor in the destruction of habitats, some of which are protected, in addition to representing an illegal occupation which results in a degradation of the places used by uncontrolled deposition of waste”, explains the ICNF. Thus, these inspection actions aim to “discourage illegal and strongly degrading practices in an area of ​​high natural value but also tourism”.


Algarve report Wednesday 12th August 2020

Data from the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11

Yesterday the Algarve had three more cases of Covid-19 according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 11 released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

The number of infected with the new coronavirus in the Algarve since the beginning of the pandemic is now 934.

In Alentejo there are also three more cases this Tuesday compared to yesterday’s DGS bulletin with the cumulative total rising to 770.


Man arrested for theft of more than 200 kilos of carob in Algoz

A 43-year-old man was arrested yesterday suspected of stealing carobs, with 212 kilos in his possession, in the town of Algoz, Silves municipality, according to the National Republican Guard (GNR).

The arrest occurred following a complaint that a man was stealing carob from a piece of land, so the GNR military went “immediately to the place”, where they surprised the suspect, “who was caught in possession of 212 kilograms of subtracted carob, already packed in bags for transportation”.

In a statement, the GNR reported that the suspect was arrested and the carob recovered, adding that the facts were referred to the Silves Judicial Court.

In this context, GNR highlighted the Campo Seguro operation, which takes place throughout the national territory, in which the soldiers of this security force remain attentive to the phenomenon of theft of agricultural products, especially in the Algarve region.


Algarve report Monday 10th August 2020

Covid-19: DGS records another death in the Algarve and three new cases

The Algarve has one more death caused by Covid-19 and three new cases of the disease, according to the epidemiological bulletin this Sunday, August 9, which has just been released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). This is the second day in a row with deaths in the region, according to DGS data.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, in accumulated numbers, there have already been 929 infections in the Algarve and 17 deaths, according to DGS.

This is the second consecutive day that the Directorate General for Health counts deaths in the Algarve after more than two months without deaths in the region.

A man from the municipality of Aljezur, over 70 years old, who had been hospitalized “for several weeks in intensive care” is the latest mortal victim of Covid-19 in the Algarve, this being the death that was reported in the epidemiological bulletin of the Directorate- General Health

The two men the other from Loule, according to the same source, “were hospitalized for several weeks in intensive care”.

José Gonçalves, Mayor of Aljezur, regretted the death of the citizen who, “he knew well”.

There are currently 17 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in the Algarve, according to DGS. In the figures of the Regional Health Authority, however, there are 19 fatalities accounted for, since two deaths of people who died in the region were also included in their data, despite being from other districts.


Truck of Hope ends tour of the Algarve in Lagoa

Truck of Hope has done a thousand tests in the Algarve.

Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is from today and until August 14 in the municipality of Lagoa next to the Senhora da Rocha promontory doing molecular and serological tests to Covid-19 and advising the population about public health care and practices during the pandemic.

Camião da Esperança (Truck of Hope) is a mobile unit prepared to carry out tests on the new coronavirus and with a team of health professionals available for medical advice consultations and free nursing treatments to the population.

The molecular test (detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus) requires a medical prescription has resulted in 24 hours (through Unilabs) and a cost of 100 euros.

The serological test (detects the presence of antibodies) does not need a prescription has an immediate result and costs 40 euros. The opening hours to the public are from 9 am to 2 pm.


Algarve Saturday 8th of August

Covid-19 Statistics

The number of cases yesterday increased by six bringing the total to 909 since the start of the pandemic. The total of deaths stands at 17 registered.

There are 252 active cases of whom 10 are in hospital and three in intensive care. A total of 640 have recovered i.e. 70.4%

Covid-19: Outbreaks in the Algarve related to family gatherings

Many of the new covid-19 outbreaks are related to family gatherings, especially in the Algarve, the Directorate-General for Health warned today, recalling that there are currently 178 active outbreaks in the country. However, the authorities are now paying particular attention to the south of the country: “Everyone wants to socialize and everyone is at risk and this is what is happening in the Algarve”, warned Rui Portugal.

“Outbreaks are, at this moment, mainly based on family,” said Rui Portugal, explaining that it is the meetings of people who do not live together that are potentiating the new cases. “Despite being from the same family and having the same names, they have to realize that if they are in different nuclei, contagions from one nucleus to another may occur,” he warned, asking everyone to continue to maintain the rules of social distance.

Rui Portugal also recalled that the danger is not limited to groups of young people: “At this stage, a lot of attention is paid to the risk that occurs in a more social gathering, for all generations”. Labour issues are no longer “worrying the same way they did”, and are now replaced by reunions during vacation times.


ABC to test Algarvians travelling to Madeira

Through an agreement established with the Regional Government of Madeira, the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) begins to test, as of today, the citizens of the region who travel to Madeira departing from the Mainland.

The tests are free and mandatory to be booked up to 72 hours before the flight, which can be done by email (harvesting.estadio@abcmedicalg.pt, with the title “Viagem à Madeira” and reference in the email body to the postal code of residence) or by phone (966418469, between 3 pm and 7 pm), according to a statement from ABC.

Both when scheduling and when testing, the following are required: name, phone number, email and passenger’s card number / passenger’s National Health Service number; destination address in Madeira; copy of airline ticket / travel receipt.

The tests are carried out between 17h30 and 20h00, at Estádio do Algarve.


Loulé distributes thousands of masks made in the municipality to cafes, shops and restaurants

Thousands of masks made by the seamstresses of the studio where the Carnival costumes are created, as well as professionals who joined this project, are being distributed by the Municipality of Loulé, from the coast to the interior. This action has as partner the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), an entity that designed and conceived the model of the masks, guaranteeing the safety standards appropriate to the prevention of Covid-19.

This initiative started in May, with the distribution of masks to residents of social districts, the elderly and professionals in the areas of intervention and civil protection and to families who resorted to the Loulé Solidário line during the peak of the pandemic. In this first phase, more than 2,500 masks were distributed throughout the municipality.

Now, at a time when many tourists are on vacation in the municipality of Loulé, the municipality decided to extend this preventive action and distribute social masks (reusable) by the local commerce in the municipality, as a way to reinforce the safety of these professionals, as well as the image of the municipality as a safe destination.

All restaurants, shops or cafes are receiving kits containing 2 masks, disinfectant wipes and explanatory leaflet.

The CLDS 4G team Castro Marim (Com) Vida is already taking its first steps on the ground, traversing the hills of the Castro Mountains. The objective is to raise the awareness of the elderly about the care to be taken with the sun, with the right to offer a solar kit. During the month of August, it is already possible to find Odiana’s CLDS4G team to intervene directly in situ and with the population.

The motto is awareness actions with a double objective: on the one hand, to inform and raise awareness about the care to be taken with sun exposure in the elderly; on the other hand, breaking the isolation of the elderly, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The timing of this action is done in accordance with the circuit of the Mobile Health Unit in Castro and takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, in order to avoid fear or feelings of insecurity on the part of seniors. This is the first action of CLDS 4G on the ground, with a fragile population. During the visit, all the elderly receive an awareness kit consisting of a straw hat, a fan, a sample of sunscreen and a leaflet. Specific recommendations are also made addressing dehydration, adequate food and clothing and the importance of sun protection.


Wednesday 5th August 2020

Covid-19 Algarve – 9 more cases

The Algarve now has nine more cases of Covid-19 and 901 cases accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic according to the epidemiological bulletin of this Tuesday, August 4th released by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

Small 3.9 magnitude Earthquake 68 kms south of Albufeira

No damage recorded

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake (Richter), with an epicentre 68 kms south of Albufeira, has been felt in several locations in the Algarve.

The quake was recorded at 19.03 hrs and took place at sea, 12 kms.

There were several reports from people who felt the shock in Albufeira and Loulé.

NOTE

This level is classified as a “minor earthquake” around a hundred thousand of which take place each year globally.


Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters help to put out fire in Ayamonte

“A reason to be proud”. This is how those responsible for the Eurocity of Guadiana see the collaboration between the firemen of Portugal and Spain in the extinguishing of a fire yesterday, Monday in Ayamonte, Spain.

And it was, thanks to the quick action of forest firemen, including the Portuguese, but also of the security forces, which also included the GNR the fire has not evolved further.

Commander of Vila Real de Santo António fire fighters welcomed this type of collaboration.

He says that: “Besides being a border area we belong to the Eurocity of Guadiana and we trust that through this entity we can develop more extensive broader protocols for mutual aid and strengthen ties in the field of assistance and civil protection”.


Faro launches book with fresh recipes for the elderly

The Municipality of Faro launched a cookbook prepared by the Municipality’s Support Office for the Elderly with the support of Provectus and the Prato Certo (In Loco) in a project entitled “Fresh Cuisine for seniors”.

Aware that the feeding of the elderly is a concern especially with the arrival of high temperatures, the Elderly Support Office created this project that presents food suggestions and proposals that include, for example the need to drink water.

In this book to increase water consumption dozens of recipes are suggested to make the summer fresher and healthier for everyone for example, flavoured waters among others.

This book has already been sent by mail to about 250 elderly people in the municipality who have been in contact with the Department of Social Development and Education of the municipality, in the last two years.

The county’s elderly who do not receive the book can request it at that service, located in Plaza José Afonso, nr.1.


Detained Italian who had a greenhouse with 255 cannabis plants in Monte de Paderne

A 44-year-old Italian man who had a cannabis greenhouse with 255 plants in Paderne was arrested yesterday’s morning by the GNR Criminal Investigation Centre in Albufeira.

According to the investigation that took place about a month ago, it was initiated following a complaint.

GNR has not yet found evidence that the detainee had the plants for later sale, but “taking into account the size of the plantation” there is evidence to that effect.

In addition to the 255 cannabis plants were seized 31 bags of fertilizer, a revolver 4 adapted calibre, 72 various calibres of ammunition, a computer, a tablet and two mobile phones.


Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) classified as Intangible / Spiritual Cultural Heritage of Portugal

Inclusion of the Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) in this list was published yesterday in the Diário da República.

The confirmation of the inclusion of this cultural and religious event in the municipality of Loulé in this list, took place yesterday.

This classification is the recognition of “a work we did in 2015 for the preparation of all necessary documentation and submission to the success of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Mercy) of the service registration application in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.”

This recognition is “a major step towards affirming this identity, which is not only “louletana” (from Loulé) but also of the whole Algarve, because we are talking about the most important Marian manifestation south of Fátima”.


Monday 3rd August 2020

Rural Fires – Faro District at Red Alert

The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) placed the districts of Santarém and Faro on alert of red level readiness, due to the increased risk of fire, and called for the care of the populations.

“We are going to have a very severe weather picture with an increase in wind speed. In the next two days we will have a very strong wind, not only during the day, but also at night, and with reduced recovery of the moisture retained during the night,” said Miguel Cruz, district grouping commander, at a press conference at ANEPC headquarters in Carnaxide.

“In this light, the appeal is to avoid any activity that could cause any ignition,” said the official, adding that the special red alert status for districts has been determined”.

Special alert states determine the degree of readiness for fire-fighting means to respond.

In yellow alert are the districts of Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo and in orange alert the remaining districts of mainland Portugal.

Mainland Portugal will enter an Alert Situation yesterday at 20.00 hrs until the 4th, in view of the forecast of “a significant increase in the risk of rural fire”, the Government announced yesterday.

All details have been posted on the Safe Communities Portugal Facebook page


Shark sighted Tavira

The alleged sighting by people of a shark on Terra Estreita beach, in Tavira, Algarve, led, on Sunday afternoon, to the raising of the red flag in three beaches for about an hour and a half. During this period, a water scooter travelled the coast, but found no sight of the shark.

Rui Andrade, Commander of the Captaincy of Tavira, said that the alert was given by the lifeguard from Terra Estreita beach, located in Santa Luzia, Tavira, at about 13.20 hours, following reports by bathers who said they had seen a shark approaching the coast.

“In order to safeguard the integrity of the people, as always happens in these cases, we ordered the flag to be hoisted on three beaches, Terra Estreita, Barril and Ilha de Tavira. Then, the area was covered by a personal watercraft, but there were no sightings”.

The occurrence concluded at about 14.45 hours, when the green flag was raised again and bathers on the three beaches were able to return to the water.


Saturday 1th of August

Covid 19 Situation

Yesterday, the Algarve region has 266 active cases and 583 people who have already recovered from the disease, according to the report of the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro.

The counties with the most active cases are Loulé (53), Albufeira (49) and Faro (43), while Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Vila do Bispo do not register any infection. The number of recovered people rose to 583, with a rate of 67.3%, lower than the previous week’s Situation Point.

In the Algarve hospitals 10 patients are hospitalized, five of them in intensive care and 93 have been discharged since the beginning of the pandemic, while 642 people are under active surveillance.

Regarding deaths, the Regional Health Authority, which provides the data to the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, reveals that 17 people have already died from covid-19 in the region, although the Directorate-General for Health only registered 15. According to one source of the Regional Health Administration, these “two deaths occurred in the region, but people did not have residence in the Algarve”, he revealed to JA.


Marcelo says that specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority

The existence of a specific plan to support the Algarve is a “national priority”, this Friday, July 31, defended the President of the Republic, after a meeting with business associations in the region, in Tavira.

At the end of this hearing, at the Hotel Vila Galé Albacora, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considered that the Algarve “needs a redoubled and specific attention”. “There is no other region in the country that depends so much on tourism, a sector that hit the bottom,” he said. The Government has already announced the elaboration of a specific recovery plan for the region, something that Rui Rio, president of PSD, also mentioned, in a recent visit to the Algarve, to be necessary.

“When the Government spoke of a specific plan for the Algarve and I saw the opposition leader talking about it, I thought it was a good sign that they understood that this is a national priority. It is neither the government nor the opposition. It belongs to everyone”, stated Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, speaking to journalists.


The Municipality of Silves has distributed food baskets to 23 households in the municipality.

The baskets are the result of a donation made by elements of the foreign community and were destined to socioeconomically deprived households, residing in several parishes in the municipality, and referenced by the municipal Social Action Sector.

In a press release, the municipality states that the baskets delivered were made up of essential products, including dairy products, olive oil, grain, beans, canned goods, pasta and crackers.

In the same note sent to the media, the Municipality of Silves “thanks the entire foreign community involved for the generous offer of these products, which naturally made a big difference in the daily lives of these families” who were more vulnerable due to the pandemic situation that we currently go through.


Algarve Situation Report Wednesday July 29th 2020

Covid-19:

67.4% of Algarvian patients with Covid-19 have recovered, according to the regional data to which South Information had access.

Thus, of the 841 cases that the Regional Health Authority reports in relation to yesterday, 27 July, there were already 567 people recovered, while the number of deaths has remained at 17 since the beginning of June. This means that the number of active cases across the region now stands at just 257.

The municipality that still has the most active cases is Albufeira (50), followed by Loulé and Faro, both with 46. Castro Marim, despite having had three confirmed cases, a long time ago that has no active case.

Vila do Bispo and Alcoutim remain the only two municipalities in the Algarve where, so far, no positive cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed.

In the past few days, an outbreak that affected 6 people of the same family was reported, two of whom worked in a restaurant in Armação de Pêra. The restaurant, as well as an ice cream parlour, were closed as a precaution, but the outbreak is already contained.

However, for some days now, the figures communicated by the Regional Health Authority to mayors and other officials in the Algarve are below the numbers announced by DGS. The first totals 841 (no new cases today), the second 853 (no new cases for two days).

https://www.sulinformacao.pt/2020/07/covid-19-674-dos-doentes-algarvios-ja-recuperaram-pelo-que-casos-ativos-diminuem-mapa/


Progressive recovery measures do not satisfy companies in the Algarve – hoteliers

The president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) considered today that the progressive recovery measures approved on Monday by the Government “do not satisfy” companies in the region’s tourism sector.

“These measures may, perhaps, adjust to the needs and requirements of other sectors of activity in the rest of the country, but they do not, of course, satisfy the situation in the Algarve,” said Elidérico Viegas.

The leader spoke after a meeting of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, with businessmen and unions in the region, held at the headquarters of Turismo do Algarve, in Faro.

“The Secretary of State came to announce the measures that the Government approved for the country, not for the Algarve, nor for tourism. What was expected was that there could be positive discrimination measures for the region, much more affected than the rest of the country, given its dependence on a single sector of activity “, stressed the leader of AHETA.

Extraordinary support for the progressive resumption, which will be in effect between August and December, may be requested by companies with a break in revenue equal to or greater than 40% “as of the end of next week”, announced on Monday the Minister of Labor , Solidarity and Social Security.

The additional support for companies with a break in sales of 75% or more can only be requested in September, but will have retroactive effects to August, said the minister.

Extraordinary support for the progressive recovery was provided for in the Economic and Social Stabilization Program (PEES) but did not include new additional support for companies with a break in sales equal to or greater than 75%.


Albufeira – Beach safety reminder

The Albufeira Town Council (Algarve) launched a campaign on the municipality’s beaches, alerting bathers to risky behaviours, not only due to the covid-19 pandemic but also due to the instability of the cliffs, was announced today.

Under the motto ‘Albufeira safe beaches’, the awareness campaign calls on users of the beaches to adopt “protective measures and respect for the signs existing at the entrance to the beaches”, the municipality said in a statement.

Through information available in Portuguese and English, the rules for responsible use in the 25 bathing areas of the municipality and the duties of bathers are pointed out in actions promoted by the Municipal Civil Protection Service.

Started on June 6, the campaign will continue until September, with awareness actions reinforced on the beaches through a tent that provides information between 9:30 am and 11:30 am.

For the Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, cited in the document, the objective is to alert vacationers “to the importance of a preventive attitude, calling attention to avoid behaviours that jeopardize the health and safety of all”.

According to the mayor, the municipality “did not spare efforts to ensure that the bathing season runs safely”, not only due to the pandemic caused by the covid-19, but also due to the danger of the cliffs falling.

The initiative aims to alert to the problem of cliff instability due to natural erosion, with the adoption of preventive measures, namely, when beach users seek shelter from the sun and wind at the base of the cliffs, whose risk of falling debris is permanent.


Beaches

Beachgoers complain about Non-Compliance with Rules

Users of Manta Rota beach have complained about non-compliance with rules to contain the covid-19 pandemic, but the Vila Real de Santo António City Council has ensured that the bathing areas of municipality “is obeyed as stipulated”.

Célia Santos frequents the Algarve beach and told the Lusa agency that, last Sunday, she was able to verify on the beach of Manta Rota that the beach was “crowded” and people were positioned “without taking into account any measure of contingency and social distancing”.

“The capacity of the beach is largely exceeded and there is no inspection of compliance with it. There is no social distance. There is no indication of the capacity of the beach, such as signs or flags”, criticized the user of that beach in the district of Faro.

The same source pointed out that he could also see on the beach access walkway “crowded people”, who “did not wear masks” and “did not respect social distance.

“The standards are not being monitored or respected. There is no intervention by the authorities. The enjoyment of these public spaces in the context of the covid-19 pandemic is an attack on public health”, also considered Célia Santos.

Carlos Sousa, who has been on vacation in the area for about a week and has been attending the Algarve beach, said that “the situation of non-compliance or greater proximity between people usually occurs”.


Algarve Situation Report Monday 27th July 2020

The President kept his promise to visit the Home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Boliqueime.

The visit took place yesterday afternoon, in the presence of the home director, the Mayor of Loulé – Vítor Aleixo, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Coordinator of the response to the pandemic by covid.19 in the Algarve, José Apolinário and the District Commander Civil Protection, Vaz Pinto, among other entities.

The Boliqueime home registered an outbreak of covid-19 in early April, with dozens of infected users and employees (40), and 5 fatalities among users.

The President of the Republic, assumed that “it was an honour and a pleasure” to have visited the home for the first time, leaving the promise that he will return, “when we all take off our masks”.

Between selfies and many nods, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was toasted by the directors of the home and by the parish priest of Boliqueime who offered an image of the patron saint, São Sebastião.

Then, the President went on foot to the Mother Church, where he attended a mass. From 8:00 pm, he met with the mayors of the Algarve at a working dinner in a restaurant in Querença, also in the municipality of Loulé.

This is the third visit that the head of state has made to the Algarve this month, after Vila Real de Stº António and Lagos.


President of the Republic meets community representatives in Loule

Yesterday President Safe Communities Portugal David Thomas attended small group meeting in Loulé with the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to discuss Covid-19.

The meeting lasted two hours and the president gave his view on various social, economic and political issues concerning both Portugal and overseas, concerning the pandemic.

Safe Communities were able to ask a number of questions reflecting feedback we had received from the foreign community over the last 4 months. We wish to thank the Mayor of Loulé Vitor Aleixo for his very kind invitation.

The President said, I had a meeting with the British community that lives here in Loulé and there was a great effort on their part to do everything, to the extent of their possibilities, to show how they are received, how they live here, how they like to live here, how they want to work for the good relationship between the two countries. Naturally, in the economic part, in the business part, but also in the personal part “, he revealed.

“This is very important, because diplomacy is not just about ambassadors, ministers, governments and heads of state. It is made of people. And the people who live here – and there are many, almost 50 thousand – know the Algarve very well, since the vast majority live here. They know what the reality is, they present the reality and that has a lot of strength to convince, to persuade, first, their compatriots and, later, the political leaders, he reinforced.

In addition to the community residing in this Algarve municipality, there are others working proactively to lift restrictions. The Head of State even spoke of mayors “who are making videos and testimonies of those who live here reach British society. It all helps a lot, it takes time, but it helps”.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was also hopeful that restrictions on flights from Portugal would be lifted by the United Kingdom even before the end of the summer.

“We all expect that and we are working to make it happen. Summer only ends in September. It would be bad if they are not lifted” he said.

Algarve Situation Report Saturday 25th July 2020

Covid-19 Statistics

The District Civil Protection Commission of Faro today revealed in a statement, based on data provided by the Health Authority, that there are 242 active cases in the Algarve.

So far 808 infected people have been registered, plus 5 in the last 24 hours with 549 recovered, equivalent to 67.9%.

10 people are hospitalized, 5 in the Intensive Care Units. The same source reports 17 deaths in the region. Under active surveillance are 589 people and 88 patients were discharged from hospital.

In relation to the bulletin sent last Friday, July 17, 10 fewer active cases in the region are confirmed, plus 45 cases from Covid.19 and another 35 recovered.

There is less 1 hospitalization, but 2 more in intensive care. The number of deaths is maintained (17). Under active surveillance there are fewer 119 people.

Another 5 patients were discharged from hospital.


President Regional Tourism Algarve reaction to travel corridor

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) hopes that the British Government’s decision to keep Portugal off the list of safe destinations for travel , known today, will be “finally corrected next week, as updates to that list seem which are now weekly ”.

“There are changes all the time on the part of the British Government, let us hope that they finally get it right,” said João Fernandes, speaking to Sul Informação .

The official stressed that this is a decision that the RTA regrets and that “cannot be matched in what is the testimony, through many channels and in many ways, of those who know us best, who are the British who live among us”.

It is also not the opinion of “those who visit us and continue to visit”, he added, recalling that “we have connections to twenty airports in the United Kingdom that continue to operate since mid-June, with normality”.

“83% of British overnight stays in Portugal, at this time of year, happen in the Algarve and Madeira, which are specially prepared regions and with lower epidemiological rates than many of the countries that place travel restrictions on Portugal», he explained.


Reaction by president AHETA

The President of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve, transmitted said yesterday that the decision of the United Kingdom Government to maintain the exclusion of Portugal from the list of safe destinations, and for this reason to force passengers to quarantine, “is a huge disappointment”.

For Elidérico Viegas, the expectation was that the British would reverse the situation. The representative of the Algarve hoteliers, said that the numbers are not encouraging for the hotel industry, with similar activities such as the restaurant and tourist companies, also feeling the effects of the scarcity of British tourists He feared that the measure to remain if, “it not only compromises the activity in the high season, but also in the tourist golf sector, which starts from September and develops until November, being another important sector for the region’s economy”.

The president of AHETA, stresses that it would be positive if the measure were reversed, noting that in these assessments by the British Government “there appear to be criteria other than the pandemic”. As a result, he asks Portuguese diplomacy, to sweeten the decisions, “we know that some work has been done, probably more needs to be done”.

Elidérico Viegas speaks of an “atypical summer”, and recalls that the Algarve region is a safe destination, “since the hotel units reopened, no outbreaks in hotels have been heard, precisely because there is this care to be safe places” , concluded.

Other countries maintain restrictions on travellers from Portugal, such as Austria, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Finland or Belgium.


Algarve Situation Report Thursday 23rd July 2020

UK studies Algarve method of combating Covid-19

Scientists from the UK Science & Innovation Network Office have met with the Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC) with the aim of implementing, in the United Kingdom, the pool method that allows analysis to be carried out “more quickly and cheaply”.

The news was advanced by the newspaper the Telegraph which, in its edition of last Sunday, 19 July, wrote that the United Kingdom “turned to Portugal” and to its “massive tests” strategy to Covid-19.

Is that this method, writes the newspaper that can “help prevent the progress of the disease, reducing the number of deaths”.

Nuno Marques, president of ABC, explained to Sul Informação that he met with British scientists met, in June, with the Algarve Biomedical Centre to “explain our pooling protocol” to them, developed by this consortium that joins the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) and the University of Algarve (UAlg).

For Nuno Marques, this international interest (there have also been meetings with Spanish, Italian and Polish entities) is proof of the work that ABC has been developing in the fight against Covid-19.

“It is an acknowledgment for ABC and for our work, mainly because we are combining the issue of research with its practical execution”, he considered.

And this interest comes even from countries that excluded Portugal from the list of safe countries … like the United Kingdom. This decision, said Nuno Marques, was made using only “a single indicator: the number of cases per 100 thousand inhabitants”.


Integrated Medical Emergency System reinforces seasonal ambulances in the Algarve

The Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM) has been reinforced with eight seasonal ambulances to increase the response capacity in regions of the country where the population increases in the summer, announced today the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM).

In a statement sent to the newsrooms, INEM explains that the measure was implemented through seasonal protocols with eight entities: the volunteer firefighters of Terras de Bouro, Grândola, Canha and Albufeira, and the delegations of the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP) of Vilar Formoso, Faro-Loulé, Silves-Albufeira and Olhão.

Stressing that these partnerships ensure the action of an emergency ambulance 24 hours a day with the necessary crew, INEM assumes the payment of expenses and also defends that these protocols seek to “guarantee a better response to situations of accident or sudden illness”.

SIEM, which is coordinated by INEM, is made up of 364 Medical Emergency Posts (PEM) distributed over 308 municipalities in Portugal, with ambulances assigned to their service, in addition to 56 medical emergency ambulances and another 40 for immediate life support, and a set of multidisciplinary medical emergency means, with 44 emergency and resuscitation medical vehicles and four helicopters.


Covid.19: Uninfected construction site workers, housed at the Loulé ZAP

The Municipality of Loulé informed that, following a new outbreak of the disease among workers at a construction site taking place in the municipality (Quinta da Ombria), dozens of people linked to the construction company responsible for carrying out the work were tested. .

In a statement, the municipality indicates that the Health Authority, in conjunction with the Municipality of Loulé and other civil protection entities, “conducted a contact screening, with the prophylactic isolation of individuals who tested positive”.

According to the same source, the infected workers are now properly separated from the rest of their colleagues. For this purpose, the municipality opened a Population Support Zone (ZAP) in the Spanish pavilion, in Loulé, where workers who were negative in the screening tests were housed.

The Municipal Service of Civil Protection and Security in the Forest has also collaborated with the National Republican Guard in the daily control actions of workers positive for COVID-19 and who are in confinement in the homes of the construction company.

For reasons of prevention and safety of the entire community, the Municipality requested the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) to carry out tests on all employees of the nursing homes of Tôr, Salir and Querença, the results of which, for all 108 employees tested, were negative.


Portugal situation report – Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Introduction

Good morning. The decrease in daily cases of Covid-19 continued again yesterday with 127 cases confirmed, the lowest for just over a month. This is obviously a pleasing development and one hopes it is the start of a steeper decline in lower daily figures than we have recently experienced. Certainly from our own observations and the feedback we constantly receive there is general compliance with the rules and certainly with regards to social distancing, hygiene and the wearing of facemasks, which are essential in preventing new outbreaks.

Despite the fact that we are seeing more visitors this does not so far appear to have resulted in an increase in confirmed cases. However, this is certainly not the time for relaxation and with the possibility of more visitors in August it is essential that they are fully aware of the laws and rules that apply here in Portugal, and follow them.

One issue I would like to raise again is the responsible use of social media – or I should say irresponsible. Whereas people are rightly quick to cricise the UK media when they make speculative and inaccurate comments about Portugal and its tackling of Covid-19, it is often the same people who themselves make equally damaging comments on certain Facebook groups in the Algarve.

One example two days ago on a Facebook group was: “Has anyone heard that the Portuguese/Spanish border – is closed – any rumour on this welcome” – or words to that effect. Over 100 comments! As it is in English there is the potential for this sort of distorted information to be picked up by UK residents and suddenly guess what – it becomes fact! This makes our job more difficult and could also misrepresent in the UK the correct situation here in Portugal. Unfortunately such groups have no Admin monitoring! Please do not add to or spread unsubstantiated information or gossip.

Yesterday we reported on the thunderstorms that hit Portugal overnight on Monday causing at least 12 fires according to the ANEPC. We now have more detail that on the night of July 20 and early morning of July 21, the instability associated with a depression in altitude, centred in the southwest of Lisbon and in a slow movement to the northeast, gave rise to strong electrical activity in the central and southern areas. The number of electric discharges was over 13,000 and those that hit the ground, recorded between 2100 hrs on the 20th and 0900 hrs on the 21st, was over 2600 “, explained the IPMA in a statement.

On the subject of fires there was an SMS by the ANEPC to four districts yesterday due to maximum red alert being issued. In one of these Portalegre we monitored closely a fire that broke out in the afternoon.

I wish you all a Safe day.


DGS Covid-19 statistics

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) announced on Tuesday the existence of 1,697 deaths and 48,898 cases of Covid-19 in Portugal, since the beginning of the pandemic.

The number of deaths rose, from Monday to Tuesday by six and the number of confirmed cases by 127, which corresponds to an increase of 0.3%. This is the lowest daily increase in confirmed cases for over a month.

There are 439 hospitalized patients, 15 fewer than yesterday. 62 are in Intensive Care Units, one more compared to Monday.

The number of recovered cases rose from 33,547 to 33,769, plus 222.

Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, where there have been several outbreaks, register 24,470 cases today, 101 more than Monday.

In percentage terms, in the last 24 hours, the increase in deaths was 0.4% (from 1,691 to 1,697) and that of confirmed cases was 0.3% (from 48,771 to 48,898).

Lisbon and the Tagus Valley is the region where the increase in cases continues to be more significant, accounting for 79.5% of new cases, with 101 out of 127 accounted for. It was also in the Lisbon area that the six fatalities due to covid-19 recorded in the last 24 hours occurred.

In number of cases, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo leads with 24,470, followed by the North region (18,372, with 11 new cases), the Center region (4,367, with six new cases), the Algarve (792 and two new cases) and the Alentejo (636, one more case).

In the Azores, there was another case of covid-19 in the last 24 hours, now increasing to 159, maintaining the number of deaths (15), while in Madeira there was no increase in cases (it remains at 102) and remains unrecorded.


Health

Lisbon Metropolitan Area

The Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, affirmed that the control of the pandemic in the 19 parishes in the Metropolitan Area of ​​Lisbon (AML) that are in a state of calamity due to Covid-19 records “a clearly positive evolution”, with 65 active outbreaks.

At the end of a meeting to monitor Covid-19’s prevention and control strategy at AML, which took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Lisbon, Eduardo Cabrita said, however, that it is necessary to “continue this monitoring effort very closely, guaranteeing the monitoring by multidisciplinary teams of all cases that have been detected and that are today less than they were two weeks ago”.

“This evolution is nationally positive, it is characterized, today, by an identification of the cases that occur in each parish and with a very concrete identification of the set of outbreaks that are being verified in each municipality”, he added.

Covid-19: Rises to 14 number of infected in outbreak in Torres Vedras hypermarket

Cases of infection with covid-19 in a hypermarket of the Sonae Group in Torres Vedras, in the district of Lisbon, rose to 14, said a public health source in the Lisbon and Vale region yesterday.

A Public Health source in the region of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo told the agency Lusa that the positive cases among employees of the hypermarket and the stores there, increased from six to 14. More than 100 workers had been tested.

Without confirming or giving data on the number of infected and tested employees, the Continente hypermarket chain confirmed to Lusa that, “as indicated by the local Health Authority and with the objective of preventing and early detection of cases, all employees of Continente Modelo Torres Vedras and the stores in the commercial gallery, although asymptomatic “, were going to be tested. Hypermarket and shops are open.

The company clarified that, “under the Contingency Plan of Sonae MC in any case of suspicion of covid-19 or of a confirmed employee, the person is removed from the premises and the Health Authority is immediately contacted”. In parallel, the area is cleaned and disinfected.

Among the preventive measures of covid-19, the hypermarket chain checks the temperature and any symptoms to employees, installed acrylic protection barriers in the payment areas and information counters, reinforce the hygiene and cleanliness of the work places, disinfects the trolleys and offers disinfectant gel to customers and employees, as well as gloves and masks to employees.

Torres Vedras registers 189 cases of infection, of which 92 are active, 92 recovered and five people have died.

Covid-19: Risk of air conditioning is very low if maintenance is carried out

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) said yesterday that the risk of transmission of the new coronavirus resulting from the use of air conditioning in closed spaces is very low, as long as the maintenance rules and the space is ventilated.

In an update to the various guidelines it has been publishing, DGS defends that the risk of using HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is considered to be very low, “as long as the rules for safe use, namely their maintenance, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the renewal of air in closed spaces”.

The national health authority recalls that it has closely followed the evolution of scientific knowledge since the first cases of covid-19 were reported and recalls the World Health Organization statement issued earlier this month in which it is reiterated that “transmission occurs mostly through secretions and droplets and close contact with infected people, not excluding the possibility of aerosol transmission”.

“ECDC has the same position” [European Center for Disease Control], he stresses.

In the same publication in which it updates some guidelines, DGS also says that “the risk of using coins and banknotes is considered to be very low as long as hand hygiene rules are complied with”.

In previous guidelines, when the degree of risk of transmission was still unknown, DGS had recommended that, for the protection of users, opt for contactless routes (such as computer applications or contactless cards).

Government will pay masks for schools

The government will fund the masks for the school community, announced the Minister of Education.

Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was speaking yesterday at the Education, Science, Youth and Sports Commission.

On the 18th of May, when the 11th and 12th year students returned to face-to-face classes, the Ministry of Education distributed more than five million masks to schools.

The authority has already announced that the new academic year should start between September 14th and 17th and that three scenarios are foreseen: the face-to-face, which should only be set aside in an exceptional situation and that will privilege pre-school and 1st grade students and 2nd cycles; the mixed, with alternating classes between face-to-face, synchronous classes and guided autonomous work; and not in person i.e., remotely.


Enforcement

Person infected with covid-19 was detained by GNR for walking on the street

A 27-year-old man infected with covid-19 was detained by the GNR in the municipality of Redondo, in the district of Évora, for disregarding the pandemic containment rules.

According to a statement from GNR, the man was detained in the vicinity of the residence where he had to be quarantined, in the town of Montoito, in the Alentejo municipality of Redondo.

“Following the information that two men were circulating on the public road, in breach of their duty of mandatory confinement decreed by the public health authority, the military officers of the guard took steps to locate them”, reports the GNR , indicating they had detained one of them.

The incident was referred to the Judicial Court of Redondo.


Military

29 Military Personnel Infected

The Armed Forces count 29 military personnel infected with the new coronavirus, with no sign of any outbreak, Defense Minister João Gomes Cravinho said yesterday in Leiria.

“Of course, the military is not immune. Every day I get a report on the infection status. Yesterday we had 29 military personnel infected, none of them, fortunately, in any serious situation, and about a hundred military personnel who are not infected, but as a precaution they are quarantined”, informed the government official.

For João Gomes Cravinho, “the first mission of the armed forces is always to safeguard their own capacity for intervention”, which “since the first day has been done within the scope of the Armed Forces”.

The Defense Minister added that he has been receiving information from the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces on a daily basis, who informed him that “there was no outbreak in the military installations”.


Education

Schools in AML Should Resume Face-to-Face Education

Schools in the 19 parishes in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) that are in a state of calamity due to the covid-19 should resume face-to-face education in September, an objective assumed today by the Government and mayors.

“A set of conditions was analyzed that aim at what is everyone’s objective, that the school year be resumed in September, with the objective of resuming face-to-face education”, said the Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, at the end of a meeting to monitor the covid-19 prevention and control strategy at AML, at the official residence of the Prime Minister, in Lisbon.

In addition to the assessment of “clearly positive evolution” in the control of the pandemic in the 19 parishes of the AML that are in a state of calamity until July 31, the meeting between the Government and the five mayors of the affected Town Halls – Lisbon, Sintra, Loures, Amadora and Odivelas – served to “start discussing together how to prepare for the reopening of the school year in early September”.

“Only face-to-face education guarantees the fight against inequalities, guarantees proximity, guarantees the fullness of social support measures that, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and municipalities, will be promoted in educational communities”, said Eduardo Cabrita.

In this sense, the five municipalities where the 19 parishes concerned are located, together with the Ministry of Education and with the involvement of educational

communities, “will work intensely in the coming weeks” to guarantee the goal of starting the next academic year 2020 / 21 with the resumption of classroom teaching.


Other news

Sintra mountains – traffic closures due to fire risk

Traffic in the Sintra mountains has been closed between 00:01 hrs on Wednesday and until the end of Saturday, due to the risk of fire in the municipality, the municipality stated yesterday.

In a statement, the municipality of Lisbon explained that in the forest perimeter of the Serra de Sintra the “prohibition of circulation, parking and remaining of vehicles” comes into effect.

The measure is in effect between 00:00 on Wednesday and 23:59 on Saturday, and it does not apply to “vehicles of residents and companies based there, public passenger transport, rescue vehicles, emergency vehicles and entities members of the Municipal Civil Protection System”.

“There is an urgent need to preserve the Sintra mountain range, UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization], and defend it for generations to come”, highlights the note.

The municipality recalls that for the municipality of Sintra the risk of rural fire is expected to be high on Wednesday and Thursday and very high between Friday and Saturday.

“The Serra de Sintra is part of a classified protection region sensitive to the risk of forest fire, characterized by a high number of visitors. Thus, it becomes essential to ensure their protection, maintenance and conservation considered objectives of public interest, worldwide, national and municipal, he adds.

The municipality also explains that this ban will be evaluated every 12 hours, and can be “aggravated or reduced, taking into account the conditions that may be registered”.

The Câmara de Sintra will also provide “free transportation” from the two peripheral car parks to the Serra de Sintra, located in Portela de Sintra and Cavaleira, to the Sintra train station.


Region Reports

Madeira Situation Report 22Nd July 2020

Madeira has eight active cases of covid-19 infection, detected in the screening carried out at the region’s Airport, totalling 102 infected and 94 recovered patients, the health authority said yesterday.

In the epidemiological bulletin distributed by the Institute of Health Administration (IASAÚDE), it can be read that, “until the end of July 20, 1,559 notifications of suspected cases of covid-19 were recorded in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, 1,457 of which have not been confirmed”.

The eight cases that remain active “are imported” and were “identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport”, in Funchal.

Of these patients, four “were transferred” from the Inpatient Unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, in Funchal, to a hotel unit, “where they will remain in isolation and accompanied by health authorities”, with the rest being in their own home.

“To date, 10,592 people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the ‘MadeiraSafeToDiscover’ application, and 4,566 are under active surveillance”, mentions IASAÚDE.

In the traveller screening operation carried out at the airports of Madeira and Porto Santo, “there is a cumulative total of 9,923 harvests for testing the covid-19 carried out on site” until 6:30 pm today.

As for the total number of tests carried out in Madeira, the regional health authority indicates that “35,711 samples were processed by the end of the 20th”.


Covid-19 Madeira Assembly Plenary Sessions with all Deputies from 15th September

The plenary sessions of the Madeira Assembly will once again take place with all elected deputies, 47, representing five parties (PSD, PS, CDS, JPP, CDU), as of September 15, announced today the president of the regional parliament.

“It was decided that as of September 15, if there is no resurgence of the pandemic, the plenary will now have the 47 deputies in office, instead of the operating and deliberation quorum that we had been adopting in this period more difficult to confine and gradually de-define parliamentary work ”, declared the president of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira (ALM).

José Manuel Rodrigues (CDS-PP) was speaking at a press conference, after the meeting of the Conference of Representatives of the Parties with a seat in the island parliament.

The Legislative Assembly of Madeira is composed of 47 deputies, being 21 from PSD, 19 from PS, three from CDS, three from JPP and one from PCP.

The president of the island parliament also informed that the ALM will invest in the remodeling of the audio-visual media, to allow the creation of a parliament channel in the medium term, and in the facilities destined to the journalists who cover the parliamentary activity.

One of the projects, he said, is “the remodelling of the journalists’ room, which will be transformed into an auditorium and also into a support room for professionals who cover parliamentary work, with better physical and technical conditions”.

Another planned investment highlighted by José Manuel Rodrigues is in the “audio-visual media of the regional parliament, in the sense that in the medium term ALM may have a parliamentary channel, similar to what happens with the Assembly of the Republic and other regional and the national parliaments”.

Algarve


Brussels Agreement: 300 million euros to be paid to the Algarve

The president of AMAP yesterday said it was “extraordinary” the result of the negotiations carried out by Portugal in the European Union and which allowed 300 million euros to be allocated to the region to face the fall in tourism.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister and, in a way, those representatives of the different States that managed to reach a good agreement. Then, I was pleased that the Prime Minister paid special attention to the Algarve, which means that he realizes the difficulties we have been through and that our concerns have come to him ”, said António Pina, President of AMAL speaking to Lusa.

António Pina, who holds the presidency of AMAL with that of the Chamber of Olhão, thus reacted to the agreement reached at dawn between the member countries of the European Union to relaunch the economy after the crisis caused by the pandemic of covid-19 and which he attributes to Portugal, with the long-term budget of the European Union (EU) and the Recovery Fund, 45 billion euros in subsidies, earmarking 300 million euros to the Algarve.

The President of AMAL warned, however, that the Algarve “has more ambitions” for the amount of 45 billion euros and is preparing a recovery plan with investments in the areas of health, water collection and distribution or in the area ports, which he also wants to see also included in that package.

The representative of the 16 municipalities in the district of Faro pointed out that, “in relation to the 300 million, and since there is talk of a strengthening of the regional OP [Operational Program], which was in the previous Framework of 320” million, the region it is “practically 100% reinforced, and this is extraordinary”.


New ARS Algarve data centre is “the largest in the region”

The Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve has, since the beginning of July, a new modular data centre, “modern, safe, with more storage capacity and with high energy efficiency”, being “the largest of its kind in the region”.

For the president of ARS Algarve, Paulo Morgado, “this investment in technological innovation aims to provide the Algarve region with an essential infrastructure for the future, which will contribute to improving the quality of IT systems and resources and, thus, reinforcing the proximity between the citizen and health service”.

Installed at the Faro Health Centre, this new equipment, which is based on a 100 percent Portuguese solution, developed by a national company, is part of the Technological Restructuring Project in healthcare provision and represents a total investment of around 400 thousand euros, 60 percent of which are co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, under the CRESC Algarve 2020 Operational Program (OP).

The new data centre will progressively centralize the information technology systems used in primary health care units and that were dispersed throughout the region, in a controlled environment and aimed at High Availability applications, reducing the risk of loss data and facilitating access to them, “implementing a culture of transparency, security, control and monitoring”.


Group of migrants from North Africa land illegally on Ilha do Farol in the Algarve

The group aged around 25 from North Africa were intercepted by the GNR at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 21st July 2020.

A vessel with 21 migrants from North Africa arrived, at the end of Tuesday afternoon, at Ilha do Farol, in the municipality of Faro. The group was caught by the GNR already on the beach and sent to a pavilion in Olhão.

According to the commander of the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment, Nuno Marinho, the vessel was still detected at sea by the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control System (SIVICC), by GNR, and were intercepted by military personnel, at 7.30 pm on the beach. They appeared to be “in good health”, although one of them was using crutches.

The group offered no resistance to being arrested and, after 10:30 pm, they were transferred on a bus from the Municipal Fire Department of Olhão to the pavilion where they will have spent the night, located in an isolated area. Shortly before, Nuno Marinho had guaranteed that they will all be tested at covid-19 and, later, handed over to the guard of the Aliens and Borders Service.

In the operation, about 20 members of the GNR participated, who, after detecting the group, “started a series of steps” to check if any had fleeded. Everything points to the fact that they have all been caught by the military.

Since December, 69 migrants have disembarked in the Algarve on five different occasions.

Azores

Situation Report Azores 21st July – 22nd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores

The Regional Health Authority reported on Monday that, from 719 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region, two positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel.

One of the diagnosed cases is a 36-year-old man, a crew member of a vessel that arrived in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and that remained here while waiting for test results.

He is in a stable clinical condition and will be transferred to an accommodation to complete the required isolation.

The rest of the crew members must quarantine on the vessel for a period of 14 days.

The other case is a 51-year-old man, who arrived on Monday, by air from the continent, his pre-arrival tests produced inconclusive results. A second test, taken after arriving in the Region, was positive.

He is also in a stable clinical condition and has been transferred from the airport to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada, for evaluation.

The Regional Health Authority has reported that the 1,023 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours did not reveal positive cases of COVID-19.

The Region has had a total of 161 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease. There are currently only nine active positive cases, seven of which on the island of São Miguel, one on the island Terceira and one on the island of Flores.

Situation Report Azores 31st July – 1st August 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, after 1,100 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the last 24 hours, two positive cases of Covid-19 on the island of São Miguel have been diagnosed.
One of the diagnosed cases is a 58-year-old man, not resident in the Azores, who landed by air from the continent on July 24th, with a negative test document. When he took his 6th day test, this one turned out to be positive.
The other case is a 44-year-old woman, resident on the island of São Miguel, who disembarked in the Region from the continent on July 30th, and on arrival obtained a positive result in the screening test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
So, with another positive case on Wednesday and in the Region as a whole, 174 cases of infection with the new coronavirus have been diagnosed, with currently 18 active positive cases, of which 17 on the island of São Miguel and one on the island of Terceira.
In other news, a security guard from a private company in Ponta Delgada was the victim of a frenzied attack yesterday at dawn.
The victim was attacked with a ‘close range’ weapon, suffering injuries to the head, neck and shoulder and requiring hospital treatment. According to the latest information, he has been discharged and is recovering from his injuries. The attacker was caught in the act and arrested at the scene, the 30 year-old man is being held by the PSP in Ponta Delgada.

Situation Report Azores 28th July – 29th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
On Monday the Regional Health Authority has reported that, following 535 new ‘tests’ in the Region, two positive cases of Covid-19 on the island of São Miguel have been diagnosed. One of the diagnosed cases is a 43-year-old man and non-resident. He arrived on July 19th from the continent, his test on arrival was negative but six day later when he took the required, second test it was positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus
The other case diagnosed is a 56-year-old man, non-resident, who arrived in the Region on July 25th and who, when he was tested on arrival his test was positive.
On Tuesday 28th July the Regional Health Authority reported that there have been six new cases of covid-19 diagnosed, three were made following 1,007 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region, one of which referred to a 53-year-old woman who is not resident in the Azores. She arrived by air from the mainland on July 26th and on Monday received a positive result.
The other two cases were diagnosed as a result of tests carried out in the Region’s laboratories refer to a 62-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl, who landed in the Region by air, from the continental on 25th July and that, after a first inconclusive result, obtained a positive result on Monday.
The other three cases are men, aged between 38 and 54 years old, living in the Azores, who obtained positive results in the screening tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus performed prior to surgical intervention in a private clinic, this is normal and follows the guidelines and recommendations of the Regional Health Directorate.
One of these men had arrived on July 22nd and was tested negative on arrival

Situation Report Azores 26th July – 27th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores.
A woman and her five-year-old daughter, put into ‘quarantine’ in an hotel at their own expense because they were sitting close to a man on a flight from Lisbon to Graciosa via Ponta Delgada who’d tested ‘positive’ for “Covid-19”, have filed a request for immediate release (‘habeas corpus’). He was sitting, just in front of them on the flight. Although tests on them have proved ‘negative’, the health delegation still insists that they stay in ‘quarantine’ and the result of her legal ‘appeal’ is to be determined.
Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man, normally resident on the continent, has recovered on the island of Flores.
The ‘Archipelago’ has had 163 cases of “Covid-19” infection since the outbreak began on the 15th of March and there are currently 8 ‘active’ cases – 7 on São Miguel and 1 on Terceira.

Situation Report Azores 24th July – 25th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The UK Government announced, yesterday, that existing UK restrictions on travel between the UK and Portugal (including the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores) will remain in place for the time being. In particular, the requirement to ‘self-isolate’ for fourteen days on arrival in the UK from Portugal, remains in place. It’s understood by the authorities that this is a ‘disappointing outcome’ for many people in both countries.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that, following 968 tests, carried out in the region in the last 24 hours, 1 new ‘positive’ case of COVID-19 on the island of São Miguel has been diagnosed. It’s a 24-year-old man from outside the ‘Archipelago’ who flew into the region from the continent on July the 22nd. His first test was ‘inconclusive’ but following a ‘retest’, he was declared as ‘positive’.
So, the ‘Archipelago’ has had a total of 162 ‘infections’ since the outbreak began on March the 15th. There are currently just nine ‘active’ cases; 7 on the island of São Miguel, 1 on Flores and 1 on Terceira.

Azores
Situation Report Azores 24th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
A survey of users of the “Azores Health Line” (808 24 60 24) during the first half of 2020, showed that 97% of Azoreans who’d contacted the service are ‘very satisfied’ with the level of support, provided.
Between January and June this year, more than 98% of the people who contacted the Azores Health Line followed the instructions given by nurses and did not need to resort to more help or differentiated care after the initial assessment made by telephone.
The survey also said that about 97% of users, in the future, would use the Azores Health Line as a resource instead of going immediately to a health unit, a fact that Teresa Machado Luciano, the Regional Health Secretary, considered to be “very positive, as she confirmed that the service is corresponding to one of its main objective”.
Meanwhile, the Health Authority reports that 1,023 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours but there have been no new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”.
So, the ‘Archipelago’ has had a total of 161 ‘infections’ since the outbreak began on March the 15th. There are currently just eight ‘active’ cases; 6 on the island of São Miguel, 1 on Flores and 1 on Terceira.

Situation Report Azores 22nd July – 23rd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
“RTP Açores” reported, yesterday that most of the Canadian emigrants who’ve been arriving at Ponta Delgada Airport in the past few days, have been submitting ‘invalid’ “Covid-19” test results! A test, taken 72 hours before departure, is required to enter the region, otherwise one must be taken on arrival.
So, last weekend, many passengers from Canada were being asked to undergo new tests and spend time in ‘confinement’ in a hotel, until their fresh results were known.
According to the Regional Health Authority, too many test results that were being ‘presented’ on arrival, were inconclusive or the original testing centre wasn’t correctly identified.
The Health Authority has also reported that 1,023 tests, carried out in the last 24 hours, haven’t revealed any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”. Indeed, a 42-year-old woman who’s resident on the island of São Miguel, has recovered in that time.
The ‘Archipelago’ has had a total of 161 ‘infections’ since the outbreak began on March the 15th. There are currently just eight ‘active’ cases; 6 on the island of São Miguel, 1 on Flores and 1 on Terceira.

Azores
Situation Report Azores 21st July – 22nd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority reported on Monday that, from 719 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region, two positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed on the island of São Miguel.
One of the diagnosed cases is a 36-year-old man, a crew member of a vessel that arrived in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and that remained here while waiting for test results.
He is in a stable clinical condition and will be transferred to an accommodation to complete the required isolation.
The rest of the crew members must quarantine on the vessel for a period of 14 days.
The other case is a 51-year-old man, who arrived on Monday, by air from the continent, his pre-arrival tests produced inconclusive results. A second test, taken after arriving in the Region, was positive.
He is also in a stable clinical condition and has been transferred from the airport to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada, for evaluation.
The Regional Health Authority has reported that the 1,023 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours did not reveal positive cases of COVID-19.
The Region has had a total of 161 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease. There are currently only nine active positive cases, seven of which on the island of São Miguel, one on the island Terceira and one on the island of Flores.
Situation Report Azores 19th July – 20th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority has said that the 931 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours did not reveal positive cases of COVID-19
The Region has a total of 159 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, with seven currently active positive cases, five on the island of São Miguel, and one on the island of Terceira. And one on the island of Flores. The Regional Health Authority reiterates that measures to prevent and contain the pandemic must be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens, public and social sector organisations.
Situation Report Azores 18th July – 19th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Azores still have seven positive cases of the Covid-19 virus, after the 1,135 tests carried out in the last 24 hours have not revealed any new infections, the Regional Health Authority said yesterday. There are five people on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Terceira and one on the island of Flores.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, 159 cases of infection by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the covid-19 disease, have been registered in the archipelago, and sadly, 16 deaths. Four of the confirmed cases in the Azores were people who returned to mainland Portugal, after being diagnosed in the region.
Situation Report Azores 17th July – 18th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority reported yesterday that 2 new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19” have been diagnosed on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira. This follows 926 tests, carried out in the previous 24 hours.
The ‘case’ on the island of São Miguel is a 26 year- old woman, identified as a close contact of the infected person, detected on the island of Flores and, for that reason, she was already in ‘quarantine’ for 14 days. The ‘screening’ tests, performed on arrival and on the sixth day, had both produced ‘negative’ results and only the test, performed at the end of her ‘quarantine’ period, proved ‘positive’.
The Terceira Island ‘case’ is a 65-year-old man who also lives in the region. He’d arrived from the mainland on the 14th of July and his first test was ‘inconclusive’ so he went into ‘quarantine’ but his ‘follow-up’ test gave a ‘positive’ result.
Both are in stable clinical conditions and ‘testing’ and ‘monitoring’ of close contacts by the health authorities are already underway. So, with these 2 new ‘infections’, a total of 159 people with “Covid-19” have been detected in the region since the outbreak began on March the 15th. Currently there are 7 ‘active’ ‘cases’ in the Azores; 5 on São Miguel, 1 on Flores & 1 on Terceira.
Situation Report Azores 16th July – 17th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Azorean government has produced an ‘online’ ‘risk assessment’ questionnaire for people, coming to the ‘Archipelago’. It aims to ‘streamline’ and speed up ‘arrivals’ in the region and can be accessed on this website: https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/
It is also being distributed by airlines, within the 72-hour period, leading up to flight departure.

The information collected in the questionnaire will be automatically integrated into the government’s “COVID-19” platform and will assist ‘tracking’ and ‘tracing’ of visitors if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that 1,140 tests were carried out in the region in the past 24 hours but fortunately, they didn’t reveal any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”. There has been one more recovery, a 31-year-old man who’s a resident on the island of São Miguel
So far, the region has had a total of 157 cases of infection since the outbreak began on March the 15th and currently there are just 5 ‘active’ cases. 1 of them is on the island of Flores, the other 4 are on São Miguel

Situation Report Thursday 16th July 2020 from our colleagues in the Azores
The Regional Government of the Azores decided to extend the situation of public calamity on the five islands that have air connections to the outside of the archipelago, until August 1st, keeping the rest on alert, it was disclosed yesterday.
“The permanent monitoring of the covid-19 pandemic in the Azores has allowed us to come to the conclusion that, in view of the global pandemic situation, and taking into account the opening of air connections from abroad to the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, maintaining the situation of public calamity is justified”, said the deputy regional secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs Berto Messias.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that the 1,285 tests were carried out in the region in the past 24 hours but fortunately, didn’t reveal any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”.
There has been one recovery, an 18-year-old man, resident on the island of São Miguel
So far, the region has had a total of 157 cases of infection since the outbreak began on March the 15th and currently there are 6 ‘active’ cases. 1 of them is on the island of Flores, the other 5 are on the island of São Miguel.

Situation Report Azores 14th July – 15th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
Another earthquake with a magnitude 3.5 on the Richter scale and epicenter about 23 kilometers east / southeast of Cabo da Praia, hit Terceira island yesterday, this event was recorded in the morning by the Azores Seismovolcanic Surveillance and Information Center (CIVISA).
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that the 1,132 tests were carried out in the region in the past 24 hours but fortunately, didn’t reveal any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”.
So far, the region has had a total of 157 cases of infection since the outbreak began on March the 15th and currently there are 7 ‘active’ cases. 1 of them is on the island of Flores, the other 6 are on the island of São Miguel.

Situation Report Azores 13th July – 14th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
On Monday, five districts of mainland Portugal, the Azorean islands of Faial & Terceira as well as Madeira had ‘extreme risk of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation’, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). For regions with ‘extreme risk’, IPMA recommends that everyone avoids ‘exposure’ to the sun as much as possible.
The districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real, Bragança, Aveiro, Viseu, Coimbra, Castelo, Branco, Leiria, Lisbon, Setúbal and Faro on the mainland plus the islands of Flores and São Miguel in the Azores & the island of Porto Santo, off Madeira, had a ‘very high’ risk. For regions with a ‘very high’ risk, IPMA advises that people use sunglasses (ideally with a UV filter), hats,’t-shirts’, parasols and sunscreens. Also, children should avoid ‘exposure’ to the sun.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that the 567 tests were carried out in the region in the past 24 hours but fortunately, didn’t reveal any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”. So far, the region has had a total of 157 cases of infection since the outbreak began on March the 15th and currently there are 7 ‘active’ cases. 1 of them is on the island of Flores, the other 6 are on the island of São Miguel.

Situation Report Azores 12th July – 13th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 on the “Richter” scale was recorded last Saturday on Terceira island, it was felt in the parish of Santa Cruz, Praia da Vitória. The earthquake happened at 19:41 hrs, local time (20:41, Lisbon) with its ‘epicenter’ about 13 kilometres east/northeast of Lajes, said the Regional Service of Civil Protection and Firefighters of the Azores. This is the fourth earthquake, felt by the population of Terceira Island this month; the last one in the same area, registered a magnitude of 2.4 on the 2nd of July. The other two, felt on July 8 (with magnitudes of 2.1 and 2.6), had their ‘epicenters’ in the west of the island.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Authority has reported that the 989 tests carried out in the region in the past 24 hours, didn’t reveal any new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”.
So far, the region has had a total of 157 cases of “Covid-19” infection since the outbreak began on March the 15th and currently there are 7 ‘active’ cases. 1 of them is on the island of Flores, the other 6 are on the island of São Miguel.

Situation Report Azores 11th July 12th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority reported has said this afternoon that the 1,114 tests carried out at the two reference laboratories in the Region in the past 24 hours did not reveal positive cases of COVID-19.
So, the Region maintains a total of 157 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, with seven currently active positive cases, six of which on the island of São Miguel and one on the island of Flores.

Situation Report Azores 10th July 11th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Authority has reported that, as a result of the 940 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours, three positive cases of COVID-19 on the island of São Miguel have been diagnosed.
The cases refer to men, between the ages of 46 and 66, who disembarked in the Autonomous Region of the Azores from air connections from the mainland. Two of the cases were positive after a screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection on arrival in the Region, the other case had a positive result in the screening test performed on the sixth day after the first test. One of the diagnosed cases returned to mainland the day after arriving in the Region.
The Ponta Delgada Municipal Health Delegation has already made contact with the National Health Authority to monitor this case.
The new cases in the Region are in a stable clinical condition and the procedures defined for confirmed case, testing and surveillance of close contacts have already been taken care of by the Municipal Health Delegation.
With these more recent cases, 157 cases of infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease have been detected in the Region, and there are currently seven active positive cases, six of which on the island of São Miguel and one on Flores island.
Situation Report Azores 9th July 10th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The authorities on the island of Terceira have discovered that the man, diagnosed with “Covid-19” and supposed to stay there until he’d fully ‘recovered’, flew back to continental Portugal on Wednesday.
His second test, carried out on the 7th of July, produced a ‘positive’ result and despite having been told this by telephone at about 12:00 hrs on July 8th by the “COVID-19” ‘Home, Patient Monitoring Team’, the man left for the mainland, without the authority’s permission or knowledge.
The Regional Health Authority reports that the 1,105 tests were carried out during the last 24 hours but no new ‘positive’ cases were revealed.
The Region has had 154 cases of infection, now left with 5 ‘active’ cases; 4 on the island of São Miguel, and 1 on the island of Flores. Since the outbreak began on the 15th of March, 130 people have recovered, three have returned to mainland Portugal but sadly, 16 have died.

Situation Report Azores 8th July – 9th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIPD) expressed concern yesterday about, “unexplained failures” in reporting the results of “Covid-19” screening tests. In response, the Regional Secretary for Health Teresa Luciano says that thousands of tests have been carried out on passengers arriving in the Azores which is why there’s been a delay in issuing some results. They should be available within 12 hours but some arriving passengers have had to wait two or three days, in ‘self-isolation’ in their accommodation, waiting for news.
The number of tests, carried out on passengers, entering the region between June the 15th and July the 4th, was 6,825. 2,328 ‘presented’ tests were completed outside the region and 4,497 were carried out at one of the five ports of entry in the ‘Archipelago’.
The Region has had 154 cases of infection with 6 ‘active’ cases, four on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Terceira and one on the island of Flores. Since the outbreak began on the 15th of March, 130 people have recovered, two have returned to mainland Portugal but sadly, 16 have died.

Situation Report Azores 7th July – 8th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Service of the Azores will be reinforced this year with 579 new professionals, from all sectors, was announced today by the regional secretary of Health.
Teresa Machado Luciano said that this year “179 professionals have already been hired” and that 400 more staff from different areas will be hired later this year, including doctors, nurses, senior diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, technical assistants, psychologists, senior technicians and operational assistants “.
The Regional Health Authority announced that the 888 tests carried out at the two reference laboratories in the Region in the past 24 hours did not reveal new positive cases of Covid-19 So, the Region maintains a total of 154 cases of infection with six ‘active’ cases, four on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Terceira and one on the island of Flores. Since the outbreak began on the 15th of March, 130 people have recovered, two have returned to mainland Portugal but sadly, 16 have died.
Situation Report Azores 5th July – 6th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Health Executive has said, that in the last 24 hours, 612 tests were carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region, with no new cases registered.
So, the Region has a total of 154 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, with six currently active positive cases, four on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Terceira and one on the island of Flores
Azores
Situation Report Azores 5th July – 6th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
“Ryanair” has started ‘direct’ flights from London “Stansted” airport to the Azores again, the first flight to Ponta Delgada airport arrived on Saturday the 4th of July and currently, they’re scheduled to continue for the rest of the year. Another flight from the same airport to Ponta Delgada is scheduled for every Tuesday from the 7th of July until the 29th of September. On Wednesdays, from the 8th of July until the 21st of October, Ryanair will also fly from “Stanstead” to Terceira.
At the moment, SATA “Azores Airlines” don’t have any plans to fly directly from the UK this year although they are flying twice a week from Frankfurt to Ponta Delgada on Thursdays and Sundays.
People are hoping that because of the direct flights and the very low levels of Covid-19 recorded in the ‘Archipelago’, the UK government will suspend the ‘14-day quarantine’ requirement for passengers, returning there from Portugal and the Azores.
The Regional Health Authority reports that the 938 tests have been carried out in the Region in the last 24 hours but there were no new ‘positive’ cases of “COVID-19”. So, the Region maintains a total of 154 cases of infection with six ‘active’ cases, four on the island of São Miguel, one on the island of Terceira and one on the island of Flores. Since the outbreak began on the 15th of March, 130 people have recovered, two have returned to mainland Portugal but sadly, 16 have died.

AZORES – from our volunteer in the Azores
Situation Report Azores 4th July – 5th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The islanders of Flores have had their first case of “Covid-19” since the outbreak of the ‘pandemic’ hit the Azores, back on March the 15th. It’s a 39-year-old man who’d travelled from the mainland to São Miguel on the 30th of June and went on to Flores on July 1st. On arrival, he’d presented a ‘negative’ test for the virus but 6 days later, he tested ‘positive’ on a second ‘required’ test. Currently, he’s in a stable clinical situation and the procedures defined for a confirmed case, ‘testing’ and ‘surveillance’ of close contacts, have already been carried out by the local health authorities. Tests on the 3 people with whom he was travelling and staying since his arrival in the region, have shown ‘negative’ results.
To date, 154 cases of infection have been detected in the ‘Archipelago’ and there are currently 6 ‘active’ cases, 4 on the island of São Miguel, 1 on the island of Terceira and now, 1 on the island of Flores. So far 132 have recovered, sadly 16 people have died.

Situation Report Azores 3rd July – 4th July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The autonomous Portuguese regions of the Azores and Madeira have been removed from what’s called the ‘Non-essential travel’ list because of their successes in combating the virus and their low infection rates but unfortunately, while travel to and from the regions isn’t a problem, passengers will still have to complete 14 days quarantine on return to the U.K. This takes effect from tomorrow, July the 4th and stays in place for the time being for all people arriving in the UK from Portugal, as a whole.
The Azores is handling the crisis well as can be seen by its performances since the first ‘positive’ “Covid-19” case was diagnosed here on the 15th of March. In 831 tests, carried out in the last 24 hours, no new infections have been identified and to-date, 153 people have had virus. 132 of them recovered but sadly, 16 died, leaving just 5 ‘active’ cases; 4 on São Miguel and 1 on Terceira.

Situation Report Azores 2nd July – 3rd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
A 2.4 magnitude earthquake (very small) on the Richter scale was felt this morning on Terceira island. The epicentre was about 6 km from Lajes base.
The Regional Health Authority reports that the 914 tests carried out in the two reference laboratories in the Region in the last 24 hours did not reveal new positive cases of COVID-19.
To-date, 153 people have been infected with the virus since the first ‘positive’ case was discovered in the Azores on the 15th of March. 132 of them have recovered but sadly, 16 died, leaving 5 ‘active’ cases; 4 on São Miguel and 1 on Terceira.

Situation Report Azores 1st July – 2nd July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Government of the Azores has just published a list of ‘approved’ laboratories in continental Portugal where people, travelling to the region, can book a free “Covid-19” test prior to their flight: https://covid19.azores.gov.pt/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LaboratoriosConvencionadosCovid30062020.pdf
The tests, being paid for by the Azorean government, must be completed within 72 hours of flight departure and proof of travel is required. Results are being sent to the regional health authority as well as the visitor.
Meanwhile, the official state of ‘Public Calamity’ on the islands of Faial, Pico, Santa Maria, São Miguel & Terceira has been extended until 00:00 on the 15th of July. Despite the “efficacy of the approved procedures” in “containing the spread of the virus in the region”, as well as the “adherence, commitment and responsibility” of people to the implemented measures, the regional government believes that in view of the evolution the global pandemic situation plus the opening of air connections from abroad to those islands, it is justifiable to maintain that situation as well as an extension of the ‘Alert’ status on the islands of Corvo, Flores, Graciosa, São Jorge.
As a result of the 852 tests in the last 24 hours, 1 new ‘positive’ case of “Covid-19” has been diagnosed on the island of São Miguel. It’s the 10-year-old son of the woman who tested ‘positive’ on arrival on the 27th June. Currently, the boy is in a stable ‘medical’ condition and in ‘quarantine’ with his mother.
To-date, 153 people have been infected with the virus since the first ‘positive’ case was discovered in the Azores on the 15th of March. 132 of them have recovered but sadly, 16 died, leaving 5 ‘active’ cases; 4 on São Miguel and 1 on Terceira.

Situation Report Azores 30th June – 1st July 2020 – From our colleague in the Azores
The new hunting season in the Azores starts today and runs until June 30, 2021, “ensuring total respect for the sustainability of game resources”, announced the Regional Government.
The rules for the hunting calendar has been established for each of the islands in the Azores and have been published in the Official Journal by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, through the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources.
The dates established for each of the islands indicate to the hunters which species can be hunted, the period in which hunting can be carried out, the number of pieces that can be captured, the places where hunting is allowed, as well as the processes hunting equipment that can be used.
The hunting calendar for the 2020/2021 season for the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Faial, Pico and Flores “are the result of listening to hunters, farmers, environmentalists and forestry organizations, reflecting the consensus reached between all the parties involved in this process “, explained the Azorean executive.
Azores Airlines resumes internal flights today
Azores Airlines, of the SATA group, resumed this Wednesday the international air connections with four destinations, an operation interrupted since March 22 in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic , said a source of the airline.
In a statement sent to the Lusa agency, the company said that it “resumes” from today “its flights with Boston (United States of America), where a large number of Azorean emigrants reside, Toronto (Canada), Frankfurt (Germany) and, “later, in August, Cape Verde”.
Azores Airlines’ resumption schedule for international flights includes five calls a week in July and October and seven calls in August and September to Boston, five flights a week to Toronto and twice a week to Frankfurt, the company told Lusa.

Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There was a new Covid-19 case on the 29th of July, that of a traveller who had been tested at Funchal Airport. There are now 106 cases, with 9 active cases and 97 recoveries. Six active cases were imported and discovered as a result of
monitoring at Funchal Airport while three were a result of a local transmission chain. There are 7 patients in isolation in a designated hotel and 2 in isolation at home. A suspected case was identified yesterday at Funchal Airport. An
epidemiological investigation and lab analysis are being undertaken on the passenger.

There are 5,926 people under active monitoring and 7,720 people in self-monitoring. As for Covid-19 testing, 43,804 samples have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab).

A total of 16,108 samples had been collected at airports in Funchal and Porto Santo until yesterday (at 16h30). The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 163 calls from Tuesday to Friday. Overall, the total
number of calls made to this helpline is 10,311.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,797 calls, with 160 people being monitored.

https://covidmadeira.pt/situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-atualizacao-31-07-2020/

Exemptions on the mandatory use of face masks in outdoor public places

From the 1st of August, face mask use in most outdoor public spaces will be mandatory. However, there are a few exemptions:

  1. a) Children up to 10 years old;
  2. b) Disabled people (who have trouble inserting and removing the mask without assistance);
  3. c) Practicing sports;
  4. d) Beaches, swimming resorts and access to the sea, with the exception of toilets, where face mask use is mandatory;
  5. e) For physical exercising or leisure activities that require physical effort;
  6. f) Leisure and sporting activities in forests and recommended pedestrian trails, while complying with social distancing rules.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/30/estas-sao-algumas-das-excecoes-ao-uso-da-mascara-na-madeira-a-partir-de-1-de-agosto/

A&E expansion will ensure a better response to an eventual second wave of Covid-19

Work is being carried out to expand the A&E department at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, in Funchal. Other departments at the hospital are also being expanded. Expansion work started in April and is expected to end in August, after an
investment of €1,5M. The Madeira Regional Government is confident this will ensure the hospital is able to provide a better response if there is a second wave of Covid-19 infections.

Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, highlighted
there are an additional 14 beds and that this expansion comes at an important time. He said that, if required, the hospital will be able to deal with nearly 100 Covid-19 patients at the same time. He added that the contingency plan for
the flu-season will start in September and will have special features as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Regarding healthcare staff, Pedro Ramos said the Regional Government hired 1,528 professionals in the previous government term. He added that it plans to hire more than 600 professionals in the next term, with an annual quota of 150
professionals, and that this year’s quota has been nearly filled. He also reminded that there are nearly 100 healthcare and APM (Associação de Promoção da Madeira – Madeira Promotion Bureau) staff on a permanent basis in both of the
Region’s airports to screen passengers arriving in the Region.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100054/Covid-19_Ampliacao_das_urgencias_do_Funchal_permite_resposta_a_eventual_segunda_vaga

Flight frequencies at Madeira Airport to increase to 140 in August

The number of weekly frequencies at Madeira Airport (Funchal) is set to increase from 60 in July to 140 in August. Most visitors are Portuguese and European and there were also American visitors. The following airlines are planning to
have flights to Madeira in August: TAP, easyJet, Transavia, Binter, Sata, Edelweiss Air, Jet Air Fly, Tui Fly, Jet 2, Smartwings, Lufthansa and British Airways.

Flights from Madeira to the following airports have been restored or
will be restored: Lisbon, Porto, Paris, Amsterdam, Ponta Delgada (with connections to the USA), Canary Islands, Brussels, Zurich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Prague and British airports including London, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Edinburgh
and East Midlands. It is hoped the increase in frequencies will lead to a greater number of visitors to the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

READ MORE HERE

July reopening of Madeira tourism exceeded all expectations

The July reopening of tourism in Madeira exceeded all expectations, with the arrival and departure of 46,000 travellers. So far, 72% of all hotel accommodation has reopened and it is hoped this will increase to 84% by the end of August.
Other hotels are expected to reopen in September and in October and about 10 have no reopening date, due to building work or other decisions that are not related to the reopening.

Eduardo Jesus, the Madeira Tourism Secretary, argued that Madeira was “heavily punished” by the fact that several countries looked at national data as a whole and without distinguishing the Covid-19 situation in different regions. He
added that Madeira made contact more than 80 times with the governments of the countries of origin of most tourists, in order to clarify and inform them of the real epidemiological situation in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

He said Madeira
performed very well, not only though its control of the pandemic but also though the fact it is the only Portuguese region not to have had any Covid-19 deaths. He highlighted this by reminding that there had been 90 cases and 1 or 2
active cases before Madeira’s reopening to tourism, while a month later, there have only been another 10 cases, which means the current measures are being successful.

He added that Madeira was the first tourist region in Portugal to implement a good practices manual, to start the process of certifying the sanitary safety of Madeira and to introduce screening on arrival at its airports. He finished by
saying the mandatory use of face masks in public spaces is a culmination of Madeira’s reopening.

Bruna Gouveia, Vice-President of IASAÚDE (Institute of Administration of Health), informed it could soon be possible for samples to be collected at hotels in Porto Santo. This could happen as a result of an increase in the number of
tourists to the golden island and will have to be carried out under the guidance of the health authorities.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100142/Covid-19_Reabertura_do_turismo_na_Madeira_em_julho_superou_as_expectativas

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/100192/Covid-19_Hoteis_do_Porto_Santo_poderao_vir_a_fazer_colheitas

Water supply disruption

There will be a water supply disruption in the parish of Câmara de Lobos due to
scheduled work on the water supply chain to prevent water leaks. The disruption will take place on the 4th of August, from 09h00 until 12h00, and will affect the following areas: Vila, Pé do Pico and Espírito Santo.

MORE INFORMATION HERE


Madeira Situation Report 27th – 28th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases in the last two days. Overall, there have been 105 cases, with 8 active cases and 97 recoveries. Five of the active cases were imported into Madeira and identified after health checks at Funchal Airport
and three were the result of local transmission. There are 7 patients in isolation in a designated hotel and 1 in isolation at home.

There are 5,119 people under active monitoring and 7,134 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Monday, there
had been 1,563 suspected cases, of which 1,458 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 14,146 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 16h00). Overall, 41,435 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 88 calls from Sunday to Tuesday (34 from Sunday to Monday and 54 from Monday to Tuesday). Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,148.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,763 calls with 159 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/28/madeira-continua-com-8-casos-ativos-de-covid-19/

Situation of Calamity extended

The Madeira Regional Government decided to extend the Situation of Calamity for another month, from the 1st of August until the 31st of August.


https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/covid-19-madeira-prorroga-situacao-de-calamidade-e-determina-uso-obrigatorio-de-mascara

Mandatory face mask use on ALL public spaces

The use of face masks will be mandatory on all
public spaces in the Madeira Autonomous Region. This measure will come into effect on the 1st of August. Children up to 10 years old, disabled people who find it difficult to insert and to remove the mask without assistance will be
exempted from this measure. ARAE (Autoridade Regional das Atividades Económicas – Regional Economic Activity Authority) and the security forces will monitor compliance with this new measure.


https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/covid-19-madeira-prorroga-situacao-de-calamidade-e-determina-uso-obrigatorio-de-mascara

Passengers who refuse to be tested for Covid-19 on arrival could be subjected to mandatory confinement

Passengers travelling to the Autonomous Region of Madeira who refuse to be tested on arrival could be charged with a crime of disobedience, and could be forced by health authorities to be in mandatory confinement in a designated hotel
for 14 days. Such passengers would be charged for this period of quarantine.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99901/Passageiros_que_recusem_teste_na_chegada_a_Madeira_ficam_em_confinamento_obrigatorio

New rules for passengers

Passengers who had departed from Funchal and Porto Santo airports and returned within 72 hours must be tested between the 5th and 7th day.

Passengers on flights that had been diverted to Porto Santo must remain in mandatory isolation until boarding a new flight. Passengers who wish to stay in Porto Santo or to travel to Madeira by sea must be tested for Covid-19 (PCR test)
at Porto Santo Airport, and remain in mandatory isolation until the test results are known. Passengers who fly from Porto Santo to Funchal must be identified and reported to the health authorities.


https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/covid-19-madeira-prorroga-situacao-de-calamidade-e-determina-uso-obrigatorio-de-mascara

Roadworks at Via Rápida (VR1)

The exit and entrance roads to VR1 at junction 13 (nó 13 – Boa Nova – marked in red on the map), heading from Ribeira Brava towards Funchal, will be closed to traffic due to scheduled work on the road pavement, from July 31st to August
1st, between 21h00 and 07h00 (following day).

As a diversion, Vialitoral suggests drivers enter or exit at
the previous or next junctions (junctions 12 and 14). Vialitoral asked drivers to comply with all existing road signs. All similar information is available and constantly updated on the following website:
www.vialitoral.com


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99876/Vialitoral_encerra_dia_31_saida_e_entrada_da_via_rapida_do_no_13_Boa_Nova_no_sentido__Ribeira_Brava-Funchal

Water supply disruptions TODAY

There will be some scheduled water supply disruptions today. The following areas will be affected:

Câmara de Lobos (freguesia – parish) – Torre, Ponte dos Frades and Palmeira (09h00-12h00)


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99781/ARM_diz_que_havera_interrupcao_do_abastecimento_agua_em_Camara_de_Lobos

São Pedro (freguesia – parish) – Calçada de Santa Clara, Rua das Mercês and Largo Severiano Ferraz (14h00-18h00)


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99849/Abastecimento_de_agua_sera_interrompido_amanha_na_Travessa_das_Capuchinhas

Santana (freguesia – parish) – Feiteira do Nuno, Atalho, Lamaceiros and Lombo do Curral (14h00-18h00)

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99856/Interrupcao_de_abastecimento_de_agua_em_Santana

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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

29th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Rua de Santa Luzia (numbers 16 to 99)

– Travessa do Pina (numbers 1 to 18)

29th July to 31st July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Avenida Santiago Menor (numbers 58 and 60)

– Rua Dr. António Jardim de Oliveira (number 8) & Rua do Lazareto

– Travessa do Lazareto (numbers 2A and 7A) & Travessa 2ª do Lazareto

30th July – 09h00 to 12h00

– Rua Nova da Igreja (S. Gonçalo) & Rua Professor. Modesto Trindade

– Beco do Carteiro

– Travessa da Pedra Mole

31st July – 08h30 to 10h00

– Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas (number 41)

31st July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Travessa do Tanque (numbers 63, 65 and 69)

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/2020/07/25/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-54-2020/

Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes 27th July 2020

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The suspected case that had been identified at Funchal Airport turned out to be negative. There were 2 recoveries. There are now 105 cases, with 8 active cases and 97 recoveries. Five of the
active cases were imported into Madeira and identified after health checks at Funchal Airport and three were the result of local transmission. There are 7 patients in isolation in a designated hotel and 1 in isolation at home.

There are 4,919 people under active monitoring and 7,015 people
in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Sunday, there had been 1,563 suspected cases, of which 1,458 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 12,762 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 16h00). Overall, 39,870 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 40 calls from Saturday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,060.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,754 calls with 158 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/26/nao-se-confirmou-novo-caso-suspeito-de-covid-19-na-madeira-hoje-ha-mais-2-recuperados/

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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

27th July – 09h00 to 12h00

– Caminho dos Saltos (number 191)

– Travessa da Casa Branca (number 4)

– Escadinhas dos Saltos

28th July – 09h00 to 12h00

– Beco da Pena (numbers 13, 15, 17 and 19)

28th and 29th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

– Caminho das Preces; Caminho de Santa Quitéria (numbers 66 to 76)

– Vereda dos Farias (numbers 1 to 43)

– Beco das Preces (numbers 1 to 11)

  • Travessa das Preces (numbers 28 to 41)

SÃO VICENTE

27th July – 09h30 to 10h00 & 12h00 to 12h30

– Sítio do Lanço; Sítio da Ribeira do Passo; Sítio das Furnas

27th July – 10h00 to 12h00

– Sítio da Ribeira do Passo

CAMACHA

28th July – 10h00 to 10h30 & 11h30 to 12h00

– Sítio do Rachão de Baixo; Sítio da Eira de Fora; Sítio do Lombo Barreto (IGA)

28th July – 10h00 to 12h00

– Sítio do Ribeiro Serrão

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/2020/07/25/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-54-2020/

Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes 26th July 2020

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday.
However, another suspected case, of a traveller who had arrived at Funchal Airport, was identified by the health authorities. Laboratory testing and an epidemiological analysis are underway. There are 105 cases, with 10 active cases and
95 recoveries. There are 8 patients in isolation in a designated hotel and 2 patients in isolation at their residence.

There are 4,913 people under active monitoring and 7,021 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Friday, there
had been 1,562 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 12,295 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 16h00). Overall, 38,884 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 45 calls from Friday to Saturday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 10,020.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,752 calls with 158 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/25/madeira-com-mais-um-caso-suspeito-de-covid-19/

Madeira Tourism Secretary upbeat with tourist demand as a reaction to the control of the pandemic

Eduardo Jesus (Madeira Tourism Secretary) met with Grupo Abreu to learn more about its “Sonhando” campaign, which will bring 3,300 visitors, from Lisbon and Porto, to Porto Santo. He said Grupo Abreu’s visit to the Region allowed it to
gain more knowledge of the Region as a tourist destination so it can advertise it more successfully. He also revealed his happiness with the tourists’ reaction to the pandemic control procedures Madeira introduced and added that the
number of visitors and flight occupancy for tourism are very encouraging.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99701/Secretario_do_Turismo_otimista_com_a_reacao_da_procura_ao_controlo_da_pandemia

IASAÚDE announces new suspected case

IASAÚDE reported yesterday, in the update of the epidemiological situation in the Region, the identification of yet another suspicious case, which is being studied by the health authorities.

He is a traveller identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport, which arrived in the Region yesterday and whose epidemiological investigation and laboratory
analyses are already underway.

Until July 24, 1562 notifications of suspected cases of covid-19 were counted in RAM, 1457 of which were not confirmed. The Region has so far recorded 105 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of whom 95 are recovered cases and 10 are active
cases.

The 10 active cases consist of seven imported cases identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport and three cases of local transmission. Eight people are in
isolation in a dedicated hotel unit. The other 2 active cases remain in isolation, in their own home.

To date, .people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the MadeiraSafeToDiscover application, 4913 of these people are under active surveillance.

Madeira Situation Report 25th July 2020

Covid-19 Madeira registers three more cases

Madeira has recorded three new cases of covid-19 in the last 24
hours, bringing the number of active patients to 10 and the total recorded in the archipelago to 105, the Institute of Administration of Health (IASAÚDE).

“Today, there are three new positive cases for covid-19 to be reported in the region, three of whom are residents of the municipality of Machico [east side of the island], who were being monitored by the health authorities for being
close contacts of a case recently diagnosed imported positive “, said IASAÚDE vice president, Bruna Gouveia, in videoconference, in Funchal.

The archipelago now records a total of 105 confirmed cases, of which 95 are recovered. The first case was reported on March 16.

“The 10 cases of active infection consist of seven cases imported and identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport and three are the cases currently notified of
local transmission”, said Bruna Gouveia.

The head of IASAÚDE explained that these three people are all from the same household and shared the home.

Eight of the active patients are in isolation in a hotel unit requested by the Regional Government and two remain at home, without the need for hospital care.

Bruna Gouveia indicated, on the other hand, that 11,513 travellers have already been subjected to the covid-19 test at Madeira and Porto Santo airports, out of a total of about 21,000 that disembarked since the screening operation took
effect on July 1.

On this date, the Regional Government,
of the PSD / CDS-PP coalition, replaced the quarantine regime with the obligation for passengers to present a negative test carried out up to 72 hours before the start of the trip, or else to do it on arrival.

Travelers are also monitored through an application, called ‘MadeiraSaveToDiscover’, in which more than 30,000 people are already registered.

Currently, 11,303 people are being monitored by the archipelago’s health authorities, of whom 4,767 are under active surveillance.

Madeira Situation Report 24th July 2020

Testing for Covid-19 now available in Vila Real when travelling to Madeira

Since July 1, passengers wishing to travel to the Autonomous Region of Madeira can take the PCR test in continental Portugal, free of charge, in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto and now also in Vila Real.

The protocol was signed between the Regional Government, through the Health Administration Institute with the Center for the Study of Chronic Diseases (CEDOC) in Lisbon, with the Clinical Analysis laboratory of the University of
Coimbra, in Porto, and in Vila Real with the Northern Regional Health Administration (ARS Norte).

In the case of CEDOC, interested parties have been able to do this
since July 1st, in Coimbra since July 13th, in Porto since July 21st and in Vila Real since July 22nd.

In all situations, interested parties only have to present a copy of their electronic ticket or travel receipt.

In the case of Lisbon, the passenger must contact CEDOC, by phone, email and / or using the mentioned form, to schedule the harvest (Contacts: 910459769 / email: diagnostico.covid@nms.unl.pt).

In the case of Coimbra, it is possible to harvest at a Health Center or at the University of Coimbra. Schedules are from 9 am to 8 pm, on working days, and from 2 pm to 8 pm, at the weekend. Interested parties can schedule their test
through the phone: 239 240800.

In the case of Porto, interested parties may request the sample collection schedule through one of the following modalities: Sending an email to adc.pocidental@arsnorte.min-saude.pt with the following data: name; SNS user number; date
of birth; mobile number; email contact; destination address; copy of electronic ticket and / or travel receipt. Test location: Rua da Constitution, 1656 | 4250-162 Porto (ADC PORTO OCIDENTAL).

In the case of Vila Real, it is possible to carry out the PCR test for covid-19, free of charge, through the following contacts: Scheduling the harvest through email: adc.vreal@arsnorte.min-saude.pt. Test location: Vila Real ADC – Vila
Real Health Center nº 2 | Rua 3 Lagares, Quinta da Redonda – Mateus | 5000-577 Vila Real (ADC VILA REAL)

This measure is part of the regional strategy to contain and prevent covid-19 in the Region.

No water in some areas of São Gonçalo

The Funchal City Council informs that, today, Friday, July 24, due to an urgent and urgent intervention in the Boa Nova water network, in the parish of São Gonçalo, it will be necessary to interrupt the water supply, between the 9 am
and 4 pm, in the following streets: Estrada da Boa Nova; Ladeira da Fonte and Caminho da Fonte.

The municipality thanks everyone for their understanding.

Madeira Situation Report 23rd July 2020

Covid 19 Statistics

The Region has so far recorded 102 confirmed cases of covid-19, of which 94 are recovered cases and 8 are active cases.

The 8 active cases consist of imported cases identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport.

To date, 10,956 people are being accompanied by the health authorities of the various counties in the Region, using the MadeiraSafeToDiscover application.

4,722 of these people are under active surveillance.

Jamie Filipe Ramos – Madeira has been abandoned by Lisbon

The leader of the PSD parliamentary bench again criticized the
options of the Government of the Republic and said that “Madeira has been abandoned by Lisbon”.

“It was more important to guarantee the pot of gold to Mário Centeno” or to inject 1.2 billion euros into TAP “than to respond to the needs of Madeirans”, he said, mentioning that the Region is assuming “alone” the costs with the
Covid-19.

“If Portugal is clamouring – and rightly – for foreign aid, at least it should set an example and help all regions”, he criticized, demanding “lost funds and new ways” to overcome the installed crisis.

For the leader of the PSD parliamentary bench, all the answers that exist to combat the covid-19 are within the proposal of the supplementary budget.

“This is not the time to falter. Nor for lyricism. This is one of the times when courage, determination and stability are needed”, so “Madeira more than ever needs this parliamentary majority to mitigate fear”, he said.


Madeira Situation Report 22nd July 2020

Madeira has eight active cases of covid-19 infection, detected in the screening carried out at the region’s Airport, totalling 102 infected and 94 recovered patients, the health authority said yesterday.

In the epidemiological bulletin distributed by the Institute of Health Administration (IASAÚDE), it can be read that, “until the end of July 20, 1,559 notifications of suspected cases of covid-19 were recorded in the Autonomous Region
of Madeira, 1,457 of which have not been confirmed”.

The eight cases that remain active “are imported” and
were “identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport”, in Funchal.

Of these patients, four “were transferred” from the Inpatient Unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, in Funchal, to a hotel unit, “where they will remain in isolation and accompanied by health authorities”, with the rest being in their
own home.

“To date, 10,592 people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the ‘MadeiraSafeToDiscover’ application, and 4,566 are under active surveillance”, mentions IASAÚDE.

In the traveller screening operation carried out at the airports of Madeira and Porto Santo, “there is a cumulative total of 9,923 harvests for testing the covid-19 carried out on site” until 6:30 pm today.

As for the total number of tests carried out in Madeira, the regional health authority indicates that “35,711 samples were processed by the end of the 20th”.


Covid-19 Madeira Assembly Plenary Sessions with all Deputies from 15th September

The plenary sessions of the Madeira Assembly will once again take place with all elected deputies, 47, representing five parties (PSD, PS, CDS, JPP, CDU), as of September 15, announced today the president of the regional parliament.

“It was decided that as of September 15, if there is no
resurgence of the pandemic, the plenary will now have the 47 deputies in office, instead of the operating and deliberation quorum that we had been adopting in this period more difficult to confine and gradually de-define parliamentary
work ”, declared the president of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira (ALM).

José Manuel Rodrigues (CDS-PP) was speaking at a press conference, after the meeting of the Conference of Representatives of the Parties with a seat in the island parliament.

The Legislative Assembly of Madeira is composed of 47 deputies, being 21 from PSD, 19 from PS, three from CDS, three from JPP and one from PCP.

The president of the island parliament also informed that the ALM will invest in the remodeling of the audio-visual media, to allow the creation of a parliament channel in the medium term, and in the facilities destined to the
journalists who cover the parliamentary activity.

One of the projects, he said, is “the remodelling of the journalists’ room, which will be transformed into an auditorium and also into a support room for professionals who cover parliamentary work, with better physical and technical
conditions”.

Another planned investment highlighted by José Manuel Rodrigues is in the “audio-visual media of the regional parliament, in the sense that in the medium term ALM may have a parliamentary channel, similar to what happens with the
Assembly of the Republic and other regional and the national parliaments”.

Madeira Situation Report Tuesday 21st July

Madeira

Madeira remains with 102 confirmed cases of Covid-19

The Region currently maintains 102 confirmed cases of covid-19, of which
94 are recovered cases and 8 are active cases.

In the epidemiological report published today by IASAÚDE, until the end of July 19, 1,559 notifications of suspected cases of covid-19 were recorded in RAM, 1,457 of which were not confirmed.

The 8 active cases consist of imported cases identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport.

Four people are in isolation at the Polyvalent Inpatient Unit dedicated to covid-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

To date, 10,321 people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the MadeiraSafeToDiscover application, 4603 of these people are under active surveillance.

Regarding other tests for covid-19 screening performed, in RAM, 34,421 samples were processed (until the end of 07/19/2020).

In the context of the operation of screening travelers at the entrance to the airports of Madeira and Porto Santo, there is a cumulative total of 9,279 harvests for testing the covid-19 carried out on the spot (until 17:30 today).

Cristiano Ronaldo Jersey raises 3250 Euros for Covid-19 Emergency fund

The solidarity auction of a Juventus jersey signed by the best football player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, ended last July 6. The highest bid reached 3,520 euros.

An action promoted by the Emergency Fund opens: COVID-19, which is intended to provide access to medicines, health products and services to citizens who have become economically more vulnerable as a result of the current pandemic.

According to the organization, “with this amount it will be possible to give a hand to more people”.

The winning couple, Vânia Moreira and Nuno Vieira, affirm that “in life, we do not walk alone. Our well-being depends on so many known and unknown people around us. It was with great pleasure that we took part in this solidarity action,
allowing open: continue to bring health to those in need, with the satisfaction that we feel every time Cristiano Ronaldo gives us a joy. And it has given us so many “.

It should be noted that the auction took place over two weeks on the eSolidar Platform, had dozens of tenders and aimed to help the most disadvantaged in accessing the medicine.

The value of the winning proposal was fully incorporated into the Emergency Fund abem: COVID-19.

Emergência abem: COVID-19 is a solidarity movement, created by Associação Dignitude in March this year to face the negative consequences of the pandemic COVID-19. By helping economically most vulnerable people to access medicines,
health products and services, the aim is to minimize the social effects already felt by thousands of Portuguese.

The auction is over, but the need to help those most in need remains.

Therefore, everyone can show solidarity and make a donation to the Emergency Fund abem: COVID-19 through bank transfer to IBAN: PT50.0036.0000.99105930085.59 ; via MB WAY: 932 440 068 ; directly on the
website www.abem.pt or page Facebook ABEM: . Donors can send proof of transfer, name and TIN to geral@dignitude.org , in order
to receive the donation receipt.

It should be noted that this is an initiative supported by Portugal Inovação Social, through European Union Funds.

President of Madeira Regional Government wants tightened supervision at Madeira Wine rally

The President of the Regional Government said yesterday did not like to see the images of gatherings of people attending the Calheta rally, last weekend, and warned that the moment we live in “is not for games”.

“Unfortunately, there was a group of people – not many – who did not comply” with the social distance and the wearing of the mask in the Calheta rally, Miguel Miguel found today, on the sidelines of the 8th anniversary of Banco
Alimentar – Mão Solidária, in Santo António, in Funchal.

For this reason, the inspection will tighten again, to “control and contain any pandemic outbreak in the Region”.

“I want to point out that what happened at the bar level is already being controlled by PSP and GNR. And the Government is with the PSP and the GNR. So it’s public health; we are not going to play” he said.

Because of the relaxation that has been seen, the Regional Government will now talk to the director of the Madeira Wine Rally that will take place from 6 to 8 August.

Miguel Albuquerque clarifies that the Government does not want to take punitive action, and relies on people’s “common sense” to adjust their behavior.

“No one will be walking around here with a stick behind people, but people, even the youngest, have to realize that they can have fun, keeping the rules of distance,” he said.

But if they don’t comply, “I have no problem taking the measures I have to take. What I don’t want is to have to close this again, and we get into a situation of social catastrophe,” he said, admitting that they are on the table “all
measures”.

In this sense, he concluded: “the rally – any event – will not jeopardize public health in Madeira”.

Even so, Miguel Albuquerque does not intend to suspend the rally, as he believes that “everything can be done as long as it is within the rules”.

Madeira news Monday 20th of July

Covid – 19

Four people are in isolation at the Multipurpose Inpatient Unit dedicated to COVID-19 at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. The 8 active cases consist of imported cases identified in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at
the Covid-19 Screening Unit at Madeira Airport.

To date, 9970 people are being monitored by the health authorities of the various counties in the region, now using the MadeiraSafeToDiscover application, 4570 of these people are under active surveillance.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99146/Covid-19_Quatro_doentes_continuam_em_isolamento_no_hospital_dr_Nelio_Mendonca

Porto to Ponto Santo flights

SATA Azores Airlines have guaranteed two weekly flights, between Lisbon and Porto and Porto Santo, between the months of July and the end of September, says the newspaper ‘Açoriano Oriental’.

It is a sign of the company’s resumption that will thus establish the weekly air operation with the golden island. The newspaper also said that flights between Lisbon and Porto Santo, depart from the Portuguese capital every Monday at 3
pm and from the city of Porto, on the same day, at 8.20 pm.

Bars closed and PSP tow away cars in Funchal

The Public Security Police (PSP) ordered the closure of at least two bars in Funchal and towed several vehicles parked at bus stops on Avenida do Mar. Traffic tickets for irregular parking were also imposed on cars parked near the Old
Town of the city

The President of the Regional Government had already
warned that he requested, with the security forces, an increased inspection at Madeiran night, precisely because there were some spaces overcrowded. People were not complying with the rules enacted by health authorities. At the end of
Saturday night and during this early morning, in Funchal, Miguel Albuquerque’s words were very noticeable.

The Public Security Police (PSP) mobilized several agents for the field over the last night, who started by fining several vehicles owners in the vicinity of the Old Town of Funchal, more specifically at Rua Bela de São Tiago. In
question will be violations for irregular parking along this artery.

At Rua das Fontes, where at midnight there was a large crowd of people consuming alcohol on the public road – which is not allowed, by law, in Madeira – everything “was transformed at a glance”. The police arrived, dispersed the crowds,
noted non-compliance and approached the owner of one of the spaces located there, who was forced to close the door earlier. At Zona Velha, namely Rua de Santa Maria, one of the best known nightlife establishments, Venda Velha, also
ended up closing early on a Saturday night, at 00:30. The administrator of Grupo Café do Teatro, Dário Silva, criticised this on his personal Facebook account.

PSD-Madeira is hesitant to come together in the next 2021 Local elections.

The party president, Miguel Albuquerque, said yesterday he does not want to make the mistakes of 2017 and will listen to local political commissions. What is certain is that an agreement with the CDS extended to the entire Region is
complicated. Funchal, on the other hand, remains the biggest unknown.

And there are several other situations to resolve. For example, in Ribeira Brava, support for Ricardo Nascimento implies places on the list for the municipality. And in mainland Portugal, the national PSD sent a message that is
surprising social democrats.

Madeira Situation Report Sunday 19th of July

Covid-19 statistics

Yesterday there was a new positive case of COVID-19 to report, namely a traveller tested for COVID19 in the context of the surveillance activities implemented at Madeira Airport.

The region has so far recorded 102 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of whom 93 are recovered cases and 9 are active cases. Earlier in the day according to the DGS bulletin Madeira has had 101 cases of infection since the beginning of the
pandemic.

It is recalled that the two new cases of covid-19, announced yesterday by IASAÚDE, do not reside in Madeira and are installed in the municipality of Santa Cruz. Thus, Madeira has eight active cases, while the total number of positive
cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic in the Region now stands at 101.

Miguel Albuquerque Guarantees the Madeira Airport has “The ability to monitor and control outbreaks of infection”

During a visit to a private project in Montado das Rabaças, in Ponta do Sol, Miguel Albuquerque was questioned by journalists regarding Fridays’ arrival of the British Airways flight, which marks the resumption of flights from London,
replying that the entire monitoring of Madeira Airport “is working very well” and that alarmism is not necessary.

The president of the Regional Executive ensured that all passengers
arriving at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport are monitored. “Through the computer and the algorithm we were able to contact everyone. The system is operating in full security” he said, stressing that the airport has “the ability
to monitor and control outbreaks of infection”.

“I think this flight is capable of bringing tourists, but it will mainly bring Madeirans who will return to their land (…) England is one of the countries with the highest infection rates, we are taking great care of the control at the
airport and in monitoring who disembark”. He said that “there is no point in panicking, because the monitoring system we have is working very well”.

Miguel Albuquerque took the opportunity to appeal to the owners of bars and restaurants in the region. “The situation is not normal, we are in a situation of full pandemic and therefore people have to comply with the rules. I appeal to
the owners of bars and restaurants who have to determine and alert customers to distance, the use of a mask and not to allow crowds to happen”.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99050/Miguel_Albuquerque_garante_que_o_Aeroporto_da_Madeira_tem_capacidade_de_monitorizar_e_controlar_os_focos_de_infecao

The PSD Parliamentary Group considers that Madeira is an example at national and international level in the fight against Covid-19.

In an initiative carried out at the entrance of the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, where the Unit dedicated to the pandemic is installed, Mrs Conceição Pereira stressed that this disease led Madeira to adopt specific measures in order to
prevent the spread of the infection, with the concern to protect the population, patients and health professionals.

In view of this scenario, the deputy underlined, for the Region Budget for 2020, presenting in January of this year, “it was necessary to present a supplementary budget in which the largest percentage goes to health, in the order of 115
million euros, to face expenses already incurred and future ones that may occur “.

“We know that it was necessary to purchase personal protective material, masks, gloves, gowns, ventilators for adults and children, and other types of material, including disinfection and acrylic dividers, as well as creating their own
spaces. All of this led to an increase in spending and the need for more funds. ”

The deputy stressed that this pandemic also led to more mobilization of the staff, noting that, since March of this year, about 510 health professionals, mostly doctors and nurses, are attached to the specific care unit Covid, which
also implies more costs. Conceição Pereira added that at Madeira and Porto Santo airports there are 100 professionals, ensuring a permanent service.

In addition, and of all the material that has already been acquired, the deputy said that it is also necessary to think about the future and the possibility of an aggravation of the pandemic, with more tests and the acquisition of new
medication that may eventually arise, therefore, the Region must be endowed with funds to prevent this situation.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/99043/Orcamento_suplementar_preve_mais_115_milhoes_para_a_saude_afirma_PSD

Madeira Situation Report Saturday

Our colleague Daniel Fernandes is currently taking a well deserved holiday so this is a shorted version of the daily report he has kindly provided

Playgrounds allowed to reopen today

The Madeira Regional Government authorised the reopening of playgrounds in
the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The following rules and guidelines must be complied with:

  1. a) The owner/operator of the playground must have a contingency plan and must place, in a visible place, information on the respiratory etiquette and correct hand washing rules as well as the operating rules.
  2. b) Mandatory use of face masks by children aged 10 or older and their companion.
  3. c) Maintain social distancing – a minimum of 2 metres, unless people are from the same household or a child’s companion.
  4. d) There must be a mechanism to monitor/control the use of slides, swings and similar equipments in order to avoid gatherings of parents and children, ideally with a distancing of 3 metres.
  5. e) Respiratory etiquette must be complied with.
  6. f) It is forbidden to share materials and equipments and to bring toys to the playground.
  7. g) Owners/operators must provide an antiseptic or alcohol-based solution and its dispensers must be placed at the entrance of the playground, entrance and exit of the toilets and at the areas where there are equipments such as
    slides.
  8. h) The entities responsible for the playgrounds must ensure the playground is properly enclosed and there are appropriate entrance and exit points, so as to prevent gatherings and people coming into close contact with each other.
  9. i) The child’s companion or guardian must carry an antiseptic or alcohol-based solution and frequently disinfect the child’s hands.
  10. j) There must be more frequent cleaning and disinfection of the premises, surfaces and equipments. There must also be a cleaning record sheet.
  11. k) Water fountains should be avoided, even if they have a foot pedal.
  12. m) It is forbidden to eat or drink.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98133/Parques_infantis_da_Regiao_autorizados_a_reabrir_a_18_de_julho_Conheca_as_regras

Grupo Sousa to triple support for Banco Alimentar da Madeira

Grupo Sousa has renewed a partnership with Banco Alimentar da Madeira (the Madeira branch of one of the most famous food banks in Portugal). This partnership has been taking place since 2014 and has enabled Banco Alimentar da Madeira to
participate in the “Papel por Alimentos” (Paper for Food) campaign, to ensure the reception of food sent by Federação Portuguesa dos Bancos Alimentares (a federation of Portuguese foodbanks) and to provide support the annual food
collection campaigns.

Overall, and until 2019, 18 containers carrying 425 tons
of paper were sent to the mainland, which ended up being exchanged for 34 tons of food that benefited deprived people in Madeira.

The partnership renewal came at a particularly demanding period for Banco Alimentar da Madeira, due to the social needs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, Grupo Sousa decided to triple the amount of donations to Banco
Alimentar da Madeira. This means Banco Alimentar da Madeira will receive €24,000 from Grupo Sousa. This will provide some breathing space to Banco Alimentar da Madeira. Fátima Aveiro, from Banco Alimentar, revealed there are 55 donors
and that 300 people asked Banco Alimentar da Madeira to provide food.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98849/Grupo_Sousa_triplica_apoio_ao_Banco_Alimentar_da_Madeira

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98980/Banco_Alimentar_Contra_a_Fome_recebe__24_mil_euros_do_grupo_Sousa

Madeira situation report Friday 17th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. However,
another patient was taken to the Covid-19 unit at Dr. Nélio Mendonça hospital. There are now 2 patients in hospital. Both hospitalised patients are non-residents and had previously been in isolation in the Municipality of Funchal and
the other in the Municipality of Santana. The number of cases remains at 99, with 93 recoveries and 6 active cases. All active cases came from outside the Madeira archipelago and were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport.

There are 4,577 people under active monitoring and 4,609 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Wednesday, there
had been 1,556 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 7,130 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 32,165 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 45 calls from Wednesday to Thursday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,654.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,670 calls, with 155 people being monitored.



https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/16/sao-agora-dois-os-internados-com-covid-19-no-hospital-dr-nelio-mendonca/

Regional Government decision on camping in forests and protected areas

The Government Council met yesterday and announced
camping is allowed as long as the following compulsory measures are complied with:

1) Compliance with a capacity limit of 50% of the normal capacity (tents/number of campers).

2) Keep social distancing – 5 metres between tents, unless campers are from the same household.

3) Gatherings are forbidden, unless they belong to the same household and have a maximum limit of 10 people.

4) Campers must social distancing – 2 metres between campers, unless they are from the same household.

5) Comply with breathing etiquette and hand-hygiene rules, and take all necessary precautions for individual protection, particularly regarding the use of face masks.

6) Sanitary facilities will remain closed, apart from those that can be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

7) Campers must collect all rubbish they produce, regardless of their type, and drop them at the proper collection points.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98887/Verifique_as_conclusoes_do_Conselho_do_Governo_desta_quinta-feira

Successful merchant ship crew change

The first merchant ship crew change, since the 13th of March, took
place on Monday at the Port of Funchal. The operation involved 6 crew members, 3 who disembarked and 3 who boarded the ship. This was possible due to a special legislative and operational framework, created by the Region, to overcome
the global restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic so as to allow maritime ship crew changes to take place.

The crew members who had been due to board the ship were tested on arrival at Funchal Airport and were placed in isolation in a hotel while waiting for the test results. They were allowed to board the ship after the negative test result
had been announced.

The crew members who disembarked the ship were tested on arrival in a Covid-19 isolation room at Port of Funchal and were placed in isolation in a hotel while waiting for the test results. They were allowed to leave the Region after the
negative test result had been announced.

The operation took place offshore, using a vessel whose crew were wearing full PPE, as a precaution against potential suspected cases. Adequate social distancing was ensured between the crew who disembarked and the crew who boarded.

This operation was coordinated by APRAM – Portos da Madeira (Madeira Ports) and several entities including the shipowner, the shipping agent, the port authority, the health authorities, the maritime authority, border control and customs
authority.

According to Rui Humberto Lopes, Covid Protection and Coordination Officer, the operation was judged to have been a success and since Madeira is on the path of the traditional transatlantic routes, it is expected that similar operations
will take place in the future.

APORMAR – Agência Portuguesa de Marítimos (Portuguese Seafarers Agency) issued a statement highlighting that “few countries allow their ports and airports to be used for crew changes, enabling crew members to disembark and their
replacements to board”. It added that as a result of the Region’s decision and availability, crew members who had been at sea for months were allowed to have a rest and to return to their countries and families, while others were able
to return to work and to earn a living.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98782/Covid-19_Tripulantes_de_navio_mercante_substituidos_com_sucesso

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. The following areas will be affected:

CAMPANÁRIO

17th July – 10h030 to 10h45 & 16h00 to 16h30

– Sítio do Pinheiro & Sítio do Tranqual (partial)

– Rua Comandante Camacho de Freitas (numbers 550 to 605)

RIBEIRA BRAVA

17th July – 09h00 to 11h30

– Sítio da Boa Morte (including IGA and western entry of Túnel da Boa Morte at ER 112)

CANIÇO

18th July – 14h00 to 16h00

– Estrada Avelino Pinto (between Rua Baden Powell and Rua Encosta dos Magos)

– Rua Encosta dos Magos & Rua Baden Powell (partial)

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/2020/07/16/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-51-2020/

Madeira Situation Report 16th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of
cases remains at 99, with 93 recoveries and 6 active cases. All active cases came from outside the Madeira archipelago and were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. Three active cases are from Madeira residents and three
are from non-residents. There are 2 active cases in Funchal (1 resident and 1 non-resident), 2 active cases in Santa Cruz (1 resident and 1 non-resident), 1 active case in Santa Cruz (1 resident) and 1 active case in Santana
(non-resident). One patient remains in the Covid-19 unit at Dr. Nélio Mendonça hospital.

There are 4,314 people under active monitoring and 3,908 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Tuesday, there
had been 1,556 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 6,268 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 31,499 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 26 calls from Tuesday to Wednesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,609.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,653 calls, with 154 people being monitored.



https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/15/nao-ha-novos-casos-covid-19-a-reportar-continuam-6-activos-um-dos-quais-internado/



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98797/Casos_ativos_de_covid-19_confinados_em_Santana_Santa_Cruz_Machico_e_Funchal

Madeira Regional Government in negotiations for tourists to be tested at the country of departure

Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Madeira Regional Government, revealed that the Regional Government has been involved in negotiations so that tourists from the main source markets of tourism (for example England and Germany) can be
tested before flying into Madeira. He said such an approach, in cooperation with tour operators, would be less risky and more practical. However, he also said this idea will only succeed if there are affordable prices.



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98793/Madeira_negocia_para_testar_na_origem_turistas_dos_principais_mercados_emissores

Consuls and hotel representatives toured Covid-19 monitoring units

The Consuls of Belgium, Finland, France, Norway and Spain and some of the Region’s hotel representatives toured the Public Health Unit (Unidade de Saúde Pública) at Bom Jesus Health Centre (
Centro de Saúde do Bom Jesus). This unit has a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Maurício Melim, a doctor specialised in public health, that is working everyday to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira.

Afterwards, the same group headed to Madeira International Airport (Funchal), where it had the opportunity to visit the tracking and epidemiological surveillance unit that has been dealing with all passengers who have landed since the
1st of July.

Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, highlighted the importance of these units in ensuring a safe reopening of the Region. He also thanked all the entities that were represented on this visit that allowed
their representatives to see for themselves the Regional Government strategy for preventing Covid-19 in the Region.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98807/Consules_e_hoteleiros_visitaram_unidade_de_rastreio_a_covid-19

Funchal Municipality promoting “Stock Off Funchal”

The Municipality of Funchal is promoting the “Stock Off Funchal” campaign, which aims to help the Funchal city centre shops to promote themselves, increase sales and make customers aware of their brands and discounts. Shops must have
special offers and discounts that boost their business, increase sales and stock renewal. This digital marketing campaign is part of the Municipality’s reopening strategy and is taking place until the 31st of August. So far, 30 shops
have already signed up to this scheme.

Customers can find out all the participating shops, divided by categories, on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stockoffunchal/). Shop owners can submit an
application by filling an online form (https://forms.gle/TmVKNPfojwwgsBcQ9). The law on discounts and other promotional offers must be complied with. The Municipality of Funchal
is available to answer any queries related to this campaign, by email (stockoff@cm-funchal.pt) or by telephone (291 211 041).

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98783/CMF_promove_Stock_Off_Funchal_ate_31_de_agosto

Flights cancelled or diverted due to heavy winds

An easyJet flight from Lisbon had to return to Lisbon and an easyJet flight from Porto had to return to Lisbon due to heavy winds at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Funchal). In addition, a TAP flight to Lisbon, the first
flight of the day (07h10), was cancelled. There were no departures or landings at Funchal Airport for most of the day. Binter, which has flights between Funchal and Porto Santo, did not operate any flights either.



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98734/Vento_forte_no_Aeroporto_da_Madeira_faz_divergir_mais_um_voo_proveniente_de_Lisboa_

Possible water supply disruption in Santa Luzia

The Municipality of Funchal announced that there will be sscheduled work on the water supply chain will be carried out today, from 09h00 until 16h00, at Rua Pedro José de Ornelas, in Santa Luzia. This could result in a water supply
disruption at the aforementioned street.



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98761/Abastecimento_de_agua_podera_ser_afetado_amanha_na_Rua_Pedro_Jose_de_Ornelas

Madeira Wednesday 15th of July

Covid-19 update

There was a new Covid-19 case yesterday. The number of cases remains 99, with 93 recoveries and 6 active cases. All active cases came from outside the Madeira archipelago and were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport.
Three active cases are from Madeira residents and three are from non-residents. One patient remains in the Covid-19 unit at Dr. Nélio Mendonça hospital.

There are 4,281 people under active monitoring and 3,897 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Monday, there
had been 1,556 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 6,143 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 31,047 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 32 calls from Monday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,589. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every
day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,639 calls, with 154 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/14/nao-ha-novos-casos-positivos-de-covid-19-mantem-se-seis-casos-activos-na-regiao/

Checks on compliance with Covid-19 guidelines

Yesterday, several teams from ARAE (Autoridade Regional das Atividades
Económicas – Regional Economic Activity Authority) carried out an inspection in Funchal to check if Covid-19 guidelines such as social distancing, the use of face masks, maximum capacity limits and distancing between tables were being
complied with. They checked if business owners, employees and customers were complying with the guidelines. Several establishments, including supermarkets, were inspected.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/14/arae-fiscaliza-lotacao-distanciamento-e-uso-de-mascaras-nos-estabelecimentos-comerciais/

40 Madeira companies signed up to certification

More than 40 Madeira companies have already adhered to the SGS Portugal certification on good practices in managing biological risks. According to SGS Portugal, there was high interest in this certificate from a wide range of Madeira
companies such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tourist entertainment, car rental and others that aimed to prove their compliance with good practices and to increase tourist trust.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98648/40_empresas_da_Madeira_ja_aderiram_a_certificacao_de_boas_praticas_na_gestao_de_riscos_biologicos_

MadeiraShopping complies with the highest hygiene standards

MadeiraShoping has adopted hygiene and cleaning procedures through a partnership with SGS, a world leader in inspection, monitoring, testing and certification. This partnership aims to the ensure the safety and well-being of all
customers, visitors, staff and suppliers.

MadeiraShopping received a hygiene monitoring certification and an
evaluation of SGS disinfection, after a thorough inspection. It confirmed the rigorous implementation of protocols and guidelines and reinforced Sonae Sierra’s commitment on safety and prevention.

MadeiraShopping enhanced its current protocols on hygiene in the management and mitigation of risks related to Covid-19, thus providing added safety for all customers, visitors, staff and suppliers. Some of the measures that have been
implemented include cleaning more frequently, more training and specialised training for cleaning staff, social distancing and correct hygienisation and disinfection.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98561/MadeiraShopping_assegura_cumprimento_dos_mais_elevados_padroes_de_higiene_com_certificacao_SGS

Fátima Lopes making masks for Savoy Palace

Fátima Lopes, a famous clothing designer, is making face masks for exclusive use by all Savoy Palace staff. She already designs the entire team uniform for its staff. The mask complies with all the DGS (Directorate-General of Health)
guidelines, has a simple but elegant design, is made from materials approved but CITEV and has its design exclusively registered on INPI. Fátima Lopes explained that since it is a piece of equipment that has to be used for several
consecutive hours and its elastic component hurts and leaves sore marks on the skin, this new mask does not contain any elastic materials.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/14/arae-fiscaliza-lotacao-distanciamento-e-uso-de-mascaras-nos-estabelecimentos-comerciais/

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. The following areas will be affected:

TABUA

15th July – 10h00 to 11h45

Lugar da Serra & Lugar da Candelária (partial)

15th July – 12h00 to 12h30

Zimbreiros (next to ER 222)

FUNCHAL

17th July – 00h00 to 07h00

  • Estrada Curral dos Romeiros (numbers 1 to 30)
  • Caminho Curral dos Romeiros (entrance number 7)
  • Caminho do Meio (numbers 1 to 191)
  • Caminho das Voltas (numbers 1 to 118)
  • Rua Clube Choupana (number 28) & Rua do Miranda (numbers 4 to 7)
  • Vereda Ribeiro Domingos Dias (numbers 3 to 47)
  • Escadas Ribeiro Domingos Dias (numbers 1 to 27)

17th July – 09h00 to 12h00

  • Caminho das Voltas (number 47)
  • Vereda da Terra Chã (number 24)

17th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Caminho do Palheiro (numbers 153 to 190)
  • Rua das Murteiras (numbers 2 to 18)
  • 2º e 3º Becos das Murteiras
  • Travessa das Murteiras (number 3)

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/2020/07/14/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-50-2020/

Madeira Tuesday 14th of July

Covid-19 update

There was a new Covid-19 case yesterday. The number of cases is 99, with 93 recoveries and 6 active cases. Three patients are Madeira residents and three are non-residents. One patient remains at Dr. Nélio Mendonça hospital. All current
active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport.

There are 4,128 people under active monitoring and 3,756 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of yesterday, there
had been 1,556 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 5,758 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 30,334 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The SRS 24 helpline
(Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 33 calls from Sunday to Monday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,551.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,629 calls, with 154 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/13/madeira-com-mais-um-caso-de-covid-19-ha-agora-seis-casos-activos/

Binter to increase Madeira-Canary Islands flights in August

Binter announced it will have three weekly flights between Funchal and Gran Canaria and a weekly flight between Funchal and Tenerife. This new flight schedule will start in August. The aim is to connect the two regions, after an
improvement in their sanitary context and to actively contribute to the recovery of tourism in both territories.

The flight from Funchal to Gran Canaria will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It will depart from Funchal at 12h00 and arrive in Gran Canaria at 13h30. The return flight will be at 14h25 and arrive in Funchal at 15h55.

The flight to Tenerife will take place on Saturdays, with the flight departing
Funchal at 12h00 and arriving at Tenerife Norte – Cidade de La Laguna at 13h20. The return flight will depart at 14h25 and arrive in Funchal at 15h45. Flights can be booked online (www.binter.pt), by
phone (291 290 129 or through travel agencies.

All passengers flying from Madeira must comply with the Spanish Government strategy on early detection, surveillance and control of Covid-19, which means there are sanitary checks on Spain’s entry points.

All passengers flying from outside Spain must fill an electronic public health questionnaire that must be presented when arriving in the airport at the destination. The form can be filled online (
https://www.spth.gob.es) or through a free app called “SPAIN TRAVEL HEALTH-SpTH”. After filling in the questionnaire, the traveller will receive a QR Code that must be presented when arriving in
Spain.

All passengers arriving in Spain, by air or sea, must face a sanitary check before entering the country, These checks could include body temperature measuring to detect fever (a temperature of 37,5ºC or above), documentation checks and
a visual check on the health situation of the passenger.

Binter said it had implemented protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and airline staff, with a rigorous compliance with all European and Spanish guidelines such as, the mandatory use of face masks, covering the
nose and mouth, while travelling.

To increase safety onboard its aircraft, Binter has adopted the following measures: phased boarding and disembarking, the distribution of disinfecting wipes to all customers, the elimination of onboard service to reduce touching of
surfaces, enhanced cleaning procedures in addition to cleaning between stopovers and disinfection at the end of each daily operations, and new deep disinfection procedures to ensure a comprehensive hygienisation of the entire fleet.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/11/binter-vai-aumentar-voos-entre-a-madeira-e-canarias-a-partir-de-agosto/

Water supply disruption in Santana

Scheduled work on the water supply chain, to prevent water leaks, will be carried out tomorrow, from 14h00 until 18h00, in the Parish of Santana. The following areas will be affected: Achada da Cruz, Achada Gramacho, Barreiro, Caminho
Chão, Faias, Fonte Grande, Igreja, Pico, Pico Tanoeiro, Queimadas e Fontes, Serra de Água e Serrado.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98575/Interrupcao_do_abastecimento_de_agua_em_Santana_no_dia_15_de_julho

Roadworks at Via Rápida (VR1)

The exit road to VR1 at junction 9 (nó 9 – Pilar– marked in red on the map), heading from Funchal towards Ribeira Brava, will be closed to traffic due to scheduled overnight paving work, from July 15th to July 16th, between 21h00 and
07h00 (following day).

As a diversion, Vialitoral suggests drivers leave VR1 at junction 10 (Santo António – previous junction) or junction 8 (São Martinho – following junction). All similar information is available and constantly updated on the following
website: www.vialitoral.com


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98599/No_do_Pilar_na_via_rapida_encerrado_ao_transito_de_quarta_para_quinta-feira

Madeira Monday 13th of July

Covid-19 update

There was a new Covid-19 case yesterday. The patient is in isolation at home. The number of cases is 98, with 93 recoveries and 5 active cases. A patient is at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. All current active cases were discovered as a
result of checks at Funchal Airport.

There are 3,638 people under active monitoring and 3,740 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of yesterday, there
had been 1,555 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 5,157 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 17h30). Overall, 29,637 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The SRS 24 helpline
(Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 22 calls from Saturday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,518.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,628 calls, with 154 people being monitored.

https://covidmadeira.pt/situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-atualizacao-12-07-2020/

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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

15th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Caminho da Casa Velha (numbers 88 to 107)
  • Vereda da Bela Vista (number 2)
  • Travessa do Pomar (numbers 1 to 54 and entrances 30 to 48)

16th July – 09h00 to 12h00

  • Caminho da Fajã Escura (numbers 13 to 36)
  • Vereda da Fajã Escura (numbers 2 to 11)

16th July – 09h00 to 12h00

Caminho da Hortelã (numbers 11 to 56)

16th & 17th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Rua dos Álamos (number 3 and 5); Rua da Orquídea (numbers 1 to 20); Rua Dr. Gastão de Deus Figueira (numbers 4 to 22); Rua Dr. Fernando Rebelo (numbers 30 and 32)
  • Vereda do Cascalho (numbers 3 to 9)
  • Impasses 1 and 2 Rua Dr. Gastão de Deus Figueira
  • Beco do Cascalho
  • Bairro Santo Amaro (numbers 1 to 4)

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/2020/07/11/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-49-2020/


Madeira regional report Sunday 12th of July

Covid-19 update

There were 2 new Covid-19 cases yesterday. They belong to the group of 3 people had been listed as suspected cases on Friday. One of them was ruled out after laboratory analysis. The number of cases remains at 97, with 93 recoveries and
4 active cases. All current active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. The patients live in Funchal, Machico, Santa Cruz and the other patient is not a Madeira resident. They are currently in isolation and
have not required hospital treatment so far.

There are 3,380 people under active monitoring and 3,817 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of yesterday, there
had been 1,554 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 4,814 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 28,989 samples have been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The SRS 24 helpline
(Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 34 calls from Friday to Saturday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,496.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,621 calls, with 154 people being monitored.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98463/Casos_ativos_residem_no_Funchal_Machico_e_Santa_Cruz


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/11/ram-regista-mais-dois-casos-de-covid-19-confirmaram-se-dois-casos-suspeitos/

Four Views Hotels to reopen

Four Views Hotels announced it will reopen its hotels in Madeira. The Four Views Oásis, next to Reis Magos Beach, in Caniço, will reopen on the 15th of July. The Four Views Monumental, in Lido, will reopen on the 1st of August. Four
Views Baía, its most recent hotel, is scheduled to open in December and will have some new features at different levels.

The new
program is called “Maximum Care, Minimal Impact” (Máximo Cuidado, Mínimo Impacto), is focused on the customer, and aims to protect guests and staff so they feel safe and cared for, through the implementation of several measures every
day.

At the same time, the chain intends “to provide guests the experience of a quality stay, just as they are used to, in order to fully enjoy their holidays while minimising the impact of these measures”.

The hotel chain is certified by SGS on Covid-19 good practices; has ALS GLOBAL, a Health and Safety international company as its partner; has partnered with DIVERSEY, an international company focusing on Cleaning Products and Solutions;
and has partnered with ERGORAM, a local company that is market leader on Safety, Hygiene and Health in the Workplace.

Some new features for guests include the possibility of checking-in and checking-out online, thus avoiding queues and gathering at the hotel hall; the viewing of restaurants and bar menus on their mobile phone or tablet, which also
provides the possibility of booking services such as Room Service or Spa Treatments.

It should be emphasised that, since the 4th of May, all Four Views hotels have been certified with the “Clean & Sale” seal, issued by Turismo de Portugal.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98264/Grupo_Four_Views_reabre_hoteis_na_Madeira_

Caniço school children warn about the danger of discarded face masks

The school and Parish challenged students, in May and June and as a celebration of the World Oceans Day, to find a way of warning the population not to discard disposable disposable PPE on the floor, particularly face masks, gloves and
cleaning wipes. They also encouraged the population to use reusable face masks so as to generate less rubbish.

The Year 1 to Year 4 students (1º Ciclo) and their parents took part in this project and presented dozens of drawings on these topics. A team of juries from the two local institutions evaluated all the projects and the 5 highest scored
projects were awarded gifts provided by the following sponsors: VMT-Madeira, Farmácia do Caniço, Whale Museum-Caniçal, CTM and Loja Flow.

The Caniço Parish (Junta de Freguesia) will produce copies of the winning drawings and will distribute them throughout the Parish public spaces in order to inform the population on the need for disposable face masks, gloves and cleaning
wipes to be always discarded in general waste rubbish beans and never on the floor.

The website below shows the children’s drawings:


https://freguesias.dnoticias.pt/escola-primaria-e-junta-do-canico-alertam-para-o-perigo-das-mascaras-abandonadas-na-via-publica/


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98281/Alunos_do_Canico_alertam_para_o_perigo_das_mascaras_abandonadas_na_via_publica

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. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

13th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Caminho do Monte (numbers 6 to 54)
  • Rua João Carlos Gomes (number 29)
  • Rua da Quinta dos Reis (number 52)
  • Beco do Pão Duro (numbers 10C D, 10C E, 15 and 17)

14th & 15th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Rua dos Ferreiros (numbers 128 to 138)
  • Caminho da Levada dos Barreiros (numbers 13 to 32)

PORTO MONIZ

14th July – 09h00 to 10h00 & 15h00 to 15h30

  • Casa do Elias
  • Câmara de Carga
  • Campo de Futebol

FAJÃ DA OVELHA

14th July – 09h00 to 10h00 & 15h00 to 15h30

  • Fonte do Bispo

SÃO JORGE

14th July – 10h00 to 10h30 & 11h30 to 13h00

Rocha de Baixo

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/2020/07/11/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-49-2020/


Madeira Situation Report Saturday 11th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. Despite this, 3 suspected cases were identified at Funchal Airport and they are now isolation in the Municipality of Funchal. The suspected case that had been identified yesterday at the same
airport turned out to be negative, after additional laboratory analysis. The number of cases remains at 95, with 93 recoveries and 2 active cases.

There are 3,111 people under active monitoring and 3,065 people in self-monitoring. So far, 12,045 people are registered in the “Madeira Safe to Discover” tracking app. These include people who are already in the Region and passengers
scheduled to travel in the following days or even in the following months. This app has been operational since the 1st of July.

As of Thursday, there had been 1,552 suspected cases, 1,457 of which had come back negative.

As for Covid-19 testing, 28,511 samples from 21,473 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab). A total of 4,460 samples were processed in the last seven days (a daily average
of 637 tests). A total of 4,323 passengers have been tested at airports in Funchal and Porto Santo, of whom 3,161 in the last seven days.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 47 calls from Thursday to Friday. This week there was a slight increase in calls, with 327 calls in the last seven days. Overall, the total number of calls made to
this helpline is 9,462.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,469 calls, including 141 in the last seven days, with
154 people being monitored (an increase of 9 in the last seven days).


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/10/sao-ja-mais-de-doze-mil-as-pessoas-registadas-no-sistema-madeirasafetodiscover/

https://covidmadeira.pt/situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-atualizacao-10-07-2020/

Covid-19 tests available in Coimbra for Madeira-bound travellers

Coimbra is the second city in the mainland where passengers travelling to Madeira can be tested, free of charge, for Covid-19. This protocol is particularly aimed at the more than 500 university students from Madeira who are studying in
Coimbra.

Samples can be collected in health centres, at the University of Coimbra
or at Laboratório de Análises Clínicas de Coimbra. The same laboratory will analyse the samples. Testing can be done from Monday to Friday, between 09h00 and 20h00, and on Saturdays and Sundays, between 14h00 and 20h00.

The Coimbra laboratory has a daily testing capacity of 450 tests. Pedro Ramos, the Madeira Health and Civil Protection Secretary, added that negotiations are underway to extend this scheme to laboratory in Porto and a decision on this
is likely to be made by Monday.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/10/viajantes-para-a-madeira-poderao-agora-realizar-teste-a-covid-19-em-coimbra/

750 face shields donated to the PSP

The PSP-Madeira Regional Command received a donation of 750 face shields for use by its officers. The shields were donated by Loja Susana, a company based in Funchal (Avenida Luís Camões Loja 7/8 – S. Martinho). The shields were
produced by a Portuguese company, have a very high-quality standard and are certified by ASAE. The Regional Command will distribute the shields to PSP officers. The PSP was the first public institution, other than healthcare providers,
to distribute and use face shields. So far, the Madeira Regional Command has been one of the few that has not had any personnel infected with Covid-19.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98360/PSP_recebe_doacao_de_750_viseiras_de_protecao_individual_

Roadworks at Via Rápida (VR1)

The entrance road to VR1 at junction 10 (nó 10 – Santo António – marked in red on the map), heading from Funchal towards Ribeira Brava, will be closed to traffic due to scheduled overnight paving work, from July 14th to July 15th,
between 21h00 and 07h00 (following day).

As a diversion, Vialitoral suggests drivers enter VR1 at junction 11 (Santa Luzia – previous junction) or junction 9 (Pilar – following junction).


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98368/Vialitoral_informa_encerramento_da_entrada_para_a_via_rapida_em_Santo_Antonio_


Madeira Situation Report Friday 10th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. However, a suspected case was identified at Funchal Airport. The passenger was tested in the airport and is currently in isolation in a residence in the Municipality of Funchal. Laboratory
analysis and an epidemiological investigation are underway. The number of cases remains at 95, with 93 recoveries and 2 active cases. All current active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. They are currently
in isolation in their own homes and have not required hospital treatment so far.

There are 3,045 people under active monitoring and 3,181 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Wednesday, there
had been 1,552 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 3,869 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 27,918 samples have been processed in the Madeira Autonomous Region. The SRS 24 helpline
(Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 55 calls from Wednesday to Thursday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,415.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,601 calls, with 154 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/09/novo-caso-suspeito-de-covid-19-detectado-hoje-no-aeroporto/

PSP to increase monitoring in restaurants, catering and drinking premises

The Madeira Regional Command of the PSP (Police) announced it will increase monitoring in such premises and reaffirmed its commitment to ensure compliance with all legal and sanitary rules that aim to prevent Covid-19 contagion in
Madeira and Porto Santo.

All premises (commercial and retail, service providers, within
shopping centres, restaurants and catering services, for drinking, with or without a dance floor and other nightclubs) must close at 02h00. However, premises with a closing time before 02h00 (pharmacies, clinics, veterinary centres with
Accident and Emergency departments and funeral homes), must close at the time that had been originally authorised.

Petrol stations can be open after 02h00, solely for the sale of petrol and for cars to be refuelled. However, the sale of alcoholic drinks is forbidden at petrol or service stations, from 00h00 until 08h00. The consumption of alcoholic
drinks is forbidden for the entire day (24 hours) in outdoor areas accessible to the public and on the streets. Outdoor spaces belonging to licensed restaurants, cafes and bars, are exempt from this ban.

Crowd gatherings must be avoided at the entrance of such premises, which must comply with the maximum capacity limits, as long as sanitary safety distancing is kept. The PSP will fine those who do not comply with these rules. The PSP
can also order the temporary closure of premises and the end of activities, order crowds to disperse. This does not prevent the issuing a potential fine for the crime of disobedience and the arrest for resistance or repeated
non-compliance with the rules.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98284/PSP_diz_que_vai_intensificar_acoes_de_fiscalizacao_nos_estabelecimentos_de_restauracao_e_bebidas

Water supply disruption in Funchal

The Municipality of Funchal informed that work will be carried out today on a water reservoir, from 09h00 until 13h00. The following areas will be affected: Caminho dos Saltos, Levada da Corujeira and Estrada Comandante Camacho de
Freitas.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98286/Intervencao_no_reservatorio_dos_Saltos_vai_comprometer_abastecimento_de_agua_no_Monte

Madeira Situation Report Thursday 9th July 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. There were also 3 recoveries, 2 from Madeira residents who had returned to the island, and another from a non-resident traveller who had arrived in Madeira last week and who has been staying
in the Municipality of Calheta. This means the number of cases remains at 95, with 93 recoveries and 2 active cases. All current active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. They are currently in isolation in
their own homes and have not required hospital treatment so far.

There are 2,911 people under active monitoring and 3,326 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Tuesday, there
had been 1,552 suspected cases, of which 1,457 were not confirmed.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 3,545 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 27,710 samples have been processed in the Madeira Autonomous Region.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 52 calls from Tuesday to Wednesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,360.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,585 calls, with 153 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/08/numero-de-casos-activos-na-ram-agora-e-so-de-2-ha-3-recuperados/

Most vessels allowed to dock in Madeira

All vessels, apart from cruise ships, are now allowed to
dock in the Madeira Autonomous Region. Passengers and crew members who would like to board or disembark must not have Covid-19 symptoms and/or fever.

Docking is authorised under the following circumstances:

a) All passengers and crew members must have their temperature measured on arrival at ports and marinas in the Madeira Autonomous Region

b) All passengers and crew members must complete the traveller registration form on arrival or before arrival in the Madeira Autonomous Region. The form is available online (
https://madeirasafe.com/#/login).

c) All passengers and crew members must present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test, carried out by laboratories certified by national and international authorities, in the 72 hours preceding departure from the previous port.

d) If such evidence is not presented, passengers or crew members must be tested for Covid-19 by the regional health authorities. All passengers and crew members who had been tested must remain in the vessel until the test result is
announced. Passengers and crew members will only be allowed to disembark if the Covid-19 test comes back negative.

e) Passengers and crew members who have been sailing for more than 14 days are exempt from being tested for Covid-19 and if there is not anyone with Covid-19 symptoms and/or fever. Such situation will always be verified by the regional
health authorities.

These guidelines could be reversed if there is a risk to public health.



https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/08/todos-as-embarcacoes-podem-acostar-a-partir-de-hoje-menos-navios-de-cruzeiro-veja-quais-as-regras/

Alcohol ban

The Madeira Regional Government announced the consumption of alcoholic
drinks is forbidden in outdoor areas accessible to the public and on the streets. Outdoor spaces, belonging to licensed restaurants, cafes and bars, are exempt from this ban and must close by 02h00.

All retail and service businesses, including those within shopping centres and including restaurants, bars and nightclubs must close by 02h00.

There is a ban on sale of alcoholic drinks in service/petrol stations, between 00h00 and 08h00.



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98155/Esta_proibido_o_consumo_de_bebidas_alcoolicas_em_alguns_espacos_ao_ar_livre_na_Madeira

Possible bus services disruption this morning

Grupo Horários do Funchal (Madeira bus company) announced there could be some bus services disruptions between 08h30 and 13h30, due to a staff plenary meeting organised by Syndicate Nacional dos Motoristas (a trade union). All efforts
will be made to minimise the disruption.



https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/08/grupo-horarios-do-funchal-alerta-para-possiveis-constrangimentos-amanha/

Possible water supply disruptions in Santa Maria Maior and Santa Luzia

The Municipality of Funchal informed that work will be carried out today on the water supply chain in Reservatório do Lombo, from 22h00 until 06h00 (following day). The following areas might be affected:

Madeira Situation Report by Daniel Fernandes Wednesday 8th of July

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of cases remains 95, with 90 recoveries and 5 active cases. All 5 active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. All patients are in isolation in a
designated hotel or in their own homes and have not required hospital treatment so far.

There are 2,520 people under active monitoring and 3,003 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Monday, there
had been 1,550 suspected cases.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 2,962 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 26,786 samples have been processed in the Madeira Autonomous Region.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 62 calls from Monday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,308. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every
day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,572 calls, with 153 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/07/hoje-nao-ha-novos-casos-de-covid-19-ram-mantem-5-casos-activos/

Return of charter flights to Jersey

Charter flights between Funchal and Jersey resumed yesterday, after being suspended for several months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This flight will also take place on the 14th, 21st, 28th and 30th of
July. Additionally, this flight will take place on the 4th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 25th and 27th of August,

A one-way flight costs €299 while a return flight cost €599 (applicable to adults and children – taxes included). Bookings can be made by phone (291 206 564) or by email (
helena.ferreira@intertours.com.pt). It is also possible to visit the office in Largo do Phelps 18 (next to Rua Fernão d’Ornelas), from Monday to Friday (10h30-13h00 & 14h30-17h30).

The video on the following website shows passengers arriving from Jersey and the two different lanes for passengers. The lane on the left is for passengers who will be tested on arrival while the lane on the right is for passengers who
have evidence of Covid-19 test carried out 72h before the flight.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98068/Chegou_o_primeiro_voo_de_Jersey_com_cerca_de_uma_centena_de_passageiros_com_video

https://www.dnoticias.pt/2020/7/6/56522-voos-charter-para-jersey-estao-de-volta

Madeira Promotion Bureau video showing Madeira is a safe destination

Madeira Promotion Bureau (Associação de Promoção da Madeira – APM) published a video showing that “Madeira and Porto are already open to visitors”. The one-minute long shows all the safety procedures that were adopted at the Region’s
airports and the island’s beautiful landscapes.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/98033/Associacao_de_Promocao_da_Madeira_lanca_video_para_mostrar_que_a_Regiao_e_segura

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier)
announced there will be power cuts in Funchal in the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. The following areas will be affected:

9th July – 09h00 to 10h30

  • Estrada da Camacha (numbers 6 to 163)
  • Estrada do Aeroporto (number 39)
  • Rua Fonte das Moças (numbers 4 to 22)
  • Vereda Fonte das Moças

10th July – 09h00 to 12h00

  • Rua Levada dos Barreiros
  • Caminho da Levada dos Barreiros (numbers 13 to 32)

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/2020/07/08/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-47-2020/

Tuesday 7th of July Madeira by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were 2 new Covid-19 cases. Both cases were identified on Sunday as a result of Covid-19 checks at Funchal Airport. The infected passengers are not related to each other and were tested at the airport. They are currently in
isolation, one in a residence in the Municipality of Calheta and the other in a residence in the Municipality of Machico. An epidemiological investigation is underway.

The number of cases is now 95, with 90 recoveries and 5 active cases. All 5 active cases were discovered as a result of checks at Funchal Airport. All patients are in isolation in a designated hotel or in their own homes and have not
required hospital treatment so far.

There are 2,108 people under active monitoring and 3,001 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Sunday, there
had been 1,550 suspected cases, 1,457 of which had come back negative.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 2,580 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 18h00). Overall, 25,832 samples have been processed in the Madeira Autonomous Region.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 40 calls from Sunday to Monday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,246. The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every
day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,563 calls, with 153 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/06/mais-dois-infectados-com-covid-19-na-ram-o-total-e-agora-de-cinco-pessoas/

Portuguese President promised to speak to the British Ambassador

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Portuguese President, assured Miguel Albuquerque (President of the Madeira Regional Government) that he will mention the particularities of Madeira and Porto Santo when he hosts Chris Sainty, the British
Ambassador, at the President’s official residence.

This is one of the steps the Portuguese President will
take in order to explain to the British Government the current situation in the Madeira Autonomous Region, as a safe destination. The aim is for Madeira to be able to host British tourists without them having to quarantine for 14 days
after their return to the UK. Miguel Albuquerque reminded that British Airways is planning to resume flights to Madeira on the 16th of July while Jet2 is planning to do so on the 20th of July, which means there is still “some time left
to address this issue”.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/06/mais-dois-infectados-com-covid-19-na-ram-o-total-e-agora-de-cinco-pessoas/

Continente stores awarded “Covid Safe” seal

Madeira’s Continente stores were awarded a “Covid Safe” seal by APCER. Continente is the first food retailer in Portugal to be awarded this certification, after an evaluation by APCER that certified all Continente, Continente Modelo and
Continente Bom Dia stores are following the official guidelines to control the Covid-19 pandemic. The “Covid Safe” seal is awarded to organisations that comply with the sanitary and labour authorities’ guidelines on health and safety in
the context of the Covid-19 pandemic — Directorate-General of Health (DGS), Working Conditions Authority (ACT) and International Labour Organisation (OIT).

The following Continente stores received the “Covid Safe” seal:
Continente Modelo Machico Centro, Continente Modelo Santana, Continente Modelo Machico, Continente Modelo Camacha Shopping, Continente Modelo Caniço,
Continente Modelo Cancela, Continente Modelo Seminário, Continente Modelo Viveiros, Continente Modelo Santo António, Continente Modelo São Martinho,
Continente Modelo Madeira Shopping, Continente Modelo Estreito Câmara de Lobos, Continente Modelo Câmara de Lobos, Continente Modelo Ribeira Brava Meia Légua,
Continente Modelo Ribeira Brava Centro.

The independent auditing process on Continente, Continente Modelo and Continente Bom Dia stores evaluated the implementation of procedures and the company’s practices, based on official guidelines and taking into account more than 300
assessment criteria.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/06/lojas-continente-da-madeira-certificadas-com-selo-covid-safe-pela-apcer/

4 cruise ships scheduled to dock in September

Several cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Madeira in September. And about 50 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Madeira in October. These dockings are scheduled but cannot be guaranteed.

Hebridean Sky is scheduled to be the first cruise ship to dock in Funchal on the 18th of September at 07h00 and to depart on the same day at 23h00.

Amadea is scheduled to dock in Porto Santo on the 25th of September at 08h00. The same cruise ship is scheduled to dock in Funchal on the 26th of September at 07h00 and to depart towards Malaga at 14h00.

Costa Favolosa is scheduled to dock on the same day at 08h00 and to depart at 17h00.

Silver Spirit is scheduled to dock on the 27th of September and to depart on the 28th of September.

Although these cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Madeira, there is a lack of definitive confirmation. Many cruise ship docking that had been scheduled ended up being cancelled.

Madeira has not hosted any cruise ships since March. It has occasionally hosted yachts that dock for a short stay to restock supplies. The Port of Funchal is mainly used for cruise ship stopovers and rarely for boarding.

Nowadays, the Covid-19 pandemic is serious and looks likely
to remain among us for some time. This is another barrier to potential travellers. About 50 members of staff are working daily at the airport to carry out health checks on passengers.

It is speculated that cruise ship customers will have to present evidence of a Covid-19 test before departure. Madeira is considering introducing rapid Covid-19 tests for passengers disembarking. Another solution would be temperature
measuring and the use of a disinfection tunnel, a very expensive machine as a minimum of 3 tunnels would be required, 2 for the south dock and another for the north dock. All this apparatus must be set up by the 18th of September, the
day the Hebridean Sky is scheduled to dock.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/06/porto-do-funchal-4-barcos-agendados-para-setembro/


Madeira Situation Report 6th July by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The suspected case, which had been detected at Funchal Airport on Thursday, has turned out negative after laboratory analysis. The number of cases remains at 93, with 90 recoveries and 3
active cases. All 3 active cases are from travellers who had arrived at Funchal Airport. They are currently in isolation in designated hotels or in private residences and so far have not needed hospital treatment.

There are 1,735 people under active monitoring and 2,401 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being carried out by the health authorities of the Region’s Municipalities through the ‘MadeiraSafetoDiscover’ app. As of Sunday, there
had been 1,550 suspected cases, 1,457 of which had come back negative.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 1,915 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 15h00). Overall, 25,400 samples have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira
Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 31 calls from Saturday to Sunday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,206.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,559 calls, with 151 people being monitored.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/05/caso-suspeito-de-covid-19-detectado-no-dia-2-nao-se-confirmou/

Funchal Mayor letter to Boris Johnson

Miguel Gouveia (Mayor of Funchal) wrote a letter to Boris Johnson (British Prime Minister) outlining strong arguments in favour of Madeira as a tourist destination for British citizens. He stated that Madeira took all necessary measures
to ensure a safe holiday for tourists while enjoying a temperate climate, the natural wonders and the warm hospitality of the Madeiran people.

He added that, with only 93 Covid-19 cases, Madeira is one of the safest places in Europe and in the world to visit this summer. He reinforced this by mentioning the “Clean & Safe” seal introduced for restaurants, lodging and shops, the
checks at Funchal and Porto Santo airports and the need to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test or to be tested on arrival. He finished by saying Madeira had been elected as the best insular destination in Europe and that the
Madeira archipelago has long been a favourite destination for British citizens.

The main source market of tourism to Madeira is the UK and Germany.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97834/Covid-19_Funchal_apresenta_argumentos_fortes_a_favor_da_Madeira_ao_primeiro-ministro_britanico

Portuguese President visit to Madeira

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s visit to Madeira allowed him to be briefed on public health, the strategy adopted, its organisation, execution and results. He was also informed on the people who had planned, anticipated and executed
the plans.

He said it was important to have talked with business-owners (particularly from the hotels) and the people (particularly in Câmara de Lobos – where there was a sanitary cordon during part of the state of emergency), to understand what
is at stake in the Region.

He also had the opportunity to understand the health measures in place at Funchal Airport to deal with the thousands of tourists Madeira is hoping to receive, and to see if these measures can be implemented at airports in the mainland.
He revealed his visit allowed him to gather plenty of important political information and that he will be able to convey the importance of what is happening in Madeira.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97837/Marcelo_diz_levar_da_Madeira_elementos_politicos_importantes_para_transmitir_a_Republica


More tourists arrived in Madeira

Yesterday afternoon, a flight from Dusseldorf, carrying 131 tourists, landed at Funchal Airport. The passengers were offered the typical Madeira bananas, small bottles of Madeira Wine, bottles of water and face masks. Another flight
from the Canary Islands also landed. Ten flights are scheduled to land in Madeira today, most of them from the mainland and other Portuguese islands. Additionally, a flight from Amsterdam is scheduled to land at 9h10 and another from
Brussels is expected to land at 16h45.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97832/131_turistas_da_Alemanha_recebidos_no_Aeroporto_com_a_tipica_banana_da_Madeira_

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97795/Madeira_recebe_aviao_proveniente_de_Dusseldorf

3 million Euros spent on campaign hospital

Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Madeira Regional Government, revealed the Region spent 3 million Euros on a separate SESARAM Covid-19 unit, which was built in 15 days. Júlio Nobrega, the clinical director of Dr- Nélio Mendonça
Hospital, said this allowed Covid-19 patients to be treated in a separate unit, without having contact with other patients. He added that that a cleaning team was always ready whenever a patient was being moved.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97790/Albuquerque_revela_ter_gasto_3_milhoes_com_o_hospital_de_campanha_no_SESARAM

Year 9 students create videos and websites to promote tourism to Madeira

“Circumstances change, goals don’t!” That’s how a year 9 English class from EB 2, 3 Dr. Horácio Bento de Gouveia started a project called ‘Celebrate’. The aim is to celebrate the beauty and natural richness of the Madeira archipelago,
to practice what was learnt and to help tourism to recover. Considering the fact that Madeira suffered greatly due to the suspension of tourism, the students were challenged to work, individually or as a group, in order to create videos
or websites highlighting the beauty of Madeira and encouraging tourists to visit Madeira. The idea is to go further and to have the work translated into different languages so as to reach the biggest possible number of potential
tourists.

Afterwards, some regional tourism operators were
contacted and offered the material created by the class, to be used to complement their tourist advertising. Madeira Luxury Villas is already using these resources on its social media pages.

This project was based on a problem-based-learning methodology, which combines academic learning with the real needs of the community. Instead of reading and using the same grammatical exercises, a decision was made to apply the
knowledge to the speeches and written content on the website, thus applying the curriculum to the real world.

The students were given a clear goal to accomplish and were responsible for their own learning while different paces and learning levels were still respected. It was shown that distance-learning was still possible. Although the pandemic
forced the circumstances to change, the dreams and goals of the young students cannot be dampened. The future is at stake and this work shows that we are stronger together.

A group of students explained that: “Madeira is yours to discover. Dare to visit us and we will welcome you with open arms!”

These student works can be found on the ‘Comunidade HBG’ Facebook page. This is one of the websites created as part of this project:
https://leisuremadeira.wixsite.com/travel?fbclid=IwAR0H1ufYKMAxSr080HPJifBbcKECPkqXSvQvJ3vKVzBnAF7Yfsm7qCtp3mM


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/05/alunos-da-escola-horacio-bento-criam-videos-e-websites-para-a-promocao-turistica-da-madeira/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts on the following days, due to planned work on the electricity supply network. The following areas will be affected:

FUNCHAL

7th July – 09h00 to 12h00:

  • Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas (numbers 582 to 649)
  • Caminho do Galeão (numbers 3 to 7) & Caminho da Ribeira de Santana (numbers 2 to 11)
  • Travessa dos Pereiras (numbers 22 to 33) & Travessa do Ribeiro do Canavial (numbers 3 to 7)
  • Escadas da Ribeira (numbers 2 to 8)

7th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00 – Rampa Quinta Carvalhal

8th and 9th July – 09h00 to 11h30 & 14h00 to 16h00

  • Caminho do Jamboto (numbers 3, 46 and door 3)
  • Beco Poço das Freiras (numbers 3 to 15)
  • Travessa Quinta das Freiras
  • 10th July – 09h00 to 12h00 – Rua da Escola Secundária do Galeão (numbers 6 to 8)

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

7th July – 09h00 to 12h00:

  • Caminho das Preces (between numbers 57 and 117) & Caminho do Serrado (entrance number 1 of Caminho do Serrado) & Caminho do Lagar da Giesta (partial)
  • Bairro da Palmeira (Blocos/Blocks 5, 6, 7 and 8)

PORTO MONIZ

7th July – 09h00 to 9h30 & 12h30 to 13h00 – Casa do Elias, Câmara de Carga and Campo de Futebol (football pitch)

FAJÃ DA OVELHA – Fonte do Bispo 7th July – 09h00 to 13h00

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/2020/07/04/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-45-2020-2/

Madeira situation report by Daniel Fernandes Sunday 5th of July

Useful information and websites

A reminder that all passengers arriving from outside the Madeira Region, who have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test carried out within 72h before departure, in laboratories certified by national or international authorities, will be
allowed to continue towards their destination. However, passengers must present evidence of this negative Covid-19, which can also be submitted before travelling, along with the traveller registration.

As a result of a partnership between the Madeira Regional Government and NOVA Medical School – Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, passengers heading to Madeira can be tested for Covid-19, free of charge, at Laboratório CEDOC – Centro de
Estudos de Doenças Crónicas:

Laboratório CEDOC – Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas

NOVA Medical School – Faculdade de Ciências Médicas

Address: Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130 – 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal

Sample collections: Mondays to Fridays – 08h00 – 10h00

Sample collections can be booked in the following ways:

Booking form: https://forms.gle/c8B1TzWBeQeKcauw6

Email: diagnostico.covid@nms.unl.pt

Phone: 910 459 769

https://covidmadeira.pt/onde-realizar-testes-em-portugal-continental/

Madeira Traveller Registration – https://madeirasafe.com/#/login

Madeira Safe to Discover – https://madeirasafetodiscover.com

Safe to Discover Guide –
https://madeirasafetodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tourism-reopening-in-Madeira_Final.pdf

Covid-19 update

There was a new Covid-19 case yesterday. This case was identified after a passenger was tested after arriving at Funchal Airport. The passenger is currently in isolation in a residence in the Municipality of Santa Cruz. The number of
cases is now 93, with 90 recoveries and 3 active cases. As for the suspected case that had been detected on Thursday at Funchal Airport, it remains under epidemiological investigation. The patient is in isolation in a residence in the
Municipality of Funchal while waiting for a definitive laboratory result.

There are 319 people under active monitoring and 2,700 people in
self-monitoring. They are being monitored through the “MadeiraSafetoDiscover” app. As of yesterday, there had been 1,550 suspected cases.

As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal Airport, 1,668 samples had been collected until yesterday (at 20h00). Overall, 24,684 samples have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira
Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 38 calls from Friday to Saturday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,175.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,544 calls, with 150 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/04/madeira-tem-mais-um-caso-positivo-de-covid-19-detectado-hoje-no-aeroporto/

Portuguese President believes Madeira will be exempt from UK quarantine rules

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Portuguese President, believes the UK will remove the requirement for travellers returning from Madeira to go into quarantine. In remarks given on his first visit to Madeira since the start of the pandemic,
he explained that Madeira went through a difficult, complex but ultimately successful process in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic in Madeira. He added that the epidemiological data provides so much evidence of this that Madeira is
considered to be a role model when it comes to trust and safety. This is why he believes the statistics will be convince the British allies.

The President also said that in terms of tourism, there is a considerable occupancy level despite this being an abnormal year. He acknowledged that the Region has dealt with the pandemic in a way that brings plenty of hope for the
future.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97746/Marcelo_acredita_que_o_Reino_Unido_vai_retirar_a_quarentena_de_quem_chegar_da_Madeira

Video shows the arrival of passengers on the 1st of July

The Madeira Promotion Bureau (Associação de Promoção da Madeira – APM) published a video showing the arrival of passengers at Funchal Airport on the 1st of July, the day when Madeira reopened to tourism. It described the reopening as a
huge success.

Four flights, from Lisbon and Porto, carrying 425 passengers,
landed on the 1st of July. A total of 243 passengers were tested for Covid-19 in the airport. On average, testing took less than an hour and all tests came back negative. Nuno Vale, the executive-director of the Madeira Promotion
Bureau, said the first day of the airport reopening was a “real success”.

All tests were carried out in record timing and in a friendly atmosphere, in which tourists were offered some gifts. Detailed planning and preparations were carried out so as to provide a good experience for passengers as soon as they
arrive. He stated that the Region is making a huge effort to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents, with the aim of making Madeira a successful destination. He congratulated Madeira not only for being almost Covid-19 free, but
also for having introduced strict but efficient entry checks while providing a good tourist experience.

More than 200 professionals, mostly from healthcare, were assigned to the new passenger control system. The airport itself has a permanent team of about 60-70 professionals. The video, published as part of the “Madeira Safe to Discover”
project, can be viewed on the following link:


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97700/Imagens_mostram_a_chegada_dos_passageiros_ao_Aeroporto_no_ambito_do_Madeira_Safe_to_Discover_com_video

Madeira Situation Report Saturday 4th July 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Madeira Regional
Government is pleased with the United Kingdom’s decision to create an air corridor between England and Madeira. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office deemed that Madeira no longer poses “an unacceptably high risk for British
travellers”, which means it is exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel.

He said the Region’s strategy was the most correct and mentioned the joint work that was carried out. He added that this crucial development showed that the policies of testing on arrival and the public health checks were the most
adequate.

He also mentioned the contacts the Regional Government held with the British Ambassador to Portugal and with the Portuguese Ambassador to the UK. He specifically thanked Turismo de Portugal, the Secretary of State for Tourism, the
Foreign Ministry for their efforts in negotiating with the British authorities to ensure this successful outcome.

It is crucial that the British market is safeguarded because it is the main provider of international tourists to Madeira. Miguel Albuquerque revealed the two main UK tourism companies are already working to resume operations as soon as
possible.

He appealed for the Madeira people to comply with all safety procedures, saying “it is a good that people are concerned, because this is a sign that they will continue to adopt preventive and prophylactic measures, particularly social
distancing, the use of face masks and hygiene guidelines, all of which are crucial. He also reminded that the entire world, and especially Europe, is still in the middle of a pandemic. He warned against thinking the pandemic is over and
stressed that Madeira “has a solution that matches the reopening of borders to tourists with the need for epidemic control and to prevent the creation of uncontrollable transmission chains.

He ended by saying he is confident that tourism in Madeira will recover if these concerns are addressed and if the mobile app is used for monitoring.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97671/Decisao_do_Reino_Unido_confirma_que_a_estrategia_da_Regiao_foi_a_mais_acertada_diz_Albuquerque


https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-countries-and-territories-exempt-from-advice-against-all-but-essential-international-travel

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of cases remains 92, with 90 recoveries and 2 active cases. Both cases were detected on the 3rd week of June and the patients remain in isolation in a designated hotel, without
requiring hospitalisation.

There are 340 people under active monitoring and 1,821 people in self-monitoring. Monitoring is being conducted through the MadeiraSafetoDiscover app. A suspected case was detected in Funchal Airport. Testing and an
epidemiological investigation is underway. The traveller is in isolation at home in the Funchal Municipality. As of Thursday, there had been 1,547 suspected cases.

It was revealed that 957 tests have been carried out since the 1st of July, in the Region’s airports. Overall, a total of 2,043 samples were analysed in the last seven days. Since the start of the pandemic, 24,051 samples from 20,486
people have been analysed in the Madeira Autonomous Region.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 54 calls from Thursday to Friday while 292 calls were made in the last seven days. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,137.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,535 calls, with 150 people being monitored.

https://covidmadeira.pt/situacao-epidemiologica-na-ram-atualizacao-03-07-2020/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/03/ram-sem-novos-casos-de-covid-19/

PortoBay hotels to reopen

Today, PortoBay is reopening the following five hotels in Funchal: Les Suites at The Cliff Bay, The Cliff Bay, Eden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence.

The hotels are operating under a reduced maximum capacity and more outdoor space. Grupo PortoBay ensures the safety and hygiene guidelines are rigorously complied with under the safety “Together We Care” safety protocol. It has a Clean
& Safe certificate issued by Turismo de Portugal and certification by SGS.

There will be special rates, from €99 per room per day, for bookings made until the 20th of July, for stays between the 10th of July and the 31st of August.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97627/Grupo_PortoBay_reabre_hoteis_na_Madeira_

Madeira Situation Report Friday 3rd July 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of cases remains 92, with 90 recoveries and 2 active cases. Both cases were detected on the 3rd week of June and the patients remain in isolation in a designated hotel, without
requiring hospitalisation.

There are 340 people under active monitoring and 1,304 people in self-monitoring. A suspected case was detected in Funchal Airport. Testing and an epidemiological investigation is underway. The traveler is in isolation at home in the
Funchal Municipality. As of Thursday, there had been 1,547 suspected cases.

As for Covid-19 testing, 23,460 samples from 20,418 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab). And yesterday, 340 samples were collected for Covid-19 testing at Funchal
Airport.

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 67 calls from Wednesday to Thursday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,083.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,525 calls, with 149 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/02/detectado-um-caso-suspeito-de-covid-19-no-aeroporto-o-mesmo-encontra-se-em-estudo/

First TAP aircraft landed in Porto Santo

A TAP aircraft landed in Porto Santo Airport for the first time since it reopened for flights. The TAP flight had flown about 120 passengers from Lisbon. There were two clearly visible lanes, one for passengers with evidence of a
negative Covid-19 test and another for passengers who had to be tested. Many passengers had paper or digital evidence of a negative Covid-19 test. The next TAP flight to Porto Santo is scheduled to take place on Sunday and will also
carry about 120 passengers.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97575/Primeiro_aviao_da_TAP_aterrou_no_Porto_Santo_apos_a_reabertura_do_aeroporto

Hotel Dom Pedro Madeira to reopen on the 16th of July

Dom Pedro Madeira-Ocean Beach Hotel will reopen on the 16th of July. This is yet another Madeira hotel that is reopening in July and will end the reopening process of all Dom Pedro Hotels & Gold Collection branches in Madeira. This
specific hotel is located on the eastern coast of the island, next to the beautiful Machico bay. The hotel is 50 metres away from Banda D’Além Beach, can be accessed through the promenade, is 5 minutes away from Madeira Airport and 25
minutes away from the Funchal city centre.

Grupo Dom Pedro (hotel chain) set up and implemented an internal procedure booklet containing all safety and prevention measures, based on the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) and Turismo de Portugal guidelines. These include
purchasing equipment, Covid-19 signage and further disinfection of public spaces, restaurant, swimming pool, bedrooms and corridors. Compliance with these procedures allowed the hotel to be awarded the Turismo de Portugal’s Clean & Safe
seal and certified the hotel as a safe place for its staff and customers.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97490/Hotel_Dom_Pedro_Madeira_reabre_dia_16_de_julho

Possible bus services disruptions this morning

Grupo Horários do Funchal (Madeira bus company) announced there could be some bus services disruptions between 11h00 and 13h30, due to a staff plenary meeting organised by Syndicate Nacional dos Motoristas (a trade union). This meeting
will take place in a HF station in Fundoa between 11h00 and 13h30.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97498/Horarios_do_Funchal_alerta_para_possiveis_constrangimentos_nas_carreiras_entre_as_11h00_e_as_13h00_devido_a_um_plenario_de_trabalhadores

Madeira Situation Report Thursday 2nd July 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Exceptional results after 425 passengers landed at Madeira Airport

Yesterday, four flights operated by TAP, EasyJet and
Azores Air Lines, from Lisbon, Porto and Azores and carrying a total of 425 passengers, landed at Madeira Airport (Funchal). This was on the same day the new entry control system went into place, in which passengers who do not provide
evidence of a negative Covid-19 test must be tested on arrival. More than half of the passengers (243) were moved into a separate area where they were tested after a waiting time of about 5 minutes. They had to wait for 12h before the
health authorities informed them of the test result, while staying in voluntary confinement at home or in hotels.

Madeira Airport (in Funchal) is currently able to carry out 250 Covid-19 tests per hour on passengers who had not been tested before traveling to Madeira. However, if necessary, the Madeira health authorities have the means to increase
the hourly testing capacity. An increase in testing capacity is already expected, although it is likely that more and more passengers will be able to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test carried out before departure.

There is a “blue lane” for passengers who must be tested at the Arrivals entrance and a “green lane” for those in possession of evidence of a negative test carried out within 72 hours or who are exempt from this rule (such as children
aged under 12).

According to Eduardo Jesus (Madeira Tourism Secretary), the
local authorities had the opportunity to carry out real-life simulations and training, such as a simulation last week and a Transavia flight from Paris via Porto on Saturday. A number of details were adjusted when a flight from Lisbon
landed on Tuesday. All team are well prepared, there is clearer signage and the space separating the green and blue lane is more evident. He added that this is mega-operation involving the regional health authority in cooperation with
the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture and the Madeira Promotion Bureau. He said Madeira “is under big scrutiny, not only from visitors but also from the national media” and “this is not only a responsibility but also an
opportunity to show Madeira’s commitment in this reopening stage and in restarting tourism.”

According to Herberto Jesus, the president of IASAÚDE (Madeira Health Institute), the experience on the first day was “very good and without big disruptions or gatherings, because everything was well-planned, ensuring the safety of our
population and visitors”. He added that passengers had identified the different lanes, the information was adequate and testing was carried out in record timing. He finished by saying “this is a happy day for the Madeira Autonomous
Region.”

More good news were to follow after Eduardo Jesus said the region is scheduled to have 30% of the flights it had in July 2019, 46% of the flights it had in August 2019 and 50% of the flights it had in September 2009.

He added that the British Embassy in Lisbon had informed the Madeira Regional Government it had accepted its argument that the epidemiological situation in Madeira is not comparable to the situation in the Mainland, in addition to the
fact there are direct flights from the UK to Madeira. The Regional Government have also presented a similar view to the Danish authorities in order to keep the direct flight from Denmark to Porto Santo, an island that has been free from
Covid-19 for several weeks.

Today, flights from the Netherlands and Germany are scheduled to resume.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97444/Resultados_excecionais_no_dia_em_que_425_passageiros_desembarcaram_no_Aeroporto_da_Madeira


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97442/Covid-19_Eduardo_Jesus_afirma_que_reabertura_dos_aeroportos_na_Regiao_esta_a_decorrer_bem

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of cases remains 92, with 90 recoveries and 2 active cases. Both cases were detected on the 3rd week of June and the patients remain in isolation in a designated hotel, without
requiring hospitalisation.

The highlight was the arrival of 425 passengers at Funchal Airport, 243 of whom were tested for Covid-19 on the spot while the remaining passengers either presented evidence of a negative test or were exempt from the new testing
legislation.

There are 369 people under active monitoring and 1,353 people in self-monitoring. As of Wednesday, there had been 1,546 suspected cases, 1,454 of which had come back negative.

As for Covid-19 testing, 23,026 samples from 20,334 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 52 calls from Tuesday to Wednesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 9,016.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,518 calls, with 148 people being monitored.


https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/07/01/243-passageiros-testados-para-covid-19-hoje-no-aeroporto-ram-mantem-apenas-2-casos-activos/

Hotel Golden Residence and Hotel Meliá Madeira Mare reopened

Hotel Golden Residence and Hotel Meliá Madeira Mare reopened yesterday. Hotel
Golden Residence is a four-star hotel located in Funchal, has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and double rooms and apartments with a small kitchen. Hotel Meliá Madeira Mare is located in Lido, also offers excellent views of the
Atlantic Ocean and has direct access to the promenade and Gorgulho beach.

Hotel Golden Residence is taking part in the “Welcome Back” scheme until the 12th of July. This scheme offers a 20% discount on stays until the end of the year and other benefits.

Hotel Meliá Madeira Mare is taking part in a “When You Come Back” scheme until the 12th of July. It offers a 30% discount and a further 50% of points for members of the Meliá Rewards program. Both schemes are offering largely flexible
and refundable bookings, allowing bookings to be rescheduled or cancelled up to 7 days before arrival.

Both hotel chains have been awarded the Clean & Safe seal and have implemented a safety and hygiene plan that follows all the World Health Organization and Directorate-General of Health (DGS) recommendations.


https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97399/Hoteis_Golden_Residence_e_Melia_Madeira_Mare_retomam_hoje_a_sua_atividade

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 1st July 2020 by Daniel Fernandes

Useful information for travellers

The Madeira Regional Government advises travellers of the
importance of knowing the guidelines applicable in the Region, with the aim of preventing and containing Covid-19.

The filling of an epidemiological survey is mandatory. This can be done online (www.madeirasafe.com – registration form available in Portuguese, English, French, German and Spanish), 12h
to 48h before departure.

From today, all passengers arriving from outside the Madeira Region, who have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test carried out within 72h before departure, in laboratories certified by national or international authorities, will be
allowed to continue towards their destination. However, passengers must present evidence of this negative Covid-19, which can also be submitted before traveling, along with the traveller registration.

Passengers who did not present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test must be tested on arrival. After being tested, they will be allowed to continue towards their destination and will be told the test results about 12h later.

Other preventive measures in Madeira and Porto Santo include the recommended use of face masks, the mandatory use of face masks in indoor facilities and public transport, social distancing (2 metres between people and avoiding
gatherings), frequent hand-washing and complying with respiratory etiquette.

https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97363/Conheca_as_regras_para_viajar_para_a_Madeira_e_Porto_Santo

It is recommended that travellers to Madeira read the following websites that contain useful Madeira-specific Covid-19 information:

INFORMATION TO VISITORS (COVID 19) –
http://www.visitmadeira.pt/en-gb/useful-info/corona-virus-(covid-19)/information-to-visitors-(covid-19)

https://www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/specific-measures-autonomous-regions-of-madeira-and-azores

MADEIRA SAFE TO DISCOVER”– Good Practice Recommendations & Rules Official Guide –
https://www.madeiraallyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tourism-reopening-in-Madeira_Final.pdf

Measures to reinforce protection at Portuguese airports –
https://www.ana.pt/pt/system/files/documents/covid19-situation_portugal_pt_5june_ing.pdf

Measures and parking information at Funchal Airport – https://www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/security-measures

Covid-19 testing in the Portuguese Mainland before travelling to Madeira

Passengers who are traveling to Madeira from the Portuguese Mainland can be tested for free. At the moment this scheme is only available in Lisbon. However, there are plans to make this scheme available elsewhere in the Portugal
Mainland.

Travellers who would like to access this scheme simply have to present a copy of the e-ticket or ticket invoice.

This scheme is available in the following laboratory:

Laboratório CEDOC – Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas

NOVA Medical School – Faculdade de Ciências Médicas

Address: Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130 – 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal

Sample collections: Mondays to Fridays – 08h00 – 10h00

Sample collections can be booked in the following ways:

Formulário de Agendamento: https://forms.gle/c8B1TzWBeQeKcauw6

Email: diagnostico.covid@nms.unl.pt

Phone: 910 459 769

https://covidmadeira.pt/onde-realizar-testes-em-portugal-continental/

Madeira Airports have a system to monitor compliance with guidelines

There are 25 QR Codes spread throughout Funchal Airport and
6 at Porto Santo Airport, as part of the digital platform called “Go Fight COVID-19”, set up to ensure compliance with all sanitary and safety guidelines introduced by the DGS (Directorate-General of Health). This platform, which was
developed by Out of Limits Lda, allows travellers to evaluate the safety guidelines in public spaces.

This system is available in Check-in areas, Security Control, Passport Control (SEF), Food Court, Luggage Collection areas and Arrivals Hall. Passengers can provide online feedback by answering questions related to the sanitary and
safety measures. The feedback is then processed in real-time. ANA Airports have analysis and monitoring dashboards that make management and decision-making possible by taking into account real information provided by passengers. Lisbon
Airport has been using this platform since the start of June.



https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/97285/Aeroportos_da_Madeira_com_plataforma_que_monitoriza_cumprimento_das_normas_da_DGS

https://gofightcovid.gorate.pt/#why

Covid-19 update

There were no new Covid-19 cases yesterday. The number of cases remains 92, with 90 recoveries and 2 active cases. Both cases were detected on the 3rd week of June and the patients remain in isolation in a designated hotel, without
requiring hospitalisation.

There are 352 people under active monitoring and 1,025 people in self-monitoring. As of Sunday, there had been 1,546 suspected cases, 1,454 of which had come back negative.

As for Covid-19 testing, 22,777 samples from 20,186 people have been analysed at Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do SESARAM (Madeira Health Service lab).

The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 34 calls from Monday to Tuesday. Overall, the total number of calls made to this helpline is 8,964.

The Covid-19 mental health helpline (219 212 399 – available every day from 9h00 to 21h00) that was set up to provide emotional and mental support to Madeira residents has received 1,510 calls, with 147 people being monitored.



https://funchalnoticias.net/2020/06/30/madeira-permanece-com-apenas-2-casos-activos-de-covid-19-diz-o-iasaude/