Situation Report Azores – Wednesday 20th January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
The parishes of Rabo de Peixe and Ponta Garça on the island of São Miguel will remain with sanitary fences until January 22nd
This means that circulation and permanence on the public road is forbidden and the closure of teaching, catering, drinks, similar establishments and cafes and the cancellation of all cultural events or extended social life.
Starting today both parishes are to be subjected to mass testing, 2500 residents will be tested using the PCR method.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,600 tests carried out in the Region over the last three days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 210. There are 203 on the island of São Miguel and 4 on the island of Terceira.
There have been a large number of recoveries to report, 279. 260 on São Miguel, 15 in Terceira, 2 in Faial and 2 in Flores.
The current situation in the region
There are 25 patients in hospital
22 in São Miguel – Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, in Ponta Delgada (7 in ICU).
2 in Terceira – Hospital of Santo Espírito on Terceira Island (1 of which in ICU).
There is one transmission chain not on São Miguel or Terceira.
1 in S. Jorge – the last member of this chain, he was evacuated to the Hospital of Santo Espírito on Terceira Island, and the situation is expected to be temporary.
The transmission chain in Faial was extinguished, given that all elements of it are recovered.
There are currently 765 active positive cases in the Region, 736 in São Miguel, 23 in Terceira, one in Faial, one in Pico and four in Flores.
To date, 3,157 cases of infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected, with 23 deaths and 2,270 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organisations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: // www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – Saturday 16th January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
UK Connections
The British Government has closed international travel corridors with the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, the same restrictions as for mainland Portugal. This is because of the Brazilian strain of coronavirus.
Until now, passengers originating in Madeira and the Azores were exempt from fulfilling the 10-day quarantine required of most travellers arriving from abroad, but as of 4:00 am (minus one in the Azores) on Friday 15^th Jan. they are no longer on the list safe destinations. Passengers who have been to or transit through Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Panama, Portugal (including Madeira and Azores), Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela in the last 10 days will not be allowed to enter the UK.
British and Irish citizens or third-country nationals with a right of residence in the United Kingdom, as well as Portuguese emigrants living in the country, may enter, but will be required to be quarantined for 10 days.
The British Government will also suspend air links with countries on that list with direct flights to England, namely Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde and Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores.
Sanitary Fences (Health quarantine)
The island of São Miguel is the most affected in the Azores by the pandemic of Covid-19. Starting on Friday at Midnight there will be sanitary fences (health quarantine) in the parishes of Rabo de Peixe (Ribeira Grande) and Ponta Garça (Vila Franca do Campo).
With the implementation of the fences, which will remain in effect until January 22nd, circulation and permanence on the public road is forbidden and the closure of teaching, catering, drinks, similar establishments and cafes and the cancellation of all cultural events or extended social life.
In addition to this there are new curfew hours on the rest of the island, they take effect at 00:00 on January the 16th, and will be from 20:00 to 05:00 on weekdays.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the ban on driving on public roads is from 3 pm, having already been implemented last weekend.
There are several exceptions to the ban on driving on public roads, such as travel for health reasons, to work and to purchase essential goods.
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,468 tests carried out in the Region over the last three days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 166. There are indications that the measures put in place recently are taking effect. There are 155 on the island of São Miguel, 5 on the island of Terceira 4 on Flores, 1 on Pico and 1 on Faial.
There have been 141 recoveries recorded, 135 on São Miguel and 6 on the island of Terceira.
The current situation in the region
There are 28 patients in hospital
24 in São Miguel – Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo, in Ponta Delgada (six in ICU). During the afternoon of January 13, a person admitted to the ICU in this hospital was transferred to the Santa Maria Hospital, in Lisbon.
4 in Terceira – Hospital of Santo Espírito on Terceira Island (one of which is in the ICU).
There are 2 active transmission chains not on São Miguel or Terceira. 1 in S. Jorge – the last member of this chain, was evacuated to the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island, and the situation is expected to be temporary.
1 in Faial.
There are currently 835 positive cases in the Region, 794 in São Miguel, 31 in Terceira, three in Faial, one in Pico and six in Flores.
To date, 2,947 cases of infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected, with 23 deaths and 1,991 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: // www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 13th January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
Earthquake
An earthquake with the magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale was recorded on Monday morning on the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Terceira. It didn’t cause any material damage.
The Azores Seismo-volcanic Surveillance and Information Centre (CIVISA) said that the event occurred at 11:47 am and the epicentre was about 67 km to WNW (west-northwest) of Capelo, on the island of Faial.
The earthquake was felt with maximum intensity IV / V on the Modified Mercalli scale on the island of Faial, according to the Civil Protection.
On Pico, the earthquake was also felt with intensities III / IV on the Modified Mercalli scale.
On São Jorge it was felt with intensities between III / IV and III.
On Terceira island, it was felt with intensity III on the Modified Mercalli scale also in several parishes, according to the Civil Protection statement.
The Regional Civil Protection Service of the Azores adds that “CIVISA continues to monitor the evolution of the situation, issuing new communications if necessary”.

New Rules
During the first three days of operation of the rules to stop the Covid-19 pandemic on the island of São Miguel, no infractions were recorded.
The Regional Command of the PSP of the Azores has said that all companies are complying with the rules defined by the Regional Government of the Azores.
During the weekend, the police did not report non-compliance with the closing hours of commercial establishments, at 3 pm. They will continue to monitor the opening hours of commercial establishments, while the measures to curb the contagion by Covid-19 on the island of São Miguel remain in force.
PSP recognizes that support from the population is essential and recommends that the community contact PSP if you are aware of any irregular situation.
The elements of the PSP Criminal Investigation Brigades, which circulate in un-marked vehicles, will monitor the isolation measures imposed on members of the community who are positive.
The agents will travel to the homes of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 to see if they are complying with the prophylactic isolation measure.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 5,116 tests carried out in the Region over the last four days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is a worrying 351. There are 340 on the island of São Miguel, 10 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Faial.
There have been 131 recoveries recorded, 118 on São Miguel, 10 on the island of Terceira, 1 on Faial and 1 on Flores.
The current situation in the region
There are 27 patients in hospital
22 in São Miguel – Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada (six in ICU);
5 in Terceira – Hospital of Santo Espírito on Terceira Island (two of which are in the ICU).
Transmission Chains
In view of the situation of community transmission registered in the islands of Terceira and S. Miguel, the local transmission chains for these islands are no longer listed.
Other islands 2
1 in S. Jorge (the last member of this chain was evacuated to the Hospital de Santo Espírito on Terceira Island, and the situation is expected to be temporary);
1 in Faial.
Extinguished – 193
There are currently 841 active positive cases in the Region, 797 in São Miguel, 40 in Terceira, two in Faial and two in Flores.
2,781 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 22 deaths and 1,823 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: // www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available via the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 9th January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
The Regional Government of the Azores, meeting in the Government Council last Wednesday, determined, through Regional Regulatory Decree, the application in the Region of the renewal of the State of Emergency determined at national level, implementing restrictive measures for the regional territory according to the level of risk of transmission in each municipality.
This decision is the result of the growth trend in the risk of effective transmission of the disease (Rt) in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, particularly on the island of São Miguel, which justifies the immediate adoption of urgent containment measures, aiming at reducing the number of infected.
A new set of restrictive measures that may have positive effects on the decrease in the number of people infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 disease and a deceleration of the risk index of effective transmission of the disease will be implemented ( Rt).
The document foresees the special provisions applicable depending on the level of risk of transmission verified in the different municipalities, of low risk, medium risk and high risk.
The counties considered to be of high transmission risk will be those that verify more than 100 new cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, and the counties of Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo and Lagoa are currently identified.
In islands where there is more than one municipality, if the high-risk situation covers 50% or more of the municipalities, restrictions are applied to the entire island, so since the high-risk situation covers 50% or more of the S. Miguel counties, restrictions are applied to the entire island.
This state provides for mandatory teleworking, in activities and functions where this is possible, for professionals over 60 and with chronic diseases, as well as the limitation of gatherings on public roads of four people, unless they are from the same household familiar.
The closing of the cafes and restaurants is stipulated for 15h00, being that during this period the capacity for table is of four people, unless of the same household. After 3 pm, cafes and restaurants can only operate as a take-away service or home delivery.
Distance learning will also be implemented for all levels of education and circulation on the public road between 11 pm and 5 am on weekdays and from 3 pm on weekends is prohibited, with the exceptions provided for this purpose in the respective Decree.
Local shops and shopping centres are expected to close at 8 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends, with the exception of pharmacies, clinics, offices and gas stations.
In the municipalities considered to be of medium risk, that is, those in which there are between 50 and 100 new cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, the measures will be relatively less restrictive, namely with the closure of cafes at 20:00, except for the purposes of Take Away or delivery at home and limitation up to six people, either on the public road, or by table in restaurants and bars.
Municipalities in which there are less than 50 new cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in the last 7 days are considered to be of low risk, with general measures to limit gatherings and those already in force in the event of calamity.
The measures previously implemented regarding the general provisions remain in force, namely, those that determine the cases subject to mandatory confinement, as well as the mandatory use of a mask in public spaces, body temperature control and mandatory diagnostic tests. .
Covid-19 has had a progressive increase in active cases and active surveillance in the national and regional space, which justified the declaration of a State of Emergency, on the basis of the verification of a situation of public calamity, at the Government’s request having been successively renewed.
The Regional Regulatory Decree determines that contacts between people, which are a vehicle for spreading and spreading the virus, as well as their movements, must be limited to the minimum necessary.
However, the document adds that there is awareness that this limitation cannot be achieved through the total closure of establishments, taking into account that there are several essential economic activities that must remain in operation.
The diploma comes into force at 00:00 on January 8tht, 2021 and remains in force as long as the State of Emergency is in force, without prejudice to any extensions of the same.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 4,517 tests carried out in the Region over the last three days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 257. There were 248 on the island of São Miguel, 8 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Flores.
There have been 71 recoveries recorded, 64 on São Miguel, 3 on the island of Terceira, Faial 1, São Jorge 1and 1 on Pico.
The current situation in the region
There are 18 patients in hospital
15 in the Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada;
3 in the Hospital of Santo Espírito in Angra do Heroísmo (two of which in ICU)
There are 86 active transmission chains
74 in S. Miguel;
10 in Terceira;
1 in S. Jorge;
1 in Faial.
75 extinct chains (four of which in the last 24 hours).
There are currently 621 active positive cases in the Region, 575 in São Miguel, 40 in Terceira, three in Flores and three in Faial.
2,430 cases of infection with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 22 deaths and 1,692 recoveries.
One of the cases reported yesterday with a history of connection to the outside and a positive analysis on the sixth day, left the Region despite the authorities.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organisations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line COVID-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – Wednesday 6th January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 3,017 tests carried out in the Region over the last four days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for Covid-19 is 174. There were 158 on the island of São Miguel, 13 on the island of Terceira and 1 on Faial.
There have been 130 recoveries recorded, 105 on São Miguel, 17 on the island of Terceira, Faial 6 and São Jorge 2.
The current situation on the region.
There are 23 patients in hospital.
20 at the Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada (2 of which in the ICU);
3 at the Hospital of Santo Espírito in Angra do Heroísmo (2 of which in the ICU).
There are 69 transmission chains
59 in São Miguel (6 in the last 24 hours);
8 in Terceira (2 in the last 24 hours);
1 in São Jorge
1 Faial
97 chains are now extinct. (12 of them in São Miguel and 2 in Terceira, in the last 24 hours).
There are currently 436 active positive cases in the Region, 392 in São Miguel, 35 in Terceira, one in Pico, two in São Jorge, two in Flores and four in Faial.
2,173 cases of infection by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have been detected to date, with 22 deaths and 1,621 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: // www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line Covid-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Situation Report Azores – 2^nd January 2021 – From our colleague in the Azores
On Thursday, the 31^st December, the Vice-President of the Government, Artur Lima, was present at the start of the vaccination process against Covid-19, on Terceira Island, which took place at the São Francisco Xavier Social Centre for the Elderly, in the parish of Raminho.
In this first phase of vaccination, the priority of the Regional Government of the Azores is for the elderly, who will be the first to receive the vaccine. Employees and health professionals from homes and residential structures for the elderly will also be vaccinated, so that protection is as adequate as possible.
The Vice-President of the Government, Artur Lima, announced that the Regional Government will implement, next year, a training program in outbreak management in homes and residential structures for the elderly, aimed at home employees.
It is a qualification and training programme for professionals in these homes, it will enable these professionals to manage outbreaks of any kind and will give our elderly more protection. We need to prepare for the future, the Vice President of the Government said.

Covid-19
The Regional Health Authority says, from 3,649 tests carried out in the Region over the last three days, in the two reference laboratories in the Region and rapid tests carried out by other entities, the number of new cases for COVID-19 is 143, a big increase on recent days. There were 127 on the island of São Miguel, 8 on the island of Terceira, 4 on São Jorge, 2 on Faial and 2 on Flores.
There have been 47 recoveries recorded, 42 on São Miguel and 6 on the island of Terceira.
The current situation in the region.
There are 22 patients with Covid-19 in hospital
20 at the Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada (1 of which in the ICU);
2 at the Hospital of Santo Espírito in Angra do Heroísmo (both in ICU).
There are currently 70 transmission chains.
57 in São Miguel (four new chains in the last 24 hours);
11 in Terceira
1 in São Jorge
1 in Faial
There are 80 extinct chains, two of which in Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 435 positive cases in the Region, 339 in São Miguel, 38 in Terceira, one in Pico, five in São Jorge, two in Flores and nine in Faial.
To date, 2,001 cases of infection have been detected by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19 disease, with 22 deaths and 1,491 recoveries.
Pandemic prevention and containment measures should be maintained and strengthened, whenever possible, by citizens and public, private and social sector organizations.
It is reiterated the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, do not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but call the Azores Health Line – 808 24 60 24.
For more information, visit the website created by the Government of the Azores on pandemic control in the Region, at https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ , or the Facebook page of the Regional Health Directorate, at https: / /www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/ .
The Government of the Azores also makes available the Azores Non-Medical Clarification Line Covid-19, with the number 800 29 29 29, which can be used between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, on working days, and the RIAC Line 800 500 501, which works from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
It is also available the email address esclarecimentocovid19@azores.gov.pt for clarification on measures taken in the region to cope with the new coronavirus