The Portuguese government is holding a meeting on Saturday to decide on potential measures it will implement under the state of emergency declared on Friday by the country’s president, Lusa news agency reported.
The state of emergency was imposed to help control the spread of COVID-19 and take pressure off the national health system, and will last from Monday to November 23.
The first state of emergency was declared in March and went on for six weeks, leading businesses to close their doors. The current state of emergency imposed across 121 municipalities does not restrict movement but rather advises people to stay home and leave only for work, school or shopping.
Prime minister Antonio Costa said on Friday that the state of emergency would be assessed in late November.
Portugal has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, hitting a record 5,550 cases and 52 deaths on Friday, but has a relatively low number of cases compared to its European neighbours.
The country’s initial success has been attributed to its swift response to the virus, social support and extensive testing among other factors.
The country declared a state of emergency on March 18, when it had recorded 642 cases and two deaths.
For more background on the upcoming measures likely see here
