– TIAGO SOARES
If you are already confused by so many advances and setbacks in the restrictions in force on the last day of this year and the first days of the next, this guide is for you. In Portugal, these are the rules for entering 2021 in times of pandemic
CAN I THROW A PARTY TO CELEBRATE THE END OF 2020?
No. Public parties , both indoors and on the street, are prohibited . The most you can do is be in a gathering limited to six people. Health authorities advise that the New Year’s Eve is spent with the people you live with on a daily basis, but you can spend it with other family and friends , as long as the social distance and the rest of the measures to stop the spread of the disease. covid-19 are met.
BUT IS THERE A CURFEW OR CAN THESE GATHERINGS LAST ALL NIGHT?
Yes, there is a curfew . On December 31, nobody can be on the street from 11pm. On January 1, 2 and 3 of the new year the curfew is from 1pm.
CAN I MOVE BETWEEN COUNTIES?
Not in principle. The movement between the mainland municipalities is prohibited between midnight on December 31 (therefore already during the night of Wednesday) and the 05h of January 4, 2021 . This means that you cannot leave the municipality wherever you are, “except for health reasons, urgent urgency or other specifically provided for”, such as assistance to family members or work reasons, points out the Government diploma.
AND GO OUT TO EAT, CAN I?
Yes, but only on the last day of the year: on the 31st, restaurants in mainland Portugal will be open until 10:30 pm. On January 1, 2 and 3 they close their doors early, at 1 pm, and can continue to work but only for home deliveries.
ARE THE RULES THE SAME ON THE CONTINENT AND THE ISLANDS?
So-so. Regional governments have autonomy but have also decided to apply special measures during the New Year. In Madeira , one of the places chosen by some families on the continent to spend the year, gatherings of more than five people are not allowed, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the public road is prohibited, except on properly licensed terraces. Restaurants will be able to close at midnight on December 30th and at 1:00 am on December 31st to January 1st. In the Azores , all nightlife establishments are closed, and bars and other drinks establishments, with or without shows and with or without terrace service, must close until 10 pm.
