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Current state of play - Covid and post-Brexit

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Category: Tourism / Turismo
Forum Name: Algarve
Forum Description: Questions related to the Region... / Questões sobre o Algarve
URL: https://albufeira.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11912
Printed Date: 05/October/2024 at 21:12
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Topic: Current state of play - Covid and post-Brexit
Posted By: sunseeker2010
Subject: Current state of play - Covid and post-Brexit
Date Posted: 01/June/2021 at 11:38
We were last over in September and are hoping to get over later this month. Is Albufeira busy at the moment? Can anyone advise on what Covid restrictions are currently in place?

Also, is there now a noticeable longer wait to get through Faro airport upon arrival following Brexit?



Replies:
Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 01/June/2021 at 11:54
We popped over last week and waited 50 mins to get through the border , but someone else on here waited 2 hours , you just have to expect a wait and be patient.
We found it quiet and the rules there similar to here, follow social distances and face masks in public . Restaurant and bars open though with reduced hours , beaches still quiet .


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 01/June/2021 at 14:23
Originally posted by JuliejH JuliejH wrote:

We popped over last week and waited 50 mins to get through the border , but someone else on here waited 2 hours , you just have to expect a wait and be patient.
We found it quiet and the rules there similar to here, follow social distances and face masks in public . Restaurant and bars open though with reduced hours , beaches still quiet .


Thanks for the update. Is it true that all bars and restaurants have to close at 10.30pm?

It will be interesting to see if the half-term break brings a significant increase in visitor numbers this week.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 01/June/2021 at 16:51
"Is it true that all bars and restaurants have to close at 10.30pm?"

Yes and for the foreseeable future. And it's out the door at 1030, so in effect last orders around 1000pm.

It is certainly busier here this week than last. Even the traffic is noticeably busier. Many tourists restaurants that have been closed for months are opening this week. But buusiness is pretty slim in the evenings so far.

In addition to what are now the normal mask wearing rules, masks must be worn while walking on the beach, even to and from the edge the 10 or 20 metres to where you want to sit.  Beach games involving more than two people are prohibited.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 02/June/2021 at 22:22
That's good to hear that more restaurants have reopened and more people are around.


Posted By: Jayjan
Date Posted: 02/June/2021 at 22:42
New state of deconfinement from the Portuguese government:

Government announces new phases of deconfinement

Prime Minister António Costa stated that  https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g189100-Portugal-Vacations.html" rel="nofollow - Portugal  will have two new phases of deconfinement during the month of June: one from the 14th and the other from the 28th and that will last until the end of August.

At the press conference after the meeting of the Council of Ministers , the Prime Minister highlighted that the country "is in a position to continue the process of deconfinement" taking into account the positive evolution that the pandemic has had, with the level of vaccination evolving. as planned, with the situation under control in the National Health Service and with a reduction in the mortality rate related to the infection.

António Costa referred that the risk matrix that has been adopted by the Government will be maintained, but a differentiation will be introduced between the low density territories, which occupy more than two thirds of the continental territory, and the remaining areas of the continental territory, with greater population density.

The Prime Minister stressed that the current formula from 120 or 240 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for 14 days "is heavily penalizing in low density territories." Thus, in low-density territories, the maximum thresholds will be doubled: they will be 240 when they used to be 120 and 480 where they used to be 240.

Release from June 14th

The first new deconfinement phase takes effect on June 14 and includes:

- Recommended telework in activities that allow it;

- Restaurants, cafes and patisseries with current rules and capacity until midnight for admission and 1:00 am for closing;

- Full capacity on public transport where there are only seats;

- Two-thirds capacity on public transport where there is seating and standing;

- Cultural shows until midnight;

- Showrooms with 50% capacity;

- Outside the concert halls, marked places and application of the distance rules defined by the DGS;

- Levels of training and amateur modalities with marked places and distance rules defined by the DGS;

- Sports venues with 33% of the capacity and, outside sports venues, rules to be defined by the DGS will apply.

Release from June 28

The second new deconfinement phase takes effect on July 28, will run until the end of August and includes:

- Public transport without restriction of capacity;

- Citizen Shops without prior appointment;

- Professional sports classes or equivalent to other rules to be defined by the DGS, with a capacity of 33% inside the venues and with other rules to be defined by the DGS outside the venues.

António Costa highlighted that the DGS may exercise specific rules for sports venues, such as mandatory testing if deemed appropriate, and added that there are restrictions that will remain in force during this period: bars and clubs will remain closed, festivals and popular pilgrimages will be Prohibited and weddings, baptisms and other events of a family nature must respect a capacity of 50% of the venues.

Penalty for councils that exceed maximum thresholds

The Prime Minister also mentioned the penalties for councils that during this period exceed the maximum thresholds.

For municipalities in low-density territories that exceed 240 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days and municipalities in high-density territories that exceed 120 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days, teleworking will be mandatory when functions allow, restaurants will be open until 22:30, cultural shows will be open at the same time and retail stores may be open until 21:00.

When the incidence rate exceeds 240 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for 14 days (or 480 in the case of low-density territories), restaurants, cafes and patisseries maintain opening hours until 22:30 during the week and will have to close until 3:30 pm on weekends and holidays, cultural shows will respect the same time as the catering and weddings, baptisms and other family events will have a maximum capacity of 25%.

Prime Minister António Costa reiterated that the assessment will be weekly and the application of these restrictions will only take place after these maximum thresholds have been exceeded in consecutive weeks.



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Polli the dancing cat strikes again.


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 02/June/2021 at 23:19
I hadn't realised bars were closed I thought they were just subjected to the early closing time.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 03/June/2021 at 07:44
Bars that do not have a licence to sell food have been closed since January. Those that have a licence to sell food have been able to remain open even if food is not sold or offered, subject to the various restrictions in place from time to time eg opening hours.

As of 14th June they can remain open until midnight but other establishments such as music bars, nightclubs and some places favoured by tourists and ex pats will not be allowed to open.

So you can be crammed into a train or bus, but not allowed into certain bars.

As you will have read, bars etc may have to remain closed until the end of August. A whole summer with no business will spell the end for many.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 03/June/2021 at 09:24
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

Bars that do not have a licence to sell food have been closed since January. Those that have a licence to sell food have been able to remain open even if food is not sold or offered, subject to the various restrictions in place from time to time eg opening hours.

As of 14th June they can remain open until midnight but other establishments such as music bars, nightclubs and some places favoured by tourists and ex pats will not be allowed to open.

So you can be crammed into a train or bus, but not allowed into certain bars.

As you will have read, bars etc may have to remain closed until the end of August. A whole summer with no business will spell the end for many.


Thanks for clarifying. I think it was a similar situation when we were over last year with bars not being able to open without a food license. What a mess!



Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 03/June/2021 at 14:37
And just as things were looking up the British government is likely to move Portugal to the amber list.


Posted By: MervynN
Date Posted: 03/June/2021 at 20:19
As I understand it seems that Portugal unfortunately is now on the amber
list making me wonder if we shall get there at all this year, and we were
looking forward to getting over .


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 04/June/2021 at 07:49
Yes, Portugal is now too dangerous for the English to visit. The whole of Europe is now out of bounds it seems. Must keep out nasty foreign germs.

This could kill the tourist industry here.  Many businesses will not survive a second summer with few, if any, tourists from northern Europe. In former years British tourists have made up at least half of all visitors.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 04/June/2021 at 10:12
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

Yes, Portugal is now too dangerous for the English to visit. The whole of Europe is now out of bounds it seems. Must keep out nasty foreign germs.

This could kill the tourist industry here.  Many businesses will not survive a second summer with few, if any, tourists from northern Europe. In former years British tourists have made up at least half of all visitors.

Indian germs are okay though...

As you say mate, at least half the visitors and probably three quarters of the spend in bars and restaurants. 




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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: Citroen
Date Posted: 04/June/2021 at 10:50
Wouldn't necessarily disagree with the UK decision, apart from the apparently made up variant that no one else seems to be aware of. The rate of covid seems about the same in Portugal & the UK at the moment, but both are heading in the wrong direction.

If Portugal only allowed in the fully vaccinated I think that would encourage people to holiday there who otherwise would not, keep the local economy going and help keep the locals safe at the same time.


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 14/June/2021 at 10:58
How "busy" is the resort at the moment? Has the British shift from green to amber practically cleared Albufeira?


Posted By: peteknopp
Date Posted: 14/June/2021 at 14:11
We were a bit busier last week than the previous week in our restaurant - funny old times.......

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Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 14/June/2021 at 22:03
Originally posted by peteknopp peteknopp wrote:

We were a bit busier last week than the previous week in our restaurant - funny old times.......


I am guessing a lot of people who were already in Portugal didn't want to be fleeced for a flight home in time to avoid quarantine.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 15/June/2021 at 08:56
There have been quite a lot of people here (mainly older people) who either didn't need to worry or didn't care about quarantines upon return to UK.

Looks like the quarantine requirement could be in place until the end of July.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Deegall
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 02:55
Sky news reporting the government considering relaxing travel to amber countries and no need to quarantine on return. This will only apply to double vaccine people. Under 18s ( school children) will not be allowed to travel . Looks like they are going to open the travel industry. Hopefully as missed out in 3 trips out from Mar 2020 due out in Oct.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 08:50
"Under 18s ( school children) will not be allowed to travel"

Thart's going to please all the people who have or were thinking of booking summer holidays with their children when school holidays begin. Try explaining that to your six year old.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 09:34
Fairly quiet in town yesterday lunchtime. Some of eateries like Cabana Fresca were busier. A few places are obviously closed for the duration.

'Bar Street' and nearby were practically deserted. Everywhere had the Finland v Russia match on, via UK channels, which was the loudest noise!

https://postimages.org/" rel="nofollow">

https://postimages.org/" rel="nofollow">


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: animallover
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 13:29
Very sad...nobody seen this coming, unimaginable tbh...


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 14:31
I’m assuming this is mainly now due to the lack of brits and the increased cases , another year of hardship


Posted By: Deegall
Date Posted: 17/June/2021 at 23:11
Did Prazere open just edge of Square. Loved the rustic nature and food it served. Always found staff friendly warm usually we were last to leave each night we ate in it


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 18/June/2021 at 09:06
Well it will be even quieter now as everywhere must  again be closed no later than 1030pm. What difference an hour and a half makes in the grand scheme of things escapes me, especially as it is now being seen that people are catching it after having received the full dose of vaccines.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: hamlet
Date Posted: 18/June/2021 at 12:33
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

Well it will be even quieter now as everywhere must  again be closed no later than 1030pm. What difference an hour and a half makes in the grand scheme of things escapes me, especially as it is now being seen that people are catching it after having received the full dose of vaccines.

Just to clarify, a survey has been carried with results published yesterday showing the percentage of people confirmed as having covid having had the second injection was 0.07%. Since symptoms take over one week to show it may well be they were already infected prior to receiving the second injection!.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 19/June/2021 at 09:12
So the vaccine is only 99.93% effective. That is terrible news and a likely portent of much more severe problems to come.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 19/June/2021 at 13:18
With cases now significantly increasing in the UK and Portugal there is no respite in sight.

What will be left in Albufeira by the time restrictions lift?


Posted By: Jock
Date Posted: 19/June/2021 at 17:08
Never mind. The climate crisis approacheth and we shall all be doomed.

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It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear. Douglas Adams


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 21/June/2021 at 08:07
A problem for Albufeira among the obsession with statistics is that people visting on holiday  from elsewhere in Portugal who are tested positive are counted as if they lived here. This skews the numbers.

The mayors of both Albufeira and Loulé (which includes Vilamoura) are lobbying the government for a fairer count.

The good news for Albufeira is that visitors from countries other than the UK are increasing. Although this won't makle up entirely for the shortfall of British visitors, it might stave off complete collapse. The EU health certificate now being issued to those fully vaccininated will help, but of course UK is not covered.

But we are indeed all doomed anyway.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 21/June/2021 at 12:24
I’m surprised that Spain will allow double vaccinated Brits in but Portugal won’t !
Do the government there also not believe the vaccines are enough , or do they only think that EU double vaccinated are safe and not UK vaccinated citizens !


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 21/June/2021 at 12:25
And now this :

PORTUGAL TO INSIST ON DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE FOR EVENTS THIS WINTER

According to local media, "...this means anyone going to a concert, wedding, football game, show or sporting event will have to have previously equipped themselves with the official certificate or be refused entry."


And the inference [from statements made on TV] was that this prerequisite could be extended to the accessing of people to restaurants."

Anyone from UK who may not be able get an EU digital certificate might as well not come here. One would hope that a UK version would be accepted  or it's goodbye Brits.

Confused



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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 21/June/2021 at 16:36
That’s pretty shocking , some people are medically unable to have a vaccine, that’s discrimination ! That would never hold up in a law court ! It’s disgraceful !
Says that the EU health certificate is open to non Eu too on government site


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 21/June/2021 at 18:24
[QUOTE=cubsur]
A problem for Albufeira among the obsession with statistics is that people visting on holiday  from elsewhere in Portugal who are tested positive are counted as if they lived here. This skews the numbers.

The mayors of both Albufeira and Loulé (which includes Vilamoura) are lobbying the government for a fairer count.

The good news for Albufeira is that visitors from countries other than the UK are increasing. Although this won't makle up entirely for the shortfall of British visitors, it might stave off complete collapse. The EU health certificate now being issued to those fully vaccininated will help, but of course UK is not covered.

But we are indeed all doomed anyway.
[QUOTE]

As Reported in the Portugal News 3/6/21

Portuguese tourists who test positive for Covid-19, while on holiday in the Algarve, will not count towards the regional incidence rate, Prime Minister António Costa said at a press conference.

However, foreign tourists who test positive while in the Algarve will be included in the calculations. Infected national holidaymakers will be registered at their home address.

Cold comfort as the 25k population reputedly swells to 400k during the season

http://https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2021-06-03/covid-positive-algarve-staycationers-will-not-count-towards-regional-incidence-rate/60236/


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 22/June/2021 at 07:20
Much confusion abounds indeed. Tho powers that be seem to be unable to agree on anything. The numbers game seems to be leading towards a re-impostition of the harsh measures on business, leisure and travel that have only recently been lifted.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 22/June/2021 at 07:31
Originally posted by JuliejH JuliejH wrote:

That’s pretty shocking , some people are medically unable to have a vaccine, that’s discrimination ! That would never hold up in a law court ! It’s disgraceful !
Says that the EU health certificate is open to non Eu too on government site

Not a perfect analogy but I can't go on roller coasters because I have a heart condition. My bad luck Julie. I have to accept it. I dont know


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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: Deegall
Date Posted: 22/June/2021 at 23:01
Very mixed messages coming from Boris and health minister about travelling to amber zone countries. looks like things will be in place mid July to allow families travel once schools out. just frustrating in Belfast as schools close end June till end Aug 9 weeks. Hoping to get out still Oct do a city break Faro use as my base . Weather will be cooler fresher but warm compared to home.A week -10 days in oct helps shorten the winter


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 23/June/2021 at 08:23
Mixed messages here too with rumours again spreading of a further tightening of restrictions on social life, meaning restaurants and those bars that can open being forced to close on weekend evenings. We shall know tomorrow night.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 23/June/2021 at 12:41
Is there a large spike in cases in the Albufeira municipality ? Or are those restrictions across the Algarve ? Thanks


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 23/June/2021 at 13:57
Albufeira is on Alert, which is the status that means if the numbers don't improve we may go back a step in the deregulation. Probably meaning a weekend shutdown of bars and restaurants at 3pm as is currently the case in Lisbon.

Politically that would be hard for the tourist industry as you don't want to go on holiday to be told to stay in your hotel at the weekends.


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 23/June/2021 at 17:37
Thanks, during the week are the restaurants all open normal hours ?


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 24/June/2021 at 08:52
In Albufeira and Vilamoura restaurants and bars are currently obliged to be closed, every night, no later than 10.30pm. Elsewhere in the Algarve, last admissions at midnight chucking out time 1am.

Bars that do not have a table service licence are still not permitted to be open at all and there is little sign they will be.

The next wave of restrictions on social life are due to be announced tonight. The numbers of people infected are still tiny, less than 1%, which includes a recent increase in places such as old people's sheltered homes. Nevertheless many here expect a weekend closure. That will mean we won't be able to watch the Euro 2020 final in a bar. It's OK to go out on a Friday night though.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 24/June/2021 at 08:56
Perhaps not what you would remember as normal. They are open until 10.30pm and have to be cleared by 11pm. In the old town perhaps due to the proximity of the GNR station it is rigorously enforced. Last night after the Portugal game our glasses were taken at 10.30pm empty or not.
I think it is still only 10 to a table outside and 6 inside and dancing is not allowed despite that most bars have music as normal.


Posted By: Teresa
Date Posted: 24/June/2021 at 14:24
What a crazy world we live in now!  :(


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 24/June/2021 at 16:39
Restaurants are now restricted to four inside, six outside. Have to close at 3.30 PM weekends, 10.30 weekdays. Still no sign of them cracking down on the 9 out of 10 people who don't bother to disinfect their hands when entering shops... not listening 

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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 25/June/2021 at 07:40
I can only wonder why the same early closing is not applied on weekdays. Why are Saturday and Sunday nights so different to say Friday?

Taking it one step further, if the situation is that bad, why not close everything down as it was before until this goes away?

Shops and all other forms of commerce should be closed . Stay at home and wait it out.




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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Citroen
Date Posted: 25/June/2021 at 09:39
Portugal, particularly the Algarve, are between a rock and a hard place, they are very dependant on tourism yet if they open themselves up, as they did, they invite trouble.

The weekend/midweek thing I'd imagine is about maintaining say 40% of the business while eliminating 60% of the risk, just enough to help keep businesses open without allowing covid to go bananas and hoping at the same time the vaccination programme will eventually get them ahead of the game.


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 25/June/2021 at 13:47
The weekend early closing would seem to be to deter weekenders coming from the North and avoiding large family gatherings as is the custom at the weekends.

Essentially all foreign tourists coming to the Algarve have tested negative to enter the country, but you can freely come to the Algarve from the North where the incidence of cases is higher.

Interesting article in the Portugal Resident, saying just that. The Algarve Health Delegate Ana Cristina Guerreiro said, The arrival of tourists from other parts of the country during the long weekends earlier this month is said to have spiked the region’s tally.

Even so the numbers game is still being played with very dodgy rules. The numerator rises due to tourist influx but the denominator stays fixed at the local population. Clearly not a sound calculation.

The Algarve incidence rate was 186 per 100,000 population, so above the 140/100,000 threshold, yet she states that one third of the positives were from Foreign tourists. If you would reduce the numerator by that amount you would only have an incidence rate of 124 per 100,000 which would be below the threshold and our weekends would be unchanged!

It's all smoke and mirrorsUnhappy

http://https://www.ugalresident.com/family-gatherings-and-long-weekend-tourists-behind-algarves-rising-covid-cases-health-delegate-says/ - http://https://www.portugalresident.com/family-gatherings-and-long-weekend-tourists-behind-algarves-rising-covid-cases-health-delegate-says/



Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 25/June/2021 at 16:42
I agree with all that, there are a lot of people who have holiday homes or family in the Algarve and come down every weekend , so the Lisbon restrictions and Albufeira ones are an attempt to deter the flow of cases , younger a symptomatic are unaware they spread it ! Open borders will also contribute as they are not coming in with negative tests like a person from the Uk, who has double vaccinated and tests !
It is starting to repeat last summer where cases rocketed and Portugal ended up losing out .


Posted By: Citroen
Date Posted: 25/June/2021 at 17:22
If people travelling internally is a problem, it's easy enough to restrict movement to within a region, then only allow the doubly vaccinated tourist in. I'd forget the tests, unless you get one with result in the 5 minutes before you step on a plane, it's really a waste of time, money and effort.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 26/June/2021 at 11:56
From what I have been reading, the current variety is no worse for almost everyone than a bad cold. Are we to be tested for colds now before we step on a plane or go to a football match?

Meanwhile around 7,000 people in Albufeira are apparently out of work or on short time.

There is much muttering from next door about the early closure this weekend. When the fortnightly review system began the announcements on a Thursday came into effect the following Monday. Now people are being given less than 48 hours notice of closures. Think of all the food that is being wasted because it won't be sold.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 27/June/2021 at 22:22
Just announced that Portugal are restricting UK travellers , 14 day quarantine unless you can prove full completed course of vaccination 14 days before travelling ! Effective from 28th June midnight


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 28/June/2021 at 08:47
Yes, confirmed this morning with caveats such as it doesn't state whether children and teenagers are exempt. They won't have been vaccinated yet.

Bang goes summer tourism unless something dramatic happens over the next month or so.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 28/June/2021 at 10:37
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

Yes, confirmed this morning with caveats such as it doesn't state whether children and teenagers are exempt. They won't have been vaccinated yet.

Bang goes summer tourism unless something dramatic happens over the next month or so.

Simon Calder in the Telegraph states that Children under 12 are exempt.


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 28/June/2021 at 10:48
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

Yes, confirmed this morning with caveats such as it doesn't state whether children and teenagers are exempt. They won't have been vaccinated yet.

Bang goes summer tourism unless something dramatic happens over the next month or so.

While I agree it isn't great, mate, the UK government constantly chopping and changing the rules is more damaging than a clear and concise declaration from the Portuguese.   


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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 29/June/2021 at 21:20
Coming out that Portugal have changed the decision to not allow children above 12 to visit , now the 12-18 just need a negative test to travel with their fully vaccinated parents and then avoid the quarantine , good news .


Posted By: cameroncleggout
Date Posted: 30/June/2021 at 10:00
Too late. Portugal has as good as lost another Summer Season. If they don`t want the Hat-Trick in 2022 get jabbing and don`t stop until everyone willing to have the Jab have had it

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cameronout


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 02/July/2021 at 07:44
From tonight, a complete curfew applies in Albufeira from 2300 until 0500 every night. This won't make one iota of difference to me and I suspect most others, but the idea is apparently to stop young people mingling in private homes.

Other than than this, the existing rules concerning early closing continue in force. The curfew also applies to Loulé and Olhão.

Most of the rest of the Algarve is now subject to the early closing rules  but not the curfew.

http://www.portugalresident.com/nighttime-curfews-to-start-tomorrow-in-portugals-highest-risk-municipalities/" rel="nofollow - https://www.portugalresident.com/nighttime-curfews-to-start-tomorrow-in-portugals-highest-risk-municipalities/


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 03/July/2021 at 08:35
Closer reading shows there is a list of exemptions to the curfew a yard long, one of which is simply 'going home'.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: animallover
Date Posted: 04/July/2021 at 10:09
Last night Maritime police dispersed 800 16 to 18 year olds from Praia da Oura beach, mixed nationalities!


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 05/July/2021 at 08:02
One assumes their parents either didn't know or didn't care what they were doing.

Albufeira beach was fairly busy yesterday I was told.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Richardk
Date Posted: 06/July/2021 at 13:50
Just got back from second AZ jab. Got there 8.15 - stood in queue for almost 5 hours to get in building  ,chaos doesn't begin to express my frustration. They brought the second jab forward a month but no extra rescources to cover the extra people attending. Those with appts went through slowly but everyone else  had to wait - the queue stretching out onto main road
HOPELESS


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 06/July/2021 at 13:53
Do those with appointments go to the front of the queue, Richard?  

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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 06/July/2021 at 14:42
So are you back in the Uk Richard?


Posted By: Richardk
Date Posted: 06/July/2021 at 15:17
Perry -  those with appointments go in a separate queue. IF you had AZ you can go at 8 weeks not 12 - it is these people that are being made to wait if you go early. I want to go to UK asap to see family hence I waited otherwise would have left it

This is in Albufeira -next to LIDL
Last time I was in that building it was the Wine Festival a couple of years ago - don't know when /if that will happen again


Posted By: Seannyboy
Date Posted: 06/July/2021 at 15:19
what centre did you go to


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 07/July/2021 at 11:15
Thanks Richard, just the info I needed. 

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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: sunseeker2010
Date Posted: 08/July/2021 at 12:15
Just confirmed by the UK government.

Those who have had both doses of a Covid vaccine can avoid having to isolate when returning from Amber list countries from 19th July. Negative tests are still required though.


Posted By: Citroen
Date Posted: 08/July/2021 at 16:55
What is Portugal's current stance on visitors form the UK, double vaccinated or not?


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 09/July/2021 at 07:22
Originally posted by Citroen Citroen wrote:

What is Portugal's current stance on visitors form the UK, double vaccinated or not?


As set out in UK government website at   http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements" rel="nofollow - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

Similar to the requirement for travel in the opposite direction.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 09/July/2021 at 07:27
It seems it is now only possible to transmit the contagion after 7pm on Fridays and over the weekend and only when inside a restaurant.  The new rules described in this article apply to Albufeira and as from today. The good news is that, providing you have all the necessary paperwork in order, you may go inside a restaurant on a Friday, Saturday  or Sunday night. Who is going to enforce all this I wonder? Will squads of police be visiting restaurants to check on everyone?

You don't need the paperwork to be able to sit outside.

http://www.portugalresident.com/restaurants-in-60-boroughs-off-limits-at-weekends-without-covid-digital-certificates-or-negative-tests/" rel="nofollow - https://www.portugalresident.com/restaurants-in-60-boroughs-off-limits-at-weekends-without-covid-digital-certificates-or-negative-tests/

BTW waterparks have been closed down by government order, except for Zoomarine's educational areas. This ruling is however being challenged in the courts.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: AJSUGGY
Date Posted: 09/July/2021 at 08:20
Again I think its aimed to stop the Portuguese people coming down for the weekend from the northern hotspots.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 10/July/2021 at 08:43
The whole country is now at least at high risk level according to the statisticians.
Another new law is that anyone staying in an hotel, guest house or private rental must show either the European Digitial Certificate or a negative test taken no later than 48 hours before arrival.

That should prove interesting as to enforcement, especially at the smaller places where a lot use a remote checkin system with keyboxes.

Mentioned to me yesterday, what happens if you are in restaurant at 645pm on a Friday. Do you have to show your paperwork at 7pm, or be chucked out  before you have finisihed your dinner?

I am looking forward to similar measures being applied when the winter 'flu begins.  We must keep everyone safe, all the time, with no risk to individuals or society as a whole.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Citroen
Date Posted: 10/July/2021 at 10:14
In fairness 4 million + dead in a little over a year is a sight more serious than the flu, like by a factor of 10 and outside of vaccines that's with every measure we can take almost everywhere.


Posted By: animallover
Date Posted: 10/July/2021 at 13:16
Are digital passes or negative test to be applied if you want sit inside a bar? Can you go inside the bar to order drinks without a pass? Can you use the toilets without a pass?


Posted By: AJSUGGY
Date Posted: 10/July/2021 at 16:06
Can I remind all you folk that the Covid test is only true to the day you are tested (like an MOT here in the UK) you could catch it next day, but according to the test you have not got it. 
They are now saying in the UK that anyone who works for the NHS need not self isolate. Could anyone explain to me why coming from aboard you would have to isolate, So what's the difference. Most of the people who caught Covid in the first place was in Hospital.


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 07:35
 "Most of the people who caught Covid in the first place was in Hospital." - guess or do you have credible evidence (genuine question)? 

By digital certificate do they mean that your vaccination card is not enough, but you need something on your mobile phone too?  


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Go away Duchatalet


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 08:53
The EU vaccination certificate can be printed. There are a few people who do not have smartphones or,  like me, have a distrust of them failing when needed. I do not know about any British one.

It is quite true about tests being only valid at the time they are taken,  as with any test for anything. The tests themselves are not 100% accurate (no-one could ever claim they can be) and of course you may catch it five minutes later. That aspect of what we must now undergo does seem rather pointless in many circumstances.

Being made to take a test for just the one thing before sitting down at a restaurant today presumably means that you can bring other contagions in with you.

For something that has survival rate of better than 99%, I do wonder whether this is now all becoming a matter of controlling the people rather than the contagion.

A friend showed me his digitial only ticket for the Euro 2020 Final when our crowd of oldies met on Zoom last night. He went through the convoluted processes of tests and cross examination required to get into the stadium, from which I do not doubt the great and good will be exempt.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: Big Col
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 09:31
Originally posted by cubsur cubsur wrote:

The EU vaccination certificate can be printed. There are a few people who do not have smartphones or,  like me, have a distrust of them failing when needed. I do not know about any British one.

The NHS app gives details of your vaccinations (manufacturer, date, batch No, etc) and generates a QR code for scanning purposes. The pass can also be printed as a backup if required. This is probably a more robust method than the vaccination card although obviously a smartphone is necessary.


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Colin


Posted By: peteknopp
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 09:43
go to the sns 24 web site and select certificate then enter you centro saude utente number, date of birth and phone number. Then you enter the code sent to your phone  and voila its there. save as a screen shot but quick and easy to access online via this web site. Best to do it on a computer if you want to download a copy

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Posted By: peteknopp
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 09:52



What it looks like

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdqow823zt2jhy9/example.jpg?dl=0" rel="nofollow - https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdqow823zt2jhy9/example.jpg?dl=0


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Posted By: RytonTyne
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 14:56
You can access the NHS website and request a confirmation letter proving you have had both vaccinations, you need to enter your NHS number and date of birth and they will forward it to you at the address you have registered with your GP. I should receive it within five days.


Posted By: Richardk
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 18:12
As Pete said above the Portuguese SNS system is quick and easy to use so as soon as we dont have to isolate when we get to UK we will be off to see family


Posted By: JuliejH
Date Posted: 11/July/2021 at 18:43
We took our certificates with us to a restaurant last night and they tried to scan the barcodes and were not recognised ! He tried a number of times and also showed the digital one we had on the phone , but the app he add just crashed and could not recognise either ! We were allowed in but I hope this does not become an issue


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 12/July/2021 at 08:24
Not thinking things through is often an issue here. Did anyone check that everyone who needs one has the apparatus to make the checks?

Does anyone come round and check that restaurateurs and customers are abiding by the law?


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: animallover
Date Posted: 12/July/2021 at 09:10
Also, you have to be vaccinated for 14 days before certificate is valid although you can obtain certificate before then so does this flag up when being checked?


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 13/July/2021 at 07:44
You can download your certificate 'in a few days' I was told yesterday. The QR code contains all the information about when your injections were administered, so anyone willing and able to check it would know whether or not your 14 days had been and gone.

To record my positive experience yesterday, I went to the Albufeira vaccination centre for my second injection. Contrary to the information on the website it does not close at lunchtime. I arrived with no appointment at 1315hrs. I was directed to the queue for seconds. There was only one person in front of me. The other queues were moderately busy. I was booked in at 1321, shown to a waiting area. I was summoned and injected at 1353, left at 1423 after the 30 minute waiting period.

No adverse reactions.

I am cured.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: bebop
Date Posted: 13/July/2021 at 21:02
I got my EU digital covid cert by email this morning 🙂. Hopefully this means that I can travel to Portugal freely without having to take any more tests, that is so long as rules stay as they are now.


Posted By: cameroncleggout
Date Posted: 14/July/2021 at 08:52
You still have to take tests. Too much money being made to stop them yet, possibly taking tests for the foreseeable future

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cameronout


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 14/July/2021 at 09:05
Travellers between EU countries holding the certificate don´t have to take additional tests at borders, but different rules may apply for travel to or from the UK.

The latest laws here in Portugal require you to present a negative test when checking into an hotel or other type of tourist accommodation rental.

I am off to France on Monday where new laws are being drafted requiring the certificate to he presented when entering any restaurant, bar, supermarket or any place of 'social or cultural gathering', also trains can only be used by those holding the certificate.

Consider that much of the equipment used in the health régime orginates from China. Good business, wasn't it, sending us their diseases and then making us pay them for the cure.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: bebop
Date Posted: 14/July/2021 at 12:33
Ha-ha, good point Cubsur 😉
Enjoy the trip and it will be good to hear how you get on travelling between France and Portugal .


Posted By: camara1969
Date Posted: 14/July/2021 at 20:08


Consider that much of the equipment used in the health régime orginates from China. Good business, wasn't it, sending us their diseases and then making us pay them for the cure. (spouting more rubbish you stupid old fool) i'm sure people will agree with you the same trolls that sent english players filth



Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 16/July/2021 at 08:46
Charming! Current restrictions extended until 27 July.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: dpx3001
Date Posted: 16/July/2021 at 10:36
"Charming! Current restrictions extended until 27 July."

Does anyone know what current restrictions exactly are? They keep changing with exceptions and exceptions of exceptions so I can't really tell what is flavour of the day any more.


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 17/July/2021 at 08:36
This is the current state of play in Albufeira and most of the rest of the Algarve, which are all classified as very high risk, meaning that about 1% of the population is likely to be infected. Taken from local media, translated from the official annnouncements :

Municipalities of very high risk are:

  • Bound by the 11pm – 5am curfew
  • Must enforce remote working when business functions permit
  • Must close restaurants and cafés by 10.30pm (inside tables with a maximum of four people, terraces with six
  • Must bring any cultural shows to a close by 10.30pm
  • Must limit sports to those considered low and medium risk
  • Must close shops by 9pm during the week. At weekends non-food shops must close by 3.30pm; food shops by 7pm
Yesterday it was announced that the waterparks can re-open as of today.

Rules about wearing masks anywhere indoors, in buses and taxis, while walking along the beach etc are unchanged.

Eating inside a restaurant at weekends is permitted only if you have an EU Digital health certificate or are willing to pay for test and show the results. It is OK to eat inside during the week without all that fuss or at any time sitting outside, so obviously those in charge know something we cannot understand.

Furthermore it is required that you show your EU certificate or negative test result when checking into to an hotel or privately rented apartment.

But, as we have come to know this past few weeks, things can and do change at any tme and almost without notice.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: bob d
Date Posted: 18/July/2021 at 10:52
Good work. 

Thank you Cubsur for a very detailed update. 


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we're not brazil we're norn iron


Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 22/July/2021 at 11:12
The Albufeira Safe website now has a useful section about rules during covid, this might be good for people looking to come out to PT.
http://https://albufeirasafe.com/en/regras/ - http://https://albufeirasafe.com/en/regras/


Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 30/July/2021 at 09:15
Early closing law rescinded as of this Sunday coming, places can open until 02.00h. Other restrictions remain in place for at least another month, including enforced closure of night-clubs and 'entertainment' bars i.e. those that do not have a table service licence.

Obviously curfew law also rescinded.

Health pass required for dining inside restaurant Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Not required for other nights nor if sitting outside, as the virus does not work on those days.

Numbers allowed in taxis etc still limited.


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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve


Posted By: AJSUGGY
Date Posted: 30/July/2021 at 11:49
Well its certainly looking better for our arrival in mid September. Cant wait.Cool


Posted By: Deegall
Date Posted: 31/July/2021 at 21:37
Looking forward to getting out October spending a week up the coast in Faro. Will nip down to the town 1 day



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