This new phase of the easing of lockdown plan, which entered into force on August 1, was approved by the Council of Ministers and takes into account the target of 85 percent of the population fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which should be reached next week.
No more restaurant and shop limits
Commercial establishments, restaurants, cafes and general commerce no longer have a maximum limit of customers or people per group.
The end of this restriction on occupancy also applies to family events such as weddings and baptisms.
Events back on the calendar
Cultural shows will no longer have capacity limitations from October 1, but a digital certificate will be required for major cultural events, and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) will define what these events are.
The use of a mask in shows will be mandatory whenever there is no distance of two metres between people.
Bars and clubs reopen
Nightlife spaces, closed since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, can reopen as of October 1.
On July 29, the Government announced that night entertainment spaces could reopen in full in October, when authorities predicted that 85 percent of the population would be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Limited mask use
From October 1, the mandatory use of masks is limited to public transport, supermarkets, nursing homes and hospitals, concert halls and large events.
This decision is based on criteria for places with a high frequency of people, such as public transport, including risky places, such as homes and hospitals, and places with large gatherings of people for longer periods, such as concert halls.
Digital certificate is no longer required in restaurants and hotels
Restaurant and hotel customers will no longer have to present a vaccination certificate or negative test for Covid-19, according to the new rules approved by the Council of Ministers.
The end of the vaccination certificate or virus screening test also covers group classes in gyms, but will now be required in clubs and bars, as well as at major sporting events.
The presentation of the document will also be mandatory for travel by sea or air and in visits to homes and health establishments, since hospital visits are resumed.
Remote working over
The Council of Ministers has also decided to end the recommendation of remote working and to eliminate testing in workplaces with more than 150 workers.
In August, a step had already been taken towards reducing the use of telework, with the Government deciding that this was no longer mandatory in higher-risk municipalities, being only recommended throughout the continental territory.
End of limitation on alcohol sales
The limitation on the sale and consumption of alcohol ends and the time limits that had been imposed due to the pandemic also end.
Playgrounds without masks
The use of masks in school playgrounds is no longer mandatory and the Directorate-General of Health will update the norms of prophylactic isolation in educational establishments.
Everybody write that date down in their calendar.
This is on the government ,whatever the outcome.
By James from Algarve on 24 Sep 2021, 11:09
Stop the masking of children in schools! It's dehumanising, anti-scientific and frankly, evil. Their bodies are developing and they need a normal amount of air and oxygen, which these nasty microbic-trap face diapers, hinder.
By DD from Lisbon on 24 Sep 2021, 14:14
This Goverment as already lost to many voters.
By J from Lisbon on 24 Sep 2021, 16:00
most important for Brits with property, will portugal recognise UK covid pass, do we still need test before entry ?? Britain made portugal green but no reciprical agreement ? is it likely soon ?
By anthony neville from UK on 24 Sep 2021, 16:27
Yes James you are right. More utter nonecence from this out of touch Goverment who do not take any notice of medical professional. Let hope for change at the local elections so Porugal can move forward properly for the Porugues people not outsiders who want to change the culture of our country.
By J from Lisbon on 25 Sep 2021, 10:04
Anthony Neville you really need to check the facts before posting. UK has Portugal in the Amber not Green (only Maderia and the Azores are green).
By Catarina Maderia from Beiras on 25 Sep 2021, 10:45
Apologies in advance to those who wish the continuation of Portugal as a poor country only friendly to wealthy foreigners; Portugal DOES need to change ; it is 70 years behind the rest of Europe and there is so much that should and could be done , from keeping streets clean to providing decent housing to local population.
By K from Algarve on 25 Sep 2021, 16:15
Can you please confirm if Portugal will be accepting the NHS covid pass from 4th October as there was a statement made by the Portuguese government that third countries will be accepted.
Kind regards Jason
By Jason Brown from UK on 25 Sep 2021, 17:33
As the above, they seems to be mixed news about whether Portugal will accept the NHS vaccination certificate without having to pay for a test.
By Sandra from UK on 29 Sep 2021, 08:43