The recommendation is based on the risk of infection and spread of that disease, caused by the new coronavirus, which is why the authorities advise against "events, parties and dinners that promote the gathering of people, with immediate effect".

In the document, published on the Algarve Regional Health Administration (ARS) website, Ana Cristina Guerreiro argues that the “unpredictability of the epidemiological evolution of Covid-19 implies a continuous risk assessment and, according to the level of risk determined, the reassessment of implemented public health measures”.

“The current national and regional epidemiological situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic is characterised by a high degree of uncertainty, bearing in mind the dynamics of circulation of several viruses in the winter months and the emergence of a new variant of SARS concern -CoV-2”, the statement reads.

According to the Algarve health authority, the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in social events with gatherings of people, proximity and physical contact behaviour, “is real and cannot be cancelled, regardless of full compliance with all recommended public health measures”.

“Cases/outbreaks related to social events that promote the gathering of people continue to occur, given the circulation of infected people, with or without symptoms”.

The Algarve health authority adds that it is essential that everyone who intends to hold events during the pandemic, "although within the limits of the legal framework, weigh the risk they are subjecting themselves to, as well as the other participants, having the responsibility of applying risk reduction measures and complying with the standards and recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health [DGS]”.