"The most vulnerable populations have been a constant concern for the Government and health authorities. On 8 May, DGS published a technical guidance for migrants and refugees and for professionals who provide assistance and support to this section of the population, who are in a situation of displacement and vulnerability and often live in collective places”, said the ruler.

António Lacerda Sales, who was speaking at the daily press conference to update information on covid-19, in Lisbon, explained that this guidance makes “some procedures for obtaining the user number flexible in order to ensure that no one is left without access to the NHS or other health care rights”.

According to the Secretary of State, the document also encourages the use of intercultural mediators and telephone translation lines, namely through the migrants' support line (808 257 257) of the High Commission for Migration, in cases where there are language barriers.

“In a pandemic context, confinement, self-isolation and social distance measures are highly demanding for these populations, so this guidance reinforces the implementation of contingency plans that allow the accommodation, food and hygiene and health of its users in strict compliance with the precautionary measures, namely through partnerships with Roma and migrant communities and associations,” he said.

This week in parliament, the Minister of Internal Administration said that 560 diagnostic tests were carried out on covid-19 to migrants residing in Lisbon hostels and 178 of which had positive results.

Eduardo Cabrita also said that the tests will continue to be carried out in other reception units for these citizens.

The minister also said that the asylum seekers who were placed at Ota Air Base, in Alenquer, will not be re-housed under conditions similar to those they were previously in.