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"Let's be real: Will it be possible to see the number of infected people in Portugal reach tens of thousands by the 17th? Yes. But what matters is knowing that the number of tests is and that this means detecting more infected cases and that most of these cases are not serious," said the head of state.
In a communication to the country, from the Palace of Belém, in Lisbon, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considered that "above all, what will make the difference is the percentage of daily growth".
"Has it been and will it continue to be a radical change in our lives? It has been and will have to be for a few more weeks. But what matters is that we know that this change can be worth many tens of thousands of lives saved", he defended.
At the beginning of this declaration, the head of state announced that he had finished decreeing the renewal of the state of emergency in Portugal for a new period of 15 days, until April 17.
The President of the Republic ended this communication to the country with a special word "for those who suffered or still suffer from the pandemic and for those who died alone and without a farewell from their families".
"We have not forgotten them, and it is for them and for the millions and millions that we commit ourselves to overcome this second phase, thus allowing us to overcome the greatest challenge in our lives," he added.
President admits 20,000 to 30,000 could be infected by 17 April
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has admitted that Portugal could register a number in the order of 20,000 or 30,000 infected with the new coronavirus until April 17.
in News · 03 Apr 2020, 11:07 · 5 Comments
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So I assume that the medical care includes the malaria drugs which have been extremely successful in other countries. India is going to be giving it to everyone and Panama uses it for treatment. It is approved for use by the US FDA and people it has been given to have completely recovered in the US and France. Instead of pushing confinement, tell us if Portugal is using the drugs which have been proven to work.
By Nancy from Madeira on 03 Apr 2020, 19:58
Today there are around 10 000 case.
Increase is around 10 % per day. For the last 3 days.
Earlier js been around 14%.
10% gives four times as many cases after 14 days (3,8)
So if this situation continues as the last days
There will be around 40 000 April 17 th.
(Following a more long term trend with 14% gives 6 times (6,2)
=> 60 000 cases)
So 20-30 ooo is optimistic.
By Erik G. from Algarve on 03 Apr 2020, 20:44
The president said recently that that the peak of sick people would be around mid av April.
Keep that in mind, when we reach april 17th.
By Erik G. from Algarve on 03 Apr 2020, 20:50
I guess half a million could be infected and not know it. People working with old people might be infected and handing the virus down to the most vulnerable. Nothing will be changed by shutting Portugal down and killing off its anyway fragile economy.
By John Dough from Lisbon on 04 Apr 2020, 08:57
Portugese government should recommend universal use of face masks, the science is clear, Germany, Austria, Czech, Belgium, US already issued guidelines on face mask wearing. Make this mandatory please!!! Lock down can be shorten if 100% population wear a face mask, Look at how Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong are doing! Everyone wear face mask, no lockdown! let the small businesses go back to work!
By Didomi from Lisbon on 04 Apr 2020, 15:39