. LUSA
The country continues to open more and more doors. The third phase of the deconfinition plan due to the covid-19 pandemic kicks off this Monday, with the end of the “civic duty of recollection” and the reopening of shopping centers, theaters, cinemas, gyms, swimming pools, Citizen Shops and pre-school education.
The measures for this new phase were announced on Friday, with the Government deciding to prolong the calamity situation, which has been in effect since May 3, for another 15 days, until June 14, and to postpone the lifting of some restrictions in the Area Metropolitana de Lisboa (AML), where special rules will be imposed, especially related to activities involving “large agglomerations of people”.
Among the main measures that come into effect on Monday are the end of the “civic duty to collect” and the permission for gatherings up to the limit of 20 people, except in the AML, where the limit of 10 people remains.
More maneuver in trade
In the commerce sector, stores located in shopping centers and stores with an area greater than 400 square meters may reopen, as well as areas for food and beverage consumption, except in AML , subject to the application of certain conditions and respect for the guidelines defined by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
In catering establishments and the like , there is no longer a limitation that the occupancy does not exceed 50% of the capacity, if “waterproof” separation barriers are installed between customers who are face to face and the distance between tables is 1.5 meters .
Culture gains gas
They can reopen the theaters, cinemas and auditoriums, with all the queues being able to be occupied, but where there must be an interval between the spectators, who will be forced to wear a mask.
The holding of cultural events outdoors is also allowed , in which the use of a mask is not mandatory, but there must be designated places.
Gym yes, but three meters away
In the area of sports, gyms and gyms can reopen , starting on Monday, with the implementation of measures against the covid-19, namely the three meters distance between users, the indication that only lockers and toilets and the use of a mask by all employees and customers , with the exception of periods when they are teaching or training, respectively.
Covered and uncovered swimming pools and infrastructures for the practice of individual sports and without physical contact are part of the sports spaces that can reopen in this third phase of deflation, according to the measures announced by the Government, in which sports are allowed to the “federated universe “.
Teleworking is no longer mandatory
Regarding work rules, the obligation to telework is eliminated, except for workers who present a medical certificate. The document must certify that they are covered by the exceptional protection regime for immunocompromised and chronically ill patients, workers with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%, workers with children or other dependents under 12 years of age or with a disability or chronic illness or when the physical spaces and the organization of work do not allow safe compliance with the guidelines of the DGS and the Authority for Working Conditions.
In this context, the Government suggests opting for “a partial lack of definition”, through daily shifts or weekly shifts, with ‘mirror’ teams, “so that work methodologies can be trained” that will have to continue to be adopted due to the pandemic .
Citizen stores open. Not in Lisbon
In the operation of public services, Lojas do Cidadão will reopen, except for AML , and the provision of services through digital media and contact centers with citizens and companies continues, with face-to-face service continuing to be provided. by appointment, in which the use of a mask is mandatory.
More children away from home
In the education sector, the reopening of pre-school education is expected , starting on Monday, and of Leisure Activities (ATL’s) not integrated in school establishments, from June 15 , while activities to support the family and free time occupation will reopen at the end of the school year, scheduled for June 26 .
In kindergartens, distance should be maintained, but without giving up the right to play, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education. Children should avoid bringing personal toys and educators should favor outdoor activities.
Masses are back, but with limits
With regard to moments of religious worship, celebrations are now allowed to be held with agglomerations of 20 people , and DGS must determine the guidelines, namely the capacity of religious ceremonies and events of a family nature, including weddings and baptisms, both in terms of ceremonies. civil or religious, or for other commemorative events.
Beaches with traffic lights from the 6th
Regarding the bathing season, the Government maintains the start date, on June 6 , determining that beach users must ensure a physical distance of 1.5 meters between different groups and a distance of three meters between parasols, awnings or stems , as well as comply with the measures of respiratory etiquette and proceed to frequent cleaning of the hands.
Bathers must “avoid access to areas identified with high or full occupation” and, to inform about the state of occupation of the beaches, there will be “traffic light type” , in which the green color indicates low occupation (1/3), yellow is high occupancy (2/3) and red means full occupancy (3/3).
As well as information “updated continuously, in real time”, about the state of occupation of the beaches, through the InfoPraia application and on the website of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
