For now, Portugal remains relatively spared from a fifth epidemic wave.
The number of new daily cases is around 1,600 compared to 5,000 to 6,000 cases a year ago.
Same thing, the number of deaths is around 20 people per day against 80 a year ago.
However, the increase in the number of cases and the increase in hospitalizations pose questions for the authorities.
Already, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has defended the return of the wearing of the compulsory mask outdoors.
This measure, introduced in October 2020, was lifted on September 13.
Wearing a mask is still recommended in the event of a gathering or when it is impossible to respect social distancing.
For his part, the Socialist Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, also hinted on Tuesday that the country could reinstate certain measures, in particular with the approach of the end of the year holidays in the face of the increase in the number of cases in Europe.
"The later we act, the more risks there will be"
He also called on those over 65 to take a third dose of the vaccine.
Currently, just over 86% of the total population is fully vaccinated.
“We must act now.
The later we will act, the more risks there will be ”, he warned while ruling out the possibility of re-imposing the state of emergency which had been in effect for nearly six months between November and April.
This exceptional regime had made it possible to take measures to restrict certain freedoms, such as the confinement imposed at the beginning of the year when the country was among the most affected by the pandemic.
Portugal "is still very far from what is happening elsewhere in Europe", added Antonio Costa adding that he was following the evolution of the health situation in Europe.
The government will make decisions after a meeting scheduled for Friday with scientific experts.
