EARN News
Overview of the easing of corona-related measures in Portugal
Lisbon, 2020-05-15
Following the declaration of a state of emergency in Portugal on March 18, 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, replaced by a state of emergency starting May 3, 2020, the Portuguese government adopted a plan for a gradual return to normality.
The first easing of the lockdown rules was put into pratice on May 4 and included the opening of hairdressers, small local shops up to 200 m², book stores and car dealers, public libraries and archives as well as tax offices. From May 18, large retail stores up to 400 m² were opened as well as restaurants, cafés, promenades, museums, schools (11th and 12th grade as well as 2nd and 3rd grade of other educational institutions), social institutions for the disabled as well as daycare centers for children with family aid possibility.
In coordination with the national health authorities, from May 30/31 places of worship and football matches (1st league and Portuguese cup) are being rescheduled. Finally, from June 1, the remote office regulations will be eased by staggered working hours for each employee, and social services, as well as retail stores with an area of more than 400m², shopping malls, nurseries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and auditoriums, will be reopened.
To further contain the spread of the pandemic, face masks are compulsory for certain areas and the maximum number of people allowed, particularly in enclosed spaces such as public transport, schools, and stores. The general rules on social distancing (at least 2 m) and hygiene will continue to apply. The situation will be reassessed every fortnight.
The Portuguese government has taken further measures to support companies affected by the lockdown aimed at maintaining jobs. In this respect, lay-off procedures have been eased as well as contributions to the social security. In the same sense deadlines for tax payments have been postponed.
In addition, payment deferrals for credits have been made available as well as credit lines for the worst hit sectors (e.g. tourism, catering, etc.), accessible under simplified conditions, forseeing grace periods or even exemption of interest.
Author: Cristina Dein, attorney at law
Dein Advogados