Portugal to Begin Reopening This Month

Eco Trilha (Eco Trails), a Portuguese tour operator, informs Travel Agent that Portugal will begin to reopen on May 18, including museums, galleries and restaurants. Religious ceremonies will follow on May 30.

In addition to the above businesses, CNBC says that hair salons, dry cleaners, repair shops and other businesses returned to work on Monday, May 4. Masks are required for everyone in public, including public transportation; failure to wear a face mask could lead to a fine of up to €350 ($382).

Despite the lifted restrictions, people are still encouraged to stay at home as “normal life” resumes. Shops that have reopened have restricted business hours and must comply with social distancing measures.

Regarding movement, restrictions, according to France 24, will be eased in the coming weeks. Those who can work from home will be expected to continue to do so. Gatherings of 10 or more remain banned; however, the soccer league is scheduled to resume at the end of May.

Good to know: TAP Air Portugal will reportedly return to regular operations in July, which is also when hotels will begin to reopen (although no definitive date is set yet).

Portugal declared a state of emergency on March 19 and, according to Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, currently has 26,182 confirmed cases and 1,089 deaths.

About Eco Trihla: It will be cancelling all tours to June 4. It says it will comply with all safety standards for passengers so that they can travel in comfort and confidence, according to Turismo de PortugalClean & Safe” certification. It will gradually begin to reintroduce departures in Portugal in June, with the ability to cancel or rebook up to three days before to departure.

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