Portugal Rushes to Restore Curfew in Last-Minute-Bid to Tackle Coronavirus Surge in Lisbon

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon has reintroduced some lockdown measures, including an 8 pm curfew, after a spike in new coronavirus cases were reported.

Despite a relatively low coronavirus toll of 39,392 confirmed cases and 1,534 deaths in Portugal, the authorities are now worried about the several hundred new cases being found every day in Greater Lisbon.

However,  the government maintains that the outbreaks are localised and traceable to particular workspaces and crowded neighbourhoods. “The nucleus of the problem is centered in just 15 neighbourhoods, we need a stronger effort in these areas,” Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference after meeting local council leaders in Lisbon.

“In these areas, the limit on gatherings will be halved to just 10 people, and commercial spaces with the exception of restaurants will close by 8 pm”, Mr. Costa said. Restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve drinks after the 8 pm curfew, and drinking in public spaces outside of licensed esplanades will also be prohibited.