Located in the same peninsula, Portugal has had a little over 1,000 deaths for a population of 10.2 million, compared with Spain’s more than 26,000 deaths for a population of 47 million. Elsehwhere UK research suggests most people who get and survive COVID-19 get at least five months' personal immunity – although they can still infect others if they catch it again. But due to the pandemic, many of these businesses won’t open again. “I have already had to close four of my establishments and had to let go of 38 members of staff. And restaurants like Taberna do Calhau and Geographia are going all in, offering special dinners in the morning. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Portugal registered 10,556 cases of infection with the new coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the highest daily figure since the beginning of the pandemic, bringing the total to 507,108. “It was really heartwarming to see so many people coming on a Sunday just to be with us,” he says. If you want to dine out in the Portuguese capital during the … Portugal has reported 53,223 infections and 1,764 deaths from the coronavirus, much lower than many other European countries including neighbouring Spain, where more than 28,500 have died. Farmers need to sell…. (I’ve written about those, too.) The 72-year-old head of state was "asymptomatic" and isolating in the presidential palace in Lisbon, his office said in a statement.Last Wednesday, he had spent a … The nine businessmen are not just fighting to keep their clubs open during Christmas, and therefore open at all, but also for the Portuguese government to meet their proposals regarding reform in the conditions of government aid offered to workers within the sector. Let’s support them by booking a table where safe, or ordering food to go. “We’re so thankful.”. Inside Portugal’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a traveler who recently visited. At weekends, a lockdown is in place from 1 p.m. to 5 a.m., during which all commercial outlets and restaurants must shut, although there are some exceptions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. A couple of uneasy hours later, after meeting with the mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, and the Minister of Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira (who via phone), the strikers return with beaming faces. Arising from his sleeping bag, Joao Sotto Mayor, a father and owner of multiple restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in the Algarve and Lisbon, pours a cup of black coffee from a flask, the only meal he’ll likely be having for yet another day. Implemented measures during the outbreak of COVID-19[Updated on January 15th. “They need to feel a little bit normal in this abnormal world we’re living in right now.”, Their outdoor, socially distanced lunch (following all the guidelines from the health authority) on November 1 booked up within six days, with 150 people and a waiting list. The COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal is part of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).On 2 March 2020, the virus was confirmed to have reached the country when it was reported that two men, a 60-year-old doctor who travelled to the north of Italy on vacation and a 33-year-old man … Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE raised their Covid-19 vaccine production target for this year to 2 billion shots. According to a recent survey by the local restaurant association PRO.VAR, nearly 30% of Portugal’s restaurants may now be closed for good. Filipe Froes, a doctor from the national COVID-19 task force, says Portugal had time to prepare for the outbreak, with the virus reaching the country later than in Spain and Italy. On Friday, authorities scrapped plans to reopen non-essential activities in the capital, prolonging a ban that took effect on December 18. Restaurants are struggling due to Covid. I’m protesting because I don’t want to close anymore.”. Since November 8, a curfew and weekend lockdown put in place in an attempt to curb the spike in COVID-19 cases has angered restaurateurs, who say that many of their businesses will not survive this year. I know the difference between what’s merely expensive and what deserves its high price tag. Events have been cancelled. Pre-Covid, its Tripadvisor page was filled with as many dire warnings about hour-long wait times as it was five star reviews. U.S. citizens traveling directly from the United States to Portugal for non-essential (tourist) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal. The idea is to feed people in a safe and responsible way, and it now accounts for almost half of the group’s revenue. A commitment to community—both clients and suppliers—was also what led Rita Santos, the owner of the gourmet shop and wine bar Comida Independente, to become one of the first shopkeepers to set up a grocery delivery service for her small-batch, organic cheeses, sausages and natural wines from small Portuguese producers. They’ve created a special holiday feast for four or six people only for takeaway. (This week’s ingredient, chestnuts, in honor of the São Martinho holiday, is being cooked by André Lança Cordeiro from Essencial for pre-ordered takeaway only. Families need our food. EN. How has Portugal's response been different and how has it managed to avoid the high death tolls of neighboring countries? Comida Independente “can be a catalyst. Portugal’s president tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation. The ban, which includes Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Portugal, will be implemented from 4 a.m. on Friday, Shapps said on Twitter. Check out my favorite new-ish restaurants in Lisbon and especially these two hidden gems. But due to the pandemic, since most businesses have been closed for over eight months during the pandemic, we are all in some sort of debt”. Track COVID-19 local and global coronavirus cases with active, recoveries and death rate on the map, with daily news and video. For Businesses. Here's the Current Status for All 50 States, International Student Exchange Programs Are Still Worth Doing, Even in a Pandemic. Meliá Hotels International To Offer Free Covid-19 Tests To Meet CDC Travel Requirements, Michelin Star Awarded To Vegan Restaurant For First Time Ever. Dining in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland: See 288 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 7 Portugal Cove restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. But one bright spot has been watching the creativity and resilience that has flourished in the restaurant sector. Portugal has become the latest European state to announce new coronavirus restrictions, as Austria and England also prepare for lockdown, amid public backlash in other states forced into quarantines by the second wave of Covid-19. People are being told to stay home, leaving streets deserted. The measures, which were approved on Monday by the Regional Government of Madeira, are part of the fight against the covid-19 pandemic. Is France Moving Towards A Legalization Of Cannabis? © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. People are being told to stay home, leaving streets deserted. Home; Portugal. Another something positive, if all goes well, is the arrival of a new pop-up in Lisbon from Cavalariça, the much-acclaimed restaurant in Comporta. They are protesting against coronavirus lockdown measures introduced by the Portuguese government during the pandemic. Spain, with its high coronavirus death toll and ongoing confinement, regards neighboring Portugal with a combination of envy and perplexity. In Austria, the restrictions include a curfew from 20:00 to 06:00. However it is not only the quantity of places offering food in which Portugal excels. Takeout. Nine restaurant owners in Portugal are protesting the nation's latest coronavirus restrictions with a hunger strike. “The first talks were unsuccessful so I have no idea what this outcome will be but I hope the Portuguese government has the ability to self-reflect,” says Mayor. The team from Cavalariça (in a press photo taken pre-covid) Francisco Nogueira. Countries across Europe are grappling to control the outbreak, with France announcing new measures and the UK imposing a four-week lockdown. But right now, the Portuguese Parliament remains silent, with the only noise being the strums of their supporters’ acoustic guitars and the sounds of solidarity uplifting the spirits of their campsite. I’m discerning but not jaded, and I appreciate the hard work that goes into crafting experiences as well as crafting luxury goods. Portugal; Portugal Restaurants Make a free reservation. Many countries in … Inside Portugal’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a traveler who recently visited. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Three weeks ago, they started a weekend lunch service of Portuguese comfort food, such as roasted goat with oven-baked rice and cozido à transmontana (a typical meat stew from chef Vitor Adão’s native Trás-os-Montes region). Portugal’s president tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation. CHECK OUT WBAL:Get all the latest Baltimore news, weather and sports. The COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal is part of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 … Almost exactly two months after the first two cases of Covid-19 were diagnosed in Portugal, and after three consecutive states of emergency (a condition that can … The regional executive also decided to keep the weekend curfew between 6pm and 5am announced last week. And since takeaway is likely to be part of life for a while, Mezze—the Middle Eastern restaurant opened by the Pão a Pão Association to employ refugees and migrants from Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Eretria and other countries—is adding new dishes to its menu this month and planning ahead for small-scale Christmas celebrations. The United Kingdom is banning travel from the whole of South America and Portugal amid concerns over a new variant of the coronavirus in Brazil, … If people can’t travel to Comporta, then Comporta can come to the people, in the form of bistro food, international influences and an informal mood, during the hours that restaurants can be safely open. Learn How. The government of Prime Minister Antonio Costa says the coronavirus measures are necessary to bring the pandemic under control and avoid stricter measures next month, but the protesters disagree. It wasn’t until during the tourism boom where tourists preferred to spend their dollars on local specialties that restaurants began to dispense of French and Italian cooking that they had obsessed over for decades, self-reflecting and fully embracing traditional Portuguese flavors. A new lockdown to bring record high coronavirus cases under control will come into force in Portugal from Friday, Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced, … And with more closures, establishments will have to rely on domestic clients who are less interested in experimental local Portuguese flavors compared to their foreign counterparts, and it might take years to recover. Filipe Froes, a doctor from the national COVID-19 task force, says Portugal had time to prepare for the outbreak, with the virus reaching the country later than in Spain and Italy. The measures, which were approved on Monday by the Regional Government of Madeira, are part of the fight against the covid-19 pandemic. Restaurants are being encouraged to use call-ahead seating or reservations. Booze for breakfast: How Portuguese restaurants are trying to get round their Covid curfew. Bars and nightclubs have been closed since March and while restaurants were allowed to reopen in May, a restriction on travel and the country being left out of certain travel corridors with neighboring European countries has meant that many establishments have already lost a sizable chunk of their annual income from the summer season. Mexico’s official Covid-19 death toll, the fourth highest in the world, now stands at around 134,000, with more than 1.5 million cases registered. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Portugal on Saturday posted a new record of daily COVID-19 infections with another 39 deaths, over 4,007 new infections and 286 patients in intensive care. Lisbon's beautiful streets are calmer, but far from lifeless Credit: getty I've been an award-winning travel writer and editor for 18 years – including several as a senior editor at ForbesLife – and I've written about more than 600 luxury destinations and hotels in 97 countries (and counting). Mobile. What's Closed? People just want something positive in their lives.”, The team from Cavalariça (in a press photo taken pre-covid). It’s not just restaurants, nightclubs, and bars taking a major hit but the crisis is also trickling down to DJs, artists, hotels, suppliers, and farmers to name a few—a relationship that works both ways. “How can we sustain a company that isn’t earning any money but has to pay taxes, pay for light, water?” asked Jose Gouveia, a nightclub owner and spokesperson for the movement. Cafes and restaurants … But without tourists and government support, many restaurants that championed and experimented with local flavors will be forced to close their doors, impacting the diversity of the culinary scene. Let’s go. Portugal has reported three more deaths and 585 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. And for the hours that they can’t, takeaway and delivery options have never been so good. Sotto Mayor says that a recent 25 million-euro ($30 million) government program allowing restaurants to apply for compensation to make up for losses over the weekend does little to solve the problem. Many hospitality businesses within the Algarve region, Portugal’s south coast, make the majority of their profit in the summer months, with many restaurant owners and staff living off the profit they make for the rest of the year and remain closed during the winter. 1 Comments Residents of affected areas are asked to not leave the house except for work, school or shopping during the week, and must stay home between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m But in a certain weird way, this year has had some nice surprises for people who love food. We may as well eat well. Sign up Sign in. The rules will be similar to the six-week lockdown imposed between March and April last … For Businesses. Portugal; Portugal Restaurants Make a free reservation. Another group of chefs putting together a serious breakfast, tomorrow at Fábrica da Musa, is New Kids on the Block. Yes, it’s a struggle to stay afloat. All 36 restaurants in Portugal. And they’re working on a plan to use some of the profits from their events to host a banquet for some of the city’s homeless population at one of its poshest venues. I've been an award-winning travel writer and editor for 18 years – including several as a senior editor at ForbesLife – and I've written about more than 600 luxury. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Best Dining in Ericeira, Mafra: See 15,788 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 156 Ericeira restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Portugal has closed its borders with Spain – only Portuguese citizens … We still have to eat. READ THE FULL STORY:Restaurants must close under new COVID-19 restrictions in Baltimore. The total death toll now stands at 1,852 with 62,126 confirmed infections. If their demands are not met, the protesters have vowed that they will be back on strike, but next time it won’t just be just nine–there will be hundreds. ... All restaurants, bars and cafes will be closed except for the delivery and takeaway services. Austria and Portugal have announced new restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus. Sign up Sign in. If a restaurant has a COVID-19 case, it must temporarily close to undergo cleaning. “To survive until Easter, we need to work in December,” insists Sotto Mayor. U.K./EU Travel Ban, Cruises: What Will Biden Decide Today On Travel? Quick Search: Delivery. Help. You may opt-out by. In Portugal, restaurateurs pay their employees double during the festive season, but because of weekend lockdowns, weekday night-time curfews, and restaurants already operating at a 50% capacity due to social distancing, business owners simply will not earn enough to be sustainable. Portugal on Saturday posted a new record of daily COVID-19 infections with another 39 deaths, over 4,007 new infections and 286 patients in intensive care. This is why these protests are so important. "We are at the most dangerous moment (of the pandemic)," Costa told reporters on Wednesday. To make matters worse, the pandemic’s effect on the local food sector is impacting more than just profits. The recent awarding of a record 23 Michelin Stars to restaurants around the country show that its quality is on the up too. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. During the first lockdown, he says, “it was really important to get some feedback on new approaches to the problem…and creative ways to fight this long struggle.”. “In order to be eligible for the scheme, certain criteria has to be met: new businesses that opened in 2018-2019 are barred from applying or if establishments are in some sort of debt to the government. READ THE FULL STORY:Restaurants must close under new COVID-19 restrictions in Baltimore. What's Open? Watch: Exploring Portugal's Covid-free alternative to Mallorca by bike Save Simon Parker, Travel writer ... and has one of the best restaurants on the island. On top of this, restaurants make most of their income over the weekend, so it’s crucial that the weekend lockdown is lifted and that we return to normal operating hours as soon as possible,” says Sotto Mayor. Takeout. The Portuguese government has agreed to hear the protesters out and agreed with the majority of their demands, which would be evaluated and a verdict announced during a third meeting with the protesters set to take place on December 11. New Kids on the Block and friends in the before times. Since these establishments are struggling, it’s also creating a negative domino effect on other industries across the country. “We had a pile of boxes in front of the shop so you could barely enter,” she remembers. Hungry for more? “We totally transformed. According to official data compiled by local media, between May 21 and June 21, Portugal recorded 9,221 new cases of Covid-19, with most cases detected in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions. “Restaurants only account for 3% of the total Portuguese population, so to put millions of people and family’s lifelines in jeopardy is excessive beyond words,” says Sotto Mayor. ... All restaurants, bars and cafes will be closed except for the delivery and takeaway services. Mobile. Countries across Europe are grappling to control the outbreak, with France announcing … Portugal's health system on brink of collapse as COVID-19 cases surge Europe 00:25 Iran, EUAE trade value hits $3.419B since signing PTA: TPOI Business 17 January 23:45 We started the delivery with our personal cars.” Eventually they made a few upgrades and managed to serve some 350 families in the community, sometimes delivering 60 orders a day. People wearing protective masks walk by in Lisbon before the prime minister announces the new lockdown due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Portugal, January 13, 2021. THE government today revealed there have been a record 155 fatalities in the last 24 hours, a significant increase on the previous maximum of 122 recorded yesterday. Most street restaurants and shops in the Algarve have closed, and shopping centres are virtually empty. When life returned to Lisbon in the summer and autumn, NKOTB (Abril plus Pedro Monteiro and Octávio Delmonte of Fábrica da Musa, Leonor Godinho of Musa da Bica, Bernardo Agrela of Hub Beato, José Paulo Rocha of O Velho Eurico and Tiago Lima Cruz, formerly of Sal Grosso) started to put together events that combined food with music and some of life’s other pleasures. In between mouthfuls of bacalao cod pastries, Where Can You Travel? “I have already had to close four of my establishments and had to let go of 38 members of staff. Portugal is set to extend its confinement measures for at least four weeks amid a spike in Covid deaths. 20 Ultimate Things to Do in New York City, 10 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks, Hotels Within Easy Reach of Lisbon's Historic Tourist Attractions. We have felt the warmth of our people and although we starved, our souls have been fed by people’s words and support. Best Dining in Lagos, Faro District: See 90,784 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 452 Lagos restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. There are wine tastings from organic producers and special food cooked by top chefs based on a product of the week. We hope this will be our final battle but we won’t stop until we know that our people will not go another day hungry.”, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Here is our round-up some of the best restaurants in Portugal right now, from gourmet establishments to bargain backstreet diners. Normally, the year-old Plano serves an inventive dinner tasting menu of dishes cooked over a fire in the outdoor dining room. Mainland Portugal initially didn’t make the cut, but as of 20 August the whole country was added to the “safe” list after infection rates … They’re planning more safe events for whenever those can happen, as well as a pop-up takeaway and delivery service (not UberEats or the like, which are horrible for restaurants) with a streaming channel to connect them more closely with their customers and friends. The rules will be similar to the six-week lockdown imposed … Many restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options which allows sales beyond limited capacity allowed by COVID. “We happened to be in a spot where we could help.”, This fall, she took it to another level with the creation of Mercado dos Produtores, a market with organic vegetables, fruits, cheeses and breads selling directly to their consumers, down the street in Praça São Paulo. Portugal has reported 53,223 infections and 1,764 deaths from the coronavirus, much lower than many other European countries including neighbouring Spain, where more than 28,500 have died. Has Nature REALLY Returned Since We’ve Been Quarantining? In Austria, the restrictions include a curfew from 20:00 to 06:00. Back in July, the Michelin-starred EPUR opened a window to serve chef Vincent Farges’s take on simpler snacks to appeal to a neighborhood, after-work crowd. "We are at the most dangerous moment (of the pandemic)," Costa told reporters on Wednesday. The regional executive also decided to keep the weekend curfew between 6pm and 5am announced last week. The newly opened Zunzum is offering a “pequeno grande almoço”—“big breakfast” in Portuguese—that also includes a discount on takeaway food for later in the day. In the name of lifestyle journalism, I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents. Events have been cancelled. All 36 restaurants in Portugal. For all other types of travel and for guidance on arriving … Portugal has developed a travel insurance for visitors residing abroad - Portugal Travel Insurance - which covers, among other aspects, medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital expenses related to Covid-19, as well as cancellation, interruption expenses or extension of the trip also for reasons of Covid-19. Now they’re boxing up all those dishes for people to take home. In between mouthfuls of bacalao cod pastries, pastel de natas, and celebrations, Sotto Mayor reflects on the past week: “We are very proud of our country. “We realized that people need this kind of events that are more than just food,” says Abril. “Our struggle is over, for now,” announces Gouveia to his protesters and supporters. With the new restrictions in mind, they’re offering their Plan C—the same menu to enjoy at home. After the country’s tourism boom over the past several years that saw the sector inject 18 million euros into the local economy last year alone (compared to 9.4 million in 2014), new restaurants were popping up daily, particularly in the country’s capital, to meet the demand.