Nightclubs in Portugal to close as COVID cases rise

Restrictions in Portugal are tightening as the new omicron coronavirus variant spreads and the number of patients in hospital rise.

An announcement made this week revealed the latest change in restrictions. This includes the news that from midnight December 1, all attendees to nightclubs must present a negative COVID test even if they aren’t vaccinated.

Clubs will also be forced to completely close for a week from January 2 to 9 next year.

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Masks are now a requirement in all enclosed public areas and the public must also show proof of vaccination, they have recovered from COVID-19 or a negative test before entering restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and hotels.

Alongside nightclubs requiring a negative test, so do hospitals, nursing homes and sport venues.

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In comparison to other countries within Europe, Portugal’s numbers remain low, and its vaccination rate is at one of the highest with 86.6% full vaccinated.

Currently in Portugal, the government allows for one free test a week and for some pharmacies, they are fully booked up.

Read this next: Berlin nightclub capacity lowered to 50%

From December 1, UK citizens can travel to the country for essential as well as non-essential travel reasons with a negative test. You can find more information about travel to and from Portugal on the government website.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter