It’s been a couple of months now since borders once again began to reopen around the world following the disruption caused by COVID-19, and more and more holidaymakers are looking to book trips overseas.
It has been announced by the UK government that travellers to certain countries would need to quarantine for 14 days upon their return back to these shores, however, Portugal is on the list of destinations that are exempt from this rule, which opens up the Algarve for tourists to take a visit.
But what measures are currently in place in the Algarve and what should you expect if you were to travel there? And what is being done to help keep people safe during their trip? We’ve teamed up with our friends at the Algarve tourist board and our travel partner, easyJet holidays, to explain more.
What safety procedures are mandatory?
When in Portugal, it is important to follow all of the safety procedures communicated by the relevant authorities during your stay. At this time, this includes the use of face masks whenever you take public transport and also maintaining social distancing of 1.5m (unless part of the same household), much the same as is the case over here, whilst sun loungers and parasols must also be 3m apart.
What safety procedures are advised?
Whilst the use of face masks on public transport must be adhered to, right now it is only advised to do so when outdoors in public. Essentially this means you do not have to wear one at the beach or walking down the street for example.
Additional cleaning and disinfection is also strongly advised, such as regularly washing your hands, carrying hand sanitiser and avoiding touching things unnecessarily.
What is open for tourists to enjoy during their visit?
You can expect to be able to enjoy all of the main tourist attractions when holidaying in Portugal at the moment, though the extent of the use of face masks, social distancing and hand sanitising can differ from place to place, so it’s always better to make sure you are fully aware of what is expected of you.
Street stores, libraries, golf courses, zoos, beaches, restaurants, cafes, bars, cultural facilities, cinemas, shopping centres and the like are all open for business and have been for some time, so rest assured you can still partake in all of the activities and attractions you’d like to when visiting Portugal.
Many must be cleaned at least four times a day and there is a limitation in terms of capacity in order to ensure the safety of customers.
What is the ‘Clean and Safe’ seal?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portuguese tourist board created the “Clean and Safe” seal to showcase companies in any given sector that comply with the minimum hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of the virus and/or any other possible infections.
Included in these measures is an internal protocol which ensures the necessary hygiene to avoid risks of contagion and ensure safe procedures amongst tourist activities.
Where can I book my holiday to the Algarve?
If you like the sound of a holiday to the Algarve some time soon, rest assured our good friends at easyJet holidays have you covered! They have an abundance of handpicked hotels in the Algarve, plus flights from airports across the UK, making it easy for you to book your next break. Simply decide where you want to go and you’ll be on your way in no time at all.
What are easyJet holidays doing to keep you safe?
Three key commitments have been announced by easyJet holidays to ensure you have the best trip possible. This is made up of:
Safe and enjoyable holidays - including the introduction of enhanced safety measures, having total control over in-flight cleanliness and safety and requiring hotel partners to comply with the public health requirements as set out by their local authorities.
On your side - offering as much flexibility to customers as possible, adapting standard booking conditions and giving you a full refund if they have to cancel your holiday, within an average of 14 days from cancellation.
There for you - providing essential reading on their website with the most up to date and relevant information about your holiday and while you’re on holiday, easyJet holidays’ UK based team is available 24 hours a day to support as well as their in-destination partners.
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