In December 2019, the first cases of the Covid-19 respiratory disease, caused by a new Coronavirus, appeared in China. It quickly spread around the world, became a pandemic and on March 2, 2020, the first case in Portugal was diagnosed. After a few months of struggle against the pandemic, on the week from the 8th June to 14th June 2020, the region of Coimbra did not register any cases.
The symptoms of Covid-19 (cough, fever and difficulty breathing) are very similar with symptoms of the flu, and can develop into a serious illness such as pneumonia and organ failure. People over the age of 70 and / or those with chronic illnesses can develop the most serious manifestations because they have a weaker immune system. However, most people recover without significant symptoms or need hospital care. The difficulty in containing the virus, since there is no vaccine because it is a very recent virus, is also due to the fact that it can be an asymptomatic infection which may allow you to infect others without knowing.
Considering the dramatic evolution of the disease in the world and particularly in Europe, on March 18, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Portugal. It was a priority to contain the pandemic and save lives. The measures imposed were not as restrictive as in other countries, however they were combined with a high sense of responsibility of the Portuguese who either complied or anticipated the implementation of certain precautions. Remote working became the norm, people stayed at home, the streets were empty and silence reigned. Several areas of activity such as industries and civil construction remained in operation with increased care.
In Coimbra, preventive measures were taken in a timely manner even when it was not expected for the government to declare State of Emergency. The face-to-face classes at the University of Coimbra were suspended on 9 March as well as medical internships, visits to hospitalized patients also and separate spaces were created for covid-19 patients in the local hospitals. The University Hospital Center of Coimbra, which receives patients from all over the region, took advantage of its various locations to optimize the approach to the Pandemic, a laboratory dedicated to tests of the covid-19 was installed in the Pediatric Hospital of Coimbra. Hospital dos Covoes received a center specializing in the treatment of covid-19 and all other patients were transferred to the University Hospital of Coimbra (HUC). The operation of the emergency service of “Hospital dos Covões” was extended to 24 hours. From 10 beds, in intensive care, they increased to 34 and in the HUCs there were still 15 more to spare. Fortunately, 10 patients were never exceeded simultaneously in incentive care. Three types of urgency were created: patients or suspected covid-19 at “Hospital dos Covões”, patients with respiratory complaints (more prone to a covid-19 infection) and for the remaining patients at HUC. Between 12 March to 14 May, hospitals in Coimbra recorded 70 deaths caused by covid 19, among nearly a thousand registered infected; it registered only 260 hospitalizations, of which just 24 went into intensive care.
A partnership was also created between the Regional Health Administration of the Center of Portugal, the University of Coimbra (through the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy) and the Municipality of Coimbra, a Mobile Diagnostic Center “drive-through” covid-19, installed in “Praça da Canção de Coimbra”, so as not to create additional distress in the area of hospitals.
The excellence of health care in the city and the strategies adopted in a timely manner undoubtedly had a positive impact on the management of health care during the pandemic period. Definitely the behavior of citizens has also played an important role in slowing the progression of the virus.
In the municipality of Coimbra itself, just 584 infection cases were registered until 31 May. On the week from the 8th June to 14th June 2020, the region of Coimbra did not register any cases.
If you experience any of the symptoms of the disease (recurrent and persistent cough, fever (37.5 degrees Celsius or higher) while visiting Coimbra, we suggest you avoid contact with others, inform the front-desk team and then call the national health line SNS24: 808 24 24 24, which if needed will direct you to the most adequate healthcare institution.
To help avoid the spread of the Coronavírus:
• Wash your hands frequently with water and soap, for at least 20 seconds
• Keep social distance
• Respiratory etiquette (cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, using a paper tissue or the arm, never the hands; discard of the paper tissue in the trash)
• Follow the advice about staying at home if you have symptoms
On the 3rd of May, Portugal released the state of emergency and the measures imposed were progressively relaxed throughout the month of May and June. The principle of confinement and social distance is maintained to prevent the outbreak from developing.
We share the latest updates on the impact of Covid-19 on the daily lives of citizens and visitors, so that we are properly informed and return, in complete safety, “to normal”.
Information updated on June 10, 2020.
LAND BORDERS
Borders with Spain have been closed since mid-March.
The reopening of the borders with Spain are planned from 1st July.
TRANSPORT
Public transport runs with a maximum capacity of two thirds of its capacity and the use of masks or visors is mandatory. Fines vary between € 120 and € 350.
CP- Comboios de Portugal restored the normal schedule for urban trains in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra, as well as Regional and Interregional services.
In Coimbra, the supply of buses has been increased by around 70%.
BEACHES
Physical distance of 1.5 meters and distance of 3 meters between parasols.
The region’s spacious beaches have a capacity of 51,200 people. In Figueira da Foz, Alto do Viso beach 8,700 users, Buarcos beach 8,600, Relógio beach 6,400, Cabedelo beach 4,100 to 5,100, Quiaios 7,200 and Murtinheira 3,500 people. Mira Beach 11,200 people and Tocha up to 8,000 people.
Toldos, Colmos and Tents can only be rented in the morning (until 13:30) or in the afternoon (from 14:00) and with a maximum limit of 5 people groups.
Sports activities with two or more people are prohibited, with the exception of nautical activities and surf lessons.
Traffic light type signaling created: green indicates low occupancy (1/3), yellow indicates high occupancy (2/3) and red full occupancy (3/3).
It is recommended to use the Infopraia App (Google or Apple) for information on the capacity of the beaches.
Street sales are allowed on the beaches, respecting the rules and guidelines of hygiene and safety.
Parking is prohibited outside parking areas licensed for this purpose.
PARKS and GREEN AREAS
Physical distance of 2 meters between people.
Avoid gatherings with more than 10 people.
The use of playgrounds and drinking fountains is not allowed.
HOTELS AND TOURISM
Portugal’s national tourism authority, Turismo de Portugal, has created a hygiene certification seal to identify “clean and safe” tourism companies.
The stamp means that companies comply with the hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of Covid-19.
It is with satisfaction that the Hotel Oslo Coimbra fulfills the requirements of the Clean and Safe certification.
MUSEOLOGICAL SPACES
The use of masks, hand and space hygiene is mandatory.
Capacity limitation to one person per 20 square meters.
Previous estimate of duration of visits.
Circuits are signposted.
The objects on display must be cleaned only by conservators or professionals of the Collection.
RESTAURANTS
Capacity reduced to 50% with an obligation to maintain a distance of 2 meters between people, except for those who live together. Alternatively, a distance of 1.5 meters between people and placement of acrylic barriers.
To privilege the use of spaces such as terrace and services such as TAKE AWAY.
Mandatory use of masks by employees and hand hygiene among customers.
Plates, glasses and cutlery must be placed in the presence of customers.
Encourage and promote reservations.
Enhanced hygiene measures throughout the establishment.
Avoid means of payment that involve physical contact.
HOSPITAL CONDITIONS Coimbra
A laboratory dedicated to testing covid-19 was installed at the Pediatric Hospital of Coimbra.
Mobile Diagnostic Center Covid-19 at Praça da Canção.
The Covões Hospital has its central block transformed for the treatment of covid-19.
Emergency 24 hours a day.
Line SNS24 808 24 24 24 for patient guidance.
Map and Directions
Contacts
