New measures to combat covid-19 in the Azores enter into force on Saturday

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Desporto

As of 12 a.m. this Saturday, the presentation of a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test is no longer mandatory for access to cultural or sports events on the islands in state of alert (Corvo, Flores, Santa Maria and Graciosa). Instead, it will be only necessary to present a covid-19 recovery certificate or a declaration of clinical discharge or whenever it is proven that a booster dose of the vaccine has been administered for a period of, at least, 14 days.

This is one of the measures announced on Thursday by the Regional Secretary for Health and Sport as part of the renewal of measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, as set out in the Resolution of the Regional Government of the Azores now published in the Official Journal.

On the islands with community transmission (São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial and São Jorge), "the presentation of a negative covid-19 test result, carried out within the previous 72 hours or 24 hours, in the case of rapid tests, is mandatory whenever the number of spectators is equal to or greater than 500 and for access to bars and nightlife venues," stressed Clélio Meneses.

Also, on these islands, "the presentation of a negative test result is not required if a certificate of recovery or declaration of clinical discharge is presented or when it is demonstrated that it has been vaccinated for at least 14 days with a booster dose."

The government official also announced the exemption of negative tests upon arrival in the Region for "passengers coming from abroad and the national territory, who present a valid EU Digital COVID Vaccination Certificate or a WHO International Vaccination Certificate."

The ban on Carnival celebrations was also announced, "so as to prevent contagion," explained Clélio Meneses.

"It was decided that recreational and cultural events, celebrations, festivals or gatherings, either indoors or in public spaces, are forbidden between February 25 and March 1, 2022," he said.

The Omicron variant is "overwhelmingly dominant" in the Azores, the Regional Health Secretary said, recalling that the pandemic situation is evolving as in the rest of the country, "but with a high level of vaccination."

The government official even pointed out that "there is added protection in the Azores."

At the same press conference, the Regional Director for Health, Berto Cabral, announced two additional features on the "Covid Support - Online Solutions" platform.

One of them allows people testing positive to covid-19 (over 10 years old) to receive a text message on the 5th day containing a link to report their symptoms or declare their absence.

"On the 6th day, they will receive another message informing them that they no longer need to remain in isolation without the need of any further contact," said Berto Cabral.

In the coming days, about 13 thousand people will receive this message.

There are plans to implement another feature by the end of this week, which will allow anyone who is notified as a positive case to receive a message containing a link to report information on cohabitants and eventual symptoms.