LISBON (Reuters) – Portugal did not report coronavirus-related deaths on Monday for the first time since mid-March, when a blockade was implemented, and the lowest number of new infections in almost 3 months.
“It’s been very complicated in recent years, we’re very pleased that this has happened,” Health Secretary Antonio Sales said, crying at a press conference.
“I need to leave this message of hope to the Portuguese, but I need to ask them to help us with those figures,” he said.
The total number of infections in Portugal increased by 106 from Sunday to 51,569, with 62% of new infections reported in and around Lisbon, where outbreaks on the outer edge have worried the government over the past two months.
The toll remained unchanged in 1738.
The country, which relies heavily on tourism, began lifting restrictions imposed by a six-week blockade on May 4 and, first, was hailed as a good fortune in its fight against the disease.
But epidemics around Lisbon have forced the government to reinstate some measures in the affected areas and have led several European countries, joined by Ireland, Belgium and Finland, to impose restrictions on Portugal.
Portugal was also on a list of dozens of countries that Britain considered safe enough without having to quarantine them on their return.
The desire of tourists to return to Britain from Portugal quarantined for 14 days has affected the Algarve, a popular domain for its beaches and golf courses.
Reporting through Catarina Demony; Additional reports Patricia Vicente Rua, edited through Andrei Khalip; Editing through Giles Elgood
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