Mandatory testing for access to homes, health facilities and major events

At a press conference after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, which approved measures to contain the epidemic, Antonio Costa assumed the need to “increase cases in which the use of tests is mandatory and a condition for access to certain places or certain activities”, given the deteriorating epidemiological situation in the country, listing the structures covered by this requirement.

“First, for home visits. I would like to emphasize that there is no procedure in place that prevents family members in any way from visiting their family members who are residing in nursing homes. However, to protect family members and the entire community who live and work in the home, a test is required visits in order to enter,” he said.

Antonio Costa also stressed the obligation to test negative in “visits of patients who are hospitalized in any health institution”, as well as in “all major events, whatever their nature, cultural or sporting nature, in improvised places, without specific places and in all stadiums Sports, covered or open.

The Prime Minister also announced that the test is also a “requirement for being able to enter clubs and bars”, in addition to the current requirements for a digital certificate.

Antonio Costa called for more self-testing by residents, stressing the importance of this measure to protect the Christmas season.

Whenever possible, we should conduct self-exams. For example, before joining our families; On Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, we should do a self-test to make sure we’re protecting those we adore,” he stressed, also pointing to PCR and rapid antigen tests as alternatives.

He insisted on special care regarding Christmas: “It is a measure to protect ourselves and those around us, especially before families gather together for Christmas, it is very important that everyone can take a self-test, in order to ensure that you do not put any of your dear ones at risk. “.