Speaking to Lusa, António Miguel Pina argued that the ban on the entry of citizens of other countries into Portugal "would be an appropriate measure" to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, with reports that, in the last 24 to 48 hours, in the Algarve, have crossed the border that separates the region of Andalusia "some tourist buses and motorhomes".

"With the declaration of quarantine in the neighboring country, there is a large influx of Spanish citizens. In view of this situation, the mayors of the Algarve ask the Government to take more drastic measures to control these flows, whether at land or airport borders", read in a note from AMAL sent to Lusa.

The 16 mayors in the region are concerned with the arrival, in the Algarve, "of citizens of other nationalities, coming from countries where the problem of infection with the new coronavirus is highly worrying" and fear that the effort that the Portuguese are making is not compensated, to maintain this flow.

"We cannot be asking the Portuguese to stay at home, not to travel, to reduce their social and even professional activities, to then watch the arrival of citizens from other countries, whether for holidays or work, stressed the also president. of the Câmara de Olhão.

The Guadiana International Bridge, which connects Castro Marim, in the Algarve, to Ayamonte, in Andalusia, is the connection point to Spain further south of Portugal, registering a considerable movement in both directions, namely of tourists who at the weekend they visit the Portuguese side and Portuguese who go to Spain to shop or supply fuel.

To the north, where there are also several entry points, the District Civil Protection Commission of Bragança decided on Saturday to recommend to the Government the closure and control of the district's borders for control and containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic was detected in December in China, and has already claimed more than 6,000 deaths worldwide.

The number of infected people is around 160 thousand people, with cases registered in at least 139 countries and territories, including Portugal, which has 245 confirmed cases. Of the total infected, more than 75 thousand recovered.