“Since mid-August we have been experiencing a constant rise in infections, in line with most European countries,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “these are infections that today, fortunately, are less serious than at the start of the crisis.”

António Costa, who spoke in statements to RTP and TVI at the entrance to Pedro Abrunhosa’s concert in São Domingos de Benfica, Lisbon, stressed, however, that the minor seriousness of the infections “does not allow anyone to reduce the level of care provided”.

The head of the government also said that, despite the “significant” evolution of the pandemic, the “pressure” on the National Health Service “has remained stable”.