In a statement published on the official website, the National Maritime Authority justified the "preventive measure" as an answer "to contain the spread of Covid-19" and ensures that the "ban will be lifted as soon as all security conditions are met".

The National Maritime Authority reinforces the appeal to citizens not to go to the beaches and not go to baths.

Portugal is on the alert level, with 169 cases of Covid-19 infection confirmed.

The new coronavirus was first detected in December in China, and has already claimed more than 5,700 deaths worldwide.