The decision, announced through the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, results from the application of extraordinary and urgent measures in the face of the Covid-19 contagion, among which initiatives that increase the possibilities of social distance and prophylactic isolation.

"The exceptional situation we are experiencing at the moment and the proliferation of registered cases of Covid-19 contagion requires the application of extraordinary and urgent measures, including measures that increase the possibilities of social distance and prophylactic isolation”, said a statement from that ministry.

The restrictions imposed are related to the access and the allocation of spaces in commercial establishments and in restaurants or beverage establishments, through an ordinance published today.

Thus, the allocation of spaces accessible to the public in retail stores, large commercial areas and commercial complexes must "observe the maximum indicative occupancy rule of 0.04 people per square meter of area".

This provision means - the Government specifies - that, at the limit, a shopping center (commercial complex) or a store (retail trade) should not have a simultaneous occupation of more than four people per 100 square meters, excluding workers and service providers. services.

"The ratio established allows circulation in these establishments that safeguards the recommendations of social distance in force, without prejudice to economic operators establishing more restrictive values", explains the Ministry of Economy.

On the other hand, the allocation of spaces accessible to the public in catering or drinking establishments should be limited to one third of their capacity, the same note adds.

In Portugal, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) today raised the number of confirmed infection cases to 245, 76 more than those registered on Saturday.

Among the identified cases, 136 are hospitalized, of which nine are in intensive care units, and two are recovered.

Lisbon and Tagus Valley is now the region with the highest number of confirmed cases (116), followed by the North region (103), and the Central and Algarve regions (10). There is one case in the Azores and five abroad.

The epidemiological bulletin also points out that, since the beginning of the epidemic, the DGS registered 2,271 suspected cases and has 4,592 contacts under surveillance, less than on Saturday (5,011).

The government declared the state of alert in the country, putting civil protection means and security forces and services on standby, and announced the suspension of classroom teaching activities in all schools from Monday.

Restrictions on the operation of nightclubs and the like, a ban on disembarking passengers from cruise ships, except for residents in Portugal, and the suspension of visits to homes throughout the national territory were other measures approved.

The regional governments of Madeira and the Azores decided to impose a quarantine period on all passengers who land in the archipelagos, while the Government of the Republic advised against traveling to the islands.

Other measures had already been taken in Portugal to contain the pandemic, such as the suspension of air links with Italy.