In a written response to Lusa regarding the increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in China, the Ministry of Health assured that the Portuguese authorities are monitoring the epidemiological situation "in conjunction with European partners and international organisations, namely within the scope of activity of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control".

Even so, and unlike some countries, Portugal does not foresee the reinforcement of measures to control and mitigate the pandemic.

"At this time, and according to the available information, no changes in procedures or additional measures are foreseen, with genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 continuing through the National Reference Laboratory", said the Ministry of Health.

The abrupt end of China's "zero covid" policy is raising concerns in several countries, including the United States, which is considering entry restrictions for Chinese travellers, as China is currently facing the largest wave of infections in the world, amplified by the appearance of new variants.

The lack of transparency regarding the number of contagions, which the authorities have stopped publishing daily and say it is difficult to count since the tests are no longer mandatory, is also cause for concern.

In view of the increase in infections, the Italian government has already announced the obligation to carry out a covid-19 test for travellers from China, a measure that was previously implemented in the Lombardy region, where the international airport of Malpensa, in Milan, is located.