From today until the end of March, each citizen will be entitled to two free rapid antigen tests (TRAg), after the Government has halved the four monthly tests that they paid for.
Co-payment for SARS-CoV-2 virus tests by the Government was extended until the end of March, but was reduced from four per citizen/month to two.
In the amendment published on Monday, in Diário da República, to the ordinance that establishes the exceptional and temporary regime for the reimbursement of rapid tests of antigen for professional use, the Government justifies this decision with the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Portugal.
“The epidemiological situation caused by the Covid-19 disease pandemic has seen a positive evolution in Portugal. The number of new daily cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the number of citizens hospitalized, including those in intensive care, has also been reduced, largely thanks to the protection afforded by the high vaccination rate that is seen in our country ”, says.
The ordinance, signed by the Secretary of State for Health, Diogo Serras Lopes, also points to the lifting of several measures applied in the context of the pandemic, namely the end of the requirement to present a digital certificate, except for border control, as well as the requirement to test with negative result for access to major events, sports venues, bars and clubs.
Under the new rules, announced last week, the presentation of a negative test for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer mandatory in almost all situations, with the exception of visits to homes and in health facilities.
Last week, the Government also announced the end of the confinement for high-risk contacts (cohabitants without a booster dose or without a certificate of recovery), only those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 will have to be isolated.
The updated rules of the General Directorate of Health recommend that high-risk contacts preferably use the rapid antigen test for professional use.
The new rules also dictated the end of the recommendation for teleworking, as well as the capacity limits in establishments, equipment and other places open to the public.
The requirement for a negative test or certificate of recovery or complete vaccination with a booster dose for visits to homes and users hospitalized in health care establishments remained in force.
The mandatory use of a mask was also maintained in interior spaces where it was currently required.
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