Portugal declares that it’s open for tourism

Portugal has said that it’s ready to welcome tourists, expressing confidence that its public health care system can take care of the tourists.

Portugal’s foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva has said no quarantine will be imposed on people arriving by plane.

He said that “minimal health controls,” which he did not specify, will be enforced at airports. Other European countries, including Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, have preferred a 14-day self-isolation rule for arrivals.

Santos Silva said in an interview with Observador radio station that Portugal’s public health system has coped well with the new coronavirus outbreak, though doctors and nurses have complained of shortcomings.

Portugal has also issued a statement that beaches, hotels, restaurants and national monuments can reopen, Santos Silva noted.

Tourism accounts for 15% of Portugal’s GDP and 9% of the country’s jobs, and authorities are striving to salvage some part of the summer vacation season following a lockdown.

Portugal has officially attributed 1,277 deaths to COVID-19 and recorded almost 30,000 cases.