Portugal reintroduces nightly curfew amid rising COVID-19 cases
Portugal will reintroduce a nightly curfew from tonight July 2 following an unexpected rise in coronavirus cases due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.
The strict new rules will apply from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. each evening until further notice in 45 municipalities across the country including the capital Lisbon, the picturesque city of Porto as well as Albufeira in the southern Algarve region, popular with British tourists for its endless sunshine and beautiful beaches. In larger cities, during these hours, cars will also be banned from driving on public roads.
The capital of Lisbon has already been locked down for the past two weeks following a recent surge in cases.
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Additionally, under the new rules, cafes and restaurants in Lisbon and approximately 18 additional towns must close at 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and 3:30 p.m. on weekends. With its warm weather and alfresco lifestyle, the rules will restrict Portugal's famous late-night dining and socializing culture.
Related: Traveling to Portugal: 7 things to know before you go
Minister of the Premiership Mariana Vieira da Silva has admitted that the pandemic is not "under control" in Portugal following Wednesday's highest daily rate of new infections since February 2021. Daily deaths do remain low.
Since June 15 Portugal has allowed nonessential travel — which includes tourism — from the U.S. to mainland Portugal with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Related: 8 reasons Portugal is the perfect place to visit
The country has progressed well with its vaccination program, with 55% of the population having received their first dose, and 33% being fully vaccinated. Most new cases are being reported in unvaccinated young adults, with Portugal now racing to vaccinate these citizens as quickly as possible.
Portugal's vital tourism industry had been decimated by the pandemic, despite the United Kingdom briefly placing the country on its coveted green list for quarantine-free travel before removing it from the green list just three weeks later.
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| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.