159 personalities ask the Government for a “gradual” recovery of the economy, but with new measures
Entrepreneurs, politicians and health professionals want "the State of Emergency to be gradually lifted with the epidemic mitigation."
More than a hundred and a half personalities, from businessmen, politicians to health professionals, sent a letter to the President of Portugal, the Prime Minister and the President of the Assembly of the Republic asking for a “gradual” resumption of economic activity, but with new containment measures. The measures referred to in the letter, cited by the Observador and to which ECO also had access, include the widespread use of masks and the automatic identification and notification of people at risk.
Over five pages of text, these 159 personalities, who begin by identifying themselves as “deeply concerned about the future of the country,” state that “times are extremely demanding and deserve a fast and equal response from everyone”. To Observador, one organiser of the initiative explains that the idea is to reinforce the need to restart the economic engine. “A second wave would be even more difficult at all levels,” said economist Pedro Santa Clara.
The authors ask for “the State of Emergency to be gradually lifted with the epidemic mitigation” and advocate new containment measures, including mandatory wearing of masks by the entire population, testing of all suspect cases within a maximum of 24 hours, notification of each citizen at risk by text message or provision of an alcohol-based solution in public places.