New rules on beaches come into effect tomorrow

The rules for beach visits during Covid-19 pandemic are already known. The minimum distance between people and awnings, limitations in sports activities and even an app that will show the levels of occupation of each beach will be part of this new reality. There will be no inspections, but in case of excessive accumulation of people, the beaches can be interdicted.

The rules were published this Monday in the Diário da República and will come into force tomorrow. In other words, almost two weeks earlier than the government had planned.

“The beaches are very important recreational spaces in Portugal, visited every year by thousands of people, so in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to define the procedures to be taken into consideration when using these spaces, so as not to jeopardise the strategy adopted in the control of the pandemic,” according to the decree.

“The risk of contamination through respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) of an infected person remains the direct vehicle of transmission, which also happens in these spaces, so the use of beaches is no exception to the general measures for the Covid-19 pandemic.” See the rules below: 

In the sand:

• The minimum distance of 1.5 meters between people (except if they are from the same group);
• The occupation status of the beaches will be made through a semaphore: green for low occupation (1/3), yellow for high occupation (2/3) and red for full occupation (3/3);
• The beach occupation status can also be consulted, in real-time, through a mobile phone app (Info Praia) or on the website of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA);
• Circulation lanes can be defined, parallel and perpendicular to the coastline.

Awnings, thatched umbrellas and beach huts

• The minimum distance of three meters between thatched umbrellas or awnings;
• The distance of 1.5 meters between beach huts;
• Each person or group can only rent awnings, thatched umbrellas or beach huts in the morning (until 1.30 pm) or the afternoon (from 2 pm);
• Each awning, thatched umbrella or tent can only have a maximum of five people.

Bars, restaurants and esplanades

• Bars, restaurants and esplanades will also have maximum capacity;
• The esplanades may have to be adapted to ensure a safe distance;
• The spaces must be regularly cleaned at least four times a day.

Activities, sports and equipment

• Sports activities with two or more people are prohibited, except nautical activities, surf lessons and similar sports;
• The use of  gulls, slides or indoor showers is prohibited;
• Outdoor showers, stretchers, mattresses or ashtrays must be cleaned daily or whenever they change hands.