Feeling safe in Portugal - my experiences during the pandemic

 July in Portugal is normally a time when the temperatures rise and the number of tourists increases, but this year the high season painted quite a different picture. Global travel has been hugely affected by Covid-19, and the traditional tourism sector in the Algarve has been suffering the effects of a lack of British tourists. More than 15 percent of the visitors that head to Portugal are from the UK, and when I first arrived in the country I couldn't believe how quiet it was for that time of year. 

I normally spend a couple of months in the Algarve each summer - arriving as May draws to a close, and leaving at the end of July. By the end of my stay I usually notice an upturn in traffic; the need for restaurant reservations, and slightly busier beaches -  not so this summer. While there has been a small increase in travellers from other countries (mainly Spain), it seems the Portuguese had decided on so-called staycations and at this moment in time, they make up the majority of visitors to the region.

The lack of an air bridge with the UK has been of huge concern to the Portuguese business owners, and even though the government have finally removed the country from its baffling quarantine list, locals still dread the prospect of enduring a hugely difficult winter after a very slow summer season. The Algarve has a very low rate of infection, and with 17 deaths since March in the region at the time of writing it does seem extraordinary that Portugal was considered an unsafe country when it seems to be dealing with the pandemic so successfully. There is a reason the sporting authorities decided to play the remaining Champions League games in Portugal, and why the inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in October will be one of the first races of the season to be held with fans in attendance. 

Portugal locked down earlier than in the UK, and made the wearing of face masks compulsory much earlier and in all indoor settings - you even have to wear one in bars and restaurants until you take your seat. The wearing of those masks is also being adhered to with no issues whatsoever in Portugal - unlike my own experiences in the UK where some people just don't bother and flout the rules. Any excuse not to wear a mask - seriously, what's the deal with that if it prevents future lockdowns?

  

Things can change very quickly at the moment, and I think it's safe to say anyone travelling this year should remember they could have the prospect of the rules changing and a two week quarantine on their return back to the UK. I know that makes it very difficult for those who have children going back to school, or who can't take the extra time off work. For the rest of you, I can't stress highly enough how safe I felt over there. I've been hand-sanitised within an inch of my life, and become accustomed to wearing a mask in temperatures over 30. A small price to pay for a stay in paradise. If you are thinking about spending some time in Portugal this year -  my advice would be do not hesitate to do it.