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Unlike some of its European neighbors, Portugal is emerging as an example in the fight against the coronavirus. That is why the country seems to be able to afford to envisage a way out of social isolation in the not too distant future.
Read more about the actions of the Portuguese government to contain the coronavirus crisis, the prospects for the near future, and how high net-worth individuals can immigrate to Portugal.
Do you want to invest and live in Portugal?
Few neighbors, quick response, and good discipline
These seem to be the main factors for Portugal’s success in the fight against the coronavirus. The government was quick to implement measures to contain the pandemic. On March 2, the first cases of COVID-19 were registered, and on the 15th, the borders with Spain were closed. On the same day, classes in public schools were all suspended.
Three days later, the government declared a state of emergency. As a result, circulation got restrict: closed beaches, closed non-essential activities, home office regime implemented where possible, and new health guidelines imposed for services that remained in operation.
In addition to the quick action of the government, Portugal’s geographical position helped the country to close fast and efficiently. Portugal’s only border is with Spain. Located in the far west of Europe, Portugal had the chance to observe what was happening in Italy, Spain, and France and to act in time to prevent the same mistakes.
It was at this point that the discipline of the Portuguese also became a differential. Unlike other European populations, the Portuguese population understood fast that the best way to contain the spread of the virus was to stay at home. And that is reflected in data. According to a BBC News Brazil article published this month, Portugal is now experiencing a phase of decreasing the epidemiological curve. In mid-March, the daily increase in the number of cases was over 20%. Since the beginning of April, it has not reached 11%.
Also read: Why is now the Golden Moment to make your real estate investment in Portugal?
Also read: Six reasons why you should invest in Portugal in 2020
Perspectives for the near future: the planned and gradual exit from isolation
The positive result of the measures adopted by Portugal to contain the new coronavirus is notorious. Therefore, the Portuguese government seems to be hopeful to be soon able to start reopening the economy and gradually leave social isolation.
The Prime Minister, António Costa, considers that Portugal will only be able to return to “normality” when there is a vaccine. But he has also signaled his hopes that in May people will “be able to return gradually, progressively and safely to live in more normal conditions, with the guarantee that the pandemic remains under control.”
Besides, the Portuguese health authorities maintain the recommendations of hygiene and distancing. The goal is to keep the situation under control and do not experience the same problems as the neighbor Spain.
As of April 22, Spain had recorded another 208,000 cases with almost 22,000 deaths. While Portugal had just under 22,000 cases and 785 deaths. Despite population differences (the Spanish population is four times bigger than the Portuguese), the proportion of patients in Spain is more than the double of Portugal.
In brief, it is not difficult to understand why Portugal has been considered an excellent European example in dealing with the crisis caused by COVID-19. The next steps, according to what was mentioned above, seem to be a gradual reopening of the economy in the very near future respecting the recommendations of hygiene and physical distance.
How to obtain the right to live in Portugal?
Portugal offers many opportunities for those who wish to immigrate. One of the fastest and easiest solutions for high-net-worth individuals is the Portugal Golden Visa program. The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the simplest ways to obtain European citizenship through investment. By investing at least 350,000 euros in an eligible project in Portugal, you can become a resident in Portugal. After five years, you can apply and obtain European citizenship for yourself and your family. Find out more about Mercan‘s real estate projects that are eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa program here.
