Summer is a season that many people look forward to and that means a longer vacation , trips away from home and socializing with family and friends. Enjoy your vacation, but do not forget that this year you need to take some extra precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. During your vacation : Always respect physical distance; Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcoholic disinfectant; Wear a mask in the situations indicated and follow all specific instructions given to you in the places you go during your vacation; If you are looking for a place to rest and recover your energy, choose those that have the Clean & Safe symbol. This symbol ensures the necessary hygiene and procedures indicated by the General Directorate of Health, in order to avoid risks of contagion; Take the necessary measures to protect yourself from the heat . Spend time outdoor Outdoor spaces are less risky, both because they are more ventilated and because it is simpler to keep the appropriate safety distance from other people. The warm weather in our country is good to spend more time outdoors during the holidays, enjoy it! Beaches, outdoor pools and parks In most of the concessioned beaches and outdoor swimming pools in Portugal there are occupation limits and circulation rules. Before going to the beach: Check the flow to the nearby beaches in InfoPraia. Prefer the beaches indicated with a lower level of occupation, marked in green, as well as the beaches monitored and with quality control; When the occupancy level is high, do not go as it can be difficult to keep the safety distance. Many parks may also have time and access limitations. But if, by chance, you go to a beach or park where these limits and rules are not implemented, try to put them into action for you: Avoid beaches, outdoor pools and parks during peak hours; When accessing, always walk on the right, thus avoiding being face to face with anyone walking in the opposite direction. It is essential to maintain a distance of 1.5 m between people who do not belong to the same group; The distance of 1.5 m must be kept in place; Parasols should be at least 3 m apart; In WC and changing rooms, keep shoes on, disinfect your hands and keep the safety distance; At the exit, pack the garbage and place it in the respective containers. Used masks and gloves should always be placed in undifferentiated waste containers. If you go swimming In bathing in the sea, in rivers in lakes or pools try to keep the safety distance from other swimmers. Do not wear a mask when swimming. Outdoor tours If you are going on open-air tours on defined trails, follow the circulation rules that are indicated. On other tours that you take, circulate on the roads where other people move in the same direction and keep the safety distance. Picnics and barbecues Gathering family and friends on picnics, barbecues and other meals is part of the summer vacation, whether at home, in parks or other public places. Do not forget physical distance and hygiene measures . If you cannot choose a larger space, then gather fewer people at a time, but always keep the safety distance; Do not share plates, cups and other materials and ensure that they are properly cleaned; If you intend to use public places equipment (for example, tables, benches or others), make sure the use is authorized, check the cleanliness and clean again before using. Closed spaces Avoid enclosed spaces, especially during busy times. But continue to go out for lunch or dinner, visit a new restaurant or go shopping, always respecting the general rules of protection and the instructions given to you. In closed public spaces it is mandatory to wear a mask . In addition, you must follow all the rules indicated in these places. In restaurants: Wear a mask whenever you are not drinking and / or eating; Disinfect your hands on arrival and whenever you touch potentially contaminated objects (ATM machine, for example); Prefer the tables outside; If you have to stay inside, prefer tables by windows, if they can be opened; Always wear a mask when moving around the restaurant, for example, when going to the bathroom. If traveling by plane Only people who are going to travel can enter airports; Whenever possible, check in online and use the electronic ticket. You do not need to print the electronic ticket. In most cases, printed tickets are not accepted by travelers. If the transport company recommends, you must arrive at the place of departure early; Pay attention to the markings that may exist on the floor or to the signs indicating, for example, different circuits for entrances and exits; The use of a mask is mandatory during the flight. If you take a long flight, it is important that you bring masks to replace them every 4 hours or when they are wet; Have disinfectant gel in your cabin baggage to clean your hands, always respecting the limit imposed for the transportation of liquids in the cabin baggage; Whenever possible, maintain social distance, especially when embarking and disembarking. Any luggage in particular? Prepare your luggage according to your vacation plan and do not forget to include: Masks, disposable or reusable; Alcohol-based hand sanitizer; It may also be useful to add: Disposable gloves; Cleaning wipes for personal use; Garbage bags to put all these materials in after use. To be outdoors, protect yourself and stay hydrated. Do not forget: Sunscreen; Insect repellent; Hat and sunglasses; Water. If you need healthcare We want everything to go well during your vacation! But if you need health care, you can call LUZ 24 - 217 104 424 The nurse triage service from the Hospital da Luz network, available by phone 24 hours / 365 days, will make the appropriate referral, according to your clinical situation, to: Urgent service; Videoconsultation; Priority consultation; Scheduled consultation; Self-care. Attention : LUZ 24 must not be used in emergency situations in which the 112 service must first be activated. Have a good vacation! Author : Liliana Beirão Meet the General and Family Medicine team of Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
