Traveling to Portugal during the COVID-19 “second wave”
Interview with a local from Porto, Portugal.
Sharing an interview regarding the impacts of the pandemic on the local economy in Portugal, tourism, and more.
107 seconds overview of the empty streets of Portugal during COVID-19 second wave.
My travel experience during COVID-19 2nd wave, lockdowns and more.
Monday, October 12th, 2020 - DEPARTURE
I was stressed. What if I catch COVID-19 before I get on the plane? They won’t let me in. What if I catch COVID-19 on the flight. Should I wear double masks? Do masks even work…? Am I stupid to travel during COVID-19 times? It’s getting worse in Quebec. The province is in full lockdown for a month, since October 1st, 2020. Should I cancel? What if Portugal doesn’t let me in? COVID-19 cases are going up in Portugal as well…
Repeat these questions, check the news, and you will start having trouble breathing. COVID-like symptoms, but frankly, you’re just having a panic attack. I started shifting my mindset. You will not get sick. You will be fine. Steph, stop checking the news.
At the YUL airport:
The airport is empty. Airport staff makes sure you are wearing a mask and use hand sanitizer as you get in the airport. There are no lines for security. It’s just empty. They take a picture of you (or that was for temperature check?). And that’s it. The gates are empty. The risk of being close to someone is relatively low, honestly. Two or three coffee shops/restaurants are open in the whole airport. All the stores are closed. It’s sad.
Boarding and airplane seats:
TAP Portugal gives you a disinfectant wipe;
I had three seats for me (I was alone in my side aisle - COVID-19 perks);
They served dinner.
Montreal to Lisbon is a 6:15 hours of direct flight. Again, the anxiety kicks in when you start thinking you may be breathing COVID-19. I think it’s probably worse or close to getting the infection. All ended up being okay, and I landed in Portugal.
While I believe COVID-19 is a potentially severe infection, I do not believe the cause of catching Covid-19 is the infection itself, but rather the immune system of the person allowing such a virus to take over. The cause is not Covid-19, but one’s immune system (my opinion). So, closing gyms, impacting mental health (which reduces immunity), increases the risk for people who were initially at low risk of getting the infection.
At the border of Portugal, the agent asked me why I was traveling, where I was going, and for how long.
“I have a friend in Lisbon, but mostly surfing (in Algarve and Peniche). For five weeks.” I answered.
“You know that Portugal is reaching the State of Calamity? It’s dangerous!” She replied.
“I’m a healthcare provider; I will be precautious to your people and myself.” I said.
“Oh! Okay, then.” She replied with a smile and allowing me in her country.
I got a little anxiety heartbeat here. Questions and anxiety started invading my brain again. But I took some deep breaths. What’s the worst that could happen? If I catch Covid-19, I’ll come back home, and life goes on! Stick to that mindset Steph.
I got to Lisbon safe and sound. I used the Bolt APP (Uber but cheaper). I got to my hostel. I usually stay in hostels, take private rooms or Airbnb. The perks of COVID-19 is, you pay for a shared room, but you end up being alone. Very few people are traveling.
As you walk in the streets of Lisbon, you see locals wearing a mask. You see very few people in the streets, few people shopping, security guards in front of store entrance making sure you are wearing a mask, and using hand sanitizer before entering the stores, etc.
In Portugal, stores, restaurants, gyms, beaches, everything is still open. Two days after my arrival, on October 15th, 2020, the Prime Minister of Portugal announced a State of Calamity (chaos!) with new measures to respect. Great! More anxiety! These measures included (source):
Limitation of gatherings to a maximum of five people in public spaces and other spaces of commercial and catering nature;
Prohibition of parties, playful and recreational activities in the academic context;
Recommendation of the use of a face mask or face shield in public spaces, as well as the use of the STAYAWAY COVID app (Note: these measures can become mandatory, in case there is the approval of the National Assembly);
I was looking at Portugal newspapers to make sure I was up to date and respecting the country’s requirements. I also was making sure the travel advisory for Portugal didn’t change from level 3 to level 4 (otherwise, I would have to advise my travel insurance). It was still at level 3. I was okay.
I stayed in Lisbon for two days, then took the bus (Rede Expresso) to get to Algarve for a week. I went to Russo Surf Camp. Again, I had a dorm for myself. I was surprised to notice that despite COVID-19, we were close to 15 people traveling from around the world. The surf camp separated tables to limit “gatherings”. The rest was perfect. Yoga, surfing, and finally seeing humans who were not too stressed about COVID-19 (including an ICU cardiologist from Germany!).
I was the only one from Canada. Everyone asked me:
“How did you get here!??”
“Well, I bought my ticket, Portugal let me in, and here I am! Portugal doesn’t require quarantine for Canadians. It wasn’t so bad.” I replied.
I stopped checking the news. I forgot about Covid-19 for a bit. It honestly felt so good. I noticed the impact of the news on the human’s brain. The anxiety caused by the news is inappropriate. You think you will die, every single day. While I agree with the need to inform the public and induce action, fear is not a favorable approach. (Again, my opinion).
Saturday, October 24th, 2020 | Algarve to Porto
From Algarve, I took the bus (Rede Expresso) to get to Porto. Again, the city was empty. Very few tourists. Few people were speaking English. A real and lovely immersion into the local culture. I was a bit scared since Porto has the most COVID-19 cases reported. But up to now, I was still okay, healthy, and well. My mindset was always saying: “You won’t get sick, you’ll be fine.’’
Now and then, I checked the news just to be informed and review the travel advisory.
COVID-19 is real. It killed people (or their immune system couldn’t fight it). Though, I was relieved to see humans again. I do take it seriously, and I am careful, especially with older people. But, stress and anxiety affect one’s immune system. The news should be regulated. Currently, the news is free for all, free of misinformation, free of non-sense.
Pros of traveling during Covid-19 times:
Empty streets;
A real immersion into the local culture;
No need to plan much, nothing is fully booked;
Fewer tourists;
Some things or activities can be cheaper;
Special perks (extra plane seats for you, cheaper stay, etc.);
Disconnecting from Covid-19 news.
Cons of traveling during Covid-19 times:
Risk of catching Covid-19;
Quarantine when you return;
Risk of having your flight or bookings changed without previous notice;
Some limitations may apply depending on the country’s requirements;
Some activities may be canceled due to low volume;
Uncertainty and the fact that everything can change anytime and any day.
I was supposed to be away for five weeks, but things started getting complicated, such as difficulties communicating with different companies, cancelations, constant restriction changes, etc. I ended up changing my return flight to come back a bit earlier. Every day a new country in Europe was going into full lockdown. Portugal was maybe on the list, and I didn’t want to take any risks.
I was trying to understand the new requirements, but I was unable to figure out if I needed a PCR negative test before boarding. It was unclear. I went on visitportugal website and contacted them, but they didn’t know. The airline said they “think” I don’t need one. I contacted the Canadian consulate in Portugal, and they were the most helpful. (I did not need one.)
I strongly recommend looking at the visiting country website (if they have any) before you travel.
For CANADIANS, I recommend registering online on the government of Canada website before departure. Canada will know where you are in case of an emergency. They also send you emails with updates/requirements! Click here to access the registration page.
At the Lisbon airport, they will take your temperature. I must admit, the measures are more strict to get into Canada, than to get into Portugal!
You will be required to fill a health form (for Portugal) and one for Canada via the Canada government website or ArriveCAN mobile app.
I got back home safe and sound. I’ll be in quarantine for the next 14 days!Please keep in mind that the information shared may be different when you read this article. Things are changing daily.
Despite all this, I’m happy I traveled. :)
Stay safe!
-Dr. Stephanie E. Pharmacist