Portugal prepares to extend state of emergency

Portugal’s government cleared the way for extending the state of emergency by 15 days to combat the spread of the coronavirus as the number of deaths from the disease nears 200.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared a 15-day nationwide state of emergency on March 18, which restricted non-essential travel and led thousands of businesses to close their doors.

Lawmakers are due to put the 15-day extension to a vote on Thursday, and a majority have indicated they are in favour.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Portugal has risen to 8,251, with 187 deaths, far fewer than in neighbouring Spain.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa said the country may be facing “one, two, three months” of restrictions on movement of people.

Read more via Reuters

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