Portugal’s casinos back open, require digital certificate or negative test

As of July 24, casinos and similar establishments in high and very high-risk counties in Portugal can reopen. However, to enter the facilities, customers are required to present a COVID-19 digital certificate or a negative test, but workers of these gaming establishments and the service providers that enable their operation are exempt from said requirement.

The measure is contained in an order published on 23 July in the Diário da República and took effect from July 24. According to the memorandum, the decision arises from the observation that these establishments “have demonstrated the ability to assume strict compliance with the rules and safety and health measures”.

"The operation of casinos or similar located in high risk and very high-risk municipalities is allowed" if they observe "the guidelines and instructions defined for these activities by the General Directorate of Health (DGS)” and the “other general conditions provided for in Council of Ministers Resolution no. 74 -A/2021, of 9 June, in its current wording”, refers to a diploma signed by the Minister of Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira, reports The Portugal News.

Per the rules that define the limits for a municipality to be classified as being at high or very high risk of transmission, there are currently 116 in this situation, according to the list updated last week Thursday by the Council and Ministers.