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Portugal: ‘It’s unfair’ British tourists shout over government decision

Tired of the mixed messages they receive, British tourists in Portugal reacted with anger and disbelief to their government’s decision to quarantine again returning travelers from this popular tourist destination, in southern Europe.

Anxiously seeking to shake off the melancholy of the pandemic, John Joyce of Newcastle was vacationing with his family in sunny Portugal as soon as Britain added the country to the so-called “green list” about three weeks ago. “Everyone needs a break; a change from being locked up at home,” the 44-year-old said as he enjoyed his beer at a restaurant in the heart of Lisbon.

Like Joyce, thousands of other Britons packed their bags to go to Portugal, the only tourist destination on the list, from which they would not have to travel. quarantine when they would return home. But today Britain moved Portugal to the “orange” list, due to the increase in cases of Covid-19 and the risk posed by the variant of the new coronavirus, which was first detected in India.

“It is unfair”

“It is unfair. “There are families who have brought their children and people who have already booked their holidays; and the stress that this entails for everyone, including me,” said Joyce, visibly upset.

Charlotte Chandl, a 22-year-old British woman, urged the government to “either ban international travel altogether or convey its message to the world.” “It is stupid,” commented the young woman, who will have to stay in a 10-day quarantine after returning home. “We made an effort and were tested in a private laboratory. We paid for everything, we did everything to be safe,” he added.

Most restrictions have been lifted in Portugal. The government, however, was criticized for allowing thousands of English fans to party in Porto, most of them without masks, on the occasion of last week’s Champions League final.

Fears that the cases will be launched

Some locals have expressed concern that the number of cases will skyrocket. Covid-19.

769 new cases were reported in Portugal today, the highest daily increase since early April. The total number of cases is 851,031.

The British government ‘s decision is a huge blow to Portugal’ s tourism sector, which accounts for a significant proportion of the country ‘s GDP.

“It’s not good news for businesses, but we will gradually recover. “Or at least I hope so because our economy is falling,” said restaurant manager Ana Paula Gomes.

The head of the Algarve hoteliers’ association, Elinderico Viegas, said Britain’s decision would hit the sector “like a chill”.

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