The news comes after the Prime Minister discussed a plan of action with the mayors of the seven worst affected cities in the country, including Portimão.

The higher rate of infection is being blamed on large concentrations of workers, which includes overcrowding at informal housing.

The Home Minister has meanwhile said additional police forces will be deployed to cities with infection rates above 120 per 100,000 inhabitants, which in the Algarve will include Portimão, along with Albufeira, Lagoa and Vila do Bispo.