The measure is contained in an order published on 23 July in the Diário da República and takes effect from 24 July.

"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.

In the explanatory memorandum, it is stated that this 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 bill determines that access to these gaming establishments is only allowed to customers who have a Covid-19 digital certificate or who have a negative test result.

The workers of these gaming establishments, as well as the service providers that enable their operation, are exempt from the need to have a digital certificate or negative test.

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