The restrictions to contain the pandemic include measures that "more directly affect the trade and services sector, with the obligation to present a negative test for access to most commercial establishments", and will have a “deep impact on the economy of entrepreneurs” due to a “decrease in demand from customers”, justified ACRAL.

While considering that "it is understandable and acceptable" to adopt new restrictions due to the "systematic increase in the number of cases" of Covid-19, the Algarve business association calls for the adoption of "immediate measures and initiatives by the Government" to help entrepreneurs to overcome restrictions on customer access to their businesses.

In view of this scenario, ACRAL considers that it is "absolutely essential to create testing posts in the city centres, close to the most frequented places and sought after by people”.

“It would also be imperative that the free tests supported by the State could be carried out in these testing centres and not just in participating companies and locations, which physically limit access”.