“It is possible for covid-19 cases to rise” in Madeira

Tobi Hughes·
Madeira News

Miguel Albuquerque continues to be confident if the Region continues to receive the different batches of vaccines that “collective immunity” will be possible by the end of September, recognising that the arrival of tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom, has consequences in the rise of more cases positive for covid-19.

“It is possible that they will go up, but obviously we are doing everything for that to not happen,” he said, recalling that the need to maintain the rules of social distance even if some Madeirans have already been vaccinated or that the tourists themselves arrive with a PCR test carried out.

Miguel speaks from the visit to Companhia Nova de Aguardente Lda., in the Parque Empresarial da Ribeira Brava.

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Tobi Hughes

31 Responses

  1. Many tourists seem to think that if they are vaccinated:
    1. they are safe
    2. everyone else is safe
    3. no longer necessary to wear a mask]
    4. No longer necessary to socially distance.
    All not true. Naturally cases will rise in Madeira. The local police should be enforcing mask wearing and social distancing.

    1. Please don’t tar us all with the same brush. A lot of us are very sensible and take personal responsibility seriously. I can’t wait to visit the island again but some comments make me feel very unwelcome. I am fully vaccinated but more than happy to take a PCR test before I travel and I will of course comply with all safety measures as I did when I came last September. And, I might add, I was very often the only one with a mask outside the hotel when the majority of others were locals.

  2. Totally agree Richard Greaves. It beholds everyone of us to keep others safe.

  3. Agree Mary Gray we were there October last year and we observed all the rules. We are desperate to visit again September/October this year

  4. Most people don’t realise how far 2 metres actually is. Measure it on the floor. You can hold an outstretched walking stick and it is still a distance beyond. We return on 2 June and I can just envisage my husband waving his stick at everyone crowding his space, especially in Pingo Doce!
    However, I am looking forward to eating out of doors after our long hard winter!

  5. I agree with Mary , don’t blame all tourists as most of us regulars are more than happy to stick to the rules to ensure all are safe and the island’s business can stay viable. We were there in September/October lastyear and the locals in Camara dos lobos were terrible , all over each other, spitting whilst running or walking along the boardwalk. Hoping to be there same time this year

    1. I cannot follow the logic of someone saying that tourists in general should not be blamed for case increase (which I agree) but then the same person points the finger towards locals in particular the ones from Camara de Lobos. If you agree people should be pointed a finger at just because then probably you should not be doing the same.

  6. “Miguel Albuquerque continues to be confident if the Region continues to receive the different batches of vaccines that “collective immunity” will be possible by the end of September, recognising that the arrival of tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom, has consequences in the rise of more cases positive for covid-19.”
    Why particularly from the United Kingdom ?

    1. Because it is the country with direct flights to Madeira that has the greater prevalence of the Indian Variant which “spreads like wildfire”. UK governments words, not Albuquerque words.

      1. UK Government advice is that the vaccines used are effective against all the presently known variations and as the majority of UK tourists will be over 50 and have had the two necessary vaccinations plus no one is leaving the airport without a test or negative test result, I can’t see why the emphasis is on the UK.

  7. Richard, could not agree more, I see only too often the tourists without masks like today, Those tourist who do wear masks, well don’t expect a pat on the back, this is what’s expected.
    To be defensive about criticisms doesn’t alter the facts that touristsare the main affenders. I ask myself do they not feel uncomfortable in the population of Madeira with no mask, when everyone around them been Portuguese has a mask. To me its a I’m alright Jack attitude.
    The police should issue a warning and if repeat affenders occur prosecute.

    1. If you look at the infection figures that Tobi has been posting you will see that the bulk of infections are local. Maybe a half of the imported cases are from mainland Portugal. And as for how many from the UK, so far nil.

      The Indian variant does seem to spread quickly much like the so-called UK variant but the key point is that it is no more lethal than any other strain and the main vaccines seem to be fully effective against it. Right now in the UK far more people are dying from good old Flu than Covid.

  8. … The Self Righteous, ill informed, Pompous, Holier than thou, Mask shaming, dull commentors on this post “know no bounds” ??? …

    1. As I commented on a previous post, the wearing of masks outside is a total waste of time. Wearing them inside IS worthwhile. The local requirements are that you wear them outside so to avoid hassle people should.

  9. If you are scared of Covid infection stay indoors at home until it’s all over. No need to wear a mask on almost empty streets. Please don’t keep making stupid comments, you are giving Brits a bad name.

  10. Anish, you have exactly the attitude of those not wearing masks and social distancing, I know best, I’m all right jack.
    Maurice refers to the small numbers of tourists infected, we have only just started with flights and 1 day last week recorded 5 case imported from as many countries.
    Lets hope the Indian variant doesn’t get here, but I expect it will and those who don’t comply with covid regulations will be responsible. But it will all be too late then, and potentially the economy will suffer once more.
    We have been so lucky here, why can’t people respect the rules.
    Anish, I am British and it’s your type who gives the British a bad name.
    The none believers, covid, it’s all made up, the vaccine is not necessary, old people, who cares, etc.etc.
    “stupid people the world over”

  11. I am not sure why you are attributing those careless attitudes to me. Nothing I have said should lead you to that conclusion. The ‘rule’ in Madeira is to observe social distancing where possible, and, where it is difficult to ensure a two metres separation from third parties in a outside public space, to wear a mask as an additional protection. Some people seem to be panicked by the thought of contracting Covid. For example, I have seen people recently sat on an otherwise empty beach in swimwear wearing masks. For those people, rather than let their lack of rationality affect their social relations with fellow human beings, it may be best for their mental health to stay safe indoors. That’s all I am saying. The alternative is to wear a mask at all times. If so, fine, but I would prefer these people not to criticise others for not sharing their paranoia.

  12. … David that is an Inflated superior opinion you seem to have of yourself ,, You cannot say only those that don’t “Comply” are responsible?? Anyone can be responsible ,, Unless you can prove otherwise ? …

  14. Pity we get so many ignorant people on this site who don’t seem to be willing to follow rules. A further pity that most of them seem to be British. When looking at statistics for which country in Europe has suffered most from Covid-19 its the UK. Its clear why when reading some of the stupid comments from UK people on this blog whose seem to enjoy descending into invective.
    I personally strongly welcome all tourists to the island if they follow the rules and congratulate some of the earlier writers who confirm that that they did and do. Others, who seem to think its all a game and rules are made to be broken are not welcome. The police should be handing out on the spot fines, as they have been doing in some European countries.

    2. Thank you for the strong personal welcome you offer and assure you I will strive to follow your advice. Like you I feel the ignorant, rule breaking Brits you refer too, those that don’t follow your advice, should indeed be handed spot fines, if not harsher punishment. As to the stupid comments written, I despair.

  15. How do you personally welcome all tourists to Madeira? Must be a full time job at the airport…???

  16. It will be interesting to see if new Covid infections come in from the UK. With my experience of the UK tourist demographic they do seem to be 50 plus and therefore presumably double vaccinated. As for wearing masks outside, I believe it has been well documented that passing on the virus is extremely unlikely when walking down the street as contact is not long enough to pass on the virus. But we will all be wearing our masks when walking around as that is the requirement in Madeira. Getting quite excited now about visiting again in less than 2 weeks. Save some sunshine for us ?

  17. You cannot be ‘double vaccinated’ and it is not a requirement to wear a mask at all times in Madeira.

  18. If you’re determined to have the last word then read the comment you’re replying to. Alison says, “But we will all be wearing our masks when walking around as that is the requirement in Madeira.” She does not say or suggest it is a requirement to wear a mask at all times and I’m sure and I and the rest of the blog readers understand her “Double vaccinated.”

  20. Hello George. I have noticed from your posts that you often say you are ‘sure’ about something when, as in this case, you cannot possibly know whether the statement you are sure about is true or not.

  21. Anish. Please read Alison’s original comment again and point out where she says it is a requirement to wear a mask at all times in Madeira. Having read the comment, I am sure she did not say this.

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