/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/life/health_wellness/2021/07/29/portugal-eases-virus-limits-takes-aim-at-total-freedom/20210729120756-6102de38bfb38ca6befbfcf8jpeg.jpg)
Portugal eases virus limits, takes aim at ‘total freedom’
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal is beginning its journey to what the country’s prime minister calls “total freedom,” with a government decision Thursday to start winding down COVID-19 pandemic restrictions ahead of a forecast 70% of people being fully vaccinated by the end of this summer. The Health Ministry says around 5.4 million people, or 52% of the target population of people over age 16, are fully vaccinated. It predicts the goal of 70% of people fully vaccinated will be reached in six weeks, with 85% completely inoculated in October. “This is the moment ... when we can take another step forward,” Prime Minister António Costa said in a televised announcement. The number of new daily COVID-19 cases has been slowly falling since last week, with just over 3,000 reported Thursday.
Source: thestar July 29, 2021 16:52 UTC
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