Portugal's Success in Fighting Coronavirus

Portugal's speed in action to combat the pandemic and the extensive tests applied have contributed to a much lower mortality rate than in Spain, but fears of a second wave increase at a time of lifting restrictions.

Portugal has much in common with its neighbour Spain. Both share a rapidly aging population and have similarities in their family society. However, the pandemic indicates that it has caused more damage in Spain than in Portugal, which reports much lower infection and mortality rates.

Before the government declared a state of emergency, many Portuguese had chosen to stay at home. "People were witnessing the heartbreaking images of Italy and Spain and decided to take matters into their own hands and this was a critical element in our country's response," said Ricardo Baptista Leite, Head of Public Health at Universidade Católica Portugal - Lisbon.

There were some factors that also helped Portugal fight the pandemic, such as cities having a less dense population, a single land border, less international traffic and less immigration. The socialist government's cross-party support was also a positive factor in the combat efforts. "We are focusing on collaboration, not opposition," said Ricardo Baptista Leite, also spokesman for the health of the social democratic opposition. "In times like these, unity and solidarity save lives.

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