COVID-19 | Progressive lifting of containment measures in research and educational institutions

Considering the possible lifting, from the beginning of May 2020, of the "State of Emergency" decreed by the Portuguese Government, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (MCTES) issued a note (see here) with recommendations for scientific and higher education institutions, which will have to develop plans for the progressive lifting of the current containment measures.

The document highlights some guidelines, such as compliance with the recommendations of the competent health authorities and current technical standards; ensuring social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment by all; adopting distance learning and teleworking processes, promoting, whenever possible, their gradual and effective combination with face-to-face activities.

These recommendations should be prioritized in order to restore normal functioning to the structures of the national science and technology system, namely R&D units, laboratories, physical, technological, cultural, and performing arts, medical, veterinary, and biological infrastructures.

Distance learning, teleworking, and videoconferencing meetings, especially those involving people from at-risk groups, should also continue to be promoted. Of particular note here are the services provided by the FCT, through its National Scientific Computing Unit (FCCN), namely COLIBRI, NAU, and EDUCAST, which have been essential in ensuring distance learning and teleworking.

The document also emphasizes that the implementation of these plans is subject to changes in the current State of Emergency.