Portugal eases virus limits, takes aim at ‘total freedom’

Portugal is beginning its journey to what the country’s prime minister calls “total freedom.”

LISBON, Portugal -- 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. “We are going to try and get the economy moving again, in a gradual way, in sync with the pace of vaccination.” Costa announced three phases of staggered relaxation of restrictions stretching over the next three months.