Given the current epidemiological situation, largely due to the success of vaccination in preventing severe illness and mortality from COVID-19, the U.Porto Contingency Plan will no longer be in force in the 2022/23 academic year.

However, SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other viral and bacterial respiratory infections will continue to circulate and their incidence is expected to be high in the coming autumn-winter.

Therefore, although physical distancing and masks are no longer mandatoy, it is recommended that they are applied whenever you show symptoms of respiratory infectious disease, such as sneezing, coughing and/or sore throat. Likewise, hand hygiene remains an important measure in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, so it is recommended that it be maintained permanently.

It is also recommended to all members of the U.Porto community that:

• When experiencing mild symptoms, reduce the number of social contacts, wear a mask (covering the nose and mouth if coughing and/or sneezing), reinforce hand hygiene, avoid sharing food and drinks and perform a rapid diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or contact the National Healthcare hotline (SNS24): +351 808 24 24 24.
• In case of more severe symptoms, contact the National Healthcare hotline (+351 808 24 24 24) and/or seek primary health care (i.e. Family Health Units) where, if necessary, treatment can be prescribed and absences justified.
• The ventilation of classrooms and workplaces should be maintained, as it contributes not only to a lower risk of respiratory infection, but also to a reduction in the concentration of carbon dioxide. Obviously, these efforts should take into account the temperature and humidity outside, as well as the heating capacity of the spaces.
• Requests for medical evaluation for possible authorisation of telework in immunosuppressed workers should be sent to the Occupational Health Unit of the ISPUP: [email protected].

The Contingency Plan of U.Porto may be resumed if the epidemiological situation requires it.