Anyone who has approached the Champions League celebrations in the city of Porto should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and avoid close contact with others for the next 14 days, regional health authorities said on Sunday. northern Portugal.

In the days leading up to Saturday’s final between Chelsea and Manchester City, large crowds of English fans, who were largely maskless and not moving away socially, swarmed the Porto riverside area to drink and sing team slogans. Read more

Some 16,500 supporters have been allowed into the stadium, but many more have traveled to Porto to support their teams on the sidelines. On Saturday night, ecstatic Chelsea fans erupted for joy on the streets of Porto after their side won the title. Read more

In Portugal, the event could lead to an increase in infections after authorities decide to relax COVID-19 rules for the game, but also due to the spread of the highly contagious variant of the coronavirus in parts of the world. England after being first identified in India. Read more

All fans were required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Portugal is on the British government’s “green” list allowing tourists to visit the country without quarantining on their return. Read more

In a statement, the Regional Health Authority (ARS Norte) said those in fan zones or around areas where the celebrations took place should watch for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever. , cough, and loss of taste or smell.

He also said people should try to “reduce contact over the next 14 days” and strictly follow preventive measures, such as maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask.

The recommendations were made due to the high number of fans in Porto who were breaking COVID-19 rules, ARS Norte said, adding that he would “continue to monitor the epidemiological situation” and adjust his response accordingly.

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