Portugal says it will relax COVID-19 restrictions over Christmas

A screen in a restaurant shows Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declaring a state of emergency in Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 6, 2020. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared on Friday the return of the country to a "state of emergency" for 15 days from Nov. 9 to Nov. 23 to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. /Xinhua

Portugal will ease coronavirus rules over the Christmas period to allow people to visit loved ones but measures will be reinforced again a few days later to crack down on New Year's Eve parties, the government said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa told reporters a domestic travel ban would not be imposed between Dec. 23 and 26 but said movement between Portuguese regions would be prohibited again on New Year's Eve.

No street parties will be allowed on Dec. 31, outdoor gatherings will be limited to a maximum of six people and everyone must be home by 2 a.m., Costa said.

(With input from agencies)