In a statement, the Association of Security Companies (AES) has called on the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) to reduce the number of days of isolation due to Covid-19 in mainland Portugal from seven to five, similar to what already takes place on the islands and in other countries.
AES’s appeal arises due to “the imminent risk of not having enough security guards for the security and surveillance of facilities such as airports, hospitals, health centres and also the supply of ATMs”.
According to this association, which represents the main private security companies, the sector has been “dramatically affected by the recent increase in the number of infections, with levels of absenteeism never seen before in an activity that already lacks professionals”.
AES draws attention to the possible worsening of the situation “with the peak of the pandemic scheduled for mid-February, not only because of the Covid-19 disease, but also because of the need for prophylactic isolation and assistance to the family”. For the president of the association, Rogério Alves, “the frequency of isolation and its extension have deprived companies of their workers and created colossal difficulties in complying with shifts”.
The president of AES also states that, “although it is not a perfect solution”, the reduction from seven to five days of isolation, “without compromising public health, would mitigate the impact on the management of companies”.
AES joins the Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP) and the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED) in the appeal to the Directorate-General for Health to review this measure.
