Portugal is set to be taken off the UK’s “red list” of countries from which travel is severely restricted.
It has been on the list since its establishment in mid-January because of its strong links with Brazil – a source of “variant concern”.
An announcement from transport secretary Grant Shapps is expected on Monday, marking the removal of the only European country on the list.
While cases are falling in Portugal, they’re rapidly growing in Italy where prime minister Mario Draghi has announced a total shutdown over the Easter weekend.
Certain areas, including Rome and Milan, will also face increased lockdown measures from Monday, with shops, restaurants and schools closed in the country’s high-risk “red zones”.
Australia have recorded their first local Covid case in more than a fortnight, after a Queensland doctor tested posted for the virus.
Visitors have been banned from entering hospitals in Brisbane as urgent contact-tracing is carried out.
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