The Regional Health Authority reports that the suspected case of infection with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the Azores, a 24-year-old male resident on the island of São Miguel, who travelled to Italy between February 19 and 25, tested negative following laboratory testing. 

It should be noted that, as part of the measures adopted by the Technical Coordination Group, two circular letters have already been released, one containing recommendations for public events and mass events (Circular Letter no. 9, March 1, 2020) and another concerning the contingency plan for nursing homes, residences and shelters, integrated continuous care units and mental care institutions (Circular Letter no. 10, March 2, 2020). 

The Technical Coordination Group is also preparing guidelines for schools, daycare centres and other school establishments as well as guidelines for community pharmacies. There are also scheduled information sessions for hotel units and school establishments of the education system of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. 

The Regional Health Authority reiterates the need to comply with all recommendations already made public in this regard, especially that, in case of symptoms, patients should not seek a Hospital or Health Unit, but rather call the Azores Health Line 808 24 60 24. 

For more information, please consult the Regional Government Portal at http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srs-drs/textoImagem/coRONAVIRUS_S1.htm,
or the Regional Directorate for Health Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DirecaoSaudeAcores/.