our new-normal in times of Corona
update 17 October 2020

Portugal has had a few infections and our municipality had nearly none. The first wave in April was very low compared to other European countries, but the second wave: in mid October, is more severe, even although mainly in Lisbon.
The regulations on wearing face masks and social distancing are relative strict and nearly everybody follows the rules. Portugal has a massive test and tracing program, with test results generally in one day. There is no lock down, but public traffic may run a limited schedule. There are restrictions on international traveling, especially if you travel via Lisbon. Check your embassy´s site for latest info.
The new-normal at OBRAS is that our shared dinners will be outside. If weather does not allow an outside-dinner we will postpone it. Also the artist talks will be outside (if projection is needed, the presentation will be after sunset). Open studios will be limited.

In case in the next months the situation on a global scale does not improve while our region stays clean, we consider to change our strategy for 2021: OBRAS-Portugal will become a refuge. We will focus on long-term residencies and demand a recent negative test result. This is not a 100% guarantee for no infections, but fortunate co-incidence is that we have isolated cottages that are perfectly fit for a safe quarantine period. We have our fingers crossed that we do not need this in 2021.

We also re-opened OBRAS Holland with some adaptations. Holland recovered well from the first wave of Corona infections and does a lot to minimize the second wave. The region of OBRAS-Holland (Renkum and surroundings) has relatively few infections. In the guidelines for OBRAS-Holland you find details on our measures to minimize risks.