Lisbon, Apr 17 (IANS): The Portuguese Ministry of Internal Administration has announced the resumption of flights from or to Brazil and the UK, reaffirming that only essential trips are authorised.

In a statement on Friday, the PMinistry said that travelers from the countries shall submit the negative result of a polymerase chain reaction test for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to departure, reports Xinhua news agency.

"In the context of the epidemiological situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the government decided to prolong, during the period of state of emergency that begins today, the restrictive measures of air traffic," the statement said.

Portugal determined that the control of land and river borders with Spain will continue until May 1, with only authorised crossing points opened.

The Portuguese government also said that people from countries with a reproduction number (RO) of Covid-19 equal to or greater than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants have to isolate for 14 days after entering Portugal.

"Passengers from countries with an RO equal to or greater than 150 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants can also only make essential trips for professional, study, family, health or humanitarian reasons," according to the statement.

So far, Portugal has reported nearly 830,000 Covid-19 cases, with 16,937 deaths and 787,607 recoveries.