Lisbon residents on extension of virus lockdown

As Portugal enters another two weeks of state of emergency, Lisbon is an almost deserted capital, with most businesses closed and few residents going to work.

Portugal's president announced late on Thursday that the country would be going into a renewed state of emergency in its fight against the new coronavirus outbreak.

Amid government fears that people will be reluctant to stay at home over the upcoming Easter holiday, the temporary legal changes allow authorities to declare a lockdown.

"I think it was a necessary evil, otherwise with Easter approaching I think people would try to go to their holiday homes or families," said Portuguese citizen Madalena Lupi.

The measures also address fears that nursing homes for the elderly and prisons could become hotspots in the outbreak.

The government will be able to order nursing home staff to work and will be able to order the elderly into hotels for their safety.

Officials will be allowed to release some prisoners, while others may receive pardons.

Portugal has officially recorded 9,034 cases of COVID-19, with 209 deaths attributed to it.

The state of emergency now runs through April 17.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.