News Porto.

The Queimódromo is set as the first vaccination centre in Porto, with the capacity to administrate circa two thousand vaccines per day. The former bus parking facility of the STCP, located in São Roque, is also another option, and the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal is under consideration for a walk-thru. “As long as vaccines are in place, the city of Porto is ready to boost vaccination”, stated Mayor Rui Moreira, yesterday morning, during a press conference at the site of the Queimódromo.

In-person visits and social gathering may be cancelled for the coming month or so, but getting free tours in the city of Porto aren’t. Porto Innovation Hub promotes the initiative “Inovação Fora de Portas – Engenharia Civil à Mostra” [aka, “Innovation across the city – Civil Engineering Display”, free translation), which are held in a digital format, on a monthly basis. The tours are free.

Municipal vegetable gardens are very much encouraged by the Municipality of Porto, and the new “Horta Municipal” in Paranhos is being prepared to accommodate 32 plots of land to grow your own fresh vegetables. The opening is set for next March and applications are ongoing. The main concept behind this approach is to boost and inspire vegetable gardens in public spaces by relying more on biological processes and organic crop production within the soil system to recycle and release nutrients.

Based on a blood sample, iLOF's technology is able to analyse multiple biological profiles and identify, for example, if a patient displays biomarkers that indicate Alzheimer, a more or less aggressive type of cancer, or if the patient is to develop acute symptoms related to Covid-19 or become asymptomatic.

The traditional real estate market is changing, with different approaches to living, working and socializing. Student’s residences can meet these changes as a place to live and to work. That concept is starting to take shape in Porto with Smart Studios construction of 280 rental apartments already commencing. The endeavour is targeted at students and young professionals, and offers meetings rooms, dining rooms, study and lounge areas, gymnasium and also fitness and yoga spaces.

Libraries refuse to be defined by lockdown measures and will resume book lending. Porto Municipal Libraries will adopt the take-away regime as regards books, CDs or DVDs, starting today, 9th February.

The Municipal Executive approved the first 2021 budget review yesterday morning, in the exact amount of 51.7 million euros, during a private meeting held by videoconference. Rui Moreira admits to the possibility that the Municipality further reinforces the pandemic fight effort in the nearest future. But, as these are uncertain times, Mayor Rui Moreira deems wise not to “be out of ammunition just yet”, even so because this crisis can get worse.

The University of Porto opened an international competition to find a design solution that solves the pandemic conviviality crisis and provides fresh interpretations of social interactions. Applications are open until 15th March. First prize is three thousand euros.

As soon as possible, when the pandemic preventive measures are lifted, be delighted with “The Butterfly's Burden” mural by artist from Porto Teresa Rafael, aka RAFI die Erste, at the intersection of Rua de Vilar and the Rua de D. Pedro V. In the meantime we offer you a hint on what to expect.

Av. Dom Carlos I is halted as of this evening, at 10 pm due to the worsening of weather conditions in the seafront. Circulation restrictions will be lifted when weather conditions permit. This situation is re-assed on 10th February.