Portugal's Prime Minister António Costa | Manuel de Almeida/EFE via EPA Portugal shuts down to tackle coronavirus PM Costa orders shops to close, tells people to stay home.

Portugal’s government on Thursday announced new measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic, calling for all non-essential activity outdoors to be avoided and shutting down most shops.

“This set of rules seeks to contribute in the best possible way to contain the pandemic and with less impact on people's lives,” said Prime Minister António Costa.

The Portuguese leader requested that everyone stay at home and only go outside in case of an emergency or to go to grocery stores, pharmacies or to walk their pets. All other shops should be closed and restaurants should only provide takeaway.

Mandatory isolation is imposed for people who are sick or are being monitored by health authorities. Companies and civil servants should organize teleworking to perform their jobs at home if possible.

The new measures are set to run until April 2, when they will be assessed.

The announcement comes after President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared a nationwide state of emergency Wednesday evening, granting the government powers to implement far-reaching measures to fight the outbreak.

So far, there are 785 cases of infection with coronavirus in Portugal, 143 more than on Wednesday.