How Portugal went from pulling off a Covid miracle to desperately hoping for one

Hailed for its initial pandemic response, an overwhelmed Portugal is now seeking international help to cope with the coronavirus, reports Graham Keeley

A funerary worker wears PPE next to a Covid patient’s coffin (EPA)

When the Covid-19 pandemic first reached Europe, Portugal was hailed as the poster child for its swift reaction while other countries were overwhelmed.  

Now with the world's worst per capita rate of coronavirus cases and deaths, a desperate Portugal has asked Germany for medical help. Only seven intensive care beds were left in the country by Sunday, as the country’s health service was overwhelmed by the pandemic.

The German military has agreed to send 27 doctors and paramedics as well as ventilators and beds for patients while intensive care patients will be flown to Austria for treatment.