Health and Safety

The World Youth Day is an event that brings together thousands of young people from all around the world, and each participant has an active role in protecting their health.

As part of the organizing team, we diligently monitor the global evolution of diseases and the risks associated with infectious diseases. 

Vaccination stands out as one of the most effective measures in preventing diseases and the transmission of certain infectious diseases. 

We strongly advise all participants to ensure they are vaccinated against several diseases, including measles, rubella, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis, and diphtheria.

There are health situations that necessitate daily care in order to control and monitor the progress of your medical condition. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and chronic patients (e.g. diabetes) are groups to whom we recommend a medical consultation before the trip. 

During this consultation, you will be informed about recommendations and preventive measures to adopt so that you can safely proceed with your journey. 

It is advisable to have a health declaration that describes your medical condition, as well as your vaccination record. 

It is recommended that each pilgrim prepares a health kit. This kit aims to help manage various health situations, from the management of chronic diseases to mild symptoms or even minor wounds and injuries. 

If you have a chronic illness, don't forget to bring your medication(s). If you are traveling by plane, request a statement from your doctor indicating that you need the medication(s). 

Pain relievers (such as paracetamol, ibuprofen) and medications for gastrointestinal symptoms (such as metoclopramide, domperidone) can be quite useful. 

Additionally, prepare a small first aid kit with band-aids, saline solution, and dressings to help treat minor wounds and injuries. 

The World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 will take place in the month of August in the city of Lisbon. Lisbon is known as a tourist destination, attracting people from all around the world. One of the most appealing factors is the climate, with temperatures expected to exceed 30ºC (86ºF) during this month. 

Take this into consideration when preparing your clothing and footwear. Pack comfortable clothes, preferably made of cotton and in light and cool colors. Always carry a hat with you for sun protection, to avoid heatstroke and sunburns. 

Don't forget to bring high-protection sunscreen to prevent sunburns on your skin. 

We are following the evolving situation of infectious diseases in the world. One of the most effective strategies to prevent some of these diseases is vaccination for both pilgrims and volunteers.

Protect your health: get vaccinated.

Before traveling, it is important to inform a family member or close friend about the location where you will be staying and the contacts of the places you will be staying. It is also necessary to establish who the emergency contacts are, so that, if necessary, the national authorities can get in touch with them.

We recommend that every pilgrim carries a first aid kit with essential materials for basic care:
- Regular chronic medication (for those with chronic illnesses);
- Medication for acute illnesses (paracetamol, ibuprofen, oral antihistamines, topical antiseptics for simple wounds);
- Thermometer;
- Disposable masks;
- Pocket-sized alcohol-based antiseptic solution;
- Single-dose saline solution;
- Tissues;
- Adhesive bandages;
- Suitable sunscreen;
- Moisturizing cream to aid in cell repair (e.g., skin irritation, sunburn);
- Suitable insect repellent.

- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing meals, after using sanitary facilities, after using public transportation, if you are sick or a caregiver for someone who is sick, or after contact with animals;
- Consume water from a known and safe source (tap water or bottled water);
- Consume foods from known and safe sources. Prefer fully cooked foods and consume them without delay after preparation;
- Avoid high-risk foods: seafood, dairy products, foods rich in eggs, creams or sauces, heavily manipulated or shredded foods (such as Bacalhau à Braz) or minced foods (e.g., hamburger), raw foods (salads and fruits);
- If you choose to consume raw foods, wash them thoroughly with running water and peel fruits;
- Do not share bottles/flasks, glasses, cutlery, clothing, or other personal or hygiene items.​

- Frequent hand hygiene (washing or using alcohol-based solution).;
- Use a mask if you are sick (with fever and/or respiratory symptoms) or for personal protection (especially in poorly ventilated spaces, public transportation, crowded areas, or when taking care of a sick person);
- Cover your mouth and nose with your forearm when coughing or sneezing;
Stay in well-ventilated spaces.​

- Apply appropriate insect repellent to the skin and clothing;

- Reduce exposed skin area by wearing long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and socks. Tuck pants into socks;

- Use mosquito nets in accommodations located in areas with mosquitoes.​

- To prevent tick-borne diseases, avoid exposure to ticks. If bitten, remove the tick immediately using tweezers and disinfect the area. Use insect repellents on the skin and, if necessary, on clothing;

- Contact a doctor or the health helpline (SNS 24 - 808 24 24 24) immediately if you experience fever or flu-like symptoms, or if you develop a circular red rash. Remember to inform the doctor that you have been bitten by a tick or have recently spent time outdoors.​

The World Youth Day will take place in Lisbon during the month of August. Lisbon is known for its high temperatures and hot climate. A set of precautions is recommended for pilgrims to enjoy the WYD while reducing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure (dehydration, heatstroke):

- Seek shaded areas to reduce sun exposure, especially during the hottest hours (10 am to 4 pm);
- Limit physical activity during the hottest periods. When engaging in physical activity, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and choose loose and lightweight clothing;
- Drink plenty of water regularly and have light and fresh meals. For children and the elderly, encourage water consumption and remind them to drink water regularly;
Opt for consuming fresh foods that are rich in water.​

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In case of intoxication call 800 250 250.

In case of intoxication through contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with running water for 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart. Do not apply any products.

In case of intoxication by skin contamination, remove contaminated clothing. Wash thoroughly with running water for 15 minutes.

In the case of animal bite intoxication, apply heat in the case of spiderfish and cold in the other cases.

In case of intoxication by inhalation, remove the intoxicated person to the open air.

In case of intoxication by ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Give a few sips of water or milk to drink.

The medical emergency starts with you. Learn Basic Life Support! Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is a sudden event and consists of the sudden interruption or failure of cardiac and respiratory functions. These situations mostly happen outside the hospital. When Basic Life Support (BLS) is started early, the victim's probability of survival is high, but if it is not applied, the chances of survival decrease by 10% with each passing minute, so that after five minutes, the probability to survive will be less than 50%.

In situations where the victim is not breathing, the immediate action of those who witness the event is fundamental. This is because SBV substantially increases the victim's chance of survival when initiated within the first few minutes after cardiac arrest. It's simple: After ensuring the safety conditions of the place where the victim is, check if they are conscious by gently shaking their shoulders and calling for them. In case the victim does not respond, consider they are passed out (unconscious) and then assess whether they are breathing, using the VOS technique: See if the chest expands, Hear the passage of air and Feel the breath on the face. If the victim is not breathing, call 112 immediately (or make sure someone does), leaving the victim if necessary or using the loudspeaker of your cell phone so that you can start chest compressions at the same time. Perform SBV until the victim recovers, you become exhausted or differentiated help arrives.

· Always collaborate with the security authorities;
· Always carry an identification document;
· Communicate any suspicious situations to the Security Forces and Services (e.g. too much clothing for the season; altered/agitated individuals – situations related to the alert indicators);
· Avoid crowding in tight spaces (in bottleneck situations, keep calm);
· Do not access places with restricted access, as you may be considered a threat agent;
· Do not take sides in protest actions that you are not aware of;
· Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended;
· Do not share news related to the event, of which you do not know the origin of the source (e.g. avoid disinformation – promotion of false and decontextualized news).

1. In all main events there will be "mobile help desks" (known in Portuguese as UMA's) where all the lost items can be taken to;
2. Anyone in possession of a (found) object must, as soon as possible, go the the nearest police station to hand it in;
3. If that's not possible, you must call the Police department of found objects at 218 535 403 (July 31st to August 7th from 8 am to 10 pm) and/or the Police at 21 POLÍCIA (21 765 42 42);
4. Whenever one notices an item was lost, it's recommended to go to the nearest police station and register the loss;
5. The location of these police stations will be available in the official WYD Lisbon 2023 app;
6. It's possible to do a quick and simple search on the items found and delivered to the PSP/GNR through the Lost and Found Portal of MAI.

Lost and found in Campo da Graça: Did you lose something during WYD Lisbon 2023 in Campo da Graça? Everything that was found is at the headquarters of the 2nd Police Division - Olivais, and can be picked up between 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00.

· Exchange money only at banks or exchange offices;
· Use, preferably, ATMs located inside bank agencies, shopping centres and supermarkets;
· Avoid walking around with large amounts of money, divide the money you have and distribute it in multiple locations;
· Do not carry your wallet/cell phone in your back pocket or backpack, as there is no visual contact; store them in a front pocket or zipped pouch that is always in contact with your body;
· Do not take valuables (e.g. gold) or ostentatious objects;
· Always have your mobile phone with battery and the contact details of the other members of your group;
· Right after the end of the ceremonies, leave calmly and gradually, in order to avoid long queues;
· Never lose sight of the elderly and children who accompany you, who should always have a contact of an adult of the group;
· On public transport, do not carry your wallet with documents, cell phone and money in external pockets of your clothing because you might be victim of pickpockets;
· Never leave valuables and documents in the luggage compartment of public transports, always carry them with you;
· When circulating on the street, avoid showing external signs of wealth;
· Avoid showing documents, credit cards or cash, cell phones or high value photographic machines in public;
· Protect the cell phone against the possibility of theft by stretching · Avoid poorly lit places;
· Always try to walk in a group.

In case of: 
- ongoing conflicts or violence, 
- immediate need for medical care 

it is important that:
- the presence of a police or emergency authority is requested; or
-call 112  

In case of violence that you are aware of, it is important to know how to listen. 

It is important to communicate calmly, saying that you intend to help in the best possible way. 

The person can refuse help, which must be respected. In these cases, it is still important to remember the support that APAV can provide and where/how to find these services. 

It is important to prevent personal emotions from dominating the interaction with the person who may have been the victim. Value judgments, judgments and preconceptions that may arise should be avoided – we can all do that, but this does not help the proper interaction with other people and can distance the person from the help they are entitled to. 

If the person wants to have specialized support, he can be helped in face-to-face or telephone contact with APAV. 

It is important to remember that crime and violence is never the victim's fault! 

However, it is possible to take some preventive measures in order to avoid some risks, such as the following:
• Keep the goods close and where you can see them (ie, do not lose eye contact with the goods);
• Have a scanned copy of all relevant documents (ID, bank cards, travel documents) accessible via email or cloud system;
• Try to fix the address or name of the place where you stay overnight or keep this information written on paper in a pocket, along with some important contacts;
• When traveling:
- avoid areas with few people and poorly lit
- avoid using headphones and/or a cell phone: these can become distracting elements from the surrounding environment;
• When withdrawing money:
- prefer ATMs in guarded, safe places with people
- do it in the company of a trusted person save the money right away;
• If possible, opt for electronic payments;
• If someone tries to take something away, remain calm and don't resist. At this point, it is important to try to fix as many elements as possible that help to identify that person, and to call the attention of other people around them, shouting for example “FIRE!”;
• In case of altercations that generate confrontations of a physical nature or conflicts that are still ongoing, for everyone's safety, avoid direct intervention: the presence of a police authority that is in the vicinity must be requested or call 112.

Displacements on foot

· Plan the route, foreseeing rest and assistance places;
· During displacement, use reference equipment (reflective vest) and lighting;
· From dusk to dawn and whenever visibility conditions so suggest, when traveling in a group, these must be signaled with at least one white light directed forwards and one red light directed rearwards, both on the left side, as well as through the use of at least two retro-reflective vests, one at the beginning and another at the end of the formation.

Displacements in vehicles

• Plan the trip in advance, checking the itineraries to be used;
• Be aware of the traffic situation and the alternative itineraries that can be used;
• When passing by pilgrims or organized formations of pilgrims, there must be a slowdown in vehicle speed and the safety conditions for overtaking must be verified;
• When overtaking pilgrims or organized formations of pilgrims, a lateral safety distance of at least 1.5 m must be ensured;
• When crossing with pilgrims or organized formations of pilgrims, the road lights (high beams) must not be used;
• Do not exceed vehicle capacity;
• Use the vehicle's safety devices, namely seat belts at all seats and restraint systems for children under 135 cm or under 12 years of age;
• In the case of rental vehicles and the need to transport children under 135 cm or under 12 years of age, it must be ensured the transport is carried out using the adequate child restraint systems;
• Do not use your cell phone while driving;
• Do not drink alcohol before and while driving;
• When traveling, favor the use of public transport, especially within the urban centres;
• Guarantee the acquisition of tickets in a timely manner, in order to avoid long waits and queues;
• Check in advance the location and capacity of car parks;
• After parking the vehicle, the place where it was parked must be registered;
• Vehicles must be locked and personal belongings must not be visible;
• Avoid using vehicles with stickers or emblems from car rental companies, these may pose an additional risk of theft;
• Use the authorized parking spaces;
• Facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles, guaranteeing circulation corridors;
• In public passenger transport, seat belts must be used;
• Do not force entry into public passenger transport, especially when these are crowded.

• Plan your trip in advance to avoid main and complementary routes;
• On the road, walk in single line so as not to occupy the road;
• Do not walk on the road, but on the side, circulate on the opposite side to the direction of traffic and always pay attention to cars;
• Whether at night or during the day, wear a reflective vest and light-coloured clothing;
• Do not use headphones during the journey;
• Do not use a cell phone (talk, send SMS, access social networks) while walking on the road, as this behaviour generates distraction and thus you will be abstracted from the surrounding environment;
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or while walking;
• If you need to gather the group, always do it off the road;
• Take special care when crossing roads, whenever possible try to do so in the appropriate places (crosswalks, upper crossings);
• Follow the instructions of the GNR military, who will be there to support and guarantee the safety of all pilgrims.

• If you have contact with wild animals, do not feed them, remember that they are wild animals and non-domestic ones, in addition to the fact that your food can put their lives at risk;
• Do not damage and/or uproot plants, remember the natural habitat must remain as intact as possible, with no trace of the human footprint;
• All waste produced must be deposited in containers for recycling and, if it is not recyclable, place it in the undifferentiated container;
• Before carrying out activities and sports developed in the aquatic environment, contact the local authorities in order to identify the authorized and appropriate places for its practice.

- Go to permanently guarded beaches;
- Respect the flag signs on the beaches and the instructions given by lifeguards, law enforcement agents and elements that reinforce beach surveillance;
- Permanently supervise the children;
- In case of emergency do not enter the water, call the lifeguard or call 112.