GNR: Operation Safe Pilgrimage is already on the road

Regain – 05/08/2024 – 16:00

The GNR intensified patrolling actions on the main access roads to Cova da Iria and the Sanctuary of Fátima.

GNR gives advice to pilgrims for the journey and at the sanctuary

The GNR, as part of the celebrations of the apparitions of Fátima, intensified patrolling actions on the main access roads to Cova da Iria and the Sanctuary, from the 4th to the 14th of May. The objective is to “support and guarantee the safety of pilgrims during their travels, also reinforcing policing in the Sanctuary and surrounding areas”.

As this is an event of great impact at national and international level, which brings together thousands of faithful from all over the world, the GNR expects “a high number of pilgrims to make the journey on foot, in large groups and often traveling along with intense traffic and narrow or absent shoulders, which increases the risk of being run over”.

This significant gathering of people implies increased concern. Thus, in the first phase, from the 4th to the 11th of May, the GNR reinforces policing on the most critical roads, namely the roads used by pedestrian pilgrims and those surrounding the event sites and respective access roads, as well as to raise awareness among pilgrims. In the next phase, from May 12th to 14th, it will guarantee the safety of religious celebrations taking place in the Sanctuary of Fátima and surrounding areas.

The GNR advises pilgrims to “walk in single file; signal the beginning and end of groups; do not walk on the road, but on the side opposite to the direction of traffic and marked with reflective vests; do not walk in places where pedestrian movement is prohibited; do not use headphones, earphones, or use a cell phone during the journey; do not walk alone at night; and take special care when crossing roads.” In the city of Fátima and the Sanctuary, he advises that “arrive in time to avoid long queues; do not leave goods visible inside vehicles; do not leave personal documents in vehicles, always have them with you; do not carry your wallet/mobile phone in your back pocket or backpack, keep them in a front pocket or in a zipped bag that is always in contact with your body; avoid carrying large amounts of money, divide it and distribute it across several locations; do not take valuables or objects that are ostentatious; always have a cell phone with battery and the contact details of the other members of the group; Immediately after the end of the ceremonies, exit must be calm and gradual, avoiding long queues; never lose sight of the elderly and children, and they must always have contact with an adult in the group”.

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