The government “is ready to cover possible new municipalities with more restrictive measures,” she added.
Three municipalities in the country’s North went into partial lockdown last Thursday, and non-essential travel between regions was banned from 30 October 30 to 3 November to reduce the risk of transmission during the All Saints national holiday.
The health system, which prior to the pandemic had the lowest number of critical care beds per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe, could accommodate a maximum of 800 COVID-19 patients in ICUs, Temido said.
Given current trends, over half that figure would be reached by next week, the minister cautioned.
Portugal has reported a total of 121,133 coronavirus cases and 2,343 deaths.
Recent numbers of new daily cases - reaching 3,669 on Saturday - have approached triple the country’s previous peak in April, but testing has also multiplied by around the same proportion.
The country’s toll of hospitalizations and deaths has surpassed April levels, reflecting the considerable number of new cases still being detected among higher-risk age groups, worrying health authorities. Rising hospitalizations and deaths are not linked to increased testing.
Parliament voted on Friday for masks to be compulsory in public spaces where social distancing is difficult for a period of 70 days, a measure which will soon come into law.