“Despite the high vaccination coverage in Portugal, the use of masks in the community is an effective measure in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and thus remains an important measure to contain the infection, especially in environments and populations at greater risk of infection”, says the document signed by the director-general, Graça Freitas.

Guidelines

The guidelines recall that Portugal has been eliminating most of the restrictive measures to respond to the pandemic, with the mandatory use of a mask in certain interior spaces remaining in force, which has become “the subject of a new framework” already approved by the Government.

In this sense, the DGS indicates that the use of a surgical mask or FFP2 is mandatory for anyone over the age of 10 in health establishments and services, including community pharmacies, as well as in residential or reception structures and home support services for vulnerable, elderly or disabled people, as well as in integrated continuing care units.

Public transport

The mask is also mandatory in collective passenger transport, including aeroplanes, taxis and TVDE, and on platforms and covered areas, such as airports, maritime terminals and metro and train networks.

Confirmed cases

People who have a confirmed case of Covid-19 in all circumstances are also obliged to wear the mask, whenever they are out of their place of isolation until the tenth day after the onset of symptoms or a positive test, as well as contacts with confirmed cases of infection for 14 days after the date of last exposure.

Recommendations

The guidelines published today advances that the recommendation for the use of masks for the most vulnerable people, namely those with chronic diseases or immunosuppression states that whenever they are in a situation of increased risk of exposure, a mask should be used.

Its use is also recommended for people who have contact with others who are more vulnerable, as well as by “anyone over the age of 10 whenever they are in closed environments, in groups”.

“To guarantee the use of the mask in all the circumstances provided for in this guideline, and whenever the person considers that its use is justified, it is recommended that anyone wear a surgical mask or FFP2, whenever they move or circulate outside their usual place of residence or stay”, the document adds.

Responsibility

The DGS also updated the guidance on public health measures in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, adapting it to the new rules for the use of masks, and underlining that “it is the responsibility of each person to adopt behaviours that minimise the risk of transmission of the virus”.