The Council of Ministers renews the state of alarm. The use of masks in transport and health units is maintained until the end of August

The Council of Ministers approved, this Thursday, the renewal of the state of alert for the Covid-19 pandemic until the end of August, maintaining all the regulations currently in force -the same ones that were announced on April 21-.

A resolution has been approved that extends the alert situation throughout mainland Portugal in the framework of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic until 11:59 p.m. on August 31″, said the Minister of the Presidency at a press conference. press.

Mariana Vieira da Silva also clarified that the regulations currently in force are maintained, including the use of a mask in public transport, according to the experts’ opinion, especially for the protection of the most vulnerable.

The Government has again questioned the experts, who say that the use of masks should be maintained in spaces such as public transport, to protect the most vulnerable population,” said the minister.

Asked about a possible review of the measures after the summer period, the minister admitted the possibility of additional measures to combat and mitigate the pandemic starting in the fall, if the evolution of the epidemiological situation warrants it.

With the arrival of autumn and winter, it is possible that we will have a worsening of the pandemic that will make it necessary to resort to additional measures,” said Mariana Vieira da Silva.

The minister recalled that a new phase of boosting vaccination against Covid-19 will begin in September and said that there will be, from then on, “very close monitoring” by the authorities of the evolution of the epidemiological situation. to assess the situation. need for additional measures.

What measures are still in force?

1. mandatory use of a mask in health establishments and services, residential structures, shelter services or home support for the vulnerable population or the elderly, as well as continuing care units;
2. Mandatory use of a mask in places of intensive use, such as collective passenger transport (including air transport, passenger transport by taxi or TVDE);
3. It is not yet mandatory to fill out the Passenger Locator Form;
4. The European Union Covid Digital Certificate will not be required for access to residential structures and for visits to health care establishments.