It is no longer mandatory to use a mask outdoors in Portugal, as the country has one of the highest rates vaccination against COVID-19 in the world, more than 80% of the population, and records a decrease in the number of new cases of coronavirus.
The move came as parliament did not extend the law that made it mandatory to wear a mask outdoors from the end of October 2020.
However, the use of a mask is still recommended in case of overcrowding or when it is not possible to respect the measures of social distancing, clarifies the General Directorate of Health in a directive published today.
“Despite high vaccination coverage in Portugal and an epidemiological situation that makes possible a strategy of phasing out the public health measures taken during the pandemic, the use of a mask remains an important measure to reduce the infection,” the country’s health authority said.
The use of a mask therefore remains mandatory in public places such as shops, public transport, schools or showrooms.
Portugal, a country of about 10 million people, has recorded almost 18,000 deaths from COVID-19.
The wave of cases triggered by the arrival of the delta strain of the new coronavirus in the country, fell from more than 3,000 new cases daily in July to less than half this season.
More than 80% of Portugal’s population is already fully vaccinated, making it one of the most advanced in the world in this area, such as Malta and the United Arab Emirates.
When the goal of vaccinating 85% of the population is met, the government envisions a new easing of health measures, ending the limits on customers of restaurants, shops and cultural venues or even reopening bars and nightclubs. centers.
“Thanks to the success of the vaccination, we are only a few weeks away from being able to believe that this pandemic is under control,” Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Wednesday.
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