The director-general of Health informed today, 21 September, that a new guideline will soon be published that recommends the use of masks in busy public spaces, whenever it is not possible to ensure physical distance.
"Very soon, and after we have consulted national and international experts, guidance will be issued to the effect that when people abroad are unable to guarantee themselves or others the recommended physical distance, they should wear a mask," he said. Grace Freitas.
During the usual press conference about the Covid-19 pandemic, Graça Freitas was asked if the health authorities would have changed their opinion regarding the mandatory use of masks abroad, with the approach of the autumn/winter season.
The director-general refused, however, to consider that it would be a change of opinion, but rather an "evolutionary posture in terms of what the risk assessment is going to be".
“Out in the open, the use of masks will make sense if we actually go to places where we cannot guarantee that we stay away from others. A different situation is outdoors in the countryside, in the garden, at times when other people are not walking around», he explained.
For these situations, in which distancing is easily ensured, the recommendation will be the same and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) continues to consider that the use of a mask is not necessary.
"If they are abroad, but away from other people, we will not make this recommendation, as people are free to use themselves at all times, because they feel better, to be able to do so," he added.
Currently, the mask is only mandatory in closed interior spaces, such as commercial establishments, service providers or schools, and in public transport.
At the same press conference, the DGS and the Ministry of Health were also asked about the possibility of implementing partial confinement in Portugal, similarly to what is currently happening in Madrid, if it is confirmed that the country is in fact entering in a second wave of the pandemic.
However, according to the Deputy Secretary of State and Health António Lacerda Sales, this is not an option.
"Today we know more about the disease, today we are better prepared to respond and, therefore, partial or general confinement is a public health response that we certainly do not want to trigger again," he stressed.
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