As of Wednesday, the use of masks in public spaces is mandatory and failure to comply with this imposition is punishable by fines of up to 500 euros, according to the law published today in Diário da República.
The diploma states that the mandatory use of masks in public spaces, a way to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, will last for 70 days and cover people aged 10 years and over for «access, circulation or permanence in spaces and roads. public whenever the physical distance recommended by the health authorities proves impractical».
However, the diploma establishes exceptions, namely for members of the same household, when they are not close to third parties.
The use of masks is no longer mandatory also for people who present a medical certificate of multi-purpose disability or a medical statement that the person's clinical condition is not consistent with the use of masks and even when this is incompatible with the nature of the activities that the people are performing.
The enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the security forces and the municipal police, who must, in the first place, sensitize people to the importance of wearing a mask on public roads.
Within the scope of the Law, awareness campaigns will also be carried out among the population about the importance of using masks in public spaces and streets, to encourage the spontaneous adherence of people to this and other measures of individual and collective protection against Covid-19.
The provisions of the diploma apply to the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, with the necessary adaptations through a decree of the respective regional government.
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