Health officials in Portugal have advised strict Covid restrictions may be reintroduced if infections rise during autumn. The warning comes after the country's government extended a state of alert until August 31, which means current rules - including mandatory mask wearing - will be maintained.
Everyone aged 10 or above must continue to wear a mask on public transport, when travelling by air, in taxis and private car hires, and on entry to medical facilities, retirement homes and nursing homes. The mandate applies on the mainland with separate guidelines in force for Madeira, the Azores and Porto Santo, where anyone aged six and above must wear a face covering whilst on public transport.
Social distancing guidelines remain in place and testing facilities remain at all Portuguese airports.
Minister of state Mariana Vieira da Silva said: “A resolution was approved that extends the state of the alert throughout the mainland due to the Covid-19 pandemic until August 31."
Local newspapers reported there was still a risk that tough anti-Covid rules will return when summer ends. The minister said: "When autumn comes, we might have a worsening of the pandemic that may make it necessary to take additional measures."
Portugal removed all Covid entry restrictions at the beginning of July, meaning both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can enter.
