Irish holidaymakers should be aware of the ongoing Covid restrictions being enforced in Portugal as the government opts to extend the current health alert until the end of the summer season.
Health officials are sounding the alarm over infection rates and say they cannot rule out the reintroduction of strict Covid measures if infections rise further during the autumn.
With the state of alert now in place until August 31, mandatory mask wearing will therefore be maintained.
READ MORE: Dad-of-four in coma after being stabbed on stag do in Portuguese holiday hotspot
Everyone aged 10 or over will have to continue wearing 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.
While this mandate applies on the mainland, there are 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 also remain in place and testing facilities are in operation at all Portuguese airports.
On Monday, 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."
The minister said: "When autumn comes, we might have a worsening of the pandemic that may make it necessary to take additional measures."
Meanwhile, Portugal removed all Covid entry restrictions at the beginning of July, meaning both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can enter.
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