Portugal has decided to keep the wearing of masks compulsory on public transport, at least until the end of August, to protect the most vulnerable populations from COVID-19, the spokesperson of the Portuguese authorities announced on Thursday. government.

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Wearing a mask on public transport, the “most significant measure still in force”, must “be maintained mainly to protect the most vulnerable populations”, said Mariana Vieira da Silva, Minister for the Presidency, during a meeting. press conference after the Council of Ministers.

Although "the situation is currently under control", with a sharp drop in mortality linked to COVID-19, the government has decided to "follow the advice of experts", she explained.

Portugal, among the world champions in the vaccination against COVID-19, had experienced a marked increase in new cases last May, caused by the sub-variant of Omicron BA.5. The wave had started to recede in mid-June.

“We know that with the approach of autumn and winter, it is possible that the situation of the pandemic will worsen and that additional measures will have to be resorted to”, however warned the minister.

“We will have to monitor the situation closely,” she added.