Directorate-General for Health recommends the use of a mask outdoors when it is not possible to maintain the recommended social distance in busy public spaces.
"Very briefly, and after having consulted national and international experts, an orientation will come out that when people abroad are unable to guarantee the recommended physical distance for themselves or others, they should wear a mask," he said. Graça Freitas.
During the usual press conference on the covid-19 pandemic, Graça Freitas was asked if the Health authorities would have changed their opinion regarding the mandatory wearing of a mask abroad, with the approach of the autumn / winter season.
The director-general, however, refused to consider that it would be a change of opinion, but rather an "evolutionary stance based on what is being the risk assessment".
"Outdoors, wearing masks will make sense if we actually go to places where we cannot guarantee that we will be away from others. Different is a situation outdoors in the countryside, in the garden, at times when other people are not walking. "he explained.
For these situations, in which distance is easily ensured, the recommendation will be the same and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) continues to consider that the use of a mask is not necessary.
"If they are abroad, but distant from other people, we will not make this recommendation, since people are free to use it at all times, because they feel better, to be able to do it," he added.
Currently, the mask is only mandatory in closed indoor spaces, such as commercial establishments, services or schools, and public transport.
At the same press conference, DGS and the Ministry of Health were also asked about the possibility of implementing partial confinement in Portugal, similar to what is currently happening in Madrid, if it is confirmed that the country is indeed entering in a second wave of the pandemic.
However, according to the Assistant 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.