The head of the Portuguese Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) Miguel Guimarães stated on Monday that the government should end the mandatory face mask measure within two weeks. Guimarães told TSF radio that masks are no longer necessary in both outdoor spaces and close areas like shopping malls and public transport. This would mean children and young people would be able to return to school, after Easter break, without having to wear a mask.
However, the government recently extended the state of alert to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic until at least April 18. This means that until at least this date, masks are mandatory in indoor spaces and all other COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.
Back in February 2022, Guimarães stated that the COVID-19 pandemic should be over by Spring, on March 20.
Representing the Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) Guimarães also told TSF on Monday that Ukrainian doctors are authorized to work in Portugal without speaking Portuguese. This must still be negotiated with the government, but a diploma has been published by the Order that recognizes the professional abilities of Ukrainian doctors.
Guimarães says that this is an “exceptional” measure in order to integrate Ukrainian professionals and that Ukrainian doctors should learn Portuguese. He urges the government to provide Portuguese courses to these doctors.
Jorge Roque da Cunha, the Secretary-General of the Independent Union of Doctors has supported this initiative.
The Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) is a public entity that serves as the regulatory body for medical fractionates in Portugal, established in 1898.
Entering Portugal: Covid Restrictions & Current Measures
