Mandatory Use of Face Masks

With the country’s epidemiological situation resulting from the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, and aware of the need to reinforce actions in order to contain and break the dynamics of community transmission, Law No. 102 / IX / 2020 of 29 October was approved, which provides for the mandatory use of face masks in public places, including public roads, as a measure of additional individual and collective protection, and civic expression of citizens.

The aforementioned Law determines the mandatory use of face masks in all public spaces, including on public roads.

Applying to people who circulate or stay in public spaces, open or closed, regardless of the type of activity to be carried out.

Being applied throughout the national territory, aiming to face an increasing degree of contamination danger, current or potential and produces effects while the contingency or calamity situation, declared by the government, due to the increase in the level of risk of contamination by the Covid Virus is in force. – 19.

The mandatory use of face masks is provisional in nature and is understood to be necessary to ensure a high level of protection of individual and community health.

Mandatory use of face masks in public spaces, including public roads:

• The use of face masks is mandatory when it implies or may imply physical proximity or contact between people who do not share the same residence, as an additional individual and collective protection measure.
• The use of face masks is also mandatory in all circumstances in which people circulate or remain in closed public spaces, regardless of the type of activity to be carried out.

Exception to the mandatory use of face masks in public spaces, including public roads:

• The mandatory use of face masks does not apply to situations of individual physical activity, health promotion and quality of life, provided that the strict rules of social distance and respiratory etiquette are observed.
• The mandatory use of face masks does not apply to children under the age of 10, people with cognitive developmental disabilities or mental disorders and other situations that are proven to be authorized by the health authorities.

Inspection and sanctions

The competent health authorities of the country are competent to impose fines, without prejudice to the powers of municipal and police authorities.

Failure to comply with the mandatory use of face masks gives rise to the imposition of fines, which are set between 1,500$00 (one thousand five hundred escudos) and 15,000$00 (fifteen thousand escudos).

The proceeds from the fines imposed revert to the State as a sum allocated to the National Civil Protection Service and the National Institute of Public Health, in equal percentages.