At the basis of the decision to move forward is the fact that the task-force forecasts that in the next week the country will reach 85 percent of the population with complete vaccination against covid-19.

Digital certificate no longer required in restaurants and hotels

Restaurant and hotel clients will no longer have to present a vaccination certificate or negative test to covid-19.


So far, the digital certificate has been required for the consumption of meals inside restaurants, from Friday afternoon and on weekends, and also at the time of 'check-in' in hotels.

Masks

From 1 October, the mandatory use of masks is limited to public transport, supermarkets, nursing homes and hospitals, concert halls and large events.

In addition, the use of masks in school playgrounds is no longer mandatory and the General Directorate of Health will update the rules for prophylactic isolation in schools.

“As for the school year, the Council of Ministers took the decision to clarify that wear a mask is not mandatory in the outdoor spaces of schools, namely in the playgrounds”, said António Costa.

Bars and nightclubs

The night entertainment spaces, closed since March 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, may reopen as of 1 October, for clients with a digital certificate, announced the prime minister.

"With regard to bars and nightclubs, the step we are taking is huge. They are almost the only activities that, since the beginning of this pandemic, have been permanently closed. Because we all know that they imply a great proximity and interaction between people,” he said.

However, since 1 August, bars and other drinking establishments have been able to open as long as they comply with the rules applied to restaurants, without dancing spaces.

Cultural events

Cultural shows will no longer have a capacity limit as of 1 October, but a digital certificate will be required for "major cultural events", said António Costa.

At a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, António Costa explained that spectators will have to present a digital certificate for access to "major cultural events", but it will be up to the General Directorate of Health (DGS) to define which these events are.

Wearing masks in shows will be mandatory "whenever there is no distance of two meters between people".