en 
“The conditions are met for the non-compulsory use of masks, which remains in places frequented by especially vulnerable people”, such as homes and structures of the National Network of Integrated Continuing Care, said the minister at the end of the Council of Ministers.
In addition to these situations, the mandatory use of a mask is also maintained in health establishments, health services and structures where especially vulnerable people reside, as well as on public transport, said the minister, adding that the measure will come into force with the resolution of the Council of Ministers today.
Public transport
Marta Temido explained that public transport, including air transport, taxis or TVDE, are covered by this exception due to the “high intensity of use, the difficult aeration, the lack of alternatives to their use at times of high frequency”.
“Therefore, these are the two circumstances in which the mandatory use of masks remains without prejudice of their recommended use in terms of public health measure in certain circumstances”, she said, exemplifying the situation of a person cohabiting with someone with covid-19.
Schools
As for the use of masks in the classroom, Marta Temido clearly stated: "Schools, no [mask use is mandatory]".
The minister added that this measure was taken after consulting the experts and the usual institutions, noting that, seasonally, they may have to re-model the measures and decide them in a different direction.
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A decision that makes no sense and one I believe the minister will regret!
By Gre from Other on 21 Apr 2022, 15:23
I had a lady wearing a mask on the street yell at me as I was sitting in the back of taxi for not wearing a mask...Folks have been turned into compliant zombies waiting for orders from there masters for another round of injections and orders of restrictions...when vaccines and mask have not proven a damn thing in preventing or stopping any transmission...All by design all planned from the powers that be...Portugal is controlled by the EU and ECB...They follow there masters...period!
By sakamoto suarez from Lisbon on 22 Apr 2022, 08:21
Almost teared up reading this, I can't believe we're almost getting out of here... sounds to good to be true. Freedom for all and especially our children in schools and growing up.. those masks were just to keep us zombieheaded
By Linda Jochems from Lisbon on 22 Apr 2022, 11:00
I understood marks are supposed to prevent the transmission of the virus. If they worked the infection rate would drop.
By Peter Massey from Algarve on 22 Apr 2022, 11:05
I completely agree with sakamoto. It’s really time this comes to an end, I can’t believe it’s again a half hearted decision, on public transports people have to keep wearing them? Speechless, almost.
I want to see only one study which shows that masks prevent the spread from asymptomatic people, compared to no mask wearing. Because this is what we are saying right. Everyone could potential be someone who could pass it on. If someone is sick and is coughing, feels under the weather stay at home and get better this is what we have always done, and if this someone goes to the doctors wear a mask, everyone else who is healthy why should you? Healthy people wearing this thing outside by 50km/h wind, on the beach and even in rain? (People with asthma know what I am referring to) People are afraid to live their life. Come one people this is madness and frankly unhealthy. How many people do not change their mask frequently(if you touched the inside of your mask you should change it, if you ate or drank something you should change it, you have the mask in your pocket with your keys, tissues and then you put it back on your mouth and nose to breath it all in.. shall I go on??) No one cares about that, so ass long as you wear a mask you fulfil the demands, regardless how long and how old and how dirty your mask is. So how good is this mask doing to you? The UK and other countries have no masks for several months now. People really need to wake up, and look after yourselves. Be curious people and look behind the curtains it’s incredible what one can find.
By Oli from UK on 22 Apr 2022, 12:07
If Covid was real, where are all the biohazard bins and specially trained personnel to handle the disposal of these masks?
By Adnil Wood from Other on 22 Apr 2022, 16:49
Don't get your hopes up too much folks, they've already as good as said they're bringing them back this winter (or the second cases spike). Enjoy it while it lasts!
By B P from Alentejo on 23 Apr 2022, 08:34
Great. Now we just have to wait for the US to stop requiring a negative test for entry. It's a real pain with little upside, and very hard to plan travel when you know there's a risk you might test positive even with no symptoms.
By Jack from Lisbon on 23 Apr 2022, 15:20