The Secretary of State for Health, António Lacerda Sales, said that the Covid-19 screening tests carried out in pharmacies and laboratories could be free again, if there is an increase in epidemiological indicators.

Lacerda Sales stressed that, at the moment, epidemiological indicators do not justify free testing.

“If it turns out that there is an increase in epidemiological indicators, we will certainly reverse this measure [of the end of free testing]. At this moment, with the indicators we have, and with the stability of the situation from an epidemiological point of view, free testing will not be necessary,” he said.

Covid-19 screening tests carried out in pharmacies and laboratories are no longer free since May 1, taking into account the “positive evolution” of the pandemic in the country.

According to Lacerda Sales, there was “some increase” in cases after the end of the mandatory use of mask, but “the trend remains stable”.