“I am able to say that within three weeks we will probably reach this value [85 pecent of the population with complete vaccination] and that, at that time, the Government will be in a position to take the decisions, having already listened to the experts at that time”, said Mariana Vieira da Silva, at the press conference held at the end of the Council of Ministers.

The minister maintained that the forecast made in July indicated that by the beginning of October 85 percent of people would be vaccinated against Covid-19 and that at the moment the calendar “is relatively close” to that date.

"I am not in a position at this time to say whether it will still be in September or early October", stressed Mariana Vieira da Silva, who was asked several times about the next phase of easing of lockdown and the alleviation of restrictions imposed due to Covid-19.