"The recommendations that exist today are for sick people to follow what I hope we have all learned from the pandemic but which I sometimes see that some have already forgotten: when you are sick you should wear a mask, wash your hands and people should not be so close to each other", said the minister during the signing of the transfer of powers in the area of Health to the municipality of Cantanhede.

In relation to health units, he says, each one "has a contingency plan that is activated depending on local circumstances".

"There are hospitals that have already activated the mandatory use of masks. There is still no reason for a widespread obligation," he said, stressing that the peak of seasonal flu is expected to occur in the coming days.

It should be remembered that the number of flu cases (mostly type A) rose exponentially last year and at the beginning of this new year of 2024. The rush to hospitals has clogged emergency rooms, which have reported constraints in recent weeks.