The Regional Government provided approximately 338 thousand social masks that were distributed by parish councils to all households in the Region, as part of the collaboration signed with the Regional Delegation of the National Association of Parish Councils (ANAFRE) for this purpose. 

The completion of this process took place in the last few days with the distribution of masks in several parishes of São Miguel Island, according to the previously defined schedule for the gradual lifting of restrictions on the various islands of the archipelago. 

Overall, the Regional Government has provided more than 357 thousand social masks - three for each household in the Region - in recent weeks, besides the distribution of another 19 thousand masks to students, teachers and non-teaching staff who returned to schools. 

The social masks distributed by the Regional Government are certified by CITEVE - National Technological Centre for Textile and Clothing, thus complying with the guidelines issued for this type of product. 

It should be recalled that the Regional Government had requested the cooperation of the Regional Delegation of the National Association of Parish Councils (ANAFRE) in the distribution of social masks by parish councils to all households in the Region; both entities have played an important role in this process. 

With this measure, the Regional Government intends to ensure that each household in the Region has, at least, three social masks. The wearing of these masks does not entail any change to the rules on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as well as to the organisation and maintenance of the protection and prevention procedures adopted by public and private entities.