The islands of Terceira and Graciosa have already received social masks, according to the schedule defined by the Regional Government, and the distribution of this protective equipment is under way in several municipalities of São Miguel Island. 

In the last few days, more than 86,000 social masks have been made available for distribution by the parish councils of Terceira and Graciosa, following the agreement with the Azores Delegation of ANAFRE - National Association of Parish Councils, as part of the Regional Government's decision to ensure that each regional household has, at least, three masks.
 
The provision of personal protective equipment is in line with the scheduled easing of restrictions in the Region, having already been distributed in the municipality of Nordeste and on the islands of Santa Maria, Flores, Corvo, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Terceira and Graciosa. 

Regarding the island of São Miguel, the masks have already been made available for distribution in the municipalities of Povoação and Vila Franca do Campo and their distribution is currently under way in the municipalities of Ribeira Grande, Lagoa and Ponta Delgada. 

Additionally, the schools where face-to-face classes have already begun for 11th and 12th form students have also provided the social masks made available by the Regional Government to students, teachers and non-teaching staff. 

The schools that opened today on the islands of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial have more than 4,500 social masks at their disposal, out of a total of about 14 thousand masks for 40 school establishments in the Region.
 
It should be recalled that the distribution of social masks, whose use is mandatory in public transports and in public establishments and services, to all households is carried out with the collaboration of the parish councils, under the terms agreed with the Regional Delegation of ANAFRE. 

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. 

With this measure, the Regional Government intends to ensure that each home 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.