The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) issued an alert on Monday, April 6, regarding poor air quality in mainland Portugal until Thursday due to dust from North Africa, advising the elderly and children to take extra precautions. The DGS stated that the poor air quality is caused by an air mass carrying suspended dust particles from North African deserts. The health authority recommends that the general population avoid prolonged physical exertion outdoors and exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are advised to stay indoors with windows closed whenever possible and to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Mainland Portugal to experience poor air quality until Thursday
Monday, 6 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
AI Summary AvailableMainland under yellow warning due to rain, Madeira on orange alert for waves and windRead the synthesized summary with context and explainers
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Continente under yellow weather warning for rain. Madeira at orange • Observador
- Mainland under yellow warning due to rain, Madeira on orange alert for waves and wind • CNN Portugal
- Bad weather is coming: mainland under yellow warning due to rain. Madeira on orange alert for rough seas and wind • Correio da Manhã
- Mainland Portugal to experience poor air quality until Thursday, says DGS • RTP Notícias
- Funchal Captaincy issues strong sea agitation warning for Madeira • Correio da Manhã
- Funchal Captaincy issues warning for strong sea conditions • Observador
- Dust from North Africa has returned to Portugal: air quality will be poor until Thursday • Correio da Manhã
- Air quality to worsen with several alerts issued: North African dust is back • CNN Portugal
- Portugal to experience poor air quality until Thursday • Observador
- Mainland Portugal to experience poor air quality until Thursday • ECO
