Due to the danger of the spread of coronavirus On March 13, a state of emergency was declared in Bulgaria, a month later it was extended until May 13. Starting from May 14, the state of emergency changes to an emergency epidemiological situation for a period until June 14. The Bulgarian Council of Ministers announced that some restrictions will remain in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Reserve No. RD-01-262 dated May 14, 2020 / Reserve No. RD-01-263 dated May 14, 2020 / Reserve No. RD-01-264 dated May 14, 2020 / Reserve No. RD- 01-265 from 05/14/2020
According to Kiril Ananiev, Bulgaria's Minister of Health, the reasons for this are the risks and uncertainties associated with the spread of the coronavirus epidemic throughout the country.
During an emergency epidemiological situation, restrictions on entry into the country, quarantine and isolation for sick people will apply. It will be necessary to observe distance measures, wear masks indoors and on public transport, and the ban on visiting shops from 8.30 to 10.40 for people under 60 will also remain. The minister also noted that if the number of infected people starts to grow, some of the old measures may be restored.
Social events
All persons in enclosed public places are required to wear a protective face mask or other means covering the nose and mouth (or a towel, scarf, helmet, etc.), and also observe distance measures.
- It is prohibited to hold mass cultural and entertainment events indoors (theatres, concerts, stage events). Except for visits to museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas subject to filling up to 30% of the total capacity.
- It is prohibited to hold scientific events (conferences, symposiums, etc.).
- All restrictions on visiting parks have been lifted, but the ban on the use of benches will remain.
- It is not allowed to hold mass sporting events in open and closed places (in sports centers, gyms, clubs, etc.). An exception to the ban is allowed for amateur sports involving no more than 12 people, without spectators and only in open areas. Sharing of showers and changing rooms is not permitted.
- The following remain closed: entertainment and gaming halls, discos and bars, indoor retail areas of catering establishments.
- Shopping centers remain closed except for the premises of pharmacies, banks and insurance agencies.
Educational institutions
- Classes in schools, universities and other educational institutions and organizations are suspended.
- Kindergartens, nurseries, as well as all group forms of work with children, organized and carried out by individuals and legal entities, independently depending on their organizational and legal form, are terminated.
- Visiting sports and children's playgrounds and facilities in closed public places is prohibited.
- It is prohibited to hold any organized meetings in groups of more than 10 people.
Work activity
Employers must transfer their employees to remote work. In conditions where remote work is not possible, employers must organize compliance with anti-epidemic measures:
- preventing persons with manifestations of acute respiratory diseases (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.) from entering work premises;
- training staff on proper hygiene, providing soap, water and disinfectant;
- provision of personal protective equipment depending on the specifics of the work and risk assessment at the workplace (protective mask, helmet, gloves, etc.);
- ensuring a physical distance between people of at least 1.5 m.
Borders and entry into the country
Temporarily entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is prohibited for all persons, regardless of their citizenship, through all border points by air, sea, rail and road transport. The ban does not apply to:
- citizens of Bulgaria and members of their families, persons with permanent, long-term or long-term residence status on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and members of their families;
- transport personnel;
- foreign officials;
- workers involved in the supply of medicines, medical devices and personal protective equipment;
- seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism;
- border guards.
Transit
An exception to the ban is allowed in relation to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for:
- citizens of EU countries and members of their families with the aim of returning to their country of residence;
- third country nationals holding a long-term residence permit in the EU.
All persons entering the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria must be quarantined for a period of 14 days at the place of registration or other place of residence.
Output
To summarize, it is worth noting that, by and large, little has changed in Bulgaria. Replacing the state of emergency with an epidemiological situation did not bring anything new, except for the illusion of progress. There is a possibility that in this way the Bulgarian government demonstrates to other countries its successful fight against the virus.
On average, about 40 new coronavirus cases and 1 to 3 deaths are registered daily in Bulgaria. In such a situation, it is difficult to close your eyes to what is happening and return to your previous life. From which we can conclude that declaring an epidemiological situation is just a trick to extend the emergency situation and quarantine for another month.
Tourists planning to spend their holidays in Bulgaria were in limbo. So far, the news for the 2020 holiday season is disappointing. No one knows for sure when Bulgaria will open its borders to tourists and the summer season will begin. Bulgaria's borders are still closed, which means that the summer season will begin in full only after June 14.
Currently in Bulgaria there are 2100 infected, 99 people have died, 521 cured. A total of 61,711 tests have been carried out among the population. You can follow daily news and the development of the situation with coronavirus in Bulgaria here.
Number of COVID-19 infections on the map of Bulgaria. Data: Johns Hopkins University
Number of infections in Bulgaria by day. Data: Johns Hopkins University
Infection data for countries bordering Bulgaria. Data: Johns Hopkins University
Number of quarantined people by region. Data: Johns Hopkins University