On the day the Holy Week begins for Orthodox Christians, it is exactly one month since the start of the state of emergency in the country, imposed by parliament on 13 March.

Noting this fact BGNES news agency commented that this harsh measure by the authorities aimed at containing Covid-19 goes with a high price for society – plans cancelled, habits changed, high levels of anxiety and social isolation. The state of emergency caused a panic with some, with long lines forming in front of supermarkets and pharmacies and overbuying of food and medicines. Face masks were suddenly in short supply, disinfectants were hard to come by and their prices went up considerably. One of the first measures put in place in big cities was to disinfect streets, public buildings, public transport stops and even waste containers. All theatres, cinemas, sports halls and other public buildings were closed. The briefings of the National Crisis Staff, at which information was given of the newly registered cases, turned into one of the most eagerly awaited events of the day. The fines for breaking quarantine and violating the emergency measures were followed by other restrictions. Checkpoints were put up at the entry and exit points of major regional towns in the country, only people with good reasons being allowed through. The winter resort of Bansko was placed under full 14-day quarantine after foreign tourists were diagnosed with Covid-19. The restrictive measures shook the national economy to the core. Many went into home office mode, but there are sectors in which this is impossible. The tourist and entertainment industry were dealt the hardest blow and companies started letting go of their staff. Queues in front of employment offices started to grow with every passing day. Despite the government’s measures no one can say when the economy will be back on its feet. In this crisis empathy grew. A wave of donations swept across the country – people started making masks gratuitously, making donations of medical equipment to hospitals etc.

Tensions have arisen in public and political life as well. The authorities have given some conflicting signals to the public, a vivid example of which is the controversy over the mandatory wearing of face masks. Health Minister Kiril Ananiev issued an order that wearing masks is mandatory, then cancelled it, but as of yesterday, 12 April, wearing masks is once again mandatory. Government and opposition started a spiraling blame game over the effectivity of the measures taken, and President Rumen Radev imposed a veto on some of the texts from the state of emergency act, describing it as a prelude to an “uncontrolled wielding of power”. The celebrating of Palm Sunday and the upcoming even bigger holiday - Easter, also triggered a heated discussion. This year Bulgaria will not be sending a delegation to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire but will use the fire from last year. But churches have remained open to believers despite the clear risk of infection. At Easter the religious services will take place outside the churches and there will be an enhanced police presence to ensure law and order.

In this month of state of emergency a sense of understanding seems to have prevailed that the fight against the virus means that we each have to take reasonability for our own selves, but also for our loved ones, and for the people around us.

Edited by Stoimen Pavlov