Boyko Borissov and Ursula von der Leyen discuss Recovery plan for Europe

Bulgaria’s Premier Boyko Borissov and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen have discussed in a phone conversation the Commission’s proposal for the next multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, as well as the Next Generation EU recovery instrument created by the European Commission to help the EU countries repair the economic and social damage brought by the coronavirus pandemic. The Commission’s proposal for Recovery plan for Europe is extremely balanced and is fully supported by Bulgaria, Premier Borissov underlined. Boyko Borissov has informed Ursula von der Leyen on Bulgaria’s progress on its path toward accession to ERM- II and the Banking Union. The prudent fiscal policy of the government is among the achievements Bulgaria can be proud with, Premier Borissov pointed out. In his words, the financial stability and discipline helped Bulgaria face the Covid-19 crisis in good condition and adopt quick health and socio-economic measures in support of the local business and people.

We mark World Blood Donor Day

This year the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated under the motto “Give blood and make the world a healthier place”. Nearly 170,000 Bulgarians gave blood in 2019. A sharp decrease in the number of blood donors has been registered since the beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vice-President of the Bulgarian Red Cross Dr. Nadezhda Todorovska told the Bulgarian National Radio. The Military Medical Academy marks the World Blood Donor Day with the campaign “Be one of us! Give blood-save life”. Patients who recovered from Covid-19 joined the initiative and gave blood for the treatment of other patients infected with the novel coronavirus.

People arriving in Bulgaria from Netherlands are not to be subject to 14-day quarantine as of June 15

People arriving in Bulgaria from the Netherlands will no longer be subject to the mandatory fourteen-day quarantine, a new regulation issued by Bulgaria’s Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev which enters into force on June 15 (Monday) reads. Quarantine requirement remains in place for people arriving from Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Belgium and Portugal, as well as from non-EU countries, except for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. 

Bulgaria is among the safest countries for summer vacation

Bulgaria’s efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among tourists were recognized by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The tourist sites in Bulgaria will receive special Safe Travels badges as a sign that they have undertaken all measures to ensure safe holiday in the resorts. The organization which unites participants in the tourism industry declared Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal and some other countries safe countries, which means that the hotel staff have been already trained to work under the new hygiene rules which must be strictly observed. Their health condition will be constantly monitored by the hotel management and the health authorities. The World Travel and Tourism Council awards a badge of honor to those who disinfect the surfaces in the hotel rooms and use markings to help guests keep physical distancing. Disinfection includes regular cleaning of hotel rooms, toilets, lifts and fitness halls, as well as door keys and door handles. Despite the recognition of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Bulgaria cannot welcome tourists yet, due to the extension of the restrictive measures for third countries. However, Greek and Serbian tourists will be able to spend their holidays in Bulgaria thanks to the trilateral agreement which envisages that the citizens of the three Balkan countries (Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece) are allowed to cross the borders.

Number of new Covid-19 cases in Bulgaria decrease slightly in the past 24 hours

75 new cases of Covid-19 have been registered in Bulgaria in the past 24 hours. 1,975 PCR tests for the novel coronavirus were made during the period. The total number of Covid-19 cases rose to 3,266. According to data of the Single Coronavirus Information Portal, there are 1,371 active cases at present. A total of 1,723 people recovered from the virus until now, of whom 7 were cured in the past 24 hours. 247 people are receiving medical treatments in hospitals, of whom 16 in intensive-care units. The Covid-19 death toll stands at 172 people. No new victims of Covid-19 were registered in the past 24 hours.

Probability of false-negative Covid-19 PCR test is between 3% and 5%

The typical symptoms, a contact with an infected person and a positive test are needed, in order to diagnose someone with Covid-19. According to Bulgarian doctors working at the frontline against Covid-19, things are different sometimes.  In two or three cases, the Covid-19 tests were negative, although diagnostic imaging indicated Covid-19 infection and people had clinical picture of Covid-19. According to Bulgaria’s Chief State Health Inspector Dr. Angel Kunchev, the probability of a false-negative Covid-19 PCR test is between 3% and 5%. When the symptoms are in place and we know the person who infected the patient we can assume this diagnosis, even if the result of the test is negative, Angel Kunchev specified in an interview for BTV.

Nurse from Sofia-based kindergarten tests positive for Covid-19

A nurse employed at a kindergarten in Sofia was diagnosed with Covid-19. PCR tests were made of the whole staff working there and their results are negative. The kindergarten is being disinfected. By order of the Sofia Health Inspectorate, the children who contacted with the infected nurse will be placed under fourteen-day house quarantine. PCR tests will be made of all children who contacted with the nurse.

Bulgaria to open night clubs and discos on June 15

Following an amendment to a regulation of Bulgaria’s Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev, visits to discos, night clubs and piano bars are to be allowed in Bulgaria as of June 15. These establishments will be required to observe all anti-epidemic measures introduced in the country.

Compiled by: D. Grigorova

You can find all stories and important publications related to COVID-19 in Bulgaria at our special coverage section in English.

You can also follow all latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak and all measures in Bulgaria in 9 more languages at Radio Bulgaria.