Bulgaria’s government not planning to delay elections over Covid-19 pandemic

We are not planning to delay the forthcoming Parliamentary elections due to the coronavirus epidemic, Bulgaria’s Deputy Premier Tomislav Donchev said for BTV. “It is a completely different question how the election process should be organized, in order to create less risks to the population”, Tomislav Donchev commented. “The government is not afraid to impose temporary lockdown”, Deputy Premier Donchev said further and assured that the authorities are to adopt stricter measures if necessary. In his words, a complete lockdown is the easiest measure from the health point of view. “However, it has very serious repercussions for the economy, the social status of the people and their mental health”, Tomislav Donchev added. “E-prescription is expected to be available within several weeks”, Deputy Premier Tomislav Donchev went on to say.

1,300 new Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals in Sofia in past three weeks

In the past three weeks, more than 1,300 new Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospitals in Sofia, Mayor Yordanka Fandakova said for BNT. “It has resulted in an enormous pressure on the health system”, Yordanka Fandakova commented and added that the hospitals have made a lot of effort to allow people to receive medical treatment. "We should not allow another sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations, because the health system would not sustain such a pressure", Mayor Fandakova said further. We must think about sending students gradually back to school, if the situation allows it, Yordanka Fandakova said and specified that all students cannot return to class at the same time. We will close the Christmas bazaar downtown Sofia, if the organizers do not ensure compliance of anti-epidemic measures, Yordanka Fandakova warned.

Bulgaria reports 129 new Covid-19 deaths and 1,061 new recoveries

3,983 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Bulgaria in the past 24 hours out of 9,786 PCR tests performed, data of the Single Information Portal show. 40.7% of the PCR tests have returned positive. The highest number of new infections was registered in Sofia-1,031, followed by Plovdiv-409 and Stara Zagora-315. 129 patients have died and 1,061 people have recovered in the past 24 hours. 5,942 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals, 383 of whom in intensive care units. 152 medics have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. The total number of medics who have tested positive for Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic reached 4,641. 

Two people detained in Sofia’s Metro for not wearing face masks

A man and a woman were detained at a metro station in Sofia due to non-compliance with the anti-epidemic measures. A person employed at Sofia’s Metropoliten Company asked them to wear face mask, but they showed aggression. The violators refused to give their ID cards to the Police officers. They were taken to the Third Regional Police Station.  Police officers drew up protocols against the violators and released them.

Catering establishments in Sofia refuse to allow health inspectors do their job

Catering establishments in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia refused to allow health inspectors to check whether they observed the anti-epidemic measures. Last night, nearly 200 clients remained locked in a restaurant near Lake Ariana downtown Sofia, because the owners of the catering establishment refused to allow health inspectors do their job. A woman felt bad and was taken to hospital. Owners of other restaurants also refused to let health inspectors do their job. Police officers intervened and drew up protocols of the owners. 

Bulgaria to receive over EUR 500 million in EU funds to cover initial Covid-19 costs

Bulgaria is set to receive over EUR half a billion in EU funds to cover the initial expenses related to the fight against the coronavirus epidemic. Bulgaria will receive this amount as soon as the report under this new instrument is approved by the European Parliament at second reading, Bulgaria’s MEP Andrey Novakov said for BNR. “This instrument grants financing retrospectively for ongoing projects aimed to cope with the Covid-19 crisis”. MEP Novakov added.

Greece imposes new travel restrictions along its borders

Only Greek nationals and EU citizens are allowed to cross Kulata-Promachonas border crossing as of today. The Greek border authorities continue to demand a negative PCR test, as well as a QR code generated after submitting a passenger locator form.  All passengers must undergo mandatory rapid testing and depending on the result of the Covid-19 tests they are allowed to enter the country between 7 am and 11 pm. The restrictions do not concern drivers of cargo vehicles.

Hospital in Pazardzhik urgently needs medics

The multi-profile hospital for active treatment in the town of Pazardzhik is urgently looking to employ 10 doctors and 10 nurses and health care assistants. Another 9 medics employed at the local hospital have tested positive for Covid-19, the hospital’s director Dr. Krasimir Temnilov announced.

Compiled by: D. Tsankova

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