Some anti-epidemic measures remain in force in Bulgaria after lifting of state of emergency

Some measures taken to contain the spread of Covid-19 remain in force in Bulgaria after the end of the state of emergency which ends today, May 13. The requirements for keeping social distancing and wearing face masks in public transport vehicles and in indoor public spaces remains in place. The sanctions for non-compliance with these regulations range from EUR 153 to EUR 511. People aged 60 or under will not be able to go shopping between 8.30 AM and 10.30 AM and seniors will continue using this time interval to do their shopping. The people infected with coronavirus, as well as those arriving in Bulgaria from other countries infected with Covid-19 continue to be subject to mandatory fourteen-day quarantine.

Foreign minister advises against travelling outside Europe

“Travelling outside Europe is unlikely this summer. I advise people not to make plans which will not work out,” said Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva in an interview for Nova TV. The 14-day quarantine for all people arriving in the country will remain until the end of May whatever country they are coming from. After 15 June this measure could be dropped with regard to people coming from the lowest-risk countries.

Number of Covid-19 recoveries in Bulgaria close to 500

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Bulgaria is 2,069, according to Ministry of Health data. The number of coronavirus recoveries if 499, the death toll is 96.  

President Radev refers new measures against Covid-19 to Constitutional Court

To avoid interruption of the social and economic support for the citizens and businesses affected in the conditions of crisis, growing unemployment and loss of incomes, President Rumen Radev has signed the amendments to the Health Act. However he will refer some of the texts to the Constitutional Court. “The lack of plan by the government has led to the adoption of the changes at the last possible moment with vague and contradictory regulations,” the press service of the president notes.

School-leaving ceremonies to be held in compliance with anti-epidemic measures

By order of Premier Boyko Borissov, anti-epidemic measures will be adopted in conjunction with the school-leaving ceremonies of high-school graduates in Bulgaria. Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev and Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev were assigned the task of applying the measures. The decision was taken after Premier Borissov met with two 12th grade girls. In a letter to Premier Borissov the girls asked to be allowed to mark their school-leaving with a celebration in the school yard.

At the beginning of 2020, budget still has surplusAt the end of March, the budget had a surplus of 700,000 euros. The crisis will still affect the treasury, the government said after checking the execution of the state budget in early 2020. At the end of March, the fiscal reserve is over EUR 5 billion. The pandemic is still expected to have its negative effects, such as the extension of the terms for corporate income taxation and trade turnover reduction. The parameters of the budget implementation are expected to become clearer in the second and third quarters of the year. In order to support investments, we do not envisage limiting the payments on large infrastructure projects, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said.

Bulgaria’s economy will contract by 5% in 2020: EBRD

Bulgaria’s economy will contract by 5% in 2020, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecasts. In 2021, this country's economy may rebound quickly, but it all depends on the easing of the measures against the spread of Covid-19 and the dynamics of the situation regarding the coronavirus infection, the bank notes. According to this financial institution, services, retail trade and tourism are the sectors affected most by the crisis.

Significant decline in exports, imports and industry in March

From January to March 2020, Bulgarian exports fell by 1.1% compared to the same period in 2019. Exported goods totaled over EUR 7 billion, according to national statistics. The biggest contraction - 8.8% - was in March when exports stood at EUR 2.244 billion. Imports of goods in the first quarter also declined by 1.1% compared to 2019. In March 2020, total imports of goods dropped by 6.3% and amounted to EUR 2.56 billion. The foreign trade balance for the first quarter was negative at EUR 747 million. Eurostat announced that in March 2020, industrial production in Bulgaria shrank by 5.1% compared to February. Industrial production in the EU in March fell by 10.4 percent on a monthly basis.

Interest rates on deposits and loans to remain unchanged

Interest rates on loans and deposits will not change, the Association of Commercial Banks forecasts. Compared to 2019, there is a decline in interest rates. Interest rates on housing loans for households are already below 3%, and on deposits - 0.02 percent. Households were most active in loans over the first three months of 2020. Overall, the downward trend in the number of non-performing loans and growth in deposits continues. The assets of commercial banks stand at EUR 58.8 billion. Households deposits have reached EUR 41.86 billion. On an annual basis, this is an increase of 8.2%, the Bulgarian National Bank states and warns commercial banks that due to the Covid-19 crisis the risks for servicing the loans are increasing.

Cultural institutes and zoo in Sofia re-open

The Sofia library and the zoo are to open doors on 14 May by a Sofia municipality decision. 20 open-air stages will be made available to performing artists from Sofia. The idea of drive-in movie theatres is being discussed.

Every hotel must have an isolation room 

The Ministry of Tourism has published a draft for the operation of food establishments and hotels after the state of emergency. Maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres between people is mandatory. Gathering in groups in lobby spaces and corridors is prohibited. Disinfectants must be made available to guests and staff. Use of elevators is restricted to a minimum number of people. Food will be served only in the open-air spaces of catering establishments. Self-service and guests’ direct contact with food will not be allowed. Swimming pools will be operating without SPA and entertainment facilities. The measures have been approved by the minister of tourism and the Ministry of Health.

Mosques in Bulgaria open on 15 May

Mosques will open on 15 May, Friday with a Jummah Namaz prayer. Before and after the prayer the mosques will be disinfected. Instead of the ritual washing, the use of disinfectant is recommended. Services will be short, wearing masks and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres will be mandatory inside mosques. People with chronic diseases and those from high-risk groups are advised not to go to the mosques, Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadzhi has instructed. Hand-shaking and embracing after Namaz is not advisable. Bayram Namaz should take place outdoors.

Compiled by Diana Tsankova and “News” team 

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.