The Bulgarian government has declared a state of emergency epidemic situation in the country in force from 00:00 on May 14 until June 14, 2020.

On the last day of the state of emergency in Bulgaria, the Minister of Health took the opportunity given to him by the adopted amendments to the Health Act and submitted a proposal for declaring an emergency epidemic situation which was adopted by the Council of Ministers. The main reason is the lack of a sharp change in the development of the Covid-19 in Bulgaria.

“We believe that the measures applied so far must continue to be applied. Based on the assessment made by the Chief State Health Inspector for the development of the disease in Bulgaria and the world, the government believes that the Covid-19 pandemic is a really serious emergency situation related to public health and preserving the health and lives of Bulgarian citizens,” explained the Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev.

From 00:00 on May 14, several orders will be in force, related to anti-epidemic measures, the rules for passing through checkpoints, for quarantine and isolation of people when traveling and in contact with persons infected with Covid-19, as well as for the functioning of various activities, the minister announced.

Allowing organ transplants and free movement in city gardens and parks are the two new measures that will be included in the orders, said Minister Ananiev.

The rule for social distancing, wearing masks indoors, in public places and in public transport remains in force. The 14-day quarantine is preserved for everyone who enters the territory of Bulgaria from another country, regardless of whether he is a Bulgarian or a foreigner. Employers are encouraged to have their staff work remotely as much as possible. An algorithm is being developed together with the Ministry of Education for the opening of kindergartens with groups of a maximum of 10-12 children, the minister also announced. It is possible to increase or decrease the restrictions depending on the epidemic situation, said Kiril Ananiev.