Updated anti-epidemic measures in place as of today

As of today until the end of June, in accordance with the orders issued by Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev, wearing a mask remains mandatory on public transport, in pharmacies and medical institutions. In all other public places, wearing a mask is recommended. The requirements for disinfection and maintaining a high standard of hygiene, observance of a distance of 1.5 meters between people who are not family members, and remote work where applicable, remain in force. Outdoor and indoor sports events are held with seat occupancy not exceeding 50 percent of the capacity of the facility and spectators sitting one seat apart. As of today discotheques, night clubs and piano bars are also reopening, in compliance with the anti-epidemic measures in place in the country.

Number of new Covid-19 cases in Bulgaria down to 24 in past 24 hours

24 new Covid-19 cases have been registered in Bulgaria over the past 24 hours, out of 1,409 tests performed, indícate data from the Single Information Portal – Covid-19. The total number of coronavirus cases in Bulgaria to date is 3,290, of them 1,386 are active, the number of recoveries is 1,730 . Two patients have died over the past 24 hours, 7 have recovered. 244 patients are in hospital, of them 15 are in intensive care units. 

As measures eased health experts call for self-discipline

“The Covid-19 curve cannot be expected to sharpen in summer,” said Prof. Dr. Todor Kantardzhiev, director of the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. However he stressed that the danger remains and called for distancing, disinfection and discipline, even though the measures are gradually being relaxed.This view is shared by immunologist Academician Bogdan Petrunov who is categorical that unless the public act responsibly and wear masks in public places, the epidemic will continue. 

Most Bulgarians feel their jobs are in jeopardy

This summer one in three Bulgarians will be thinking about finding a job. According to a survey by the biggest Bulgarian job platform, two-thirds of Bulgarians say their jobs are in jeopardy. In the services sector 62% of staff and 54% of people in managerial positions say their jobs are in jeopardy. The crisis is affecting more women than it is men. 

Protest held in Sofia under the motto SOS Tourism

Nearly 100 busses for occasional transport from different Bulgarian towns blocked the traffic at the central Tsar Osvoboditel Avenue in Sofia to protest against the lack of adequate state measures for overcoming the crisis in the sector, caused by Covid-19. Owners of tourist transport companies, tour operators and tour guides gathered in front of the Council of Ministers building to state that the social and economic measures announced by the government aimed at overcoming the crisis have not reached the people employed in tourism. Meanwhile, a round table was held in Sofia under this topic. It was organized by the Confederation of Bus Carriers and the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents.

Tourism sector should do what is necessary to attract tourists

This is what Premier Boyko Borissov recommended to dissatisfied carriers, tour guides and tour operators. The state supports the recovery of all sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Bulgaria opened its sites and establishments before the other countries. We were brave and responsible and used medical expertise. Bulgaria’s economy and industry started functioning earlier, Premier Boyko Borissov said. He called on his compatriots to spend their summer holiday along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. “The tourism sector, however, needs to do what is necessary to attract half a million Bulgarians. The tourism industry has to tell people-come and visit us! Our hotels are more beautiful, cleaner and safer. The state supports the tourism sector. It should also advertise and make a commitment”, Premier Borissov added.

Heavy traffic at the Bulgaria-Greece border

Traffic at the Bulgaria-Greece border checkpoints has been extremely heavy throughout the whole day, because Greece lifted the entry ban on Bulgarian nationals. Hundreds of Bulgarian and Romanian cars were waiting this morning for Greece to open its border for tourists without knowing that the regulation for seven-day quarantine would be repealed at noon. Police stopped most vehicles one kilometer before the border crossing to prevent congestion on the border, the BNR correspondents inform. 

Foreign Ministry still advises against non-essential travel abroad

In connection with the easing of the anti-epidemic measures in the world, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign  Affairs advises Bulgarian citizens to refrain from non-essential travel abroad. If they do travel, they are advised to check the crossing procedures and conditions of entry into the respective country. 

Compiled by: Diana Tsankova and Radio Bulgaria’s News Team

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