The anti-epidemic measures have yielded extremely positive results in Bulgaria, this country’s Minister of Health Professor Kostadin Angelov announced at the regular weekly briefing. In 15 Bulgarian districts, Covid-19 morbidity dropped to 150 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people. The number of coronavirus recoveries is three times higher than the number of new infections. There is also increased confidence in Covid-19 vaccines among medics.

Bulgaria ranks 27^th in the European Union in terms of coronavirus morbidity and 9^th in terms of Covid-19 mortality, this country’s Chief State Health Inspector Associate Professor Angel Kunchev announced at the briefing. Bulgaria places in the middle of the EU ranking in terms of the coronavirus tests performed.

According to the Chairman of the National Coronavirus Headquarters General Ventsislav Mutafchiyski, the number of Bulgarian citizens wishing to receive Covid-19 vaccines has increased recently. So far, 17,000 people have been inoculated against Covid-19. The number of patients receiving treatment in hospitals continues to decrease, Ventsislav Mutafchiyski went on to say. 32% of the hospital beds for patients without severe symptoms of coronavirus infection and 44% of the Covid-19 beds in intensive care units are occupied at present.

Despite the positive data, citizens should remain disciplined. People should continue wearing masks, maintain physical distance and avoid large public gatherings. Disinfection should continue as well, General Mutafchiyski said further.

“There are enough vaccines for all Bulgarian citizens”, Health Minister Angelov commented in connection of the claims of some politicians about vaccines shortage. The issue regarding the coronavirus pandemic and inoculation must not be politicized, Minister Angelov stressed. With regard to the idea of inoculating the members of election commission before the Parliamentary elections, Professor Angelov said that this was a voluntary act. The focus should be on the members of the mobile sections, who will contact with people placed under quarantine, Minister Angelov went on to say.

The second stage of immunization will begin on Monday, Minister Angelov added. As of next week, part of the practical training for pupils and students will resume. Elective admission to hospitals and elective surgeries are expected to resume as well. Patients will be admitted with a negative rapid antigen test which performed free of charge in each hospital.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: BTA and BGNES