Anti-epidemic rules in tourism as of 1 May: On the beach maintain a 1.5 m. distance

Universal rules regarding the anti-epidemic measures are being introduced in tourism for the forthcoming summer season 2021 by order of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Mariyana Nikolova. The aim is to guarantee the health and safety of holidaymakers, and to help Bulgaria uphold its statute of a healthy and safe destination.
The measures are valid for all types of tourism. Protective face masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, as is a 1.5 m. distance between individuals. Information panels indicating the maximum number of guests shall be displayed prominently in accommodation establishments. If a guest appears to have Covid-19 they shall be isolated in a room designated for the purpose. The facility shall not be quarantined. According to the rules, on lifeguarded beaches a physical distance of 1.5 metres shall be maintained between individuals. Only 2 people or members of one family may occupy an area of 20 square metres in unguarded beach zones. One beach umbrella may be used by a maximum of 2 people or members of one family.
In catering establishments tourists are advised to wear masks until they are seated at their table, as well as after getting up.
The rules come into force as of 1 May. In the words of Minister Nikolova, at this time, out of 150,000 people currently employed in the tourist industry, 82,000 have stated they want to be vaccinated.

Sofia Mayor Fandakova: No stricter anti-coronavirus measures in Sofia are currently necessary

“Despite the surge in Covid-19 infections, introducing stricter anti-epidemic measures in Sofia is not necessary,” Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova said. Gyms and shopping malls remain open as inspections for compliance with the current anti-epidemic measures continue. Kindergartens and nurseries remain open, BNR’s Evelina Stoyanova reports.
By order by the head of the Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate, the number of Covid-19 beds in all hospitals in Sofia will be increased by 20% tomorrow.

Decline in number of coronavirus infections possible in 2-3 weeks: Chief State Health Inspector

The coronavirus situation and the pressure on hospitals are under control. Bulgaria has everything it needs for the battle with Covid-19. Vaccine deliveries continue. The news has been reported at a working meeting with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, BTA reported.
The Prime Minister pointed out that this country has ordered much more than the required amount of vaccines for the population. Boyko Borissov expects that quantities of the fourth EU-approved vaccine will be delivered soon, as Bulgaria had ordered 2 million doses of it.
Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev forecasts that even if high numbers of new cases were to be reached in the next 2-3 weeks, a decline in the number of newly infected would then start.

Number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals in Bulgaria goes above 7,000

Bulgaria has reported 679 new cases of coronavirus infection in Bulgaria in the last 24 hours, the National Coronavirus Information Portal shows. 18% of the 3,759 tests performed returned positive.
A total of 278,557 cases of infection have been identified since the beginning of the pandemic.
42,090 are the active cases as of March 15. The highest number of new infections is recorded in Sofia - 223, Varna - 61 and Burgas - 56.
51 people died in the last 24 hours with an established coronavirus infection. 584 patients recovered.
7,101 patients with Covid-19 are currently hospitalized, with 533 patients in intensive care units.
975 have been vaccinated over the past 24 hours. The total number of vaccinations has reached 338,879. 58,417 people have been revaccinated since the beginning of the immunization campaign.

Bulgaria expects to receive enough vaccines to resume vaccination

A shipment of 21,060 doses of the Pfizer vaccine has arrived in Bulgaria, Bogdan Kirilov, director of the Bulgarian Drug Agency, told Nova TV. Another 33,600 doses of the Moderna vaccine are to arrive On March 19. Another 51,060 are expected after March 21. There are also deliveries from AstraZeneca. A total of 480,000 doses are expected to arrive by the end of March, Kirilov explained.
Bulgaria's Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev told bTV that it was not a case of thrombosis in the 57-year-old woman who died after vaccination in Plovdiv. At the beginning of next week at the latest, full forensic report of the deceased woman will become clear, Angel Kunchev said, and added that this will lead to the start of mass inoculation.

EU is not currently negotiating purchase of Sputnik V

There are not negotiations underway at the moment on purchasing doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine at an EU level, Bulgarian National Radio correspondent in Brussels, Anghelina Piskova reports, citing the European Commission.
Earlier, Reuters reported that Member States were considering negotiations with the manufacturer of Sputnik V.
On March 4, the European Medicines Agency launched an assessment of the Russian vaccine for access to the European market.

Bulgarian rock legend Konstantin Markov dies after Covid-19 complications

After Covid-19 complications, famous musician, composer and founder of the "Tangra" rock band, Kossyo Markov, passed away. The tragic news was reported by his daughter speaking to Z-Rock radio.
Born in 1949 in Sofia, the musician was one of the founders of the first iconic rock band in Bulgaria from the communist era, the “Bandaratsite”.
In 1976 he created his own band "Tangra". The band went through two stylistic periods - pop-rock and then new-wave, changing many vocalists. Before 1989 "Tangra" led by Markov performed and recorded some of the most popular hits in Bulgaria, such as the songs "Bogatstvo”, (wealth) “Nashiyat Grad” (our town), and many others.

Compiled by Yoan Kolev and Radio Bulgaria’s “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.