“The low vaccination rate is forcing us to impose new measures against the coronavirus”, announced the Minister of Health Dr. Stoycho Katsarov. The new anti - epidemic measures come into force from 7 September. Here's what's changing.
“The low vaccination rate forces us to impose new measures against the spread of the virus”, said the Minister of Health Dr. Stoycho Katsarov at a press conference, at which the new anti-epidemic measures were presented, coming into force by 7 September throughout the country.
“With great reluctance, but we are forced”
“We register an increase in both the number of patients, hospitalized, including in the intensive care units, and mortality. Our last place for vaccinationnaturally assigns us first place in mortality from Kovid-19“, said the Minister of Health during the press conference, which was emphasized, that at the moment in Bulgaria there is a completedominance of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
"There is no room for panic at the moment. The situation is serious, but it is not out of control. ", assured the Minister and added: "We are reluctant to implement these measures, but we are forced by the situation. I would like to appeal to all our compatriots to comply with the measures and to assist the control bodies in fulfilling their duties.. It is up to us how long the measures will be implemented and how severe they will be. ".
"We will not allow the health care system to be overloaded, including our medics, doctors, sisters, paramedics, who are at the forefront of the fight against the virus ", said Dr. Katsarov and pointed out, that he would not hesitate to impose stricter measures, if the situation requires it.
At the press conference, the Minister of Health announced, that the new school year will begin in person. "Children do not have to pay the price for this, thatwe adults did not do what was necessary, to get vaccinated“, said Dr. Katsarov.
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The new measures from 7 September
Visits to cinemas and theaters are allowed, but should be used no more than 50% of the capacity of the room, to wear masks, keep a distance and use only the seats. No more than one person will be allowed in museums and galleries 8 square meters at a distance of at least 1,5 meters. Here, too, wearing a mask is mandatory. Visits to art schools are also allowed, as will be used until 30% of the capacity of the premises.
The working hours of the establishments are limited by 7:00 to 22:00 o'clock. That should mean, that nightclubs will not work. Gaming halls and casinos must have the same working hours. Distance must be observed in restaurants, and staff are required to wear masks.
Immediately after the announcement of the new measures, representatives of the restaurant business announced protests. “We are starting to block the whole country”, said the chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Restaurants Richard Alibegov.
Indoor sports competitions for professionals will be held without an audience. Audiences are allowed outdoors, but must be occupied no more than 30% of capacity, using only the seats.
Gym visits are also allowed when using no more than 30% of capacity. Indoor team sports are suspended.
Mass events such as festivals and fairs will not be held. The same goes for teambuilding and other similar group events. Children's centers and entertainment clubs will also be closed.
Congresses, conferences and seminars can be held at up to 30 participants and up to 30% occupancy of the capacity of the premises. In addition, distance must be observed and masks must be worn.
Traders should not allow more than one person per 8 square meters, and in markets, the flow of people must be one-way, as this must be controlled. In addition, it is mandatory to wear protective masks and to keep a distance of at least 1,5 meters.