Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Covid-19 in Bulgaria: Day 230

Photo: Archive

Bulgaria reports 1,595 new cases of coronavirus infection, 235 recovered

The new cases of coronavirus infection registered in Bulgaria for the past 24 hours have been 1595. This is 17.65% of a total of 9,038 PCR tests, according to data from the Single Information Portal published at midnight.

Most of the newly infected are in Sofia - 549, Plovdiv - 140, Blagoevgrad - 90, Varna - 75, Targovishte - 70. There are 1792 patients with coronavirus in hospital, as 112 are in intensive care. 235 people recovered during the past day, while 16 people passed away. The active cases are 16,033.

We recall that according to an order by the Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov, each visitor to public establishments must have at least 2 sq.m. of space. Previously, the requirement was a minimum of 1 sq.m. per person. The mandatory quarantine for those who were in contact with people with confirmed coronavirus infection is now 10 days. Quarantine for people with positive test result remains 14 days.

Quarantine of contact persons of coronavirus patients not cancelled by negative test

The difference in the new order of the Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov, which came into force today, is in the number of days for which people are placed in quarantine. The quarantine will be 10-day long, not 14. If the test is negative, it does not mean that quarantine of the contact is canceled. This is what Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Kunchev has told Nova TV.

He pointed out that the most obscure point in the order was how a person could go out to make a test if there was suspicion that they are positive and are in isolation. But Kunchev added that he was working with the Health Insurance Fund so that GPs can do quick tests at home.

According to Kunchev, the number of new infections in the country could rise to 5,000-6,000 cases a day.

Bulgaria calls on Turkey and the Balkan countries not to close their borders

Bulgaria's Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova has talked with her Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ersoy, BTA reports. The investments that Bulgaria and Turkey have made in transport connectivity, the favourable conditions and the incentives provided to the business are showing a positive impact. Turkey is among Bulgaria's five largest trading partners. The bilateral exchange is nearly $ 5 billion a year, Nikolova said.

She suggested making a general appeal to the rest of the Balkan countries to keep their borders open without imposing a quarantine. As a last resort, the Bulgarian side proposes to introduce only a negative PCR test a a requirement for crossing the border. Ersoy noted that in the conditions of a pandemic Bulgarian tourists they continue travelling to Turkey.

Nikolova invited the host to visit Bulgaria for the third meeting of the Joint Tourism Committee.

Employment support measure 60/40 may remain in effect until June 2021

The measure 60/40 will continue to operate after January 1, as we will be seeking a balance to help businesses maintain employment, but also not to make it too dependent on state aid, said Social Affairs Minister Denitsa Sacheva.

The draft social security budget provides for more than 153m euros to maintain employment, as the money will suffice until April if the measure continues to operate in its current form, and if it becomes more sector-specific, by June 30th, she said. the Minister. Sacheva explained everything depended on the development of the crisis, so changes were being made every three months, BTA reports.

Scandal in parliament as MPs refuse to wear masks

Despite the spike in Covid-19 cases and the tightening of anti-epidemic measures, the MPs in Bulgarian parliament are ostentatiously refusing to wear personal protective equipment in plenary.

The latest such instance is of 65-year old Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) MP Rosen Malinov who walked out in disagreement with the National Assembly President who insisted that he wear a face mark, BGNES reports. The scandal unfolded as it was confirmed that a BSP MP had contracted coronavirus. The ruling coalition demanded changes in the rules of work of the National Assembly so as not to allow the spread of the infection inside parliament.


Compiled by Joan Kolev


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.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria Today – 28 March 2024

In “Bulgaria Today” on Thursday, March 28, we bring you, first, the latest news from this country. Next on the show: Getting to know the Balkan town of Elena and the environs - local festivals, romantic getaways and unspoilt natural beauty. And..

published on 3/28/24 6:00 PM

Bulgaria Today – 27 March 2024

In “Bulgaria Today” on March 27, we bring you first the latest news from this country. Next on the show, we tell you more about the financial and investment culture of Bulgarians. In our music slot, we focus on World Theatre Day and a..

published on 3/27/24 6:00 PM

Bulgaria Today – 26 March 2024

In “Bulgaria Today” on Tuesday, March 26, we bring you, first, the latest news from this country. Next on the show: The big problem with dangerous housing is not among the state's priorities. Finally, in our music slot, we bring you the song..

published on 3/26/24 6:00 PM