site.btaPrime Minster Hosts Discussion on Possible Partial Relaxation of Anti-COVID-19 Measures

Sofia, January 19 (BTA) - The possibility to relax anti-COVID-19
 measures in some sectors and businesses was discussed at a
working meeting convened by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the
government press service reported on Tuesday. The meeting was
attended by members of the government and the National
Coronavirus Task Force.

A possible final decision to relax the measures will be
presented to Prime Minister Borissov on Thursday, but if the
COVID-19 morbidity rate increases and if the burden on hospitals
 becomes too heavy, the restrictions will be tightened again.

The lasting effect of the fight against COVID-19 allows school
students from 5th to 12th grade to resume in-person classes
under a special scheme beginning on February 4, which is the
start of the second term. According to Borissov, the relaxation
of the measures for fitness and sport venues should go in
parallel with the resumption of in-person learning.

Borissov said it should be considered whether restaurants can be
 allowed to operate at up to 50 per cent of their seating
capacity until 10:30 p.m. "Last but not least, we should think
about whether shops in malls could operate according to clear
rules on the basis of compromise, excluding children's corners
and spaces where large numbers of people gather," he said.

Health Minister Kostadin Angelov welcomed a decision for half of
 the coronavirus vaccine received in Bulgaria to be preserved
for second doses, considering the delays in supplying the
vaccine ordered by the European Commission. Angelov denied
allegations that the authorities favour one vaccine supplier
over the rest. He noted that the respective agreements have been
 signed with the European Commission, not the individual member
states. "The only political decision made by Bulgaria was a
National Assembly resolution authorizing the European Commission
 to negotiate for amounts and types of vaccine on behalf of the
country," Angelov said.

Borissov noted that every Bulgarian citizen can choose what
vaccine to take.

National Coronavirus Task Force Chief Gen. Ventsislav
Moutafchiiski noted that almost one out of every five positive
tests raises doubts about the new variant of the coronavirus,
which is much more infectious.

Later in the day, Health Minister Angelov told journalists that
the electronic certificate of COVID-19 vaccination has become
accessible. Anyone who gets vaccinated can access the
certificate using an electronic signature or via their personal
physician (in the latter case, from February 1). Several
security levels have been created to prevent misuse of the
electronic certificate. Misuse is impossible, the Minister
stated.

The electronic medical record, which contains data about
checkups and tests, including the COVID-19 vaccination
certificate, is also accessible using an electronic signature.
The record also includes information about the patient's
personal physician, disability certification, referrals for
checkups, vaccinations and blood donations, among other
circumstances.

By the end of March it will have become possible to issue
electronic referrals for all diagnostic procedures in
out-patient care, Angelov said. NV/VE