site.btaPrime Minister 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