site.btaGovernment Extends Epidemic Emergency Until July 15

Sofia, June 24 (BTA) - The government on Wednesday extended the
epidemic emergency until July 15 on a proposal by Health
Minister Kiril Ananiev. During the weekly meeting of the
cabinet, Ananiev said that stricter measures which were in place
 during the state of emergency won't be reinstated.

The Health Minister said that his proposal was based on two
biweekly analyses.

After June 9 there has been a spike in the number of COVID-19
infections and patients. Between May 27 and June 9 an average of
 26 infections were recorded. By comparison, between June 10 and
 23, an average of 84 infections were recorded, which is a
3.2-fold increase. The Health Minister said that now 36
laboratories operate and the number of tests has increased.
Between May 26 and June 9 an average of 1,200 tests were carried
 out daily, whereas in the past two weeks they have been nearly
2,000.

Minister Ananiev said that no new measures will be introduced
and the former restrictive measures won't be reinstated but the
effective ones will stay in place.  These include a ban to enter
 the country, quarantine for arrivals from certain countries,
handwashing, 1.5-m social distancing, disinfection, face masks
in indoor public spaces, remote working, and restrictions on
large gatherings. The Minister said that control over compliance
 with these measures will be stepped up significantly. NV/PP