site.btaHealth Minister Suggests Extension of Epidemic Emergency by March 31, Tougher Measures

Sofia, November 23 (BTA) - Health Minister Kostadin Angelov has
suggested an extension of the epidemic emergency by March 31,
2021 and tougher anti-COVID-9 measures. The measures will be
discussed by the government on Wednesday and are expected to
take effects from Friday, November 27.

Minister Angelov unveiled the measures at an extraordinary news
briefing after a working meeting of Prime Minister Boyko
Borissov with the coronavirus task force.

The proposed measures include suspension of in-person classes at
 schools, internships for graduate students, attendance of
kindergartens, nurseries and extracurricular activities;  a ban
on sporting events, conferences, competitions and private
parties, excursions; extending closure of discos and night
clubs; closing catering and entertainment establishments with
the exception of takeaway orders; closing all non-food shops,
including commercial centres with the exception of pharmacies,
posts, drug stores, suppliers.

Angelov said that there will be no road blocks outside cities
and towns.

The Minister said that regardless of how prepared the healthcare
 system is, it can't handle such pressure.

During the news briefing, Chief State Health Inspector Angel
Kounchev said that the number of hospitalized people is growing
as well as that of people who need intensive care. Some 5,950
people have been hospitalized. Bulgaria ranks 11th in the EU in
terms of COVID-9 morbidity with 666.5 infections per 100,000
population. Kurdzhali has the lowest infection rate while
Gabrovo, Kyustendil and Sofia have the highest. NV/PP