site.bta781 PCR Tests Confirm 32 New COVID-19 Cases, Bringing Bulgaria's Total to 14,365

August 17 (BTA) - The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
in Bulgaria reached 14,365 on Monday after 32 new infections
were confirmed over the last 24 hours out of 781 PCR tests,
according to data posted on www.coronavirus.bg.

A total of 334,311 PCR tests have been performed since the first
 cases were diagnosed on March 8.

The active cases are 4,681. The infected medical staff totals
797.

The hospitalized patients number 807, including 56 in intensive
care.

Another 25 COVID-19 patients have recovered over the last 24
hours, bringing the total to 9,186.

Three more fatalities were reported, bringing the total death
toll to 498.

The Chief State Health Inspector, Assoc. Prof. Dr Angel Kunchev,
 visited Sliven (Southeastern Bulgaria) on Monday to boost the
morale of front-line health workers in the region. "After the
dramatic June, the situation in Sliven is gradually getting back
 to normal so as to keep the health system running
trouble-free," he said.

Dr Kunchev said that a decision on epidemic-control measures at
schools will be adopted until the end of this week. The
ministries of health and education are trying to convince
parents opposing in-person classes that schools are relative
safe, considering the measures planned: disinfection, checking
pupils on entry, and response to a positive case. According to
the Chief State Health Inspector, these measures have proved to
work at kindergartens and creches where large epidemic outbreaks
 have not occurred. RI/LG

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