site.btaEpidemic Emergency Extended Based on Report by Chief Health Inspector

Sofia, June 10 (BTA) - Based on a report by the Chief State
Health Inspector Dr. Angel Kunchev, the state of epidemic
emergency is being extended, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev told
a news briefing on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers. In the
 morning, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had a meeting with the
national coronavirus taskforce to discuss the overall epidemic
situation in Bulgaria. Ananiev said that in his report, Dr.
Kunchev points out that the spread of the coronavirus is still a
 major risk to the health and lives of people.

The Health Minister's orders will remain effective in three
major directions.

First, entry into Bulgaria will remain restricted for citizens
of third countries with the exception of Montenegro, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Serbia. With regard to other countries, there
will be a video conference of EU's interior and foreign
ministers on June 15 which is expected to decide on the matter.
According to Ananiev, Bulgaria can open its borders to third
country citizens no sooner than July 1.

The second group that remain effective are anti-epidemic
measures. These are social distancing, hand hygiene,
disinfection and recommended face masks indoors. A decision was
made that in indoor public venues, wearing face masks will be
only recommended, while they will be mandatory in public
transport.

The third set of regulations is related to the temporary
restrictions on mass gathering events. The new rule allows
indoor venues to work at 50 per cent capacity,  Ananiev added.

Active testing will continue, especially in nursing and
retirement homes. Hospital developments will also be closely
monitored, as the number of infected medical staff is growing.
The Health Minister pointed out that the extension of the
epidemic emergency will not bring new measures or restrict
further the everyday lives of Bulgarians, but if bad comes to
worse, the stricter measures can be reintroduced.

Asked by BTA if it is possible to bring back the restrictions
imposed during the state of emergency, Minister Ananiev said
that it is not likely to happen.
NV/MT