Bulgaria re-introduces obligatory wearing of face masks in indoor public spaces

Bulgaria is bringing back the requirement for the compulsory wearing of protective face masks in indoor public spaces. The control of observance of anti-epidemic measures is being strengthened, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev said during an extraordinary briefing on June 22.

He added that by the end of the week, a decision will be made whether to extend the Covid-19 epidemic emergency situation beyond June 30, for which it is scheduled to end.

The Minister clarified that there is an increase in the newly confirmed cases of coronavirus, as well as non-compliance with discipline and anti-epidemic measures by a large part of Bulgarian citizens.

Without introducing new emergency, severe measures, the national task force calls on the Bulgarians to strictly observe the current measures, so that there is no higher spread of the virus.A number of measures come into effect as of 00:01 on Tuesday.

- indoor events will take place with 50% of the capacity of the respective hall, and masks and protective face shields will be compulsory;.

- nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, sports venues in indoor public places - shops, malls, etc. a physical distance of a metre and a half will be observed and the staff will be required to obligatory wear masks. For nightclubs, Ananiev said he relied heavily on people's personal self-awareness. "In a disco or bar, it's difficult to keep your distance, but still," the health minister admitted.

- Measures for wearing masks in public transport, hospitals and pharmacies are being strengthened.

- during football matches, up to 1000 people per sector are allowed, with the requirement for observing physical distance. For other sporting events, the venue should be limited to 50% of the capacity, or only every second seat should be occupied, if there are no seats - then a distance of one and a half metres should be observed.

"We are doing this only in order to protect the health and lives of Bulgarian citizens," Ananiev said.

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