Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers extends the period of the state of epidemic emergency until July 31

Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers adopted a Decision to extend the period of the state of epidemic emergency situation, from June 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021.

According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, for the latest reported 14-day period (26.04-09.05.2021) the incidence of COVID-19 in the countries of the European Union / European Economic Area is on average 277.27 per 100 thousand. population, and in 11 countries exceeds the EU average. The registered 14-day mortality for the same period is 5.56 per 100 thousand population, and in 11 of the countries it exceeds the EU average.

Despite the observed decline in the incidence of COVID-19 in the country, the spread of coronavirus infection affects all areas. Cases are diagnosed in people of all ages, with mortality remaining highest in the elderly. Globally, as of May 9, 2021, Bulgaria ranks 11th in terms of 14-day mortality.

The vaccination coverage achieved in the EU is 14.1% with the full two-dose course and 35.5% with a single dose of vaccine. As at May 15, 2021, 1,112,950 doses of vaccine were administered in Bulgaria, with a full teo-dose course covering 6.3% of the country's population and 11.7% of the vaccinated have received the first dose. Increasing the number of vaccinated will help reduce the overall susceptibility and stop the epidemic spread of the disease.

The extension of the period of epidemic emergency situation and the implementation of anti-epidemic measures in the country aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on public health and the health care system, taking into account the real risk of spreading different variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the country with high transmission rate, given the achieved insignificant immunization coverage.

It is necessary to continue the application of health requirements when entering the territory of the country, as well as the introduction of restrictions on access to the country, which will help reduce the likelihood of the spread of new variants in the country.