Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health reminds of recommendation for wearing masks as Covid-19 cases rise

In connection with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Health reminds measures on how to protect from the disease.

In the past 24 hours: 942 new cases of coronavirus

• People with complaints and symptoms characteristic for COVID-19 (headache, severe fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, etc.) should isolate themselves and consult a doctor.
• In the presence of even mild symptoms, including a runny nose, postpone meeting other people to protect them from possible infection with SARS-CoV-2.
• Wearing protective face masks indoors and in crowded places - public transport, shopping malls, shops, bazaars, railway stations, bus stops, etc. - is highly recommended.
• Keep physical distance in public places, if possible avoid places where many people are crowded.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and, if not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The incubation period for Omicron and its sub-variants is 3 - 5 days. The most common symptms for COVID-19 include fever, cough, general fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and less frequently conjunctivitis, swollen lymph nodes and drowsiness. Headache, severe fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and night sweats are more commonly reported with the Omicron variant and its sub-variants.

Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the surest way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health consequences. The elderly, and anyone else whose immunity is weakened, are particularly at risk when infected with SARS-CoV-2. People who belong to this risk group and anyone suffering from chronic diseases are advised to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as possible. Vaccines against COVID-19 also protect against severe disease when infected with Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5.

Lists of outpatient and inpatient facilities and RHIs where COVID-19 vaccines are administered, including for children, can be found HERE

Information about COVID-19, vaccines and vaccination can be found on the plusmen.bg website and on the Plus Me Facebook page - part of the Ministry of Health's initiative to promote the benefits of vaccines and vaccination against COVID-19.

Images by BGNES