Chief State Health Inspector: It’s time for more measures against the spread of coronavirus in Bulgaria

We are entering an extremely serious phase of the disease in Bulgaria, said the Minister of Health Prof. Kostadin Angelov on November 5 at the beginning of the regular weekly briefing in connection with the spread of COVID-19 in Bulgaria.

He thanked the members of the public for being responsible and compliance with anti-epidemic measures. The most important measure is to wear a mask indoors. The next measure is the social distance, the minister reminded.

In the past two days, the number of registered daily cases has increased dramatically by more than 8,000 positive test results . Thus, the total confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country has already reached 64,591, of which 41,178 are active. Currently, 3,191 patients are hospitalized, of which 239 are in intensive care units.

From the start of the epidemic we have been saying that during the autumn-winter season the number of infected will increase, now it is important to think about our loved ones and relatives. The most important thing is to show common sense and think about our loved ones and families and make sure we protect them from infection, Prof. Kostadin Angelov said. "I do not feel good when I see people looking for loopholes in the law to break rules. It is not time to celebrate, it is time for responsibility and common sence, to restore confidence in Bulgarian doctors," Prof. Angelov appealed.

The state is provided with what is needed to meet the needs of COVID-19 spread. "We have enough personal protective equipment to provide the state for months to come. Today, another 1,700 vials of remdesivir will arrive, and more are expected next week," he said.

"People who have symptoms should not see this drug as a panacea. Every medicine has side effects. The doctor always weighs the benefits and risks. In addition to remdisivir, there are other medicines," the Minister said.

The situation in Europe is currently the worst in the world, said Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev. The continent is in dark red. In Bulgaria, only Vidin, Dobrich and Silistra districts remain in the orange zone, all others in the country are in the red.

Bulgaria ranks 13th in morbidity in Europe and 4th in the Balkans. Mortality in the country ranks us 10th in Europe and 4th in the Balkans, he concluded.

"I do not share the optimism of some of the government that we will achieve a very good result. First we will have to extend the measures after November 12 - at least until the end of November," said Assoc. Prof. Kunchev and stressed that it is time to consider additional measures:

• Restrictions on the opening hours of all establishments until 22.00 or 23.00 should be considered;
• Limiting attendance in offices to a maximum of 50%;
• Students from 5th to 12th grade to switch to online learning, as well as to stop extracurricular activities;
• Universities to switch to distance learning;
• Organize a green shopping corridor for people aged over 65.
• To give powers to the Minister to second specialists. "It's time for colleagues from the pre-hospital sector to get involved in this battle” said Assoc. Prof. Kunchev.

According to him, the medical staff should be released from quarantine. "Contact medical staff should not be quarantined, but should remain at work after a negative PCR on the third day of contact," he explained.

Anyone who considers himself/herself as an emergency has the right to seek help in any medical institution. No medical institution can refuse an emergency. People who are positive for the virus are the one who seek help from the emergency units. That is why it is necessary to perform triage ", the health minister explained.

"Avoid going to elevators, cinemas, etc. These measures cannot stop the spread of the virus. We are talking about diffuse spread. We cannot stop it, but we can control it," said Prof. Angelov.

“We want to reduce the pressure on doctors. The biggest pressure is in Sofia. The data is submitted to the coordination centre, and by the time the ambulance gets to the place, the beds are already occupied," the minister added.

The medical specialists who tested positive for coronavirus, confirmed so far, are 2,664, but the active as of November 5 are 1,276. Of them, 90 are treated in hospitals and 7 are in intensive care units, the minister summed up at the beginning of the briefing.

He added that any patient who deems himself to be in an emergency condition has the right to visit a hospital, and it is up to the doctor to judge whether the patient is in an emergency.

"There is an increase in the death toll. It is due to the fact that many Bulgarians continue to seek a doctor when it is too late. Many young people look for help when it is late, when almost the entire lung is affected by the disease. Do not self-medicate, do not use medicines out of fear," the minister said.

Employees of the Ministry of Interior will also be involved in handing over the prescriptions of the Regional Health Inspectorates, it became clear at the briefing. We are ready to convert some hospitals for treatment of coronavirus patients only.

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