Coronavirus: Bulgaria’s Bansko ski resort under strict lock down

As of today, March 17, the following measures are being introduced in Bulgaria’s ski resort of Bansko: entry into and exit from the town is prohibited; all residents who are not in Bansko can return to their homes by 8 pm on March 18.

Going out in the streets is banned for all residents of the town if they do not have a serious reason. Only use of health points, insurance points, pharmacies, grocery stores and banks is allowed.

The tough measures were taken after a 9 year old child from the UK on a ski holiday in the resort tested positive for coronavirus. After that another British tourist tested positive, followed by 3 more cases today of local people working in the tourist industry.

Suppliers of essential goods, electricians, plumbers, medical personnel, firefighters, etc. will have access to the town.

Interior Minister Mladen Marinov called for compliance with the new measures in Bansko.

Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said there are currently about 200 foreign tourists in the resort and within 24 hours they will be able to leave it. British and Israeli tourists have already left.

The measures are in place for two weeks.