Covid-19: Sofia introduces additional anti-epidemic measures

Additional anti-epidemic measures are being introduced in Sofia, as the city is already in stage 3 in terms of occupancy of intensive care beds. This became clear at a briefing after the meeting of the regional coronavirus task force on January 21.

"At the online briefing with all major hospitals in Sofia, Sofia Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, the head of Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate, after analyzing the results, the Regional Coronavirus Task Force made some decisions that will be published today. Some of the measures will take effect on January 24, others - from 0.00 on January 27," said District Governor Ivan Kyuchukov.

The following learning process will be introduced for school students on January 24:

• In-person attendance classes for pupils from 1st to 4th grade;
• Students from 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th and 11th grade switch to online classes;
• 7th, 10th and 12th grades will go to in-person school attendance until January 31 inclusive.

The following will be introduced as of 00.01 on January 27:

• Restrictions of up to 50% work area capacity and number of persons in public health facilities and activities, catering and entertainment establishments within the meaning of Art. 124 of the Tourism Act;
• Working hours until 10 pm in compliance with the green certificate rule for gambling halls, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

Pirogov, Tokuda and Pediatrics hospitals are ready to open additional intensive care beds for children. Currently the problem is with the children who are in intensive care - one of the two intensive care beds in the Pediatrics hospital is occupied, the second is expected to be occupied soon. There is also only one intensive care bed for children in Pirogov hospital.

More than 5,000 children and more than 1,000 teachers in Sofia have been infected with the coronavirus since the beginning of the week. No child or adult will be returned if they seek help from a medical facility, the task force assured.