Empty restaurants, cafes in Sofia after new anti-Covid-19 measures come into effect

The eating and drinking establishments on Vitosha Blvd. in the centre of the capital Sofia are almost empty after the new anti-Covid-19 measure for entering public places with a green pass came into effect and after the Ministry of Interior and the Regional Health Inspectorate started mass inspections for green certificates.

On October 25, the four-day grace period given to businesses to prepare ended and authorities started inspections and imposition of fines for breaching the rules. During the grace period, no fines were imposed for failing to comply with the health minister’s order requiring a green certificate for access to indoor public places.

The measure for entering public places with a green certificate was introduced due to the worsening pandemic situation.

The EU digital COVID certificate is proof that a person is:

• vaccinated against COVID-19;
• recovered from COVID-19;
• has a negative test result.

What is a "green certificate" and how long will it be valid?

The green certificate is mandatory for entry into:

• hotels;
• restaurants;
• nightclubs;
• cinema;
• theatres;
• museums;
• fitness centres;
• sports halls;
• sswimming pools;
• shopping malls;
• shops with areas more than 300 square metres.

images by Dessislava Kulelieva