Health Minister extends order on obligatory wearing of protective mask in public

Wearing of protective face masks in indoor or outdoor public places remains compulsory until May 13 inclusive, according a new order issued today, April 24, by Bulgaria’s Health Minister.

Wearing of protective disposable or multiple use masks, or face covering became obligatory on April 12.

The new order was issued because of the aggravating epidemic situation related to the spread of COVlD-19 on the territory of the country and the increasing number of reported cases of coronavirus infection.

Putting on a protective mask when in public places reduces the epidemiological risk of contacting or transmitting the new coronavirus. It should be taken into account in many cases the disease is asymptomatic, which means that one person may be infected and may not know.

At the same time, the scientific data available so far indicate that the virus can last on metal, plastic and glass surfaces for a long time - thus, by wearing a mask, people minimize the chance of being infected, the Health Ministry said.