Law changes envisage imprisonment for breach of contagious diseases quarantines

Bulgaria’s Parliament on March 13 voted to approve changes to the Penal Code and the law on health, which will be promulgated in the State Gazette tomorrow.

The aim of the changes is to stop the spread of infectious diseases including the new Covid-19 coronavirus.

The amendments envisage 3 years of imprisonment and a fine from 1,000 to 10,000 BGN for anyone who violates ordinances, rules and regulations or measures against the spread of infectious disease and quarantine.

Should such an act be committed during an epidemic, pandemic or declared state of emergency is related to deaths from disease, the draft amendments provides for 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 BGN.

The law changes come after reports for numerous violations of coronavirus quarantine.

The health ministry reminds that the best measure against the spread of the new coronavirus is social isolation.

Meanwhile, because of the declared state of emergency in the country, a team is established with the Prosecutor’s office, which will be led by the Chief Prosecutor and will ensure compliance with the imposed rules and measures.

The Prosecutor’s office will require from the health ministry, the foreign affairs ministry and the ministry of interior to present reports on the up-to-date situation in the country on a daily basis.