Order of the Health Minister relaxes some of the Covid-19 restrictions: In-person classes resume in schools; restaurants re-open as of April 12; shopping malls re-open as of April 16

Minister of Health, Prof. Kostadin Angelov, on April 8, issued a new order for anti-epidemic measures in the country, which will be in effect from April 12 to 30.

In-person attendance classes at schools will resume for:

· pupils from 1st to 4th grades and compulosry groups for pre-school education;

· students enrolled in special schools for students with sensory disabilities;

· students from 5th to 12th grade, taught in merged classes and in classes that are the only ones in the respective grade of the school;

· students from 5th to 12th grade, under the following schedule:

- April 12 to 23, 2021 – in-person classes for students from 7th, 8th and 10th grade;

- April 26 to 29, 2021 – in-person classes for students from 5th, 9th and 12th grade.

In-person attendance is allowed for group extracurricular activities and activities of interest, activities and others, organized in school and extracurricular environment, for children up to 4th grade.

In higher schools it is allowed to conduct: practical classes, trainings and practical exams for students, postgraduates and doctoral students; semester exams with a practical part that cannot be conducted in an electronic environment; state exams and diploma theses.

From April 12, cultural and entertainment events (festivals, cinemas, theatres, circus performances, stage events, concerts, museums, galleries, libraries, dance, creative and musical arts classes) are allowed under the following conditions:

• use of no more than 30% of the capacity of the premises,
• keeping a physical distance of at least 1.5 m,
• wearing protective face masks
• only of seats can be used (for concerts, festivals, theatres, circus performances and other stage events)

Again from April 12, visits to restaurants and entertainment establishments are allowed using no more than 50% of their capacity, and with limited working hours between 6.00 and 23.00.

From April 29, visits to discos, bar clubs, piano bars, variety bars and night bars are allowed using no more than 50% of their capacity.

From April 16, visits to gaming halls and casinos are allowed using no more than 50% of their capacity.

As of April 16, the restrictions for the operation of the sites located in the shopping centres will be lifted.

By the same order, the Minister of Health orders the individuals and legal entities that own or manage commercial, administrative or other sites that provide services to citizens, and which activity is not terminated by this order, to establish an organization to control the number of clients in the respective site, not allowing more than 1 person per 8 sq. m.