Sofia second city hospital will be converted for coronavirus patients if needed

The Sofia second city hospital will be transformed into an infectious diseases hospital if needed to accommodate coronavirus patients. This was announced on March 9 by Doncho Barbalov, Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality, who outlined the measures taken by local authorities to combat the infection.

The measure will be taken following an order from the Ministry of Health. Patients who are currently there will be relocated to other hospitals as needed.

"Initially, 50 beds can be provided. We create an organization in terms of financing, medical equipment and supplies, so that the hospital can change its purpose if necessary within 72 hours,” Barbalov explained. He also said that all transport operators were instructed to take additional measures to disinfect the vehicles. Wherever possible, citizens should avoid peak hours in public transport and crowded vehicles.

All schools in Sofia continue to have “flu vacation”.

"The incidence of influenza has increased significantly over the past week. It is likely to continue to increase," said the director of Sofia's Regional Health Inspectorate, Dr. Dancho Penchev.

Kindergardens work with a reinforced filter to check the health of children and staff. Additional disinfection is introduced. The same measures are introduced for municipal social services.