Total number of coronavirus cases in Bulgaria reaches 379

A total of 379 are currently infected with coronavirus in Bulgaria, with 25 being the new cases in the past 24 hours, national task force reported on March 31.

Sofia conffirmed 1; Varna – 3; Silistra – 2, Shumen – 1; Bourgas – 4; Kyustendil – 4; Kardzhali – ;, Plovdiv – 3; Stara Zagora – 1.

113 patients with Covid-19 are in hospitals. 13 of them are in intensive case and intubated.

No deaths were reported over the past 24 hours.

The average age of the people who tested positive for the virus is 46 years. 57% are men, 43% are women. The youngest person with Covid-19 is 3 year old. The oldest is 86.

The confirmed cases of medical staff are 18.

As for the compulsory wearing of protective masks in public places, which came into force yesterday - a grace period is given until midnight on Saturday, so that everyone can buy a mask.

The head of the task force, Gen. Mutafchiyski said he was aware of the Minister of Health's order to make masks in public places mandatory. It was issued despite controversy for the benefit of wearing it by healthy people. The decision was taken after a lengthy discussion as part of good practices borrowed from countries such as Israel and Austria.

Major General Prof. Dr. Ventsislav Mutafchiyski, Head of the national coronavirus task force: I proposed this measure.

Masks are mandatory where there is no controlled access, but regional health inspections and police must specify locations. He commented on the dissatisfaction with the possibility of imposing sanctions in the absence of sufficient masks in shops and pharmacies.

Major-General Prof. Dr. Ventsislav Mutafchiyski: I checked in a local pharmacy in tthe area where I live. Yes, there are masks. I bought one for BGN 3.50, but it may not be the case in other pharmacies so the grace period for buying masks is until 00.00 on Saturday.

The measures will tighten as the disease progresses, he added.

As of yesterday, hydroxychloroquine is being delivered to Bulgaria, which is used for the treatment of coronavirus in hospitals. Chlorikin production begins. And before the quarantine was lifted in Bansko ski resort, an action was taken to collect nearly 50 samples. All contacted persons were also examined. The results will be ready by tomorrow, he explained.