Village lock down: Covid-19 patient escapes from hospital during treatment

Bulgaria’s Health Minister Kiril Ananiev issued an order on April 14 quarantining the village of Panicherevo, Stara Zagora district, from midnight until further notice, the ministry said.

The order introduces strict anti-epidemic measures. It was issued a few hours after a 60-year-old man who had tested positive for Covid-19 escaped from hospital in Stara Zagora and went to Panicherevo, his home village by taxi.

The man was one of five who had been in contact with a patient diagnosed with the infection. Police found the man at his home in Panicherevo and returned him to the hospital in Stara Zagora.

The minister’s order bans entering or leaving the village. The residents who are not in the village at the moment, have until 8pm on April 15 to return to their homes.

Exemptions apply for staff of regional health inspectorates, Interior Ministry staff, medical specialists and pharmacists.

The residents in the village shall be considered ordered into quarantine for 14 days. They should not leave their homes unless to get food and medicine, to go to the bank or in the vent of need of medical assistance.

The persons who need medical assistance should contact their GP or, if they do not have one, they should contact the regional health inspectorate in Stara Zagora, from where they will receive relevant guidance.

Only medical establishments and food shops may remain open in the village, provided they comply with anti-epidemic hygiene and sanitary measures.

Going into and out of vehicles servicing water supply, power supply, food stores, medical establishments and mobile communications services will be allowed through the especially established check points and after receiving of permit from the state health control authorities and the regional structures of the Ministry of Interior.

The taxi driver who took the patient to the village was later identified by the police and he is now under 14 day quarantine.

. .