Bulgaria reports 77 new cases of Covid-19

77 news cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Bulgaria in the past 24 hours out of 1,198 PCR tests made, data of the Single Coronavirus Information Portal shows. 8 people have recovered from the virus and 1 person died of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. There are 3,655 active cases of coronavirus infection.

A presidency employee tests positive for Covid-19

During the weekend an employee of the presidency tested positive for coronavirus, the presidential press service has announced. President Rumen Radev and the people working in immediate contact with him have been tested for coronavirus and their tests have returned negative. Steps have been taken for the normal functioning of the presidential institution.

GPs want to be able to request coronavirus tests for patients

When they suspect coronavirus infection, general practitioners should be able to request Covid-19 tests for their patients to be performed at designated testing sites outside medical establishments so as not to put hospitals at risk.

This is the demand raised by the National Association of General Practitioners in Bulgaria. This change should be introduced as soon as possible because with the surge in viral infections in the autumn the situation will grow worse.

Bulgarian Medical Association calls for strict observance of anti-epidemic measures

In a special statement the association warns that non-compliance with anti-epidemic measures during the protests in recent days will lead to an increase in the number of infections and will overwhelm the health system. Distancing, disinfection and discipline are essential for curbing the spread of Covid-19. “Let us all take a personal responsibility, let us protect our own health, and the health of the people who are near and dear to us,” the statement reads.

Kulata-Promachonas border checkpoint with Greece remains open

The Greek authorities confirm that, at this point, the closing of Promachonas border checkpoint between Bulgaria and Greece to foreigners is not on the agenda. Bulgaria is not a high-risk country and Bulgarian citizens are given random Covid-19 tests at the border only if they have been in high-risk countries. As of 15 July, entry into Greece will require a negative coronavirus test.

Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast remains without British tourists for now

Bulgaria has not been included yet in Britain’s list of countries exempt from mandatory quarantine. That is why many British tourists have cancelled their bookings for holiday in Bulgaria. The citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are still subject to mandatory fourteen-day quarantine upon their entry into Bulgaria. Most hotels in Sunny Beach coastal resort rely mainly on British tourists and remain closed for now. However, hotel owners are hoping to attract German, Romanian and Polish tourists this summer. The hotels have taken all necessary measures to make sure their guests enjoy a peaceful and safe seaside vacation.

Finland opens its borders for tourists from 17 European countries

On July 13 Finland is opening its borders for tourists from 17 European countries. The borders will only be open to EU countries that have recorded fewer than 8 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within the last 14 days. Restrictions for a number of countries, including Bulgaria, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, Czechia and Great Britain remain in place until August 11. In two weeks the Finnish authorities will reevaluate the situation to determine if other countries can be added or removed from this list.

Compiled by Yoan Kolev 

The news about Covid-19 today gave way to the public discontent that began this week as well as the demonstrations for and against the government, and rallies in support of the prime minister and the president. You will find the major headlines related to these developments in the News section on our website.

You can find all stories and important publications related to COVID-19 in Bulgaria at our special coverage section in English.

You can also follow all latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak and all measures in Bulgaria in 9 more languages at Radio Bulgaria.