GPs can now issue referrals for free PCR tests for Covid-19

As of today, GPs can issue referrals for free PCR tests for Covid-19 infection, reporters of Horizont channel of BNR announced. The referral can be also issued electronically. For the purpose, the patient must have at least two of the following symptoms- a new fever; new cough, mostly dry; new fatigue; new loss of taste or smell; difficult breathing; myalgia (muscle pain); headache; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; sore throat; oxygen saturation lower that 92% or lower than 82% (if the patient is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) measured with a pulse oximeter, if possible, BNT reports.

Additional anti-epidemic measures enter into force tonight

On November 27, at 11.30 pm Bulgarian time, additional anti-epidemic measures come into force in this country, Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov said. They will be valid until December 21, 2020. Education will take place entirely online. Kindergartens and nurseries, large shopping centers, food and drink establishments, as well as gyms are closed. In grocery stores "green corridors" are introduced for people over 65 from 8.30 to 10.30 a.m. The emergency anti-epidemic situation is extended until January 31, 2021. More about the measures can be found HERE.

Covid-19 vaccination will be free and voluntary

Currently, there is no Covid-19 vaccine that has passed all phases of clinical trials, Bulgaria’s Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov underlined during the Parliamentary control, BNR’s Parliamentary reporter Dobrina Karambolova informs. When the vaccines are approved by the Bulgarian government, they will be administered free-of-charge and voluntarily, Minister Angelov announced. It became clear that the Ministry of Health has undertaken actions to develop common national rules and guidelines for vaccination of the vulnerable groups of the population.

Demand and stockpiling of medicines declines

Almost all medicines are available in the pharmacy network with the exception of some antithrombotic drugs, the chairman of the Association of Pharmacy Owners, Nikolay Kostov has told BNR. He added that the demand and supply of medicines is not yet balanced, but there was a decline in demand due to calls to people to stop stockpiling medicines. According to him, many Bulgarians have placed themselves in a voluntary lockdown and limited going out on the street, social contacts, and shopping as this has been seen in the past ten days.

39.2% of PCR tests have returned positive in past 24 hours

The new cases of coronavirus in Bulgaria are 3,568, according to data of the Single Information Portal at midnight. 39.2% of the 9093 PCR tests performed returned positive. The active cases of coronavirus infection in this country have reached 88 224. Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna are again the cities with the biggest number of newly infected with 712 new cases in the capital, 386 in Plovdiv and 280 cases in Varna. 6655 patients with coronavirus are in hospital, as 430 patients are in the intensive care wards. 2,255 patients recovered during the past 24 hours and 162 passed away. According to the National Information System, coronavirus infection has been confirmed among 5496 medics. The new cases registered during the past 24 hours are 216.

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.

Compiled by Ioan Kolev