Health Minister orders face masks to be worn in indoor public spaces

As of 00:01 on June 23, wearing a protective face mask or other material covering the nose and mouth including scarf, face shield etc. is compulsory in all indoor public places.Exception is allowed for customers in restaurants and drinking establishments, according to a new order issued by Bulgaria’s Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev on June 22.

Indoor events will take place with 50% of the capacity of the respective hall, and masks and protective face shields will be compulsory.

The rule for the limit to 50% of the overall capacity of the seats applies for congress and conference events, workshops, exhibitions etc.

The rule for the limit to use up to 50% of the capacity of the venues also applied to cultural and entertainment events held indoors or outdoors, as well as for nightclubs and discos, weddings, graduation balls and other mass gatherings.

During football matches, up to 1000 people per sector are allowed, with the requirement for observing physical distance. For other sporting events, the venue should be limited to 50% of the capacity, or only every second seat should be occupied, if there are no seats - then a distance of one and a half metres should be observed.

In nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, sports venues in indoor public places - shops, malls, etc. a physical distance of a metre and a half will be observed and the staff will be required to obligatory wear masks.