President convenes meeting to discuss the measures to limit Covid-19 spread

At the initiative of Bulgaria’s Head of State Rumen Radev, a meeting is held today, March 18, at 12.00 at the Presidential Institution to discuss the implementation of the measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Bulgaria.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev, Minister of Interior Mladen Marinov, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Ivaylo Ivanov, Chief of the National Coronavirus task force Major General Ventsislav Mutafchiyski, Director of the Directorate General Emergency Safety and Population Protection, Chief Commissioner Nikoliy Nikolov are invited to attend the meeting.

President Rumen Radev had a phone conversation earlier with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Rumen Radev: An operation is being conducted in Bulgaria to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The executive operates in force majeure circumstances, the President said. He called on the public to show understanding of the efforts being made. For the time being, Bulgaria manages to keep the spread curve quite low to make it possible for the country’s health system to handle emergencies.

It is important that the measures are proportionate to the threat, effective, well-planned and well-secured.

The President said he was grateful to the Bulgarians that they have listened to the recommendations of the National Coronavirus Task Force, the government and there is a sharp change in the minds of the people, and social isolation and social distancing measures are respected.

According to him, it is wonderful that the country’s industry has retained its potential and is now developing it and in the long run we will even be able to export protective equipment. The President explained that there was a shortage of protective masks, disinfectants clothing, sanitizers and accessories. He asked to tell the Bulgarians when their needs of such equipment were expected to be met.

Doctors say they do not have clear instructions and are worried. Radev asked if there were clearly written instructions on what to do. According to the president, before being punished by doctors who refuse to perform their duties, they must be provided with safeguards, instructions and algorithms in order not to be demotivated.

Doctors say they do not have clear instructions and are worried. Radev asked if there were clearly written instructions for doctors on what to do. According to the President, before punishing doctors who refuse to perform their duties, they must be provided with protection, instructions and algorithms in order not to be demotivated.

An information campaign is important. Information is extremely important to avoid panic.

Rumen Radev: I want to urge all responsible institutions not to instill fear and panic. I think people are scared enough.

The President said it was no secret that there was speculation with personal protective equipment and disinfectants in the country. He urged citizens to report such cases, post them on social networks.

Rumen Radev: It is ugly to profit from the health and tragedy of other people. Don't do it! IIt is not ethical, it is not dignified.

Along with the health crisis, an economic and social crisis is developing, and if we do not act now, it can become a humanitarian crisis for many Bulgarians, the President warned.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev said that a process has been underway to re-program the existing operational programs and financial instruments in Bulgaria in recent days. According to him, although the programming period is towards its end, there is little unused resource.

Health Minister Kiril Ananiyev explained that an organization was created between all institutions involved in this process to coordinate action. A temporary ban is introduced on the entry of persons from 17 countries in which the new coronavirus is most prevalent. The temporary ban is in effect as of 00:00 today.

With regard to protective equipment and devices, he said that every day was filled with needs. The State Reserve is opened, the quantities from Turkey are delivered, the funds from the Operational Programs and the state budget are used. The Council of Ministers today adopted a decision proposing that the SC ratify the proposal for common European and public procurement.