40% increase in Covid-19 cases in Bulgaria over the past 2 weeks

The number of people infected with coronavirus in Bulgaria is increasing. For a period of 2 weeks, the new cases have increased by about 40%. Hospital admissions have increased by 10%. Tightening of the measures is not envisaged att the moment,. Vaccination against coronavirus in Bulgaria will be accelerated, the country’s National Operational Headquarters (task force) told a working meeting with the Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov on February 8.

In just one week, the positive test results increased from 4 to 8%.

"Obviously we are in the initial phase of increase. The idea is that with the measures we apply, this rise in cases should not be exponential, not too fast," said Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev, Chief State Health Inspector.

For this purpose, according to Kunchev, no emotional decisions should be made that could turn out to be wrong.

"If someone is ready to issue the death sentence of further 9,000 Bulgarians, let it be, but it should not be us," Kunchev said.

According to Prime Minister Borissov, the measures applied in our country are as liberal as possible.

"We re-opened the shopping malls, we re-opened the shops so that people can have a walk. Don't gather in large groups" Borissov said.

"People who are more active and spend a lot of time out in malls and on the streets are more affected by the coronavirus," Prof. Assen Baltov, director of Pirogov emergency hospital said.

The situation may get better if the number of vaccinated increases.

"In the last week of February, we expect 131,000 doses, and in the first week of March over 160,000 doses. This will greatly speed up the vaccination process," said Bogdan Kirilov, Head of the Executive Medicines Agency.

"The more vaccinated, the less we reduce the field of action of the virus," added the chief state health inspector.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Health denied information that the payment of the bonus from BGN 1,000 per frontline medical professional would be stopped.

"I want to emphasize that the funds are provided for those working in the healthcare system," said Health Minister Prof. Angelov.

The Prime Minister explained that money was provided for a supplement of BGN 50 for all pensioners. Billions have also been given under various measures to support the business, he said.

"Literally all the money that is in the state reserve is taken out. Without making loans. We have the lowest foreign debt and a minus 3% deficit," said Prime Minister Borissov.

BGN 50 million have been set aside to support the sectors closed due to the epidemic, the Minister of Economy, Lachezar Borissov, announced.