Chief State Health Inspector: We are worried about what the Covid-19 situation could look like in the autumn

We are worried about what the situation with Covid-19 could look like in the autumn. I am optimistic about the summer, probably in the next 2-3 months the situation will be good, unless there is a completely new variant or strain that has different qualities, but in the summer it is unlikely, Bulgaria’s Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev told BNT breakfast show “The Day Begins” on June 11 .

According to him, lifting the requirement for wearing masks indoors will not apply where there are crowds, will not apply to all public places. The requirement for wearing masks indoors, according to Assoc. Prof. Kunchev, can be lifted, for example, for hairdressing salons.

"The order on that has not been issued, the discussions on how the wearing of masks restrictions will be lifted continue. Given the small number of cases, we believe that the risk is acceptable that people who are immunized in small groups, such as gyms, would be possible not to wear masks. For public transport and large sites, obligatory wearing of masks will remain in effect. We hope the virus self-limit its spread," added Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

He added that the situation in Europe is great, but in Asia it is not. The Indian variant is the most prevalent, with 100,000 cases reported in India in just one day.

"Things are not over yet. The thesis that someone is scaring us is unacceptable. The virus brought back the development of the world by 10 years. Scientists are adamant that more such viruses will appear. Currently the situation in Bulgaria is under control, the path to normal life is immunization. The reason for the high mortality is the situation with our nation," said Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

According to him, vaccination is going well, between 20,000 and 25,000 jabs are administered daily, which however is not enough as a pace to keep us calm in the autumn.

Prepared means 70 - 75%. If you want we can do an experiment, one of your team can come with me to a vaccination centre and if you do not receive immunization within 15 minutes, I will resign. People have a big choice of vaccination centres: "green corridors", general practitioners, Regional Health Inspectorates; parks. There is no other country in Europe where vaccination is so accessible, Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev said.

The Indian strain is not detected in our country, we can expect a calm summer," he said.