Bulgaria’s Parliament on May 12 approved the amendments to the Health Act, according to which after the end of the coronavirus state of emergency on May 13, an epidemic emergency situation was declared by a decision of the Council of Ministers on the proposal of the Health Minister and based on analysis of the existing epidemic risk performed by the Chief State Health Inspector.
According to the new amendments, emergency epidemic situation can be declared with 8 clear criteria and if there is a serious danger to human life and health from infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
The fines for violating anti-epidemic measures and for non-compliance with the quarantine remain unchanged after the end of the state of emergency on May 13.
People who do not comply with the introduced anti-epidemic measures will be fined between 300 and 1,000 BGN.
In case of repeated violation, the fine will be between 1,000 and 2,000 BGN. A person suffering from a contagious disease, as well as a contagious carrier, who refuses or does not fill in the mandatory isolation and/or treatment, will be subject to a fine in the amount of 5,000 BGN.
The 14 day obligatory quarantine for people entering Bulgaria remains in place. A contact person of a patient with a contagious disease, as well as a person who has entered Bulgaria from other countries, who refuses or does not fill in the obligatory quarantine, will be also subject to a 5,000 BGN fine.
With the changes in the Health Act, some of the measures that were valid during the state of emergency will remain in force for two more months - until July 13.
By orders of the Minister of Health, rules for the work of open-air restaurant gardens and spaces were introduced, requiring strict disinfection and a distance between the tables of 1.5 metres.
The order also allowed work of swimming pools, individual and team sports for amateurs in the open air, without competitive nature such as football, basketball, volleyball, provided the anti-epidemic measures are adhered to.
An order of the health minister also allowed the re-opining of museums, galleries and libraries, provided that the social distancing requirements and all anti-epidemic measures are adhered to.
(BNT)
