17 new coronavirus infected patients have been registered in Bulgaria on Friday. The total number of cases is already 127, General Ventsislav Mutafchiiski, head of the national headquarters, said. The first cured coronavirus patient is to be released on Saturday.

New restrictions related to the epidemic are to be introduced on March 21. Visits to parks, playgrounds and sports grounds are prohibited. Checkpoints are to be set up at entrances to and exits from the central cities of Bulgaria's 28 districts. Only people travelling for work, for health reasons or those returning to their permanent address of residence will be allowed to pass. As proof,  people will be required to show an authorized note from their employer, medical documents or an ID card. 

Also, as of March 21, people below 60 years of age will not be allowed to visit grocery stores or pharmacies from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.