22 new cases of COVID-19, 4^th patient cured

There are 22 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, totaling 242 cases for the whole country, as 40 of the infected persons are under hospital treatment. This was announced at the regular evening briefing by the head of the National Crisis Staff for Combating the COVID-19 outbreak, Prof. Ventsislav Mutafchiyski. So far, four patients have been cured. It is not yet known when the epidemic will reach its peak but the climb in the curve is "very smooth" because of the stringent measures, the head of the crisis staff also said.

Bulgaria lifts ban on international freight traffic to Turkey

Bulgaria's Minister of Healthcare Kiril Ananiev has lifted the temporary ban on heavy goods vehicles travelling to Turkey, which was issued earlier today. The sanction applied to trucks from 67 countries, including Turkey's most important trading partner countries. The decision was dictated by the fact that a 50-km line of trucks had been formed along the Maritsa highway waiting to be allowed into Turkey.

The Kapitan Andreevo-Kapikale border checkpoint between Bulgaria and Turkey is one of the busiest in the world in terms of number of vehicles and loads that pass daily as well as the main gate to Turkey from Europe.

The ban has been lifted after talks began between the interior ministers of the two countries to overcome the traffic crisis.

New declaration needed to cross checkpoints at regional cities

As of March 25, citizens are required to show a new declaration at the checkpoints of the regional cities. In order to get through the controls, they must indicate their address, place of work and circumstances requiring travel outside the settlement. The form can be downloaded from the website of the Interior Ministry at https://bit.ly/2wBrYMU. So far, the declaration has only been shown to police officers, but from now on it will remain with them. So people will have to make a few declarations if they have to cross more cities. The measure is being introduced because of cases of falsifications.

Majority of Bulgarians do not believe they are in risk of COVID-19

76% of Bulgarians do not consider themselves to be at risk of coronavirus infection, shows a study by Bulgaria's Institute for Mental Health and Development. Yet most people expect the coronavirus infection will affect 45 percent of the population. 94% of people are prepared to remain quarantined. 90% believe that effective safeguards can be taken. 5% doubt this.

Most of Bulgarians support government's measures against COVID-19

Bulgarians generally accept and support the current state of emergency measures. This is what a Gallup International telephone poll conducted among 1,000 adult Bulgarians in the period March 20 to 23 shows. 87% of respondents believe that Bulgaria was doing relatively well in comparison to other countries. When asked about their assessment of response measures to the epidemic, 66% say they are sufficient, 17% say they are excessive, and 15% say they are insufficient.

Bulgarian authorities to offer financial support for medium and small businesses

The Bulgarian state is increasing its participation in the Bulgarian Development Bank - BDB. The capital increase is by EUR 350 million. The funds are given to the BDB for the implementation of support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to limit the risks of liquidity crises and to offer preventive support to businesses also by sharing risks with commercial banks in the country.

You can find all stories and important publications related to COVID-19 in Bulgaria at our special coverage section in English.

You can also follow all latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak and all measures in Bulgaria in all other 8 languages of Radio Bulgaria.