17 new COVID-19 cases in Bulgaria

A total of 17 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed today in Bulgaria. With them, their total number rises to 293, the National Crisis Staff announced. Of the new cases, 13 are in Sofia and there is one new case in Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Varna and Sliven.

One patient from the Pirogov Emergency Hospital in Sofia was discharged, thus raising the number of those cured to 9. There are 8 patients in serious condition in hospitals.

7,473 hospital beds are now ready for COVID-19 patients

7,473 hospital beds are now ready for COVID-19 patients which means a 10-fold increase. The number of intensive care beds with ventilators is in excess of 1,000. In the meantime, Healthcare Minister Kiril Ananiev has specified which hospitals will be able to treat patients with coronavirus infection across the country. They are separated into two groups – hospitals for patients with mild symptoms, and for patients in need of intensive care.

More than 24,000 people held in quarantine in Bulgaria

At this time 24,000 people in Bulgaria have been placed in quarantine, said Interior Minister Mladen Marinov at a briefing of the Council of Ministers.  The measures imposed on restricting the movement between cities are gradually starting to work smoothly, the Minister said.

Businesses, trade unions demand more compensations

The Council for Tripartite Cooperation has discussed the government's proposals for compensations of businesses during the COVID-19 crisis at an online meeting. The epidemic has hit sectors such as the hotel and restaurant industry, manufacturing, transportation, construction, culture, sports, retail trade and more. Unions, employers and the government did not reach agreement. Businesses and unions have made numerous requests for additions and extensions of the adopted emergency measures.The Council for Tripartite Cooperation will continue the discussion on March 28.

Brainstorming to take place during weekend against COVID-19

Bulgaria's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy supports a 48-hour hackathon aimed at brainstorming ideas and projects to deal with the economic impact of COVID-19 in Bulgaria. The forum will be held over the weekend. It is organized by Power of Bulgaria, a non-formal organization which encompasses more than half of the country's IT companies.  Participation in the hackathon is open to anyone. Major Bulgarian entrepreneurs will act as mentors and give business advice to the teams.

Fundraising messaging campaign starts in support of Bulgarian medics

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Healthcare has launched a fundraising campaign. Anyone willing to join can send a text message with the following content: DMS SOLIDARNOST to number 17 777 to financially help medics.

Measures against coronavirus spread have made Sofia air cleaner

Road traffic in Sofia has been reduced considerably after the National Crisis Staff introduced restrictive measures to check the spread of coronavirus. Many people say the air is cleaner, a fact confirmed by measurements of particulate matter and ozone levels in the atmosphere. The AirBg.info platform is now registering a medium level of particulate matter of around 10 micrograms, as compared to 20-25 micrograms for the same period of last year.

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.