308 recovered from coronavirus, 7 new cases registered

The total number of registered cases of coronavirus infection in Bulgaria is 1618, the National Crisis Headquarters reported. 1238 of them are active. The number of people who have recovered is 308. Out of those infected, 316 have been hospitalized. 39 are in intensive care units. 176 of those infected are medical staff. A total of 73 people with Covid-19 infection have died. The latest case is a 64-year-old man from Vidin with cancer. A doctor in Sofia at the age of 61 also died as she had other illnesses too. She was treated for coronavirus and had two negative-testing samples. However, her condition worsened and she was taken back to hospital but died before being admitted to the intensive care unit.

New easing of measures against Covid-19

As of May 6, checkpoints between cities will be removed as they have already played their important role, it was announced. Streets or neighborhoods will be closed locally if needed. Because of the risk of infection, experts at the crisis headquarters have not agreed to reopen kindergartens. A draft law to lift the state of emergency will be ready on Monday, May 4th. The remaining measures will be regulated by other laws.

Outdoor food establishments reopen under special conditions

Minister of Health Kiril Ananiyev has issued an order for the operation of outdoor areas in restaurants, fast food establishments, drinking establishments and cafes. As part of anti-epidemic measures, tables should be more than 2.5 meters apart, with no more than 4 places per table or places enough for a single family. Personnel will be wearing protective masks. Tables and chairs will be disinfected after each visitor. Disinfectant dispensers for customers will be present. The order also sets out the rules for conducting driving courses as well as the practice of sports outdoors. Swimming pools are also allowed to function as visitors will be required to have their body temperature measured.

Covid-19 crisis headquarters discussing measures for normalization of life during pandemic

The National Headquarters responsible for the fight against the spread of coronavirus continues its operation, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said at a joint press conference with the head of the crisis staff, Gen. Ventsislav Mutafchiyski. The PM added that operational measures against Covid-19 were being discussed every day and that Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov was constantly calling for measures to be eased. There is no indication that the pandemic will end anytime soon. "We are thinking of ways of getting used to living with this virus, with protective measures, opening up more and more sectors so we can have a normal life in conditions of pandemic," Borissov added.

Number of newly-registered unemployed during coronavirus crisis declines

The number of unemployed since the beginning of the state of emergency has reached 91 783, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Denitsa Sacheva has told the BNR. 20,000 have found jobs since March 13. 132,000 people will keep their jobs thanks to state support under the “60:40” scheme. The number of newly-registered unemployed has been steadily declining in recent weeks. The Minister believes that in case of a high percentage of infected staff in the social sphere and shortage of people, funds under the "Human Resources Development" Operational Program could be used to attract workers. Minister Sacheva pointed out the importance of preserving the liquidity of the state because all social payments depended on it.

6.6% of adults in Bulgaria are unemployed

The incomes of 45% of adults in Bulgaria have remained unchanged since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. For 26%, incomes have fallen without significantly stress to their households. For 25% of respondents there has been a drastic drop in income, according to a survey by Alpha Research. 48% of Bulgarians continue to work full-time. 1out of 5 keep their jobs, with some reorganization. 8% work remotely from home and 10% work both from home and office. The total number of employees working remotely is about half a million. 1/4 of the newly unemployed cannot register with the labour offices because they were working without official agreements and insurance.

More than 70 of Bulgarians approve of government's actions during crisis

People’s assessment of government policies during the coronavirus crisis until April 23 is moderately positive - with approval for the first reactions and expectations for additional measures in the long term. 71% of adult Bulgarians have a positive opinion of the actions of the government. The attitude of 21% of people is more or less negative, according to a study by Alpha Research. 46% of respondents expect social initiatives to be upgraded. According to the agency's analysis, approval for short-term social measures comes at the backdrop of overwhelming pessimism about keeping jobs and incomes in the coming months.

Compiled by: Ivo Ivanov

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