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Amendments to Health Act regulate measures after end of state of emergency

| updated on 5/12/20 8:09 PM
Photo: BTA

An emergency epidemic situation on the territory of the country or in a given region will be declared only by a decision of the Council of Ministers. This will be done on the basis of assessment of the existing epidemic risk carried out by the Chief Health Inspector. This has been decided by Bulgarian MPs with the amendments to the Health Act approved at second reading.

The new texts aim to define measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 after the end of the state of emergency on May 13. Patients with infectious diseases, including Covid-19, as well as persons who were in contact with them, will be subject to mandatory isolation or hospital treatment. In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, persons who have entered the territory of Bulgaria from other countries may also be subject to compulsory quarantine.

Sanctions for non-compliance with anti-epidemic measures will remain in force for at least two months after the end of the state of emergency – fines ranging from EUR 153 to 511 for first violation and from EUR 511 to 1,023 for another violation. The fine of BGN 5,000 (EUR 2,556) for violating the quarantine, including contact persons, remains in force.

It was decided to issue vouchers for domestic tourism for medics and police officers on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus. In addition, the state will subsidize charter flights of Bulgarian airlines. In this way tourism and aviation sectors will be supported.

The prices of beach accessories such as umbrellas and sunbeds should fall by at least 50 percent compared to last summer. In case of violation, sanctions of up to BGN 50,000 (EUR 26,000) are envisaged, and in case of repeated violations - up to BGN 100,000 (51,000). The majority supported the proposals not to have concession fees for the beaches or to reduce them by the end of the year.

Measures to support citizens and businesses in times of crisis will also continue to function. The 60 to 40 measure will continue until June 30. The measures for protection of the debtors are extended by 2 months.

It was accepted in 2020 not 30 but 60 days of unpaid leave to be considered work experience. The reason is that many employees are forced to go on unpaid leave in order not to lose their jobs.

During the state of emergency and two months after its lifting, the export of medicinal products may be banned by order of the Minister of Health, the parliament also decided.

The school year will end online and the external assessment exams after the fourth and tenth grades will not be held this year. At the beginning of next year, the tests will be able to be conducted to check the level of students.




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