Spread of Covid-19 among young people threatens the elderly: Chief Health Inspector

In the last 4 weeks, the percentage of those newly diagnosed with Covid-19 has been in the narrow range between 4.5 and 5.5, Bulgaria's Chief Health Inspector and Deputy Chairman of the National Operational Headquarters Angel Kunchev said in an interview for BNR. The share of those in need of medical care does not change, remaining between 15 to 20 percent. The unpleasant thing is that since the beginning of the epidemic the number of infections among young people has grown from 5-7% to a 25 percent. Young people usually are asymptomatic but they put the elderly at risk of infection, Kunchev claims. It is still unknown how the school year will start in September, Kunchev stressed and added that distance learning was not an alternative.

New cases of Covid-19 in Bulgaria are 119

Significantly fewer tests have been performed for the past 24 hours, compared to the previous days - 1,491. According to the Unified Information Portal, there are 814 people in hospital, and 46 of them are in intensive care units. The number of patients who recovered in the past 24 hours was 24. Three people passed away. The total number of infected since the beginning of the epidemic has reached 11,955 people and the active cases are 5,147.

5 million euros to support tourism

Just over EUR 5 million from the Innovation and Competitiveness Operational Program will be redirected to support the tourism sector affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This was said by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at a meeting with representatives of the tourism industry. The government's press service points out that criteria for applying have already been set. According to Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova, the money is "a breath of fresh air, which is especially important for tour operators and travel agents." The scheme is expected to start operating at the end of August, it was reported.

Belgium introduces mandatory quarantine for arrivals from two Bulgarian regions

Belgium is introducing a mandatory quarantine for persons arriving from two regions in Bulgaria - the Northeast and the Southwest region, Belgium's Foreign Ministry has announced. Arriving persons will be placed under a two-week quarantine - at home if they have a permanent address in Belgium, or at a reception centre. Travellers from both areas are also subject to mandatory testing for Covid-19. For those arriving in Belgium from the North Central, South-East and South-Central regions of Bulgaria, the testing and quarantine are recommended.

CSKA fans with ultimatum for opening stadiums

Supporters of one of Bulgaria's major football teams, CSKA, have asked the government and the Bulgarian Football Union to allow spectators to the stadiums, the Sportal website has reported. "Otherwise, we will have to look for an alternative place to watch our matches from, which may not be to the liking of all of you," the fans said. According to an order issued by the Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov on July 31, outdoor and indoor sports events must be held without audience until the end of August.

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

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Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva