Lower share of PCR tests returns positive over past 24 hours

83 is the number of newly registered Covid-19 cases, or 6.97% of the 1,191 PCR tests performed in Bulgaria over the past 24 hours. This is an appreciably lower percentage compared to the almost 12% positive results reported on Sunday, Single Information Portal data show. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country is 7,663. 1,205 patients are in hospital, 62 or 5.15 % of them are in intensive care. Again, the highest number of newly registered cases was in Sofia - 50, followed by Blagoevgrad – 6, and Montana– with 5 new cases.

Bulgarian scientist forecasts rise in number of people infected with Covid-19

A scientific study, which covers the entire time period from the beginning of the spread of Covid-19 in this country so far, predicts with very high accuracy the development of the infection. It is the work of Prof. Preslav Dimitrov, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the Southwestern University in Blagoevgrad. According to the study, we are entering the fourth wave, and in the next one or two months the number of newly infected may exceed 1,200 people a day, especially if stricter measures are not taken. In economic terms, the forecasts are that despite the measures, unemployment will rise and if the end user in Bulgaria was not supported, the winter tourist season would fail.

Shortage of nurses and doctors in number of health facilities in Bulgaria

The Covid-19 situation has brought to the light the problem with personnel in healthcare. This is what Nadezhda Marginova - a nurse and a member of the management of the Union of Bulgarian Nurses has told BNR. According to her, many health facilities in this country experience shortage of nurses and doctors. The main reason for this is low payment. However, she pointed out that the state could finance hospitals as long as they were commercial companies.

PCR test required for accommodation at crisis centers

People seeking emergency aid at crisis centers have to pay for a PCR test before they can use the service. Such are the instructions issued by the Social Assistance Agency in June, Sega newspaper writes, citing employees at the social institution. The people who seek help at crisis centers are, most often than not, victims of trafficking and violence. But in order to receive shelter they have to pay the price of a PCR test (around 60 euro), which they usually simply cannot afford to do, as well as to wait for the test result. The Social Assistance Agency has confirmed for Sega that such a requirement has existed since June.

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: D. Grigorova