Parents' organizations oppose return of children to school on January 4

The organizations Science in the Crisis and Parents for Safe Education have opposed the education ministry's decision to resume in-person training for children up to 4th grade in schools and kindergartens on Monday.

"Such a decision in the conditions of the epidemic situation puts at great risk the lives and health of a large part of the citizens," they wrote in an open letter to the Minister of Health and Education.

According to both organizations, it is not true that children do not have a major contribution to the spread of Covid-19 and that the opening of schools does not pose a danger. These allegations can easily be refuted by the information accumulated so far, the letter reads.

Bulgaria reports reducing number of new cases of Covid-19

Bulgaria has registered 274 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours from a total of 2,447 tests performed - 1,831 with PCR and 616 with antigen tests, according to data from the Unified Information Portal. This means that 11% of the tested gave a positive result. The highest number of newly infected people is in Sofia - 76, followed by Varna - 44 and Burgas - 35.

There are 8 new cases of infection among medical staff in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infected healthcare workers to 8,919.

816 people have been cured and 28 persons have died in the past day.

There are currently 4,747 patients treated in hospital - 462 of them in intensive care units. The number of active cases in Bulgaria is now 74,593. The positive cases since the beginning of the epidemic now number 202,540.

So far, 4,739 people in Bulgaria have been vaccinated.

Covid-19 survivors still need to get vaccinated

People who have recovered from a coronavirus infection have formed antibodies, but they are not at a high enough level, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov, deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, told Nova TV. This is the reason why cured patients also need a vaccine.

The doctor expressed hope that immunization against Covid-19 would provide answers "that would satisfy all of us." According to him, the most pleasant thing is that we will be able to eradicate the coronavirus worldwide if at least 70% of people get vaccinated.

Dr. Nikolay Branzalov advises patients with allergic reactions to make a "medicated umbrella" a few days before and after the vaccine, and in case of more severe allergies to consult a doctor.

380,000 persons have lost their jobs since start of Covid crisis

380,000 people have lost their jobs in the last eleven months, indicates data of Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute and the Employment Agency, which are monitoring how the Covid crisis is affecting the labour market.

During the same period, 235 thousand people have found a livelihood. Meanwhile, in the last week of last year there have been twice more people who lost their jobs that those who found a new job - 3,400 and 1,700 people, respectively. It turns out that the highest number of recently unemployed people are in big cities.

250,000 workers have benefited from the 60/40 measure

Under the measure 60/40 in support of businesses and employees, BGN 629 million have been paid so far, it became clear at the last meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation.

Thus, 250,000 employees in 11,000 companies managed to keep their jobs during the coronavirus crisis.

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and the Association of Industrial Capital have proposed changes in the Labour Code to regulate the support mechanisms for the so-called forced stop of operation (when companies stop working by order of a state body). Their project envisages that in such a situation the state will pay compensation of 75% of the workers' salaries.

Young doctors save pulmonary hospital in Veliko Tarnovo from closure

The pulmonary hospital in Bulgaira's Veliko Tarnovo, which also treats Covid-19 patients, was faced with closure after the New Year because of sick medical professionals and doctors who have given notice to leave.

The critical situation has so far been overcome thanks to younger post-graduate doctors who are undergoing specialist training and who take shits together with only two doctors who have remained in the hospital.

"The current situation is a little bit better thanks to several specializing colleagues from the private cardiology clinic and a colleague from the oncology clinic," said the hospital's manager Dr. Stella Dencheva. There are currently no applicants for the open positions in the medical institution in place of those who left, she added.

Canada to require negative PCR test from arriving passengers as of January 7

As of January 7, passengers over the age of five will have to present a negative PCR test before boarding a flight to Canada. The test needs to be done up to 72 hours before the flight. According to the Canadian government website, people with symptoms of Covid-19 will not be allowed into the country.

The mandatory two-week quarantine, which starts on the day of arrival, remains in force.

Compiled by Diana Tsankova

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