An Emergency Epidemic situation is in place until 31 January 2021. Various coronavirus measures and restrictions remain in force during this time. The police are strictly enforcing measures and failure to comply could result in a 300 to 1,000 BGN fine.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Additionally, from 23 October 2020, there is a mandatory 10-day self-isolation requirement for anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The isolation period starts from the date of the last contact with the infected person.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor public spaces. Wearing a face covering outside is mandatory when it is not possible to maintain a social distance of at least 1.5 metres. Exceptions to this measure include: those exercising outdoors/indoors; and, children under six years old.
Additional measures are in force from 11:30 pm 27 November until 21 December with Order RD-01-677 / 25.11.2020 of the Minister of Health. These include:
– suspension of kindergartens, nurseries, children’s centres, clubs and others providing organized group services for children. Education at all levels will be delivered though online learning;
– suspension of all public events with in-person presence, including conference events, seminars, competitions, training, team building and exhibitions;
– suspension of all group, cultural and entertainment events, with the exception of theatres with occupancy of up to 30% of the total capacity, who comply with social distancing of at least 1.5 meters and attendees wear a protective facemask;
– private gatherings and celebrations can be attended by a maximum of 15 people only;
– suspension of all collective and individual sports events of a training and competitive nature for persons under the age of 18, with the exception of international sports competitions which have started on the date of entry into force of the order;
– all sports events of a training and competitive nature for persons over 18 years of age and international sports competitions for persons under 18 years of age will be held without spectators;
– suspension of visits to fitness centres;
– suspension of visits to all food and entertainment establishments; delivery and take away are allowed;
suspension of visits to gambling halls and casinos;
– all retail outlets are closed, with the exception of small neighbourhood shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, opticians, pet stores, banks, insurers, payment service providers, and telecommunications operators. There will be “green corridors” in grocery shops for customers over the age of 65 between 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Those above the age of 65 will still be able to shop outside of those hours;
– suspension of group tourist trips and excursions with organized transport in Bulgaria and abroad, and group visits to tourist sites in Bulgaria;
– religious institutions such as churches, mosques, and synagogues will remain open;
– parks and gardens will remain open.
