After 2 months of different lockdowns we are moving to the next phase in the next couple of days.
Today our PM and crisis team said, that it's time to loosen some of the measures. They said, that it's unlikely we would get rid of the virus in the next 1-2 years (unless some cure/vaccine is found), so it's better the slowly start planning and adjusting to live with it.
They said the majority of Bulgarian people showed great individual responsibility in these tough times, which allows for slowly getting things rolling again.
Of course, social distancing and hygiene are still firmly required.
- Masks are no longer mandatory on the outside, but they are required on everything inside like shops, banks, transport etc., so if you are not only going for a walk, you have to carry one.
- Border checkpoints, which were established on all exits in every major city will be removed;
- Restaurants, cafes will open only on the outside with strict rules. The tables should be at 2.5 metre distance and be disinfected after every customer. When the personnel is accustomed to the work process and the results are positive, there will be further talk to slowly open the inside parts as well.
- Parks, mountains, beaches, national monuments will be open, without grouping of many people of course.
- Individual sports are allowed for training, like running, hiking, cycling, tennis courts, swimming pools.
- Schools and kindergartens will NOT be open. It is too risky and unrealistic to think that the children will keep safe after staying away from their friends and isolated for a long time. It is too risky at the moment for everyone in the education system and for the families and the school year will be finished online.
It will be a trial-error process from now on, and if there is a big influx of new cases in the next couple of weeks, the measures will return once again.