Bulgaria extends state of epidemic emergency until end-April
Bulgaria's government said on Tuesday that it has decided to extend the state of epidemic emergency introduced over the COVID-19 pandemic until the end of April.
Bulgaria's health minister was also tasked with drafting a timeline for the gradual loosening of the current restrictions, the government said in a statement.
The country will reopen schools, gyms, sports halls and shopping malls as of February. The government is considering two options for the reopening of restaurants, bars and night clubs - either as of February at 50% capacity, or as of March 1.
Bulgaria's health ministry said early on Tuesday that 722 new cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours. Bulgaria has confirmed a total of 215,589 cases thus far, of which 26,582 still active.