The Peak of COVID-19 Epidemic in Bulgaria Expected in 2-3 Weeks

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the Medical Expert Council with the Council of Ministers on April 3 presented the data from the first report of the Council.

The chair of the medical council, Prof. Dr. Kosta Kostov, stated that they were completely satisfied with their work and what they created was fully accepted.

He added that more than 50 associate members of the council participated in the drafting of the 400 pages of the report.

The document consists of three sections. The first reviews recommendations for outpatient care, the second - recommendations for hospitals, the third has general principles of behaviour and action.

The Medical Council agrees that the existing physical and social distancing measures are necessary. In the course of the epidemic, they can be re-considered and if there is better development of the situation, they can be streamlined and made lighter.

The Council accepts that the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection is based on PCR tests, and epidemiological follow-up can be carried out through the combined use of all other test kits in the country by laboratory methods. The lack of uniform opinion in the EU on the reliability of the screening rapid tests limits their use.

The Council is united in saying that it is imperative to add practically feasible algorithms and steps concerning the diagnosis, treatment of the disease and complications.

Health Minister Kiril Ananiyev said that all frontline medical and non-medical staff will receive additional remuneration of BGN 1,000. This means that in practice they will receive BGN 1537. He said that these are 1,700 medical and non-medical staff from 34 hospitals. The funds amount to 2,6 million BGN.

Some 3,4 million BGN will be provided for...