Three additional districts in Bulgaria declare flu epidemics

Three additional districts in Bulgaria have declared flu epidemics, the Health Ministry said on January 27.

From January 29, temporary anti-epidemic measures are being introduced in the districts of Gabrovo, Montana and Kyustendil.

In Plovdiv and Varna, restrictions already introduced are being extended.

In the Varna district, pupils at all schools will be on “flu vacation” from January 29 to February 4.

Pupils in Plovdiv district are switching to online learning from January 29 to February 4 inclusive. In Plovdiv municipality, mayor Kostadin Dimitrov has declared February 6 and 7 non-school days. Across Bulgaria, February 5 is a non-school day because of the traditional mid-term holiday.

Flu epidemic declarations remain in effect in the districts of Vidin, Vratsa, Veliko Turnovo, Pleven, Shoumen, Dobrich, Blagoevgrad and Haskovo.

The in-person learning process also currently is suspended in the districts of Vratsa and Haskovo and in Vidin municipality.

A flu epidemic declaration takes effect in the Montana district from January 29 to February 4.

The Health Ministry said that in the Yambol district, the temporary measures will no longer be in effect as of January 28.

In districts where a flu epidemic declaration is in effect, measures include temporary suspension of preventive examinations, mandatory immunizations and re-immunizations and scheduled consultations for children and healthy pregnant women.

Visits to inpatient care facilities and specialized institutions for the provision of social services and residential social services for children and adults have also been suspended.

To limit the number of ill people in organized children’s and school groups, an enhanced filter is being carried out to prevent children with clinical symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory infections. Enhanced current disinfection is also being carried out.

In the Haskovo district, consultations for children and healthy pregnant women, as well as scheduled immunizations and re-immunizations are carried out at certain time intervals – from 8.30am to 10am and from 2pm to 3.30pm.

In the districts of Gabrovo, Veliko Turnovo and Blagoevgrad, mandatory wearing of a medical mask has been introduced in medical facilities. In Varna, masks must be worn at medical facilities and on public transport.

The Sofia Globe staff

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