“Health authorities recommend mandatory observance of a     1.5-m distance, wearing a mask, airing the premises at regular intervals, controlling visitors’ flow in churches during the Palm Sunday and Easter holidays,” said outgoing health minister Prof. Kostadin Angelov during a briefing of the health authorities in connection with the pandemic.

The briefing was also attended by The State Chief Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

"Believers should not touch nor kiss the icons. We were assured that traditional Palm Sunday willow twigs would be handed out to people outside churches," he said.

"The guidelines will also be provided to the church authorities. It would be good to arrange for separation of areas in churches," added Prof. Kostadin Angelov.

"There is a stable decrease in morbidity. It has fallen below the average of 400 per 100,000for the country since yesterday. I hope that this trend will be sustainable," said Chief Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

He added that this allows us to further loosen anti-epidemic measures, but not to relax too much.

As of tomorrow, team activities are allowed in educational and language centers, under condition of observing the distance, wearing masks, ventilation and disinfection.

From May 10, once the epidemic has been extended, under the next order in-person learning will be allowed for other grades.

Prof. Angelov added that the following measures are loosened: "As of April 24, outdoor sporting events allow an audience of 30% at the venues, but not more than 1,000 people per stadium sector.

From May 1, we will allow entry into the country with a vaccination certificate, with a negative PCR test or a medical certificate confirming that the holder has had COVID-19 issued no earlier than six months."