site.btaEx-Powerholders Question Sofia Mask Mandate

The formerly ruling Continue the Change (CC) Friday questioned the mask mandate for indoor public spaces in Sofia and urged the caretaker Health Minister to reconsider the measure. They argue that there is no reason to demand of people to wear masks indoors: some 1,000 COVID patients are in hospital across the country and 50 are in intensive care, which means that only 10% of all hospital beds and 2.5% of ICU beds are currently in use, CC say in a statement.

They further say that the infections curve is headed down, the health care system is not under pressure, there is no risk for the life and health of patients - and nothing justifies the measures in Sofia, especially  during the peak of the tourist season when people traditionally leave the capital.

Face masks were made mandatory in Sofia as of August 4 and must be worn in supermarkets, health care establishments, administrative buildings, public transport, taxis, bus and metro stations, and the Sofia Airport. The mask mandate is valid for 15 days. Hospital visits are only allowed for patients who are hospitalized for over five days.