Minister Angelkova together with the mayor Dimitar Nikolov, Associate Professor Kunchev and Professor Kantardzhiev in Burgas: We are a safe territory, we are working according to the world health rules

25 June 2020

Study data show extremely low circulation of the virus in the region and extremely low risk for residents in the coming weeks

“The region of Burgas, on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a safe tourist destination in the current crisis with COVID-19, we are working according to the world health rules and this will continue with the necessary discipline.”

This was stated by the Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova from Burgas, the Mayor of Burgas Dimitar Nikolov, the Chief State Health Inspector Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev and Prof. Todor Kantardzhiev from the National Operational Headquarters in presenting the results of a study on the distribution of COVID-19 in this part of the country.

Minister Angelkova stressed the importance of the study made, which is evidence that timely and effective measures taken by the government prove their effectiveness. “The data are extremely important for tourism”, the minister commented. They show that in the Burgas region the cases of coronavirus are below 1% and the region is an example in this respect.

“We will continue to apply these measures even more strictly to ensure a smooth season for tourists and those working in the sector. This topic was among the leading ones at my meeting with the representatives of the business in Sunny Beach”, said Minister Angelkova. She expressed satisfaction that all hotels where tourists are accommodated strictly follow the measures and instructions of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and the World Health Standards. “A difficult summer awaits us, which will be different from the previous ones, and that is why we need to be extremely disciplined and mobilized. The first charter with foreign tourists from the Netherlands is scheduled for tomorrow, the active summer season starts in July”.

The Minister of Tourism assured that everything possible is being done to support the industry and the gradual recovery of the tourism sector, which was stopped by the global pandemic. The measure in support of business 60:40 will continue to operate, a measure 80:20 will be introduced, in addition, employers and self-insured in tourism will receive compensation of BGN 290 per month if their income is reduced by not less than 20 % to maintain employment.

In order to administratively facilitate entrepreneurs and investors in tourism, yesterday the government adopted changes to the ordinance for categorization and re-categorization of tourist establishments, from which some requirements have been dropped without compromising the quality of the tourist product.

“We are in constant contact with the major tour operators and my colleagues to show that Bulgaria is a safe destination, complies with all sanitary and hygienic requirements. Our country is among the first to open its borders to 29 countries on June 1, since June 20 Bulgaria has been accepting tourists arriving from 35 countries.”

Experts involved in the study indicated it aimed to establish the epidemiology of the virus. The covered territory is Burgas district and the neighboring 5 municipalities. 2 300 people took part in the period June 2-22, randomly selected but related to tourism, as well as people from the first line. They were divided into 4 groups, parity men and women. The reported results suggest that the spread of infection is not expected in the future, the findings show.

“Burgas was chosen for the study because it is one of the most beautiful places and many people want to stay here for the next few months, there is also active local government”, said Assoc. Prof. Kunchev. “The data show extremely low circulation of the virus and extremely low risk for residents in the coming weeks”, said the chief state health inspector. “We must maintain these good results through constant prevention - with distance, discipline, disinfection and control”, he was very clear.

„The risks for the population and the people working here are comparable and smaller compared to the people working in the country“, added Prof. Kantardzhiev. He predicted a second phase of coronavirus infection only after the end of the season and stressed that foreign tourists want and expect safety and they would like to see the smiling faces of the receptionist and the waiter behind the mask.

 

„The beaches in the area are clean, the water is clear, our territory is safer and more secure, welcome to an unforgettable vacation“, said the mayor of Burgas Dimitar Nikolov. "We will take care to guarantee it," he concluded.

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