site.btaMask Mandate for Public Transport Lifted on August 25

The mask mandate for public transport will be lifted countrywide as from August 25, Prof. Radka Argirova told a news briefing here on Tuesday. She talked to the media after an expert group, of which she is a member, held its weekly meeting to discuss the current epidemic situation and the epidemic-control measures.

Argirova added that a Health Minister's order to this effect will be drawn up on Wednesday and will enter into force on Thursday.

Wearing face masks remains mandatory for visits to healthcare establishments, pharmacies and nursing homes, the professor explained. She assured journalists that metrics from across the country are monitored daily so that the health authorities could adjust their response.

The number of new infections is declining in all regions, and they now approximate 1,000 daily. Fewer than 50 coronavirus patients are in intensive care. "This number stays unchanged, which is wonderful," Argirova pointed out.

"We can already say that we are managing the COVID-19 epidemic," the expert said. COVID-19 will be gradually treated as any other respiratory disease, she added.