Traveler Toolkit
03/31/2020 | Report
Health Alert: Bulgaria, Ministry of Health Recommends Wearing Face Masks
3/31/2020 |
Report
Health Alert: Bulgaria, Ministry of Health Recommends Wearing Face Masks
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Location: Bulgaria
Event: Minister of Health Announcement: Protective facemasks
On March 31, 2020, the Government of Bulgaria made and then rescinded an order requiring that all individuals located at indoor and outdoor public places wear protective face masks. Although the order was rescinded, the Ministry of Health recommended the wearing of protective face masks as a preventative measure. Protective facemasks are generally available for purchase in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. The Government of Bulgaria also advised that it has initiated procurement orders for protective masks for public distribution through the Ministry of Labor and Social Care. For more information, please check the Ministry of Health website.
- The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for Covid-19.
- U.S. citizens who are not prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period should arrange for immediate return to the United States.
- U.S. citizens who need assistance should contact the American Citizen Services Section at ACS_Sofia@state.gov.
Actions to take:
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Bulgaria
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
- Visit the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control
- Visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Health website, which has information for citizens and medical professionals on its website at http://www.mh.government.bg/bg/informaciya-za-grazhdani/informaciya-otnosno-noviya-koronavirus-2019-ncov/ (Bulgarian only)
Contact Information:
U.S. Embassy Sofia, Bulgaria
+359-2-937-5100 (business hours)
+359-2-937-5101 (after hours—emergencies only—arrest, death, or danger to the safety and security of U.S. citizens)
ACS_Sofia@state.gov
State Department - Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444