Bulgaria limits classes, events to curb latest virus surge

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Health authorities have stepped up anti-infection measures in Bulgaria’s capital and other major cities in response to a surge in coronavirus cases. Schools are limiting in-person classes, requiring students in all grades except first through fourth to switch to distance learning. The precautions also ban mass events and require restaurants and bars to operate at half of their customer capacity. All catering and entertainment establishments have to close no later than 10 p.m., and visitors need valid health certificates to be admitted. Bulgaria reported on Friday 8,932 new virus cases and 87 deaths on Friday. The country of 6.5 million people has the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the European Union.