Bulgarian officials have announced they are easing restrictions on businesses and other commercial activity, citing improving numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The Ministry of Health said in guidance published on April 8 that schools and universities would open next week, along with shopping malls, while restaurants will be able to accommodate indoor dining.
As of April 12, the youngest elementary-school grades will return, along with middle- and some high-school grades. Later classes will be allowed if case loads remain low.
Education Minister Krassimir Valchev said that as many as 26 percent of classroom teachers had been vaccinated.
Bulgaria has reported more than 364,000 coronavirus cases and over 14,000 COVID-19-related deaths as of April 8.
