Sofia, November 8 (BTA) - Caretaker Health Minister Stoicho Katsarov and the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Dr Andrea Ammon, discussed the epidemic situation in Bulgaria, the main challenges amidst the current COVID-19 wave, immunization coverage and the return of students back to class, the Health Ministry here reported on Monday.

Katsarov attributed the low vaccination rate in Bulgaria to its history, religion and national psychology. "The populist governments that ruled the country over the past years have turned us into an example of a corrupt state. This is an environment favourable for the development of theories that are not based on science," the Bulgarian Health Minister said, adding that this country has been in a political crisis for a year and in an election campaign for the past six months.

He said that political parties are doing everything possible to win more votes by taking advantage of anti-vaxxer sentiments. Implementing unpopular measures is very difficult in this situation. Even the softest of restrictions are cause for protests, Katsarov said. "We are waiting for the elections on Sunday (November 14), so that the political passions subside and the fight for people's lives takes precedence over the fight for votes," he said.

The Health Minister recalled during the meeting that a green certificate requirement was introduced a couple of weeks ago for people wishing to visit many indoor places and events, who have to provide proof that they have either been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from it or tested negative recently. Over 250,000 people have gotten their first jab of the vaccine during these two weeks, while the number of administered COVID-19 tests has also increased sharply, he said.

The current wave is the most severe one compared to previous ones. The total number of infections has increased by over 30 per cent, but the total mortality and hospitalizations are lower. This is due to the possibility to treat patients in the so-called COVID zones, he said.

ECDC Director Ammon said that Bulgaria is not the only country with a low level of vaccinations. The virus is mutating and that is why this wave is more dangerous, she said, adding that measures must be introduced that are adapted to this country. It's very important that people trust the messages that reach them. In most countries, doctors are the ones who enjoy the most public trust, Ammon said.

The two have also discussed the return of students back to school. Katsarov said that very few students between the ages of 12 and 18 are vaccinated, voicing hope that students in grades one to four will be able to return to school this week. They will be tested twice a week. Teachers and school staff, who do not have a green certificate, will also be tested. The goal is for students and teachers to be able to return to a safe school environment, he said. DD/MY