Last updated: 29 July 2021

These provisions will be subject to further review based on the assessment of the situation. Updates will follow when necessary.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our society and we all are required to take responsible efforts to protect the health of human beings and to ensure the smooth running of the educational process. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria has declared an emergency epidemic situation in the entire territory of the country until 31 August 2021.

The following anti-epidemic measures are taken by the Ministry of Health and they are being updated permanently according to the assessment of the situation. Their violation could result in a monetary fine or a prison sentence.:

Wearing of a face mask in all indoor public places, including public transport, is mandatory.

Wearing of a face mask in outdoor public gatherings is mandatory when 1,5 m distancing is not possible.

Entry and exit regulations (these regulations are changing often and quickly)

Sofia University recommends to follow the instructions of the Bulgarian authorities and their respective national authorities.

Following the developments of the situation in the country and internationally the Bulgarian Government has introduced various measures and regulations. For more information about the entry and exit restriction we kindly advise you to regularly visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria or to contact the Embassy of your country in Bulgaria prior to your travel and receive updated information.

In general there are or could be introduced some specific travel requirements or restrictions depending on the country of origin of the traveler. Updated information about travel requirements is available also at: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BGR/7011

Protection against infection

To support the prevention of further spread of COVID-19, all exchange students are strongly recommended to avoid crowded gatherings, especially in closed places, and to follow the prescriptions of the World Health Organization and the national and local public health authorities regarding their own health and safety.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1,5 m. distance between yourself and other people.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance (national 24-hour information line for Bulgaria: +359 2 807 87 57).

In case of suspicion of infection and if you begin to feel unwell, you should stay at home and avoid contact with others. If you develop fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance the national information line (+359 2 807 87 57). Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

National 24-hour information line for Bulgaria (Ministry of Health): +359 2 807 87 57

Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate: +359 2 832 91 62; +359 2 832 91 81; +359 2 8130 482

For more information on COVID-19:

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Questions & Answers
• World Health Organization: Questions & Answers

Prevention and protection measures at Sofia University

Sofia University is committed to protecting the students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implement necessary measures to minimise the risk of infection.

Communication with employees should be carried out via email. Meetings can be held only by prior arrangement.

Access to the educational buildings of persons in quarantine period or with symptoms of acute infectious and respiratory diseases (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.) is prohibited.

The use of student canteens, cafes and restaurants on the territory of the university is allowed in compliance with anti-epidemic measures.

Libraries

For more information visit http://libsu.uni-sofia.bg:81/UB/?page_id=531&lang=en

Quarantine

If you are staying at the dormitories of Sofia University, please be aware that you cannot be provided with relevant conditions for quarantine. During the quarantine period, people are obliged not to leave their place of stay and to follow the instructions given by the public health authorities.

If no symptoms of COVID-19 appear until the expiry of the prescribed period, according to the current case definition, the quarantine is terminated.

In case of symptoms of acute respiratory diseases (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.) among lecturers and students:

• the person with symptoms is released from classes and immediately leaves the university building;
• persons with symptoms are obliged to contact their general practitioner or the relevant regional health inspectorate by telephone to receive instructions.

The international students confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 shall inform via email their coordinator from the International Relations Office.