Bulgaria intends to remove the mandatory "green COVID-19 certificate" for entry into restaurants, shopping malls and other public places as of March 20, as coronavirus infections are reduced, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Monday.
The health pass - a digital or paper certificate showing that someone has been vaccinated, tested negative or recently recovered from the virus - became mandatory for most of Bulgaria's indoor spaces in October 2021.
Its introduction sparked a series of protests in Bulgaria, angering bar and restaurant owners and anti-vaccine activists.
"We managed to get through the Omicron wave without closing our schools or businesses. Our forecasts show that around March 20, it will be possible to remove all restrictions in the country related to the Green Certificate, "Petkov said.
Petkov said his government would continue to urge Bulgarians to get vaccinated and said the certificate would still be needed for those wishing to travel to other EU countries.
Bulgaria is starting to relax COVID-19 measures from February 24, with the removal of the green certificate for access to malls, cinemas, gyms and bars.
From March 5, all foreign travelers with a green certificate will be able to enter Bulgaria, a measure that will boost tourism. As of March 20, if all goes according to plan, the health permit will be used only to facilitate travel abroad, said the country's chief health inspector, Angel Kunchev.