On 30th March the Minister of the Health issued a ruling requiring people to wear protective masks in public places - shops, pharmacies, transport, etc. The official information stated that a fine of 5000 BGN (€2,500) would be imposed where the ruling is violated. 

This contradicted laws in place since 2016 restricting the wearing of masks in public without explicit need. It also failed to take account of the shortage of masks available for purchase, creating fear amongst the public that they would be penalised for not wearing masks that they could not buy. 

On 31st March, the Supreme Court of Administration received over 50 complaints against the ruling. As a result, that afternoon the Minister revoked the ruling requiring the wearing of masks. This nevertheless, remains highly recommended by the authorities. 

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