SOFIA – Bulgaria will begin phasing out its COVID-19 “Green Pass,” as the pandemic is subsiding in the country, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Under an order by Health Minister Asena Serbezova, which takes effect on Thursday, managers of shopping malls, eateries and swimming pools, as well as organizers of cultural and sporting events may allow visitors who have no “Green Pass.”

However, staff are still required to have the pass, a certificate proving that the holder is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from the disease, tested negative or has antibodies.

The pass may be dropped altogether from March 20 if the epidemiological situation allows, the Health Ministry said.

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The country has seen significant declines in new infections and hospitalizations, Kunchev said.

However, he added that only 29.3 percent of the adult population in Bulgaria has been fully vaccinated, and an information campaign on the benefits of vaccination is required.

Bulgaria made the “Green Pass” mandatory last October.