Bulgaria plans to lift a ban on people travelling outside their local communities next week as it begins easing coronavirus restrictions, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Sunday. Workers spray disinfectant outside St Petka church, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), ahead of Orthodox Palm Sunday services in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Checkpoints controlling intercity travel would be most probably removed on Wednesday when Bulgaria marks St George’s Day, Borissov said.

The travel restriction had been important, he said, adding that citizens should remain disciplined in the coming weeks.

“I really rely on discipline,” he said. “We have to get used to living with this virus, it won’t be over in a year or two,” Borissov told a news conference.

Bulgaria has so far confirmed 1,611 cases of the illness and 72 deaths.

In mid-March, the country closed all schools, bars, restaurants, hotels, cultural and sports centres and gyms, as well as shops, apart from food and drug stores. It also prohibited socialising in public spaces and introduced obligatory quarantine for most people entering the country.

Borissov said more restrictions would be lifted in the coming days. Outdoor bars and restaurants will be opened following inspections by regional health inspectorates and the food safety agency.

Athletes will be allowed to conduct individual training.