25.11.2020
People on unpaid leave can still take out an interest-free loan
The Bulgarian Development Bank is working on an option to re-apply for the anti-crisis guarantee program for individuals, for which it received a mandate from the government, as well as to extend the application period until June 2021.
The financial institution is awaiting final approval by the EC on the new terms of the business program in order to be able to provide funding in a larger amount and a longer application period. Upon approval, individuals and companies who will experience difficulty in re-lockdown will be able to benefit from both programs. This was stated by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Development Bank Mr. Zhivko Todorov during the Third Banking and Finance Forum "The Future of Money".
The interest-free loan program of the Bulgarian Development Bank aims to support employees on unpaid leave and self-insured persons who have ceased operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The loans are up to BGN 4,500, granted by commercial banks at once or in three tranches of BGN 1,500 each.
"Money has a future, and those we invest in the economy now will guarantee it. The Bulgarian Development Bank strives to support the entire Bulgarian business, from all possible sectors of the economy. That is why we submitted for approval to the EC new, improved parameters of the program, through which access to credit will be possible for an even wider range of companies.
We have set an extension of the application period until the end of June 2021 and have increased the maximum amount of loans to BGN 1 million for small and medium enterprises. Large companies will now be able to apply for the program, and the loan they will be able to use is up to BGN 2 million. Upon approval of the parameters by the EC, we will give the opportunity to companies that have already received funds to re-apply until they reach of the new maximum size", added Mr. Zhivko Todorov.
The main goal of the Bulgarian Development Bank at the moment is to give a breath of fresh air not only to the Bulgarian business, but also to the individuals experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic of COVID-19. Experts of the financial institution are working on an option in which they can also re-apply for an interest-free loan.
"Our programs are open to absolutely all industries, we are no exception. The Bulgarian Development Bank does not lend, it grants guarantees, gives portfolio guarantees to the commercial partner banks, as we cannot compete with them" said the executive director of the bank. According to him, the Bulgarian Development Bank will continue to play the role of a partner of commercial banks in the country, and is ready to manage more programs if the government assigns it a mandate.
According to the reports of commercial banks, as of November 24, nearly 23,000 people have been approved for interest-free loans, and the total value of loans is almost BGN 95 million. Under the guarantee program in support of business, the bank has confirmed 1004 loan companies in amounting to over BGN 129 million. The SME program is ready to take loans of up to BGN 1.2 billion.
The Bulgarian Development Bank also participates in the beamUp lab program, established on the initiative of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. For a year, the companies involved in it will get acquainted with the various financing opportunities in order to be able to successfully implement their new ideas.
19.11.2020
WHAT IS AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT IN FAVOR OF THE EMPLOYER?
One of the most common questions asked by labor law experts is "What does an employment contract mean for the benefit of the employer?"
People who are about to start their first job, change their current job or the position they hold, are surprised to see that their proposed new employment contract has a clause governing the employment contract to be concluded in favor of the employer.
What does an employment contract actually mean for the benefit of the employer, and should this agreement bother us when we sign such a contract?
In order for any employment contract to be negotiated in one's favor, it should be subject to a probationary period.
The very conclusion of an employment contract with a probationary period is a common practice when starting a new job. Its main feature is that during the probationary period, the party in whose favor the term has been agreed may terminate the contract without notice until the expiry of the agreed term. It is clear and unambiguous enough to express it in writing.
It is not necessary for the party entitled to terminate the contract to be motivated in any way. Termination is not subject to appeal and consideration in the order of labor disputes. During the probationary period, the employer may dismiss the employee even while he is on statutory leave, e.g. sick leave, in which case the permission of the Labor Inspectorate or another body is not required.
According to the legal provisions of the Labor Code in Bulgaria, the probationary period in the employment contract may be agreed in favor of:
- The employer - when the employer wants to check the ability of the employee to perform a certain job;
- The employee - when the employee wants to check whether the work is suitable for him, whether the working conditions, the atmosphere and the work team he likes;
- For the benefit of both parties. This means that during the probationary period, both the employer and the employee may terminate the contract at their discretion. The contract shall specify in whose favor the test period has been agreed. If this is not stated, the test period shall be deemed to have been agreed in favor of both parties.
It is important to know that the law does not allow for the same work with the same employee in the same company to re-enter into an employment contract with a probationary period. However, if the worker moves from one post to another, albeit in the same undertaking, it is permissible to conclude another employment contract between the same parties, with a different content and a test clause. For example, such a case occurs when a secretary in a company moves to the position of accountant. It is important to note that during the trial the parties have all the rights and obligations as in a final employment contract - the employee is entitled to a common basis for remuneration, agreed working hours, breaks and vacations, recognition of seniority and etc.
The test period may not exceed 6 months. It does not include the time during which the employee has been on statutory leave (paid, unpaid, study, due to illness, etc.) or for other valid reasons has not performed the work for which the contract was concluded.
The employment contract is considered final if it is not terminated by the party in whose favor the probationary contract was.
Reference:
Art. 70, para. 1 - 5 of the Labor Code
Art. 71, para. 1, para. 2 of the Labor Code
17.11.2020
More than 300,000 jobs were saved by the state's employment measures
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy reports that more than 300,000 jobs have so far been protected by the state's measures to preserve and secure employment. As a result, workers in the sectors affected by the Kovid crisis continue to receive their income, and employers have the opportunity to retain their staff. This support for business and people contributes to maintaining the economic life in the country and to reducing the registered unemployment from the levels of the first wave. There has been a steady downward trend in unemployment over the last five months. For October it was 6.9% compared to 9% in May. During this period, the number of unemployed people registered with the labor offices decreased by 67,544 people.
Only with the first version of the measure 60/40 from March 13 to June 30, 9000 employers were supported and 180 000 jobs were saved. The funds paid by the National Social Security Institute are BGN 186 million. The largest amount was paid to the workers in the enterprises of the processing industry - nearly BGN 71.6 million, for the preservation of over 80,400 jobs. BGN 29.5 million for 26,700 employees are directed to the employers from the trade. The Hotel and Restaurant Sector is supported by a little over BGN 22.6 million. Most companies are from the districts of Sofia-city (3,127), Plovdiv (724) and Varna (609).
With the second version of the measure, 142,100 jobs have been reserved until November 10. Nearly BGN 330.6 million were paid to 4,876 employers. Most money was transferred to those working in the enterprises of the processing industry - nearly BGN 150.6 million, to preserve 58,900 jobs. The enterprises from the mining industry have received BGN 32.2 million for 6,300 reserved jobs. BGN 29.4 million for 11,000 employees are directed to employers from trade. The Hotel and Restaurant Sector is supported by just under BGN 41.5 million for nearly 32,500 jobs, and the Transport, Warehousing and Post Office Sector by BGN 28.1 million for 14,000 employees. Most companies are registered in the districts of Sofia-city (1 741), Varna (411), Burgas (386), Plovdiv (363) and Blagoevgrad (236). The application for the third version of 60/40 is currently underway, which will be valid until the end of the year. The applications submitted for a little more than half a month are 1978 for the preservation of 48,691 jobs.
The support measure of BGN 290 preserves the employment of 22,467 workers and employees from the Hospitality and Restaurant, Tourism and Transport sectors. The funds paid amount to a little over BGN 14.8 million per 1,465 employers. Under the Employment for You scheme, 5,733 applications were submitted by 3,813 employers for the creation and subsidization of 15,916 jobs by the state. The places in the sector "Manufacturing" prevail with 31.6%. They are followed by those in "Hotels and restaurants" - 26.2%, and "Trade and repair of motor vehicles" - 17.1%. The currently concluded contracts with employers are 2899, and 5842 unemployed people are employed under them. The biggest interest is from companies in the districts of Blagoevgrad and Burgas, where 1730 and 1510 vacancies have been announced, respectively.
17.11.2020
Registered unemployment fell below 7% in October
The registered unemployment rate in the country in October was 6.9%. The Employment Agency reported a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous month of September and an increase of 1.3 percentage points compared to a year earlier.
At the end of October 2020, the registered unemployed in the labor offices, according to the administrative statistics of the Employment Agency, are 227,909, which is 8,149 fewer than in September. On an annual basis, the increase is 45,380 people.
During the month, 33,410 new unemployed persons registered to use the mediation and services of the labor offices. In addition, another 808 people from the groups of jobseekers, students and retirees have also registered with the Employment Agency.
In October the number of unemployed persons started working reached 23,045, compared to the same month last year an increase of 31.2%. Over the past month, 420 jobseekers from the group of retirees, students and employees have also found their new jobs through employment offices. Of those who started work, 82.4% are employed in the real economy, most of them are employed in the manufacturing sector - 24.5% of all those who started work, followed by trade - by 15.0%, hotels and restaurants - 9, 5%, general government - 5.9%, construction - 5.3%, etc.
During the month, 4,067 unemployed persons from the risk groups started working in subsidized jobs - 2,340 under employment programs and measures and 1,727 - under schemes of the Operational Program "Human Resources Development". The "Employment for you" scheme under the Operational Program "Human Resources Development", which started in July as an anti-crisis measure, has provided employment to 5,436 people, and only in October employment contracts were concluded with 1,097 unemployed.
Anti-crisis measures for short-term employment support, popular as a second design of 60/40 or decree of the Council of Ministers 151/2020 and 80/20 or "Short-term employment support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic" under the Operational Program "Human Resources Development" ”, Ensured the preservation of the employment of 143,000 employees. Decree of the Council of Ministers 278 extended the effect of measure 60/40 until the end of the year.
In the present forms of training for adults, financed by the state budget and the European Social Fund, during the month, in compliance with all anti-epidemic measures, 629 new unemployed persons were included.
The declared jobs on the primary labor market in October were 19,823, which is 40.2% more than those announced in October 2019. The largest share of vacancies in the real economy were announced in the manufacturing industry (27.4%), followed by trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (8.3%), administrative and support service activities (6.5%), hotels and restaurants (5.4%) and education (4.5%). The state administration, municipal administrations and enterprises in the current difficult situation also actively participate in the labor market as employers and apply for jobs for babysitters, domestic helpers, experts with higher education, personal or social assistants and workers in various areas of their activity, mainly in provision of social services and care for people. The vacancies announced by them are 34.9% of the total number of vacancies announced in the labor offices.
The most sought-after professions during the month are: related to customer service; operators of stationary machines and equipment; production of food, clothing, wood products and related; workers in the mining and processing industry, construction and transport; economic and administrative specialists; metallurgists, machine builders and related craftsmen; installers; administrative staff keeping accounting and commodity documents; sellers; in the field of personal services; waste collection and related workers; drivers of motor vehicles and mobile equipment; caring for people; providing protection and security; food preparation assistants; teachers.
11.11.2020
MLSP UPDATES THE LIST OF ELECTRONIC SERVICES OF ITS UNITS
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) has updated the list of electronic services of its units - the Social Assistance Agency, the Employment Agency, the General Labor Inspectorate, the Agency for People with Disabilities and the State Agency for Child Protection.
With a few clicks, citizens can, for example, apply for monthly social assistance, assistance for quarantined families whose children study at a distance, as well as for receiving state compensation under measure 60/40.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, nearly 95,000 people have benefited from electronic services. In case of additional questions, the call center of MLSP is available - 0800 88 001.
The full list of electronic services provided by the Social Assistance Agency, the Employment Agency, the General Labor Inspectorate, the Agency for People with Disabilities and the State Agency for Child Protection can be found at the following link: E Services.
11.11.2020
DO WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEAVE BECAUSE OF COVID-19
What are the conditions for using leave in case of a declared state of emergency or a state of emergency epidemic?
According to the Labor Code of the Republic of Bulgaria, when due to a declared state of emergency or declared an emergency epidemic situation by order of the employer or by order of a state body the work of the enterprise, part of the enterprise or individual employees is terminated, the employer has the right to provide the paid annual leave of the employee without his consent, including of an employee who has not acquired 8 months of work experience.
As can be seen from the provisions of the law, the employer has the right to provide paid annual leave to the employee without his consent, including an employee who has not acquired 8 months of service.
This right can be exercised under the following objective prerequisites:
- declared state of emergency;
- declared emergency epidemic situation;
- an order of the employer for termination of the work of the enterprise, of a part of the enterprise or of individual workers and employees;
- an order of a state body for termination of the operation of the enterprise, of a part of the enterprise or of individual workers and employees.
The law also stipulates that the employer is obliged to allow the use of paid annual leave or unpaid leave in case of a state of emergency or a state of emergency at the request of:
The legislator also stipulates that the time during which this leave is used is recognized as length of service.
Note that the law has not established which paid annual leave is granted - whether for the current year or one that has not been used in previous years. This is a matter of discretion on the part of the employer.
Reference:
Art. 173a, para. 1, 2, 3 of the Labor Code
03.11.2020
Romania wants a negative PCR for those entering from Bulgaria
From 00:00 on 03.11.2020, those entering the territory of Romania from Bulgaria, regardless of citizenship, must present a document with a negative result of a PCR test, made no later than 48 hours, according to the "Border Police".
Those who do not provide such a document are quarantined for 14 days at their place of residence.
Persons holding residence documents in another EU Member State who will leave the country within 24 hours will be allowed to transit without a PCR test.
The restriction does not apply to transport staff engaged in the transport of passengers, goods and goods, officials, border guards, medical professionals, participants in international sporting and cultural events traveling for training purposes.
The measure is based on a decision of 02.11.2020 of the National Emergency Committee of Romania, which puts Bulgaria on the list of high-risk countries for the spread of COVID-19.
03.11.2020
INTERNSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, COMPETITIONS (NOVEMBER 2 - 8)
Selection with current career initiatives and events during the week
Internships
The web agency Stenik offers young people the opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience in the process of working as part of a team. The company is looking for an intern HTML & CSS programmer (Front-end Developer), as well as an intern "Web Designer". You have the opportunity to apply for a 1 to 6 month internship at STENIK positions. The company offers work with a professional team that creates dozens of websites and online stores, involving interns in the whole process of creating a website and participating in a real project, a lot of new knowledge about the field in which you want to develop: design or programming, opportunity for a permanent job position in STENIK after successful completion of the internship. Internships are paid. Full information, full requirements for candidates and how to apply can be found here and here.
Scholarships
The Digital Marketing Fundamentals scholarship competition has already started. You can join until November 20 and become one of the three scholarship holders with a 50% discount on the amount for your education. In the last few years, digital marketing has become an integral part of business marketing strategies. This year started differently and the brands faced different challenges caused by COVID-19. Many companies stopped advertising, others adapted their marketing messages very quickly, and still others digitized their products in two or three weeks. That is why the "Digital Marketing Fundamentals" program has started, in which the participants will get acquainted with every aspect of the digital communication of the brands. Here is the task of participating in the scholarship competition: choose an existing brand that you like. Analyze his digital campaigns over the last 6 months and present those elements of them that you like the most. This may include its positioning in the online environment, the transformation of online products or services, communication messages, content, vision, and more. The other condition is to choose another brand, this time describing what you did not like in its digital campaigns in recent months and why. You can send your point of view for both brands in the contact form below. The deadline for applying to the competition is November 20. Attach a motivational essay to the requirements of ARC Academy for applying to the program, in which you can tell us why you want to be part of the program, as well as a CV in which we can find out more about your professional experience and interests. The three fellows will be selected by an internal ARC jury on November 26th. You can join the Facebook group of the "Digital Marketing Fundamentals" program, where all the news related to the training on the program are announced.
Competitions
The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has announced the start of its journalism competition for 2020. Nominations are accepted in eight main categories for written materials, photography, audio and video, as well as in three categories for young reporters under 30. The first three winners in each of the main categories will receive prizes of $ 8,000, $ 3,000 and $ 2,000, respectively. The winners in the youth categories will win a scholarship to attend a major international sporting event. The competition is open to professional journalists, whe ппther working in the media or as a freelancer. Materials must be published or broadc ast between October 8, 2019 and November 9, 2020. Nominations in all languages are acce p ted. The application deadline is November 9, 2020. Full information can be found here.
To The Top Agency organizes the thir d edition of "Lunch with the boss of ...". A competition that provides an opportunity for students and employees to meet the leaders of some of the best employers in BЪэЭ ulgaria. The winner of the competition will be invited to lunch with the CEO or a person from the top management of a company of his choice. Anyone can apply. You need to fill in the application form, in which you must answer the question why you chose the company. The application deadline is November 15. More information can be found here.
PACEL Foundation, BCNL Foundation and Forty-Two Foundation are organizing a video contest "Causes in Focus". If you work in a non-governmental organization, informal group or individually for a cause that you think should be "in focus", tell about it in a short video and win great prizes that will help you be even better in your video promotion in future. Even if you do not have experience in creating short video formats, this is not a problem - we are looking for just such participants, the competition is only for amateur video. Great video tutorials have been prepared to help you. See them in the channel of the Forty-Two Foundation / KEY Forum. You do not need a team, professional equipment, operators and screenwriters with many years of experience. As the competition is for amateur video, such criteria will not be applied by the jury in the evaluation. You need to be part of a non-governmental organization, an informal group or work independently for a public cause; have a phone or camera to capture the video; to create an author's video lasting no more than 4 minutes. Videos should give a clear idea of your cause, what makes you work with your heart, what is the benefit to the people and communities you work for; to have a very clear and specific message to the audience; to be interesting, influential and engaging to the audience; explain clearly and understandably how viewers can support your efforts. Before entering the competition, read the full information and rules for participation in the competition here. In addition to material prizes, the winners of the first three places will receive additionally sponsored publications in various social and traditional media. To participate in the contest, send the finished video directly or via a sharing link to contest@42training.org and fill in the information about you and your organization here. The deadline for participation is November 30.
Training
The Impact Drive Foundation organizes online training for women DigiComs. Up to 40 participants will take part in it, who will have the unique opportunity to pass the innovative program for digital communicators. This includes the acquisition of the necessary competencies and the meeting with potential users of their services in the face of the teams of civil society organizations. The aim of the project is to provide practice-oriented online training to develop the competencies of girls and young women in the field of digital communication, focused on causes, civic initiatives and activist activities. Applicants need to be girls and young women (18-35 years old) who are vulnerable due to illness or disability, distance from urban centers, single mothers, ethnic, religious or other forms of discrimination; caregivers are close with illness or disability, etc.); looking for a way to combine study (higher education) and work; are on maternity or parental leave or those who want to continue to raise their children for a longer period of time. There is no participation fee. The training will take place in December. To apply, send an email to viacivicbg@gmail.com. Full information about the project can be found here.
Events
"Careers" and "Capital" organize HR & Leadership Forum 2020: Leadership in times of crisis. This year's edition of the forum will explore the challenges of the new working world and the function of leaders today. Solutions will be sought to help speed recovery and growth. Highlights of the program are business strategies in times of crisis; what skills leaders need in the new reality; building a strong work experience during Kovid-19; prioritizing the health and well-being of the people in the company; the future of offices and redefining the concept of the workplace. The online event, which is designed for HR professionals, managers and team leaders, will be held on November 25, and tickets are already on sale on capital.bg. Follow the latest information about the event on Facebook.
The second series of trainings "How to prepare a successful project?", Conducted within the "Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria" begins. Given the circumstances in the country, the trainings will be conducted online. To participate and choose the most convenient day and time, fill in the registration form. Applicants will receive a confirmation with a link to the training within the day. In case you have questions or need additional information, you can contact the organizers by email capacitybuilding@tsa-bulgaria.org or phone 0889703161.
The first online podcast festival in Bulgaria will be held from November 18 to 22 and will present the creators of some of the favorite American, European and Bulgarian podcasts. The organizer of the event is AEJ-Bulgaria with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and in partnership with the America for Bulgaria Foundation. The festival is part of a series of press conferences that have become a tradition over the past five years and which in 2020 become part of the Sofia Talks Media brand. The "LISTEN TO YOURSELF: The Power of a Podcast" festival will include talks, discussions and workshops. Every weekday evening from Wednesday to Friday, there is an online meeting with prominent international presenters and producers. And over the weekend, master classes and hands-on training are added, where participants will receive guidance on how to create their own podcast or what they can improve on if they already have one. During the discussions, the speakers will focus on some of the current topics and challenges from the world of podcasts. For more information, visit the initiative's website.
Every year, the European Union funds thousands of mobility and professional development activities for teachers and other pedagogical staff. A few months before the start of the new European Program for Education, Training, Youth and Sport - Erasmus Program (2021 - 2027), for the first time a platform for accreditation under the new Erasmus Program was launched. The purpose of this accreditation is to support schools and organizations wishing to set up projects or participate in future transnational exchanges and program collaborations. Accredited organizations will have more direct access to funding opportunities under Key Activity 1 in the Schools, Vocational Education and Training, and Adult Education sectors of the Program, which is due to start in early 2021. More information on Erasmus accreditations you can read in the new information brochure here.
Still current development opportunities from last week's column: More information about them can be found here.
Unicredit Bulbank is looking for an intern in the Retail Banking sector for an office in Sofia. If you find the internship program challenging and relevant to your education and ambitions, submit information by noting this or another preferred area of internship. You can apply through the organization's website.
The Bulgarian Reading Association (BAC) together with the partners ASSIST and HMC announces the annual competition for participation in the program "Scholarships for students in the UK and USA" for the academic year 2021/2022. There is a registration fee, which is BGN 39. To apply, you must send the application form and the essay. More information and the necessary application documents can be found here.
TSA announces the beginning of a competition for scholarships for the academic year 2020/2021 to students of Roma origin in third or fourth year, studying the specialties Accoucheuse or Nurse. Applying for participation in the Program is done by filling out an electronic form, which is available at the following website. The deadline for submitting the electronic application form with all required documents is November 16, 2020, 18:00. You can find detailed Application Guidelines as well as the full terms and conditions here.
As every year, the organization YFU Bulgaria announces a competition for recruiting scholarship holders for an intercultural exchange program. The deadline for submitting documents is December 10, 2020. Full information can be found here.
National Network for Children, together with the youth network "Megafon" and in partnership with UNICEF Bulgaria, organizes an essay competition on "Discrimination does not suit you". To participate in the competition, send your essay to office@nmd.bg with subject "COMPETITION". Be sure to write your name and age, phone number and e-mail for feedback. Full information can be found here.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is an initiative of the US Department of State's Global Development and Women's Prosperity program, aimed at unlocking and developing the economic potential of women around the world by developing their own startup business. The training at the "Academy for Women Entrepreneurs at NBU" is free and lasts 13 weeks (every Saturday). If you meet the criteria, send an up-to-date CV with a short presentation, a motivation letter, as well as your business idea that you want to realize to awe@nbu.bg. The application deadline is November 25, 2020. You can learn all the details about the academy here.
ARC Academy organizes an online course on "How to become a Game Developer?" on November 16 from 6:30 p.m. The full program of the course and information about the lecturers can be found on the page.
02.11.2020
In England, they urgently want 1,000 workers from Bulgaria and Romania
Turkey producers in the UK are demanding an urgent exception to recruit 1,000 seasonal workers from abroad by the end of the month, mostly from Poland, Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria, to ensure that Christmas supplies do not collapse, the e-edition FarmingUK reported.
The British Poultry Council, which requested it, is convinced that the sector may not survive without workers outside the UK. However, with the imposed measures to combat the coronavirus in the country, there is a danger of a shortage of highly skilled labor for agriculture. Data show that about 9 million turkeys are raised in the UK each year for Christmas.
"If these vacancies cannot be filled, this will have a significant impact on production, and hence on food costs. All of this will pose a risk to financial opportunities and eventually force people to buy less food this Christmas,” said Richard Griffiths, the council's chief executive.
There is a shortage of British workers with the necessary training and qualifications for the slaughter and processing of turkeys, the publication notes. Farmers are highly dependent on licensed and trained workers from the European Union with specific skills in growing, processing and cutting.
The council is adamant that these skills cannot be acquired without continuous training and "cannot be provided" by British workers, especially those who are currently out of work. "Furthermore, it is ineffective to train and develop the skills of British workers for the short remaining period. If the sector fails to import trained workers from abroad, then the level and quality of production will be put at significant risk,” Griffiths said.
He called on the government to ensure that poultry meat in the country remains "accessible and accessible to all". "Losing control of the way we eat as a nation will punish British food producers at a time when we should be taking our food security into our own hands," he said.
30.10.2020
The second wave of COVID-19: how not to get sick and stay calm
The advice of psychologists and virologists
The highest number of newly infected people since the beginning of the pandemic was registered in Germany for the last 24 hours - 14,714. In her traditional address to the citizens on Saturday, Chancellor Merkel reiterated what she said last week - reduce contacts to a minimum!
Currently, the second wave of COVID-19 is rising, and with it two fears: of infection and of a new complete closure, the so-called "lockdown". These fears undoubtedly affect our behavior, psychologists say. We are under stress because we do not know if we will cope with the situation - and we react in different ways.
Some take feverish measures against possible dangers, make all sorts of exaggerated preparations and stock up on products, while others downplay the danger or completely deny it. As usual - the "golden" environment is the one that would allow us to protect ourselves in the best way.
Fear is normal
German psychoanalyst Hans-Jürgen Wirth believes that many people's fear of infection is completely normal. "But our psychological mechanisms are set up in such a way that we cannot be constantly in a state of heightened danger and in a state of fear. That's why reducing the level of fear is a healthy psychosomatic response," he said.
To anyone who continues to experience fear, Wirth recommends concentrating on what gives them a sense of security. For example, think that following good hygiene and distance rules reduces the risk.
At the same time, the psychoanalyst warns
not to overdo it,
because if a person shuts himself up at home and stops going out at all, it will certainly permanently create new fears for him and every going out will be associated with stress. The most important thing is to look at the situation soberly, to weigh the risks, and to react adequately to the dangers, Wirth recommends.
Many believe that the restrictions imposed are too strict because they affect our freedom of movement, our contacts, our personal sphere, even our appearance, and thus disrupt our sense of being free and independent individuals. There are people who, because of this, sometimes feel an urgent need to express themselves, and this is often done through eccentric behavior, explains the psychoanalyst. Some loudly protest against the rules, others provoke others and constantly demand more attention, while others take the situation completely lightly and deny the danger.
Berlin psychologist Etleva Johnny explains this with the weakened defense mechanisms of our psyche as a result of the first wave of the pandemic. "We experienced a lockdown, an acute crisis, a ban on social contacts. Then the situation improved, but this period was not enough for us to fully recover. The main reason: all the time we were not able to plan anything and manage the situation. "The carefree summer turned out to be the simplest illusion, and now the situation is becoming serious again," she told SPIEGEL.
In the name of psychological balance
But what to do now? Experts advise, above all, to be aware of the situation and not to panic. And they recall the famous recipe: if you can't change the situation, change your attitude towards it! Swiss virologist Isabella Eckerle gives some practical advice on how not to get infected with COVID-19 and to maintain our psychological balance during the second wave.
She recommends that we do not completely give up our daily habits, and that we can postpone what we can postpone. She explicitly told the German weekly Die Zeit that we did not have to stop our meetings with close people at all. However, instead of gathering at home or in crowded indoor areas, we will be much better off if we go for a walk with these people or go to a nearby park together. And we can get a thermos with tea and freshly baked pie. Don't forget to dress warmly, Eckerle reminds and advises to always take out the children who feel especially good outside.
If you still have to gather at home, let it be in a narrow circle, she urges. If the weather allows - go out on the balcony or in the yard. If this is not possible - just ventilate enough. Isabella Eckerle also notes something obvious:
no one will be angry with you,
if you do not accept an invitation for a wedding, birthday or anniversary, and if you reject a friend's offer to visit you. This is not considered a bad tone these days. But it's bad to go to places where a lot of people gather and where people speak loudly, says the virologist. It is in such places that the risk of contracting the coronavirus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets, is highest.
On this occasion, she gives some more advice. Instead of using public transport, it is best to travel by bicycle or on foot. Instead of going to the store, it is better to shop online everything that can be bought there. And when you feel like going to a restaurant, just order food to take home. While waiting for your doctor's turn, it is better to stay on the street or in your car. And, of course, never forget the protective mask.
Useful selfishness
Isabella Eckerle also says that in times of a pandemic, it is especially important to think about yourself and your own health. This selfishness within reasonable limits is even useful. The virologist reminds us to pay special attention to any symptoms - especially cough, sore throat, impaired sense of smell, fever and shortness of breath. All of these symptoms may mean that we have COVID-19. But we should not forget prevention: to maintain the immune system, Dr. Eckerle recommends a lot of air movement and exercise. Of course, it's best not to go to the gym, but to play sports outdoors instead, she advises. And he recommends jogging, cycling, horseback riding, and at home - yoga or exercise bike.
Whether we like it or not, we are solely responsible for our own protection against infection, says Isabella Eckerle. That's why it might be worthwhile to temporarily give up some of your favorite habits that are dangerous during a pandemic - and return to them only when the danger passes. Then we will experience double pleasure!
