Hi everyone, I posted a long long time ago but as this is a common threat I'd just like to let You know how we are handling this virus. These are today's news here in Hungary (incl. no cancellation just yet but every sporting event behind closed doors), we have 13 infected, no death:
Extraordinary measures announced by Gulyás:
- No entry into Hungary allowed from Italy, China, South Korea, and Iran, except for Hungarian citizens who will automatically be ordered to self-isolate. All air traffic, trains, and buses coming from these countries will be shut down beginning from midnight,
- Restrictions will apply at the Slovenian and Austrian border as well,
- False statements concerning the virus will be sanctioned, just like the violation of quarantine orders,
- Universities will only hold remote classes,
- Outdoors public events of over 500 people and indoors public events of over 100 people banned - this does not apply to workplaces and malls, but does apply to cinemas and theatres, football games will be played behind closed gates. Parliament will remain operational.
- No school trips abroad are allowed, and the recently announced free two-week language courses abroad for Hungarian students will take place a year later.
- More measures will be announced later.
The Minister said children do not typically catch Covid-19, therefore it is unnecessary to close schools at this point, adding that only 15 EU member states closed schools - as soon as children are affected, new measures may be announced. Gulyás said that these measures will be in effect until they are revoked, which may take weeks or months.
Answering questions from the press, Gulyás informed about the following:
- Concerning the entry ban, special regulations about foreign spouses of Hungarian citizens may be introduced.
- Ministers and state secretaries will need special permission to travel abroad,
- The government is not planning to lock down Budapest or any other major cities,
- Transportation of goods will not be affected by these measures,
- Self-isolation orders may be enforced by police,
- There are 37 laboratories in Hungary performing tests for Covid-19, the government deems that number sufficient based on WHO guidelines.
- The Minister urged people to work from home if they can.