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BREAKING: Hungarian government orders state of emergency

Announcing a state of emergency, Minister Gergely Gulyás revealed measures that would take immediate effect: a ban on arrivals from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran; closing of universities nation-wide; a ban on indoor events larger than 100 and outdoor events above 500.

At a joint press conference with the Coronavirus Operational Group this afternoon, Minister Gergely Gulyás announced that the Hungarian government has ordered a state of emergency.

While additional government directives will be published in the coming hours and days, Minister Gulyás revealed several immediate measures:

Ban on arrivals from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran. According to the government directive, foreigners coming from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran will not be allowed to enter the territory of Hungary. Consequently, Hungary will not admit trains, buses or flights from these four countries. Hungarian citizens, of course, can return home from these countries, but they will be placed in quarantine.

Universities will close temporarily. Education may be continued via e-learning.

All indoor events larger than 100 and outdoor events above 500 will be prohibited. Gatherings of large groups will be banned to prevent the spread of the virus.

Additional measures include a ban on school excursions outside of Hungary. According to the directive, the validity of personal documents (ID card, driver’s license, etc.) will be extended until the end of the state of emergency.

Minister Gulyás said that the above measures are valid until recalled and more will follow in the coming hours and days.

Read regular updates in English here: CORONAVIRUS: Here’s the latest