Following Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s announcement today of the easing of restrictions in Budapest, Minister Gergely Gulyás outlined the full details of the new rules earlier this afternoon.
“We have consulted with mayors, virologists, doctors; we have made a well-established decision,” Minister Gulyás said, announcing that new, lighter restrictions will take effect in Budapest from Monday.
“Although the movement restrictions will be lifted in Budapest on Monday, keeping a safe, 1.5 meters distance will remain obligatory,” Minister Gulyás said. This decision, he added, has been made due to the fact that Hungarians observed previous regulations, so we can hope that they will continue to do so in the future.
Speaking about the details of the new rules, Minister Gulyás said that wearing masks in shops and on public transport will still be compulsory. The 9-12 a.m. shopping time slot for those above 65 will also stay in force. However, public parks and spaces, as well as outdoors playgrounds can be used beginning on Monday.
“Beginning on Monday, all shops and businesses may reopen, customers will be allowed to use the terraces and gardens of restaurants and cafés,” Gulyás said, adding that until September 1 these businesses will not have to pay for the usage of public spaces.
Similarly, weddings and Masses may be held from next week. Family events under 200 guests, however, may only take place after June 15 in Budapest and June 1 outside the capital.
Meanwhile, according to the Government’s decision, outdoor spas and museums can stay open from Monday.
“In higher education institutions, the same rules will apply as in rural Hungary. Visiting dormitories of higher education institutions will still be prohibited,” Minister Gulyás said.
Approaching his closing remarks, Gulyás said that if the tendency does not change over the next few weeks, the Government will give back its extraordinary powers by the end of May.
On Thursday, at the Government Info session, Minister Gulyás said that outside Budapest, further easing is possible. Listing some examples, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said that people can now stay inside restaurants and cafés with their masks on and hotels may start accepting guests.
Photo credit: YouTube