CORONAVIRUS: Here's the latest
A regularly updated feed of the latest information about coronavirus in Hungary.
March 5 – 12:34 PM: Gulyás: Third wave is expected to be stronger than previous waves
“If we didn’t go into lockdown now, not only would the number of incidents and deaths grow, it would also delay the opening of the country,” Gergely Gulyás said.
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic is expected to be stronger than either of the previous waves.
According to MTI, Gulyás said, however, that another “new feature” was that vaccines were at hand and that the inoculation of citizens was proceeding well. “We can say for certain” that Hungary is currently third in Europe regarding the inoculation rate, and is expected to top that list by next week. However, that pace is still not enough to curb the spread of new mutant variants, he said.
The minister said the pandemic is spreading faster and faster, and its reproduction rate in Hungary is one of the highest in Europe. Vaccine procurement is lagging in Brussels, and even the use of “Eastern vaccines” can’t ensure nationwide protection within two weeks, he said.
Minister Gulyás said the only short-term remedy is a drastic reduction in contact rates. The operative body and experts are in full agreement on the necessity of the measure, he added. “If we didn’t go into lockdown now, not only would the number of incidents and deaths grow, it would also delay the opening of the country,” he said. The country will start to reopen, “probably gradually”, on March 22, he said.
Hungarian citizens’ wishes will be key to the details of that reopening, he said, and called on all to participate in the government’s National Consultation survey on the issue. The government will discuss the details of reopening the country at a meeting on March 17, and will take the results of the survey into consideration, he said. The third wave needs to be “broken”, Gulyás said, adding that the new measures were necessary for that purpose. If everyone complies, life may restart earlier in Hungary, he said.
March 5 – 12:25 PM: First Hungarian-developed ventilators delivered to Semmelweis University
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology said the ventilators will ensure personalised support for patients suffering from breathing difficulties.
The first ten Hungarian-developed ventilators have been delivered to Semmelweis University.
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology ministry said the ventilators, which were developed in a joint project by the university and several investors, will ensure personalised support for patients suffering from breathing difficulties.
The project was a recipient of the government’s research and development funding, set up last year with a HUF 3 billion (EUR 8.2m) framework to support projects aiding protection efforts against the coronavirus pandemic. The ministry has supported some 30 such projects since last spring.
March 5 – 12:21 PM: 6369 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 452,547, while 143 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 6,369 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 452,547. Meanwhile, 143 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 331,557. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 105,371.
862,953 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 279,727 have already received the second dose of the vaccine."
There are currently 6,867 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 677 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of food stores, pharmacies and petrol stations, must close.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
March 4 – 11:58 AM: BREAKING! Here are the tightened restrictions in Hungary
Speaking at the weekly Kormányinfó event, Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that all shops must close between March 8 and 22, with primary schools and nurseries remaining shut until April 7.
“While Hungary is currently the third in Europe in terms of its inoculation rate per 100 inhabitants, we will be the first in this ranking in a matter of weeks,” Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister's Office, said earlier today at the weekly Kormányinfó press conference.
Addressing the flip side of the coin, however, Minister Gulyás said that even this swift rate of vaccination is not quick enough to put an end to the spread of different coronavirus mutations. This is why, Gulyás continued, the Hungarian Government has decided to introduce tighter, temporary restrictions.
“If we do not shut down right now, we will delay the date of the reopening,” the minister said.
Here are some of the key decisions, with specific details coming soon:
Nurseries and primary schools will be closed until April 7.
All shops, with the exception of grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies and gas stations, must remain closed for a two-week period beginning March 8, next Monday.
Between March 8 and 22, all services, except private healthcare services, must remain closed.
Fitness centers and gyms will have to close as well. Professional athletes must compete behind closed doors.
Outdoor sports activities are still permitted in the case of sports where the minimum 1.5-meter distance can be kept.
Obligatory, universal mask-wearing.
International travel will be tightened.
The wage support program already in place for hotels, bars and restaurants will be extended to cover all shops and services that need to close.
Specific details about the above decisions coming soon. Stay tuned!
March 4 – 10:59 AM: 6278 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 446,178, while 152 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 6,278 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 446,178. Meanwhile, 152 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 328,136. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 102,566.
785,440 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 267,153 have already received the second dose of the vaccine."
There are currently 6,554 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 639 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
March 3 - 11:26 AM: More Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive in Hungary
The 11th shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine — almost 115,000 doses — arrived in Hungary on Tuesday.
The 11th shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine — almost 115,000 doses — arrived in Hungary on Tuesday, bringing the total Pfizer jabs delivered to Hungary to over 850,000.
According to MTI, the first shipment of the Comirnaty vaccine, the first to receive conditional approval in the European Union, arrived in Hungary on Dec. 26. New batches have arrived every week since.
March 3 - 11:15 AM: 4211 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 439,900, while 136 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 4,211 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 439,900. Meanwhile, 136 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 326,215. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 98,361 .
758,037 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 253,368 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 6,367 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 622 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
March 3 - 11:10 AM: Hungary lifts restrictions on business travellers from 13 states
The foreign minister and the interior minister are also compiling a list of countries from which Hungarian citizens travelling on business will be able to return to Hungary without restrictions.
Hungary has lifted coronavirus-related restrictions on business travellers entering the country from 13 states.
The government website states that citizens, or those holding a residency permit and travelling on business, from the United States, China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, Singapore, Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates will be allowed into Hungary without restrictions.
The foreign minister and the interior minister are also compiling a list of countries from which Hungarian citizens travelling on business will be able to return to Hungary without restrictions.
March 2 – 10:49 AM: Hungary expands number of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to nearly 11 million
Cecília Müller also said a large shipment of Russia’s Sputnik V containing 100,000 doses of the vaccine’s first component and 180,000 doses of the second one is on its way to Budapest.
Hungary has expanded the number of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines it is contracted to purchase to 10,870,000 doses from 6.5 million.
Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller also said a large shipment of Russia’s Sputnik V containing 100,000 doses of the vaccine’s first component and 180,000 doses of the second one is on its way to Budapest. She added that 685,247 people have been vaccinated so far, with 251,691 having received a second shot. “These data show that Hungary’s inoculation rate is the third highest in Europe," she said.
Under a revised national vaccination protocol, the phasing of the administering of the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca vaccines has been modified to ensure that as many people as possible get a first jab.
Under the revised protocol, those who have been called to take up their first Pfizer jab are slated to receive their second shot not 21 but 35 days later, Müller said. Recipients of AstraZeneca will be called back for their second jab on the 12th consecutive week, the maximum timeframe period allowed under the manufacturer’s protocol. Those who have already received their first jab are required to return for their second shot on the day indicated on their vaccination card, Müller said.
March 2 – 10:40 AM: 2764 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 435,689, while 130 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 2,764 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 435,689. Meanwhile, 130 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 324,202. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 96,299.
721,677 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 252,847 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 6,071 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 581 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
March 2 – 10:27 AM: State Secretary: The coronavirus vaccine is not a political issue
Hungary is in a race against time to halt the spread of the virus's mutant strain and to put an end to the third wave.
Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary for International Communications and Relations, has told CNN that the coronavirus vaccine is not a political issue, but one of effectiveness and reliability.
When asked why Hungary was using vaccines that were not approved by the European Union, Kovács said the Chinese and Russian vaccines have been approved in many countries around the world and Hungary trusted its scientist and doctors who approved the jabs.
Kovács said that in comparison to the vaccination programs of the United States and Israel, the European Union's strategy had failed. He added that the bloc is now two months behind schedule and the only way to combat the third wave is by speeding up vaccinations.
The state secretary added that Hungary is also abiding by EU directives when procuring the vaccines. He said Hungary has not broken a single rule by acquiring eastern vaccines. He added that Hungary expects the EU to approve the same vaccines in the coming weeks.
Kovács said that Hungary was in a race against time to halt the spread of the virus's mutant strain and to put an end to the third wave.
March 2 – 8:37 AM: Hungary at the forefront of the EU in terms of vaccination rate
Hungary ranks third in terms of Covid-19 vaccination coverage in the European Union with only Denmark and Malta ahead.
Up until Monday, 685,247 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Hungary and 251,691 have already received the second dose of the vaccine. Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller stressed tha this makes Hungary the third best-vaccinated country in the European Union.
According to official figures, 6.94 percent of the Hungarian population has so far been inoculated compared with the EU’s average of 4.9 percent. Moreover, last week, almost two and a half times as many people were inoculated in Hungary as the EU average.
Five types of vaccines are currently available in Hungary and shipments are being constantly delivered. On Monday, 280,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccine left for Budapest, 100,000 of which will be a second dose. In addition, the number of secured Pfizer vaccines has risen to over ten million.
March 2 – 8:23 AM: New restrictions could be introduced in the coming weeks
“The temporary closing of shopping centers and schools could be considered due to the rapid spread of different virus mutations,” said Ágnes Galgóczi, Head of Department at Hungary’s National Public Health Center (NNK).
Officials have stated that new restrictions could come into force due to the spread of mutant strains of the coronavirus.
“The limitation of social interactions is now more important than ever,” Head of Department at the National Public Health Center, Ágnes Galgóczi said in an interview with HírTV. Proposing a way to reduce these interactions, Galgóczi recommended that shopping centers, schools and “non-essential” shops should be closed up temporarily, for a possible duration of two weeks.
“The temporary closing of shopping centers and schools could be considered due to the rapid spread of different virus mutations,” the NNK official said.
According to epidemiologist Galgóczi, even a two-week closing could result in “serious” improvement in terms of the spread of coronavirus in Hungary. “It must also be considered that primary schools temporarily shift to digital education,” she said, adding that there is a “grave dilemma” behind imposing new restrictions, as, on the one hand, nearly 700,000 Hungarians have already been vaccinated, but in the meantime the third wave of the coronavirus has arrived in Hungary with more contagious mutations that cause more severe disease.
The Hungarian government adheres to the principle that whenever there is a reopening of a certain sector, that reopening must be permanent. According to multiple government officials, it would not make sense to lift restrictions only to reintroduce them a few weeks later.
The restrictions in force in Hungary have, in fact, remained the same since last November, and thanks to this consistency, Hungary managed to come out among the top performers in Europe in managing the coronavirus pandemic.
March 1 – 11:54 AM: PM Orbán slams EPP for seeing review of internal regulations as “a matter of urgency” during pandemic
PM Orbán said Fidesz will leave the EPP if the party group votes in favor of the changes accepted by the leadership on Friday.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sent a letter to Manfred Weber slamming the European People’s Party for seeing the review of internal regulations as “a matter of urgency” during a pandemic.
According to MTI, PM Orbán said Fidesz will leave the EPP if the party group votes in favor of the changes accepted by the leadership on Friday. Fidesz’s membership in the EPP was suspended in March 2019, due to the Hungarian party’s critical stance and “alleged violation” of EPP values.
The EPP’s leadership and national delegation heads on Friday accepted a proposal which PM Orbán said would “facilitate the exclusion of our MEPs from the party family.” In the letter, PM Orbán said the EPP had been facing a “crisis of leadership and policy direction”.
Since 2019, the EPP kept promising “in-depth internal discussions about our visions of the party’s future”, Orbán said. He noted his December 6 letter to Weber where he proposed a new, looser type of cooperation. “These promises have not been kept, nor has my letter been answered,” he said. Instead, the EPP tabled a motion to rewrite internal regulations “at record speed and aiming to facilitate the exclusion,or as this would not get required majority either, creating the hastily defined and legally questionable exclusion of our MEPs from the EPP Group”. “The message is clear and duly noted,” PM Orbán said. “If Fidesz is not welcome, we do not feel compelled to stay in the Group,” he said.
PM Orbán noted that the coronavirus pandemic had claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Europeans and the third wave was hitting the bloc, taking a toll in human lives and causing unprecedented economic damage. Such times call for cooperation, joint action, tolerance and patience, he said. It is therefore hard to accept that Weber and the EPP group find the review of long-standing regulations their most pressing task, he said. Furthermore, retroactively changing regulations or imposing sanctions is contrary to the rule of law, PM Orbán said. He said the recent amendments were “tailor made to sanction Fidesz”.
“As you did not have the sufficient votes to punish us, you are now trying to change the rules and apply them to an ongoing procedure,” he said. As Fidesz’s leader, PM Orbán said he had the duty to ensure full representation of their voters. Therefore, he said he could not accept the curbing of MEPs rights necessary to fulfil their duties. Such a step would be “profoundly undemocratic,” he added.
Fidesz MEPs have been elected by over 1.8 million Hungarians, or 52 percent of the votes, he said. They are the strongest delegation in the EPP in that regard. “Setting them aside would means neglecting the democratic decision of almost two million Hungarian citizens and further weakening our political family,” he said. Should the EPP adopt the regulations accepted by the leadership and the heads of national delegations on Friday, Fidesz will leave the EPP, Orbán said.
March 1 – 10:41 AM: President Áder receives first dose of coronavirus vaccine
The president urged the public to follow suit and register for vaccination as early as possible, and turn up to receive the jab once notified by their GP.
President János Áder has received the first dose of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine against Covid-19.
According to MTI, the president urged the public to follow suit and register for vaccination as early as possible, and turn up to receive the jab once notified by their GP. “Let us trust our doctors, our health system,” the president said, adding he hoped that “we will soon have the epidemic behind us.”
Meanwhile Miklós Kásler said it is a strategic advantage for Hungary that mass vaccination is now taking place with the products of five manufacturers. The minister added on social media on Friday that viral mutations cause unfavorable epidemiological data and are more contagious, leading to more serious illness. He also noted that an increased level of preparedness will take effect in Hungarian hospitals and strict travel restrictions will also be developed.
March 1 – 10:31 AM: PM Orbán vaccinated with Chinese Sinopharm vaccine
After receiving the vaccine, the prime minister said vaccination was the only possible protection against the coronavirus epidemic.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been vaccinated with the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.
According to MTI, PM Orbán got the jab at a vaccination point in the Hungarian Armed Forces Medical Centre. After receiving the vaccine, he said vaccination was the only possible protection against the coronavirus epidemic.
PM Orbán said on Facebook that “we are being attacked by the third wave of the coronavirus epidemic which will be stronger than the previous two”. He asked all Hungarians to register and get vaccinated. PM Orbán said it was “worth listening to those who know better”, adding that he was vaccinated after Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller had decided that the members of the body in charge of epidemic prevention should also be vaccinated.
A video posted on Facebook showed PM Orbán being vaccinated after receiving a medical examination including a temperature check. After getting vaccinated, PM Orbán said in his office that he had no complaints at all and encouraged people not to fear vaccination.He added that tens of thousands of ethnic Hungarians had received the Chinese vaccine in Vojvodina and several thousand people in Hungary. He called on people to trust Hungarian professionals.
March 1 – 10:12 AM: 4326 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 432,925, while 84 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 4,326 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 432,925. Meanwhile, 84 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 322,956. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 94,911.
685,247 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 251,691 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 5,679 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 537 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 28 – 16:46 PM: 4469 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 428,599, while 72 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 4,469 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 428,599 . Meanwhile, 72 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 321,128 . The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 92,497.
677,682 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 249,499 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 5,482 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 524 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 27 – 10:47 AM: 4948 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 424,130, while 107 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 4,948 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 424,130. Meanwhile, 107 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 319,691. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 89,537.
563,601 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 244,407 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 5,282 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 482 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 26 – 13:15 PM: PM Orbán: Hungary is facing hardest two weeks of pandemic
The prime minister said hospitals will have to withstand as yet unseen levels of pressure, adding that the healthcare system will be in need of all of its doctors, nurses and ventilators.
Hungary is facing its hardest two weeks of the coronavirus pandemic so far, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said, encouraging the public to register for a vaccine.
According to MTI, the prime minister said he had met a group of mathematicians on Thursday to discuss epidemiological trends the country could expect over the coming days and weeks. “I have a whole lot of bad news,” PM Orbán said in a video posted on Facebook. “It appears that we are on the brink of the hardest two weeks of the pandemic yet. The emergence of the new mutant variants of the virus has led, and will continue to lead, to a sharp rise in infections.”
The prime minister said hospitals will have to withstand as yet unseen levels of pressure, adding that the healthcare system will be in need of all of its doctors, nurses and ventilators.
PM Orbán asked the public to continue to observe the regulations and guidelines issued by the operative board coordinating the response to the pandemic. “We’re in a race against time,” he said. “If many people register for a vaccine … it will help shorten this difficult period. If few people register, this period of enormous pressure will be longer.”
February 26 – 13:14 PM: Restrictions to remain in place until March 15
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the third wave of the pandemic had hit Hungary and numbers could “worsen dramatically” in the coming weeks.Top of Form
The Hungarian government will maintain the current restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic until March 15.
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the third wave of the pandemic had hit Hungary and numbers could “worsen dramatically” in the coming weeks. “The next two weeks will be particularly difficult,” he added.
The minister said there are a number of new variants present in the country, spreading faster than earlier ones, adding that the vaccines currently available provided protection against each of them.
Gulyás said that hopefully the current lockdown was the last of its kind, in view of the mass inoculation of people now under way. He said that the vaccination process would be accelerated in the next two weeks, with “more people receiving the jabs than the total number inoculated so far”.
The restrictions could be eased in a couple of weeks, he said, adding that the government would make relevant decisions in consideration of the results of a National Consultation survey on the subject. He also said that the government would define authorizations attached to the vaccination certificates issued to people inoculated and those who have recovered from Covid-19.
February 26 – 13:12 PM: CMO: Everyone who has registered will receive vaccine by Easter
The number of people in Hungary who have received a shot has so far exceeded half a million.
Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller has said that the authorities want to speed up the rate of vaccinations, and the aim is for everyone who has registered in advance to receive the vaccine by Easter.
Cecília Müller told a briefing on Thursday that the working group in charge of the vaccination drive was continually examining professional innovations and experiences from other countries with a view to speeding up Hungary’s vaccination schedule. She said the number of people in Hungary who have received a shot exceeded half a million.
February 26 – 11:36 AM: 4668 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 419,182, while 123 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.Top of Form
With 4,668 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 419,182. Meanwhile, 123 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 317,899. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 86,488.
521,283 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 240,622 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 5,027 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 451 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 25 – 12:03 PM: PM Orbán: Easing restrictions is not yet within reach
"The situation is not easy,” the prime minister said. While the amount of vaccines arriving in the country is growing, Hungary is also threatened by a third wave of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said a decision to ease restrictions introduced to curb the coronavirus pandemic is not yet within reach, with the possible exception of the ban on visits to elderly care homes.
Speaking after the second round of consultations with epidemiological experts in a three-day series, PM Orbán noted in a video posted on Facebook that administering China’s Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine started in Hungary on Wednesday, “an important day … it gives me hope too that leaders of the protection efforts may also have their turn sometime next week."
"The situation is not easy,” the prime minister said. While the amount of vaccines arriving in the country is growing, Hungary is also threatened by a third wave of the pandemic. “Those two tendencies … work against each other,” he said, citing experts as saying that everyone who can should get themselves inoculated.
PM Orbán said that although lifting the restrictions is not in sight, the government will look into finding humane solutions to the situation in care homes for the elderly. Those facilities have an 80 percent inoculation rate by now, and the residents are suffering gravely from the ban on visitors and outings, the prime minister added.
February 25 – 11:23 AM: 4385 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 414,514, while 120 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 4,385 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 414,514. Meanwhile, 120 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 315,781. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 84,061.
508,073 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 211,073 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,836 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 411 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 24 - 13:05 PM: PM Orbán meets scientific leaders for coronavirus talks
The Council advised against easing restrictions, PM Orbán said, adding that “the time for that will come once we have a higher number of vaccinated residents”.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has met leaders of the Scientific Health Council, as part of a series of consultations concerning the coronavirus situation.
In a video published on Facebook after the meeting, the prime minister quoted the participants as warning that “we must be careful in view of an increasing number of cases in a third wave of the epidemic and do all we can to ensure that as many doses of vaccines as possible are received and the most people get inoculated”.
The Council also advised against easing restrictions, PM Orbán said, adding that “the time for that will come once we have a higher number of vaccinated residents”. The prime minister will have a next round of consultations today.
February 24 – 13:00 PM: Covid vaccinations could exceed 800,000 by end of the week
Hungary’s vaccination rate is above the European Union average. So far, over 457,000 people have received their first shot and 206,000 people are fully inoculated.
István György, State Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, has said the number of people vaccinated against coronavirus may well have exceeded 800,000 by the end of the week.
According to MTI, György said that Hungary’s vaccination rate was above the European Union average. So far, over 457,000 people have received their first shot and 206,000 people are fully inoculated, he said.
In the next few days, GPs will use 275,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine to inoculate registered elderly patients, while 41,000 people below the age of 60 with chronic illnesses will receive AstraZeneca shot. Another 52,000 registered elderly are set to receive the Pfizer jab at inoculation centres, György said.
February 24 – 12:41 PM: 100,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine arrive in Hungary
“Speed is of the essence … as advancing the inoculation plan by a single day would save the lives of 100-150 people,” the foreign minister said.
A delivery of 100,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine arrived in Hungary late on Monday. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the vaccine was taken to the National Public Health Center, noting that the authority has approved its distribution.
“Speed is of the essence … as advancing the inoculation plan by a single day would save the lives of 100-150 people,” he said. Further, the infection of some 2,000 people would be prevented while the loss to the Hungarian economy of HUF 10-15 billion (EUR 27.8-41.8m) would also be spared, he added. “We are working to ensure that all approved vaccines arrive in Hungary as fast as possible,” he said.
Minister Szijjártó announced on Jan. 22 that Hungary had procured two million doses of Sputnik V, enough for the full inoculation of one million people.
February 24 – 12:34 PM: 2855 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 410,129, while 102 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 2,855 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 410,129. Meanwhile, 102 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 313,450. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 82,127.
471,004 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 208,846 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,353 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 407 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 23 – 11:29 AM: 1628 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 407,274, while 103 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 1,628 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 407,274. Meanwhile, 103 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 310,848. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 81,976.
457,096 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 205,720 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,582 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 396 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 23 – 11:14 AM: Parliament extends pandemic special legal order
The law which authorizes the government to extend related decrees by 90 days was passed with 133 votes in favor, 55 against and one abstention.
Parliament has passed a bill on extending the special legal order in connection with measures to protect the country against the coronavirus pandemic.
According to MTI, the law which authorizes the government to extend related decrees by 90 days was passed with 133 votes in favor, 55 against and one abstention. Justice Minister Judit Varga, in her reasoning attached to the bill, said the approval by lawmakers was “a political recognition of the government’s efforts so far to stop the epidemic”.
Under the new law, interim elections or referendums cannot be held while the special legal order is in force. Votes thus postponed shall be scheduled within 15 days of the special legal order’s termination. The new law also stipulates that the government should provide regular information about its pandemic-related measures to parliament, or to the house speaker and group leaders when the assembly is not in session. The law will take effect on the day of its publication for 90 days.
February 23 – 11:07AM: PM Orbán: Countries must purchase as many coronavirus vaccines as possible
PM Orbán said that in a pandemic, a politician’s job was to take responsibility and protect the health and lives of his country’s citizens.
The prime minister said countries must quickly purchase as many coronavirus vaccines as possible, regardless of whether they come from the East or the West.
During an interview with German news portal Focus Online, when asked about Hungary’s decision to buy Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that in a pandemic, a politician’s job was to take responsibility and protect the health and lives of his country’s citizens. He said there were no “Eastern or Western vaccines”; only good or bad ones. When the Hungarian authorities conclude that a vaccine is safe and effective, they authorise it, he added. “From that point on, to me, a vaccine that has been granted authorization is a Hungarian vaccine I can use to save the lives of my compatriots,” PM Orbán said.
According to MTI, the prime minister said it was possible to treat the procurement of vaccines and the tense relations between the European Union and Russia as separate issues. He underscored that human life and the protection of health took precedence over political, including geopolitical considerations.
“Looking at it objectively, it’s clear that the eastern part of Europe developed a vaccination culture during the communist era which led to eastern Europe eradicating the polio virus a lot sooner than western Europe, where the Russian vaccine was not adopted for ideological reasons,” PM Orbán said.
When asked about the European Union’s centralized vaccine procurement program, PM Orbán said it had become clear that “this was the wrong decision.” The United States, Britain, Israel and even Serbia “are well ahead of us EU member states”, he said, adding at the same time that it was now “too late” to change course and “complaining is pointless”. “Let the European Commission do what it has to do,” PM Orbán said. “We won’t get in its way and we’ll support it wherever we can, but out of responsibility for our people, we’ll exercise our national competences.”
Finally, when asked why he did not consider Hungary to be bound by the EU decision on vaccine procurement, PM Orbán said: “Brussels follows its own logic. It doesn’t take into consideration the importance of the time factor and is too slow to issue approvals and doesn’t appear to be talking to suppliers from a position of strength.” However, EU regulations do not bar member states from acting on their own, and the Hungarian government has taken advantage of this, he said.
February 23 – 11:00 AM: PM Orbán urges voters to participate in government’s latest National Consultation survey
Epidemiologists will have the final say in the decision, but everybody’s opinion counts as to when, and in how many steps, the restrictions should be removed.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged voters to participate in the government’s latest National Consultation survey concerning possible removal of coronavirus-related restrictions.
“The moment has come at last to have a sensible discussion on how we could ease the restrictions imposed due to the epidemic,” the prime minister said, adding that “we have had enough of these [restrictions], we want to get rid of them”.
According to PM Orbán, epidemiologists will have the final say in the decision, but added that “everybody’s opinion counts” as to when, and in how many steps, the restrictions should be removed. “That is why I am asking you to fill in the questionnaire,” PM Orbán said.
February 22 – 11:51 AM: 201,087 people have so far filled out government’s National Consultation survey
The government is seeking the public’s views on whether restrictions should be lifted gradually or in a single go when the pandemic situation allows.
A total of 201,087 people filled out the government’s National Consultation survey on possible scenarios for lifting pandemic restrictions by Saturday morning.
In the survey, launched a few days earlier, the government is seeking the public’s views on whether restrictions should be lifted gradually or in a single go when the pandemic situation allows, and whether restrictions should be eased for people with immunity to the coronavirus. So far, 2,265,000 Hungarians have registered to be vaccinated.
February 22 – 10:44 AM: Hungary to inoculate more than 465,000 people in two weeks
275,000 doses of the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to general practitioners in the coming week.
Hungary will have enough vaccine to inoculate more than 465,000 people against Covid-19 over a period of two weeks starting on Wednesday.
István György, who heads the task force coordinating the vaccine rollout, said 275,000 does of the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines would be delivered to general practitioners in the coming week.
The vaccines will be used to inoculate people with chronic health conditions, although the AstraZeneca one will be limited to people under 60 years of age. GPs will also each get ten doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for their patients in the oldest age group.
So far 550,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine and 46,000 of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine have arrived in Hungary. Hungary will take delivery of another 500,000 does of the Chinese vaccine after March 15. Shipments of vaccines from the west continue to arrive at an unpredictable pace, György said.
February 22 – 10:36 AM: 2623 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 405,646, while 48 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 2,623 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 405,646. Meanwhile, 48 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 308,650 . The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 82,649.
453,457 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 201,005 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,489 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 394 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 21 – 12:19 PM: 2912 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 403,023, while 47 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 2,912 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 403,023. Meanwhile, 47 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 306,621. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 82,103.
445,535 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 190,705 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,233 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 366 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 20 – 13:28 PM: 2995 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 400,111, while 107 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 2,995 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 400,111. Meanwhile, 107 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 304,680. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 81,179.
427,309 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 172,739 have already received the second dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 4,147 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 351 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 19 – 12:31 PM: 3093 new cases of COVID-19 in Hungary
The total number of people infected with the coronavirus now stands at 397,116, while 110 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday.
With 3,093 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, the number of total cases now stands at 397,116 . Meanwhile, 110 more Hungarians succumbed to the virus yesterday and the number of those who have recovered grew to 302,689. The number of active coronavirus cases now stands at 80,282.
391,821 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Hungary. 152,432 have already received the second dose of the vaccine."
There are currently 4,024 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 352 of whom are on ventilators.
In order to protect all lives during the pandemic, the following restrictive measures remain in force:
Curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private and family events may not exceed a group size limit of 10 people, not counting those below 14 years of age.
The government has extended the state of epidemiological preparedness for six months.
Ban on visitation in hospitals and elderly homes.
Social workers, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, as well as police and military officers working in the defense against the coronavirus may use public transport for free.
All shops and services, with the exception of pharmacies and petrol stations, must close at 7 p.m.
Mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces of all settlements with a population above 10,000.
All forms of assembly are forbidden.
Free public parking.
The Hungarian Police will enforce these restrictions by imposing fines and closing up places that violate the special rules.
February 19 – 12:24 PM: CMO: Hungary on cusp of a third wave of the epidemic
The CMO said epidemiological trends in Hungary have been deteriorating over the last several days, with 2,853 new Covid infections registered on Wednesday.
Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Müller said Hungary’s rising coronavirus case numbers show that the country is “on the cusp of a third wave of the epidemic”.
The CMO said epidemiological trends in Hungary have been deteriorating over the last several days, with 2,853 new Covid infections registered on Wednesday. The number of Covid-19 patients treated in hospital has also been rising, with 4,021 people currently ho
