At a joint press conference with the Coronavirus Operational Group, Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Hungarian Government has ordered a state of emergency.
Minister Gulyás has revealed some immediate state of emergency measures: ban on arrivals from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran; closing of universities; ban on indoor events larger than 100 and outdoor events above 500.
Additional government directives will be published in the coming hours and days.
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 Hungary’s territory. Consequently, Hungary will not welcome trains, buses or flights from these four countries. Hungarian citizens, of course, can return home, but they will be placed in quarantine.
Universities will be temporarily closed. 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 stop the spread of coronavirus.
Additional measures include a ban on foreign school excursions. According to the directive, validity of personal documents (ID card, drivers’ license, etc.) is extended until the end of the state of emergency.
Minister Gulyás said the above measures are valid until recalled and more will follow in the coming hours and days.
A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email under koronavirus@bm.gov.hu.