The restrictions do not apply to markets mostly operating in outdoor spaces and typically closing in the early hours of the afternoon.
Naturally, the general rules of precaution also apply to market visitors: they should keep a safe distance from one another, while those especially at risk should stay at home and should ask others to do their shopping.
According to the main rule laid down in the relevant government decree, between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. only employees may be present on shop premises.
This rule does not apply to shops selling foodstuffs, toiletries, household cleaning substances, chemicals and hygiene paper products, stores selling medical supplies, pharmacies, filling stations and tobacco shops. Meaning that shops, pharmacies, filling stations and tobacco shops guaranteeing the continuous supply of families with foodstuffs and medicines remain open to customers during hours determined within their own competence.
Markets, too, are allowed to remain open without restrictions, regardless of whether they sell consumer goods for daily needs or not. According to the regulations in force, these do not qualify as shops; however, it is a more important criterion that most of them operate in outdoor spaces, and close – with few exceptions – in the early hours of the afternoon.
The government is continuously consulting with players of the trade sector, and is monitoring the safety of supplies. If any intervention is required, they will take or initiate the necessary measures based on the recommendations of the sector. We wish to take this opportunity to thank retail workers for standing their ground in an exemplary fashion.
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 koronavirus@bm.gov.hu