The Hungarian government has extended the temporary border controls, introduced in September to contain the spread of the coronavirus, by one more month.
Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, urged the public to observe the rules implemented so far in response to the epidemic, underlining the importance of wearing face masks. Schools are carrying out temperature checks on students and the blanket visiting ban on visits to hospitals and retirement homes is being maintained, he said, adding that the seasonal flu vaccine will also be widely available.
According to MTI, Gulyás said the government’s aim, in line with the results of the latest National Consultation public survey, is to ensure that the country is able to function. As regards the economy, Gulyás said there were more than 4.5 million people employed, adding that the government had kept its promise to create as many jobs as were lost in the coronavirus crisis while helping to preserve some 1.4 million jobs through various schemes. He also added that job protection would remain one of the government’s top priories. Gulyás confirmed expectations of a dropping economic performance but added that the Hungarian figure would still be better than the European average. Gulyás said the government forecasts and economic downturn this year of an annual 5 percent.
Government spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi said that flu vaccines would be made available free to residents this year. She noted that flu and Covid-19 produced similar symptoms, and vaccination against flu could help doctors diagnose Covid-19. Nationwide, 1.3 million flu vaccines will be distributed, she said.