Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has confirmed that Hungary passed 5 million vaccinations over the weekend, allowing it to lift most of its coronavirus restrictions, including the night-time curfew as well as the rules on outdoor mask-wearing and social distancing. “We can say goodbye to our masks,” PM Orbán said on Facebook.
The prime minister added that it had been clear for the past few months that “if we want our normal, healthy, happy lives back, it is with the vaccines that we can successfully protect ourselves against the virus.” “We have achieved that goal now!” PM Orbán said, thanking everyone who contributed to the effort and decided to take the vaccine and asking those who have not yet been vaccinated to get inoculated.
The government has issued a decree on the next stage of Hungary’s reopening, emphasizing that certain restrictions will only be lifted for those who are immune to the virus. Physical distancing and mask-wearing will remain mandatory in shopping malls. Masks will also be required in enclosed areas in which people with COVID immunity may mix with people who haven’t been inoculated against the virus, such as on public transport and in shops. Wedding receptions are limited to 200 people, while up to 50 people can attend private and family events.