Minister Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, announced today at the Government Info press conference that the movement and other restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic will remain in force until March 1.
“Measures that came into force in November managed to curb the spread of the epidemic. Rules elsewhere in Europe are in many cases stricter than Hungary’s, but if we want to avoid the third wave, current rules must be maintained,” said Gulyás at the press conference.
Thus, the curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. will remain in force, as will the rules on wearing a mask and social-distancing. Shops, with the exception of pharmacies and gas stations, can be open until 7 p.m., while restaurants and coffee shops can only handle takeaway orders. All forms of assembly are forbidden.
The minister also emphasized that the pressure on the healthcare system is less than it was in the previous two to three months.
Minister Gulyás also pointed out that “if the spread of the epidemic continues to decline, there is a chance of alleviating some restrictions.” He noted that this is also possible if Hungary receives enough vaccines to inoculate enough people.
To keep the current regulations in force, the government has asked Parliament to extend the state of emergency for another 90 days.