Hungarian gov't introduces "state of epidemiological preparedness"

Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 02:03:04|Editor: huaxia

BUDAPEST, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A "state of epidemiological preparedness" was introduced in Hungary on Thursday to replace the state of emergency that was declared on March 11 to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to the government's Official Gazette.

The "state of epidemiological preparedness" will stay in effect until Dec. 18, 2020, but the government will review its necessity every three months, the decree said.

With this change of regime, life returned almost back to normal in Hungary. The reserved shopping hours for seniors (over 65) from 09:00 a.m. till 12 noon have now been lifted.

Events and gatherings drawing a maximum of 500 people can again be organized and people can go freely to watch football matches. Car owners will also have to pay for parking starting July 1.

However, the wearing of face masks will remain mandatory for employees working in closed spaces and for shoppers, according to Gergely Gulyas, head of the Prime Minister's Office.

"We believe that wearing masks should be sufficient protection for the elderly from now on," Gulyas said at a press conference.

According to official figures, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hungary stood at 4,079 on Thursday, with 2,564 recoveries and 568 fatalities. Enditem

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