People's Movements to be Restricted in Hungary

The restrictions on movement are introduced as of this Saturday through April 11 for the the whole territory of Hungary. During this period, people will only be allowed to leave their homes "for good reason."

According to the decree, these "good reasons" include going to work, performing occupational duties, pursuing economic, agricultural and forestry activities, and shopping in stores selling materials and equipment essential for the performance of these activities, primarily in stores selling technical appliances, construction materials and equipment.

Permitted activities include the use of healthcare services such as – beyond curative treatments – ones provided for the preservation of bodily and mental health such as psychotherapy, physiotherapy and other forms of physical therapy.

People are also allowed to leave their homes for individual leisure-time and sporting activities as well as for walking (exercise). Such movements are permitted in residential and non-residential areas, wherever possible in green areas, for people on their own or for people sharing the same household, keeping a distance of a minimum one and a half meters from others. During daytime, people are also allowed to accompany minor children in small groups under supervision.

Weddings and funerals in limited family circles are likewise permitted, as is shopping in food stores and stores selling personal hygiene products. Visiting pet food stores, stores selling animal feed, agricultural stores, markets, pharmacies, gas stations, tobacco shops, hairdressers and manicure parlors is also permitted.

Between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. only people over the age of 65 will be permitted to shop in food stores, personal hygiene stores, markets and pharmacies.

From this Saturday, restaurants will have to close down; they will only be allowed to maintain operations for home deliveries.