Hungarian Gov'nt Extends Epidemic Alert Period

The government has extended the epidemic alert by half a year, until December 18, the decree was published in the Hungarian Gazette Wednesday night.

According to the Health Act, during the period of epidemiological preparedness, the government may, among other things

- restrict or ban events that could contribute to the spread of the epidemic;
- may also restrict the operation and opening hours of shops;
- regulate the opening hours of markets and fairs in municipalities;
- may restrict or prohibit access to certain establishments (in particular out-patient clinics, in-patient clinics, public education, vocational training, higher education, social services, child protection, child welfare and public cultural institutions);
- may lay down provisions on epidemiological isolation;
- lay down rules on social distancing, such as compulsory mask-wearing or shopping lanes for more vulnerable groups;
- restrict or prohibit the movement of persons or goods within Hungary or between Hungary and another country.

The alert was previously extended last December and was due to expire this Friday. During a crisis situation, the government reseves the right to make quicker decisions if the number of people infected with the coronavirus starts to rise again.