Pandemic Restrictions to Ease - Outside Central Hungary

Starting on May 4, many restrictions introduced as part of the security measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic will be lifted in Hungary – except for Budapest and Pest County surrounding the capital. Schools will not reopen in the country at least until the end of May.

The terraces of restaurants, cafes and hotels as well as shops can be open without any time restriction. Beaches and open-air museums can also open, and businesses in the service sector will be able to open back up without restrictions. Weddings, funerals and masses can also be held from May 4 onwards by maintaining the appropriate social distancing. Additionally, private healthcare services will be able to start back up, while the public healthcare system will relaunch gradually in four steps.

All this will only be applicable nationwide - except for Budapest and Pest County. However, the government still requests that senior citizens leave their homes only when absolutely necessary and go shopping during their provided time slot from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Furthermore, everyone must cover their mouth and nose in enclosed spaces and keep a distance of 1.5 meters from others.

Currently, 70% of active infections are in the Central Hungarian region, and 70% of pandemic related deaths have been in and around Budapest. Thus, movement restrictions will remain in force in these areas.