August 20 national holiday public events cancelled in Hungary

All public events scheduled for the August 20 national holiday have been cancelled including the air show and the evening fireworks display as part of coronavirus protection measures, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.

Festivities that attract a large number of people pose a threat of spreading Covid-19 infections, Gergely Gulyás told a regular weekly press briefing.

The oath-taking ceremony of graduate officers will however be held, he said.

Gulyás noted that the number of active coronavirus infections in Hungary is gradually dropping. Hungary is one of the safest and most protected countries against the virus in the region, he said.

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As regards neighbouring countries that have seen a rise in the number of infections, no further restrictions are needed as the coronavirus situation in these countries, with the exception of Serbia and Ukraine, has improved in the past few days.

Gulyás said domestic coronavirus-related precautionary measures must be observed, including wearing a face mask on public transport and in shops. Restaurant staff must also wear a face mask, he added.

The ban on holding public events with more than 500 participants will stay in effect until August 15, Gulyás said, adding that the cabinet will review the situation and take a decision on any changes at the end of this month.

Answering a question, Gulyás said the chief medical officer and the operative board in charge of containing the coronavirus epidemic had decided to maintain measures and now the number of Covid-19 cases is gradually dropping.

Gulyás said that ideally Hungary’s borders should be sealed but this would be unfair given that many Hungarians live abroad. Anyone presenting a certificate that they are free of the virus are exempt from having to go into quarantine, he added.

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Source: MTI