Are baths really reopening in Hungary?
Baths can now reopen after the restrictions have been eased up in regions outside of Budapest. According to Prime Minister Orbán’s announcement, they can open their doors to guests again starting May 4.
The announcement does not make it clear, whether it only applies to beaches that are out in the open, or bath houses too. Termalfurdo.hu tried to find out which baths were planning on opening soon, but there is much uncertainty as of yet.
Even under usual circumstances, baths and beaches can only open after they have been approved by the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service, and the examination and testing of pools can take weeks. The quality of the water in the pools is tested in a laboratory, and only 100 per cent aseptic pools get approved.
Testing usually starts in April, so baths and beaches can open at their usual time in May, but because of the pandemic, getting appointments for testing the water can start on May 4.
There is no news about any new safety protocols yet. They already have very serious hygiene protocols to follow, but because of the coronavirus, these rules are expected to become more strict.
The general secretary of the Hungarian Bath Association, Zoltán Balogh, did not want to reveal any specifics of their suggestions about tightening protocols. Still, he says they follow the general restrictions about safe distance and protecting the elderly.
People over 65 will most likely not be able to visit beaches this season. To be able to keep a safe distance, fewer people will be allowed on bath premises at one time, and the number of people in one pool will be limited as well. As to how the safety measures will be applied to changing rooms and communal showers is still a question.
- Hungarian baths started closing down in March because of the pandemic.
- Check out Hungary’s beautiful and famous baths.
One bath has already opened, the Demjén Thermal Bath announced on their Facebook page, that three outdoor thermal pool would be open for guests between 9 AM and 2 AM.
As for other baths and beaches, some are planning to reopen on the Pentecost long weekend, while others are aiming for the start of July, but nothing is set in stone yet. Many of them will open even if the restrictions will mean a financial loss.
Source: termalfurdo.hu
1 Comment
The management of the novel coronavirus pandemic, has been handled with astuteness by our Prime Minister -Victor Orban & his Government.
There performance has been exemplary.
The lifting of the layers of restrictions – the various stages, is a monumental challenge, and the timing decision process, in the reopening of our beeches and baths, must be totally focused on the approval obtained through Medical Science.
The process timing of there reopening, the additional laws that must be introduced plus those already in place for our safety and wellbeing, where will responsibility rest for there function and operation ?
Who is going to monitor or Police there operation to ensure they are fully operating to the letter of the Law ?
We are World renowned for our Thermal Baths and Thermal Springs and Spas.
There use is very much part of my lifestyle and our World reputation the soiling of there magnificence reputation, there splendor and pleasure, plus the income derived earned to our economy, it would be catastrophic, to have a situation that caused there closure , through us prematurely reopening them.
Personally – the soothing waters can stay settle for me till June before I take my much wanted and needed “plunge” – or lay back and enjoy a “battery charger of life” in one of our truly magnificent thermal spring / beeches facilities.
Prime Minister – Victor Orban has my complete support and my confidence is in him and our Government, that they will continue to make the right calls in the layer layback procedures and requirements.
Stay Well – ALL.