Budapest introduces new virus-related measures

Budapest is introducing measures to counteract the spread of the new coronavirus, the mayor’s office said in a statement on Wednesday.

Passengers will be able to board buses using all doors instead of only the front door so as to avoid crowding, and vehicles will be disinfected more often.

Also, information on rules and regulations will be available in English for tourists visiting the capital.

The city’s various public institutions such as theatres, cinemas and museums have been put on stand-by to suspend their activities and events, the statement said.

The municipality has asked the government to provide clear guidance to the organisers of events planned in Budapest.

A final decision whether to postpone the Hungarian stretch of the Giro d’Italia cycling competition should be made as soon as possible, it added.

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As regards the homeless, new rules are being drawn up to regulate care facilities and to protect the health of homeless people and the employees of the care facilities.

Given the extra burdens on the city, the budgets of the capital and its district will be reviewed, the statement said, adding that this should take place in consultation with the central government.

The capital will work together with the government-run operational board in charge of mitigating the new coronavirus epidemic, the statement said.

“We have also signalled the need for protective gear such as masks and disinfectant.

I hope information flow and cooperation will soon improve,” the statement signed by the mayor, Gergely Karácsony, said.

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Source: MTI