Coronavirus – Restrictions to be extended until May 3 in Hungary – UPDATE
Answering a question on making wearing face masks compulsory, Gulyás said it was up to the operative board to make such a decision. Compulsory face coverings are ordered for the most part in enclosed spaces such as shops and public transport in other countries, he noted.
Gulyás praised the work of Human Resources Minister Miklós Kásler and Chief Medical Officer CecÃlia Müller, saying that the health-care system was prepared to handle a “crisis bigger than ever”.
Regarding remarks made by Vera Jourova, the Vice-President of the European Commission and commissioner for values and transparency, Gulyás welcomed that “the commissioner nominated by liberal parties, who has often criticised Hungary, has conceded that Hungarian measures are in line with EU law”. This will not end the dispute, Gulyás warned, “as criticism [against Hungary] has never been based on facts but an inclination to criticise, hate and despise the country and the government.”
Regarding accepting gravely ill coronavirus patients from other countries, Gulyás said there were no such plans as yet. Hungary will be happy to help others once it is in a position to do so without endangering its own citizens’ security and health, he said.
Commenting on the quality of available protective gear, Gulyás said most items suited their purpose. He added that some 2 percent of masks have been forwarded to ethnic Hungarians beyond the borders and to other countries.
He said he was unable to provide an exact figure concerning the level of infections among health staff. He added, however, that the Hungarian average was in line with international figures, or around 10 percent.
Government Spokeswoman Alexandra Szentkirályi said
doctors aged above 65 have been given the opportunity to return to work, but this is not mandatory.
Gulyás said a debate on whether the current hospital financing model was useful should be held only after the epidemic is over.
Commenting on the economy, he said the government had already taken over the payment of several hundred thousand forints of wage costs on behalf of employers and regulations were amended after consultations with companies. Consultations, he added, would continue and changes would be made if necessary, but the current form of support is already good tool for handling unemployment-related problems in a way that does not involve paying benefits, he added.
He said no changes have been made to inflation projections.
An important decision has been made concerning pensioners and instead of taking away a month’s pension from them, as it happened during crisis in the past, they will get back the 13th month pension.
This also demonstrates that the government wants recovery from the crisis not through austerity.
Commenting on whether the extension of eligibility for job-seekers’ benefits has been considered, he said the cabinet believes benefits should be a last resort and help should be given instead by offering work and jobs.
In response to a question concerning domestic violence, Szentkiralyi said the government maintained a policy of zero tolerance. Crisis centres are open to help victims and several ministries are trying to help those in need, she added.
Gulyás commented on a signature drive by the Szekler National Council, urging people to express their support for the civil initiative, saying that one million signatures are needed by the May 7 deadline.
Read alsoCoronavirus – Hungarian-developed ventilator being registered for patent
Source: MTI
please make a donation here
Hot news
Hungarian Defence Minister: Diplomacy ‘only solution’ to end war
Top Hungary news: Serbia partners with Paks, Christmas market prices, prison for commenting, traffic changes, HUF 50,000 coin – 19 November, 2024
Orbán cabinet: Relations between Hungary and the UK to further strengthen
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó: More people in Europe becoming reasonable about illegal migration
This Hungarian word has become known and used worldwide!
Contemporary Chinese art on display at Hungarian National Museum
2 Comments
Good luck to all of you out there who are fighting this scourge..Great admiration for your courage and dedication.
Great admiration and appreciation to ALL out there focused on us, there beloved fellow citizens of Budapest, Hungary.
Please Stay Well.