Latest updates on Covid-19 protective measures in Hungary

Protection efforts against the novel coronavirus epidemic have been effective in Hungary and more successful than in many western European countries, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.

Immediate and effective response was enabled by a special legal order put in force, as well as by a “national unity” created “in a new development” without support by the opposition, Gergely Gulyás told a press conference.

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He said the opposition’s “immoral attacks” against staff working on protection, smear-campaigns to discredit Hungary abroad and the circulation of “fake videos” have all been morally unacceptable and degrading acts.

Shopping times reserved for elderly people will be discontinued as of Thursday but rules on wearing masks will be maintained.

In line with a European Commission proposal which coincides with the government’s position, borders between European Union member states should be made crossable as soon as possible, he said.

At the same time, after a temporary stop in migration, figures in May were once reason for concern, he said, expressing hope that the reopening of borders will not hinder border defence.

Gulyás added that Hungary was able to defend its borders.

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The government’s economy protection measures implemented to counter the effects of the coronavirus epidemic have saved 1.2 million jobs in Hungary.

The lockdown forced by the epidemic has seriously hit Hungary’s labour market and economic output, Gergely Gulyás told a regular press conference.

Economic forecasts for Hungary vary, he said, adding that the government’s projection based on forecasts by the finance ministry is for a recession of 3 percent. The epidemic has considerably limited the room for manoeuvring in next year’s budget, he said.

Source: MTI