Mandatory mask-wearing in Hungary? – University of Pécs already took actions

According to recent data, the delta variant of the novel coronavirus seems to have reached Europe and a new, fourth wave is impacting the continent. Unfortunately, the number of infections in Hungary also rose over the past few weeks. Some institutions are considering bringing back mandatory mask-wearing for their facilities.

According to the latest European Covid map updated on September 9, although Hungary is still green along with some other neighbouring countries, the capital has been changed to orange. This means that the number of infections between week 34 and 35 of 2021 have been between 75-200 per 100,000 population.

The latest Hungarian Covid data said that there were 345 new infections while this number was only 110 at the end of August. In our previous article, we have reported that according to János Szlávik, chief infectologist of the South Pest Hospital Center, the new variant of the coronavirus is much more dangerous for young people.

In contrast to the variants before, the delta already contaminates two days before the first symptoms appear. Just at the start of September, he already mentioned that mandatory mask-wearing might be reintroduced in Hungary.

Although schools and universities start their semester with normal, personal education, some of them have required students to have an immunity certificate if they want to move into the dorms. Others will adhere to stricter rules such as using thermometers at entry and the use of hand sanitisers.

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According to the most recent information, the University of Pécs requires people attending most personal activities and certain areas of the facility to wear masks, Portfolio reports. The statement highlights that:

“The most important element of epidemiological control is vaccination and according to the current information […], a significant number of the citizens of the University of Pécs have the necessary immunity.”

But the university then recognises the dangers of the new delta variant and the moderate increase in the number of infections in Hungary, combined with their experience of the start of the economic year, the university rules mandatory mask use from September 13 in the following ways:

• in the Clinical Centre in accordance with the relevant legal and internal regulations,
• during attendance education sessions held indoors (e.g. lectures, seminars, practice), except for the person giving the lecture,
• in the course of administration with a personal presence,
• in addition to personal presence, during closed-space meetings and board meetings, provided that safe distancing and/or adequate ventilation of the room cannot be ensured.

You can find the entire statement on the University website.

If the number of infections continues to rise, it is likely that many other institutions will follow the practice of the University of Pécs, or it is not out of the picture that the Hungarian Government will make mask-wearing mandatory again.

Source: Portfolio.hu, International.pte.hu, 24.hu