All about the Hungarian curfew: what can we do and what is forbidden?

Even Hungarians are uncertain most of the time about what they are allowed to do or not from Wednesday when the new COVID-19 regulations came into effect in Hungary. Hvg tried to collect all the questions and gives a proper answer to them, which you can read below.

The government introduced restrictions because of the quick spread of the coronavirus epidemic in Hungary this Wednesday. For example, there is a kind of curfew at night, and all clubs had to close. Of course, there are some exceptions, hvg reported.

For example, those

who work at night can be on the streets, even between 12 pm and 5 am. 

That means that pharmacies, petrol stations, or round-the-clock retailers can also remain open during the night. Interestingly, they do not need a document to prove that they go to work, unlike, for example, in Italy. Of course, there will be night traffic, but everybody should plan their walk, jog, or other activities apart from going to work before midnight or after 5 am.

Restaurants can remain open until 11 pm, but they have to establish proper distance between the tables. Furthermore, there can also be concerts but only if the guests have a seat and if they wear a face mask.

• Hungary to receive Russian vaccine in December!
• Who blocked Budapest Airport from getting Covid-19 funds?
• Coronavirus – PM Orbán: “If everyone works together, no further measures will be needed”

If a police officer catches you on the street after midnight, it is up to them whether they believe that you are on your way home or just heading towards a party. That is because one of the government’s aims with the new restrictions is to baulk parties where people dance with each other. Therefore,

a lot depends on the police officer you meet and your behaviour.

In the case of an emergency in your own home (fire, health issues, etc) or your neighbour’s home, you can also leave your apartment or house. The same applies if someone needs medicine at night.

In cinemas and theatres, guests can occupy only every third seat and have to leave one row in the front and back empty. Therefore, even

 if you have a ticket, that does not mean you will have a seat.

Clubs have to close, but they work hard to reschedule the concerts, so they will probably offer a new date for you. Cinema City and Budapest Film said they could deal with the challenges, but provided somebody does not accept the seat they are given, they pay back the price of the ticket.

For the government, the Wednesday announcement means that they can overwrite every law with decrees. That includes everything from digital education to travelling and from the closure of grocery stores to medical surgeries. Furthermore, mayors got all the decision-making rights of the local councils again.

For scaremongering, one can get 1 to 5 years in prison.

Source: hvg.hu