coronavirus

National vaccination campaign gets under way

National vaccination campaign gets under way

Hungary launched a national coronavirus vaccination campaign on Monday, letting people turn up at any of the country’s 101 designated vaccination points without having to pre-register or make an appointment.

A total of 51,000 jabs were administered by noon on Monday, István György, the state secretary for regional administration of the Prime Minister’s Office, told public media. Of them, 42,000 were booster jabs, 7,000 first jabs and the rest second jabs, he added.

The 7,000 first jabs administered on Monday morning is by far the highest number of first vaccinations registered in the last “one and a half to two months”,

the state secretary said.

Five types of Covid jabs are available at the vaccination points, he said.

The vaccination points are open from 7am to 7pm.

coronavirus hungary szent lászló hospital
Read alsoHungary’s Covid-19 death toll surpasses 33,000 – latest numbers

Hungary’s Covid-19 death toll surpasses 33,000 – latest numbers

coronavirus hungary szent lászló hospital

Altogether 392 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the weekend, while 27,209 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Monday.

So far 6,024,568 people have received a first jab, while 5,794,499 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,834,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections stands at 144,533, while

hospitals are treating 6,451 Covid-19 patients, 649 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 1,025,697 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 33,172.

Fully 847,992 people have made a recovery.

There are 50,429 people in official quarantine, while the number of tests taken stands at 8,134,310.

As we wrote on Sunday, Hungary’s chief medical officer has urged the Hungarian public to get vaccinated with a third shot, explaining that more antigens are needed in the body in light of new variants of the coronavirus. Details: Designated vaccination points will be open to everyone in Hungary

vaccination immunity certificate_hungary
Read alsoHungarian Covid restrictions in detail — Beware of fake immunity certificates

Hungarian Covid restrictions in detail — Beware of fake immunity certificates

vaccination immunity certificate_hungary

The Hungarian Gazette published the details of the latest epidemiological measures. With the help of this, you can know exactly where to wear a mask. However, the regulation is still unclear to many. In addition, there are those who forge the immunity card, thus reaping the benefits that are granted for the vaccinated.

Clarified regulation

In the article of telex.hu, you can read where wearing a mask is obligatory. The mask will be mandatory in shops, shopping malls, post office customer services, theatres, cinemas, museums, and sporting events.

The law is not clear to event organisers, though. In the Papp László Sports Arena, for example, a mask is also mandatory for guests, while in the Aquarium Club, all you need is an immunity certificate.

“If an event has required an immunity card before, then the guests there still do not have to wear a mask, only the employees,” 

the Hungarian government responded to questions. In restaurants, swimming pools, hotels, gyms, only workers need to be in masks. Compliance with the rules is checked by the police. In addition, the military can help ensure compliance with the rules. In the case of violations, the operator will be penalised.

“Education descending into ruins” – Hungarian teachers refuse to take mandatory jab

From Saturday wearing masks in enclosed spaces will be compulsory in Hungary!

More and more fake immunity certificates

Origo.hu writes that there are two ways to forge an immunity certificate. In most cases, corrupt healthcare workers certify the receipt of the vaccine. However, sometimes people forge the plastic card.

Last week, a family was hospitalised with the coronavirus infection. Later, the father died. The father had an immunity certificate, but it turned out to be fake. A 54-year-old general practitioner in the village of Kótaj joined forces with a 25-year-old resident to forge vaccination cards. 

The GP asked for 50 thousand forints per person to forge the vaccination papers.

In addition to forgery, the GP and their partner may also be liable in court for bribery. It is not only the vaccination papers, as people forge the plastic card as well. This fake card is only suitable for attending mass events because a more serious investigation reveals that the fake card has no trace in the records.

Read alsoBreaking! – Designated vaccination points will be open to everyone in Hungary

Hungary’s First Lady draws attention to foundation helping children orphaned by Covid

First Lady and President of Hungary

Hungary’s First Lady has drawn attention to the fact that the proceeds of a fair held at the InterContinental hotel in Budapest will go to the Regőczi Foundation that helps children orphaned by Covid.

Anita Herczegh, who heads the foundation’s board of trustees, noted that the embassies of 25 countries are selling the specialties, handicrafts, food, drinks and souvenirs of their nation at the fair organised by the Budapest Association of Diplomatic Spouses. Also, traditional dances will be performed at the event.

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President János Áder and his wife established the Regőczi Foundation in 2021. It provides long-term care for children who have lost one or both parents in the pandemic.

The foundation is also supported by a public media charity campaign to be held for the 10th time this year. By dialing 1357 or sending an SMS to the same number, the foundation will receive 500 forints per call.

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Read alsoUNICEF Hungary lights Budapest buildings blue for World Children’s Day – PHOTOS

Budapest’s two biggest Christmas fairs await visitors – PHOTO GALLERY

Budapest Christmas Markets Vörösmarty Square_Budapest

Last year, the Christmas Fair in Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, one of the most popular winter fairs in Europe, had to move to an online space due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, however, the iconic Christmas Fair once again awaits visitors on the city’s focal square, with measures to ensure the safety of partakers from 19 November all the way to Christmas.

The start of the holiday season is signalled by the arrival of Christmas fairs. Cities transform into winter wonderlands with string lights illuminating the streets and the finely decorated trees. While many markets chose not to open in 2020, numerous European markets are back this holiday season, with safety measures in place.

Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square

The iconic Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square, which has been organised in the capital every year since 1998, opened on Vörösmarty Square on Friday.

In accordance with current legislation, the event can only be attended with an immunity certificate,

writes Hvg. In addition, cash-free shopping will be introduced at catering units for the first time this year to reduce epidemiological risk.

The programs include lighting up a candle on the Advent wreath every Advent weekend, and there will be a festive light show on the façade of the Gerbeaud House from 1 December, announced Budapest Brand.

On 5 December, Joulupukki, the real Santa Claus, will also visit Vörösmarty Square.

In addition to the traditional food and drink repertoire of the fair, gastronomic delicacies will also be available at the “Gourmets” section. You can find the map of the fair below:

Christmas Market_Vörösmarty Square_Budapest_map
Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair

As we have already reported, the entire venue is surrounded by barriers, and three – or four on more crowded days – gates will ensure fast monitoring. Visitors are required to present a valid immunity certificate, along with a document proving their identity (ID, passport, driver’s licence).

According to the official website of the Christmas fair,

non-Hungarian citizens may prove their immunity by showing

1. their immunity card issued by a state whose immunity cards are recognised by Hungary,

2. their European Union digital Covid certificate, which proves that the person concerned has been vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the relevant government decree,

3. or has recovered from the infection.

A person has immunity through recovery from the infection if they prove with a digital Covid certificate that 15 days have passed since their last positive PCR test or rapid antigen test but that 180 days have not yet passed.

It is also important to note that organisers may restrict the number of visitors allowed to be present at the fair at any point in time, in accordance with the effective epidemiological measures.

Advent Feast at the Basilica

“In love and safety.” This year’s Advent at the basilica fair opened with this motto on Friday. This year, the feast, which was voted the best Christmas market in 2020 and Europe’s second most spectacular fair, opens for the 12th time at St. Stephen’s Square. In view of the epidemiological situation, organisers encourage visitors to read the policy of the fair carefully and celebrate Christmas and enjoy the holiday spirit accordingly.

After 2020’s special online format, this year, craftsmen and culinary professionals return to St. Stephen’s Square. Like every year,

a huge, shared Christmas tree will be decorated, which will stay there in addition to an Advent wreath and a Christmas crib throughout the weeks of the fair.

Advent Feast at the Basilica_Budapest_Christmas
Photo: www.facebook.com/adventiunnepabazilikanal

Starting with 28 November, a candle-lighting ceremony will be conducted on all Sundays. The programs also include a photo exhibition, an ice skating rink, and a mesmerising light show that will be projected to the façade of the Basilica every day at 16:30.

Visiting the Christmas fair is free of charge, but visitors must have a valid immunity certificate or a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours. Underage visitors are allowed to enter with an immunity certificate or if they are accompanied by an adult who has an immunity certificate.

Budapest among the TOP20 most beautiful European Christmas destinations – PHOTOS

Bazilika Christmas fair
Read alsoHungarian Christmas fairs that you can visit only with an immunity certificate

“Education descending into ruins” – Hungarian teachers refuse to take mandatory jab

Teacher coronavirus

According to a recent survey, nearly 19% of unvaccinated teachers do not intend to take the mandatory vaccine. These educators will be sent on unpaid leave from 1st January and may be dismissed a year later if they do not get the vaccine until then. According to experts, this will result in huge problems in the operation of Hungarian educational institutions, based on the fact that there are schools where only 40% of the teachers are vaccinated.

Based on a government decree issued last week, vaccination has become mandatory for teachers working in public educational institutions. Those who have previously been vaccinated must prove their vaccination to the head of the institution, while those who do not comply with this requirement will be sent on unpaid leave at the end of this year and may be dismissed a year later if they do not get the vaccine until then. As Hungarian news portal 24.hu reports, educators must get the first vaccine by 15th December.

The new regulation has caused outrage among Hungarian educators. Based on a recent survey carried out by the Democratic Union of Teachers,

almost 19% of unvaccinated teachers do not intend to take the vaccine.

According to the head of the union, these educators will look for other jobs if they are sent on unpaid leave. Based on the data of the internal survey, so far, 8,732 teachers have been affected by the new regulation, and almost 19% of them – 1,637 – will not take the mandatory vaccine, reports 24.hu.

According to the head of the union, huge problems can be expected in the operation of certain educational institutions if they cannot employ unvaccinated teachers.

These educators will look for other jobs if they are sent on unpaid leave because they cannot afford to drop out of work and be without social security.

Accordingly, people’s livelihoods are at stake. Secondly, those who remain in the institution will need to face extra work in order to provide the smooth operation of educational institutions.

Peaceful demonstration in Mohács

Regarding these concerns, a peaceful demonstration was organised in Mohács on Wednesday evening. The educators protested against compulsory vaccination. According to one of the organisers,

there is a school in the area where 40% of educators have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

If they are sent on unpaid leave, the institution will get into serious trouble, while “education is slowly descending into ruins,” commented the organiser to Eduline.

According to a participant, they are also afraid of the virus, but even more afraid of the possible side effects of the vaccine. “We believe in science, as we all want to pass on the knowledge of science to our students. We acknowledge the work of doctors and researchers. However, we believe that this vaccine was made available too early. Therefore, it should be available for those who demand it but not mandatory for those who still have questions.” In addition to the possible side effects of the vaccine, Hungarian educators are afraid of the ”inhuman amount of overtime” that can be expected by those who remain employed.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources (EMMI), vaccination in schools is close to 90%, and the new regulation will not cause operational problems. However, professional organisations think that the problem is greater than this, as vaccination varies from region to region. There are certain institutions where the proportion of vaccinated educators is only 50-60%.

coronavirus vaccine injection
Read alsoThese Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

Hungary to send doctors to help in Slovenia

Gergely Gulyás, the prime minister’s chief of staff confirmed that during yesterday’s government info. Hungary is to send ten doctors to Slovenia to help amid the serious epidemic there – he said.

Regarding the Stop Soros package of laws which the European Court of Justice ruled unlawful, Gulyás said the government was examining the ruling. He added the government considered the European Commission’s “stand in favour of migration taken within a single week of the court’s ruling” to be “a serious mistake”. Gulyás said the EC should follow the instructions of European government leaders and draft a clear set of rules to advance the protection of the EU’s external borders.

Commenting on the situation on the Poland-Belarus border, Gulyás noted that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was handling the diplomacy, and “Hungary knows what its weight is,” though if a request was received, he added, Hungary would not hesitate to step up. Every possible support for protecting the external borders should be provided, he said.

Asked about recent legislation on

changing address rules for voters in the general election,

Gulyás said the new rules did not offer any greater room for manoeuver that those up to now. Neither did they connect with the right to vote, he insisted. The government estimates that 1.5-2 million people live somewhere other than at their declared address, he added.

Fidesz trying to invigorate ‘voter tourism’?

During the five-week parliamentary session, no objections to the amendment were made, he said. A debate emerged only later, when an organisation linked to George Soros complained about the new law, Gulyás added. Responding to a question on the economy, Gulyas said the government considered it important that certain sectors of the economy should be in Hungarian hands to a sufficient degree, and more must be done to achieve this in the food industry and retail.

Regarding the possible redrafting of next year’s budget, he said the government awaited the central bank’s 2022 inflation forecast to be published in December. He said the government concurred with the consensus that inflation would not fall back to around three percent before the second half of next year.

Hungary face mask Budapest
Read alsoFrom Saturday wearing masks in enclosed spaces will be compulsory in Hungary!

US Centre for Disease Control: Hungary among most dangerous destinations

budapest airport

The coronavirus has been present since its discovery in China in late 2019. It has hit the rest of the world at the beginning of 2020. Since its first appearance, we are currently in the fourth wave of the pandemic. The number of infections has surged in many regions around the world triggering stricter restrictions on travel and human interaction.

According to the latest information of the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday, Hungary is among the most dangerous countries in terms of Covid infection. Moreover, the health organisation discourages individuals from travelling to Hungary unless it is really necessary.

CDC Recommendations

The CDC has four tiers of risk assessment for COVID-19. Level one is the least risky while level four is the most dangerous in terms of contracting the virus.

On Monday, November 15, the CDC moved a total of four countries to level four, including Hungary, Iceland, Guernsey, and the Czech Republic.

As CNN reports, these countries now have been added to the other 70 unsafe countries among which there are many popular tourist destinations. These include Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey, and many more at level four.

These Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

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CDC recommendations about Hungary:

  • Avoid travel to Hungary.
  • If you must travel to Hungary, make sure you are fully vaccinated prior to your departure.
  • Due to the current situation in Hungary, even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.
  • Travellers should follow all recommendations and requirements in Hungary, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.

Statistics

This new regulation is not that surprising since the number of infections has been steadily rising in the past few months in Hungary. According to the latest Hungarian data, 5,323 new cases of coronavirus infections have been registered with over 5,800 active infections treated in hospitals. Alarmingly, 545 people are on ventilators. On a more positive note, over 6 million people have received their first jab in Hungary.

Hvg reports, that recently the Czech Republic has also placed Hungary on the list of countries not recommended for unnecessary travel. According to the map of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, almost all of Hungary is deep red which indicates a high rate of Covid infections.

EU Coronavirus Infection Map November 10
Source: ECDC

Make sure to observe safety regulations while travelling and interacting with people. Be safe and keep healthy.

Bazilika Christmas fair
Read alsoHungarian Christmas fairs that you can visit only with an immunity certificate

Hungarian Christmas fairs that you can visit only with an immunity certificate

Bazilika Christmas fair

This year, we can finally enjoy the Advent atmosphere in Hungary. However, we need to be aware that some of the Christmas fairs can only be attended under strict epidemiological restrictions. Hereby, we list the venues where you will be required to present an immunity certificate or a negative coronavirus test.

Last year, the Hungarian Advent fairs were cancelled due to the pandemic situation. However, this year we can finally enjoy the Christmas spirit! In order to make it happen, we need to be prepared as some Hungarian Christmas markets can only be visited with an immunity card or a negative coronavirus test.

Vörösmarty square

As we previously reported, the most famous Budapest Christmas market starts on 19 November at Vörösmarty square. According to the organiser, the event can only be visited with an immunity certificate or other epidemiological documents that comply with the current legislation.

Accordingly, the spectacular Advent fair can only be attended by visitors who are protected against the coronavirus.

This includes visitors who are vaccinated as well as those who have recovered from the coronavirus infection and can prove it with an official medical certificate. The latter can be a positive PCR test or rapid antigen test recorded in the Electronic Health Services System, EHIC, or a subsequent antibody test confirming the infection.

Both Hungarians and foreigners will be checked whether

they can prove their immunity with an international certificate or a negative PCR test.

The use of mask at Vörösmarty Square is not mandatory but it is strongly recommended. For the first time this year, cashless payment solutions will be introduced at catering establishments to reduce epidemiological risk. Furthermore, the organiser may also limit the number of attendants. Upon reaching a certain number of people, the access can be denied to visitors for as long as the number of people in the area decreases – reported by the Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum.

Advent Basilica

“In love and safety.” This is the slogan of Advent Basilica 2021 and it is taken rather seriously by the organisers. The event, which will be held from 19 November to 1 January,

can only be attended with a valid immunity certificate or a negative PCR test issued 72 hours before entry.

The Advent fair, awarded as The Best Budapest Christmas Market in 2020, awaits visitors with exciting festive programs. According to the event’s website, this year – in full compliance with the current regulations – the gastro and handicraft exhibitors will return to the fair in Saint Stephen’s square. Following the annual tradition, a huge Christmas tree will be decorated along with a giant Advent wreath and a Bethlehem manger. The venue will also house the Advent Basilica event series.

Advent Óbuda

The Christmas fair in Óbuda will open on 26 November. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Advent programs, concerts, and a handicraft fair. Skating will be available free of charge at two locations, at the Main Square and in the community area of ​​the Békásmegyer market. In addition, people can enjoy aromatic mulled wine, delicious chimney cake, and tasty bread flamand at the Gastro Promenade. The event’s website does not mention yet whether an immunity card will be required to enter the Christmas fair.

Zugló Advent Fair

Due to the increasing number of infections, the traditional Zugló Advent Fair on Bosnyák Square (14th district) will not be held this year. However, locals can enjoy a short two-hour program on the first Sunday of Advent during which the skating season will open and the first candle will be lit.

In the countryside

Apart from the Hungarian capital, the majority of Christmas fairs will be held in the countryside as well. In many places, restrictive measures have not been announced yet. If you wish to spend the Advent period in the countryside,

you should not miss the Christmas fairs of Győr, Pécs, Miskolc, Szeged, Szombathely, Eger, Vác, Cegléd, and Debrecen.

According to the regulations currently in force, the Debrecen fair can be visited without an immunity certificate. Advent fairs in the countryside await visitors with Christmas programs, festive concerts, handicraft products, delicious Christmas food, homemade cakes, mulled wine, and other delicacies presented in a warm Christmas atmosphere.

Budapest Basilica Christmas fair
Read alsoBudapest among the TOP20 most beautiful European Christmas destinations – PHOTOS

Hungary reports 165 deaths over 24 hours – latest COVID numbers

Coronavirus hospital

Altogether 165 patients died of a Covid-related illness during the past 24 hours, while 5,323 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Tuesday.

So far 6,003,414 people have received a first jab, while 5,777,331 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,629,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections stands at 106,594,

while hospitals are treating 5,811 Covid-19 patients, 545 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 966,167 infections have been registered,

while the number of fatalities has risen to 32,336.

Fully 827,237 people have made a recovery.

There are 41,353 people in official quarantine, while the number of tests taken stands at 7,876,457.

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Coronavirus in Hungary: number of fatalities has risen over 32,000

coronavirus covid 19 hungary hospital ventilator

Altogether 304 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the weekend, while 17,834 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Monday.

The number of active infections stands at 102,898, while

hospitals are treating 5,286 Covid patients, 519 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 960,844 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 32,171.

Fully 825,775 people have made a recovery.

Weekend figures show an average of 7020 new infections per day over the three days,

an increase of 18% compared to a week earlier.

So far 5,999,516 people have received a first jab, while 5,774 ,58 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,369,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

As we wrote on Friday, Charges have been pressed against two male Iranian citizens for shouting and acting violently last March when they were forced to stay in a hospital as a result of suspected Covid infection, details HERE.

coronavirus vaccine injection
Read alsoThese Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

Hungarian PM’S chief of staff attends Central Europe Forum in Vienna

Gergely Gulyás

Hungary is among Europe’s most successful countries in terms of restarting its economy, the prime minister’s chief of staff told MTI by phone on the sidelines of a conference held on Friday under the auspices of the Central Europe Forum in Vienna and focusing on the EU’s future and economic outlook.

Gergely Gulyás said that Hungary was among countries with the fastest growing economy in the EU, the first country in restoring its pre-pandemic economic performance.

Concerning the conference, Gulyás said that participants highlighted a distinct central European identity and concluded that central Europeans were at the forefront of efforts aimed at preserving traditional European values.

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Participants in the event “do not want a United States of Europe; they consider the EU as an alliance of states and expect the European Commission to take a non-political role of observing the community’s treaties”, Gulyás said.

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The issue of migration was also discussed, and representatives of the participating countries called for a “unified support for Poland”, adding that it could be “physical support if Poland requests it, and financial support by all means”, Gulyás said. The EU must contribute to the costs of external border protection incurred both in Poland and Hungary, Gulyás said.

“We will have free movement in the European Union… as long as we are able to effectively protect its external borders,” Gulyás said.

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These Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

coronavirus vaccine injection

According to a recent Hungarian government decree, companies have the opportunity to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for their employees. Some domestic companies and even educational institutions have already decided to introduce the new regulation. Thus, these employers refuse to employ any worker who has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Based on the government decree published on 28th October, the purpose is “to ensure that companies and enterprises, at the suggestion of employers’ organisations, have the right to require workers to be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as a condition of employment if deemed necessary for the safety of those working there”. Accordingly, the vaccination may be made into a condition of employment from 1st November, unless the worker is exempted from taking the vaccine for health reasons.

Currently, several domestic companies are still negotiating about the issue.

However, some domestic employers have already decided to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for their employees.

Richter Gedeon

Richter Gedeon Plc. is one of these companies. The pharmaceutical company announced the new condition at a press conference on Monday. According to the CEO, Gábor Orbán, this is a safe step in terms of the security of supply. The vaccination will be mandatory for employees because Richter Gedeon is a manufacturing company, and illnesses can jeopardise the continuity of production. Furthermore, in their case, home office is not an option. That is why the pharmaceutical company decided to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for its employees, reported Portfolio.

University of Szeged

According to an announcement published this Tuesday, employees of the University of Szeged (SZTE) must take the vaccine against the coronavirus within 45 days or prove that they have already received it. As 24.hu reports, only those who are unable to take the vaccine due to a medical condition that must be proven with a medical certificate are exempted from the vaccination obligation.

If someone does not get vaccinated, they will be sent on a one-year unpaid leave, and if they do not take the vaccine after that, their legal relationship will end.

Read also: Government: those that refuse to get vaccinated can be forced to take unpaid leave

Eötvös Loránd University

One of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Budapest, Eötvös Loránd University, has also decided to make vaccination against the coronavirus compulsory for its employees. Exemption is granted only to those who are unable to receive it for medical reasons or who do not spend long periods of time in the institution. Based on the decision of the Epidemiological Coordinating Body of ELTE, employees must confirm receipt of the vaccine by 15 December, reported Hungarian news portal Blikk.

Social institutions

According to the decision of the Budapest Mayor’s Office, vaccination will be compulsory for workers in residential social institutions most at risk from the COVID epidemic. The new condition affects employees at nursing homes, homeless and temporary accommodations. Employees who do not receive a coronavirus vaccination within 45 days and cannot provide proof of medical reasons may choose between presenting their valid immunity card or taking unpaid leave. Up to now, 92.57% of the workers concerned have taken the vaccine, reported Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum.

Parliamentary staff

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 will be mandatory in the Hungarian Parliament as well. According to Azonnali, until 31 December, all members of parliament must be vaccinated with at least the first dose of one of the vaccines, proof of which must be provided. Only those who are unable to receive the vaccine for medical reasons will be exempted from this obligation.

Anyone who does not get vaccinated will be sent on unpaid leave from 1st January and will not be able to return to work until they have been inoculated.

Hungarian news portal Telex has been informed that only parliamentary staff is obliged to take the vaccination, as the deputies cannot be obligated to do so by the Office of the National Assembly. Deputies are not employed by the National Assembly and can only be required by law to take the vaccine.

Municipalities

Following the government decree that came into force on 1st November,

two Budapest municipalities announced making the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for their employees.

In the 12th district, workers are required to take the first dose until 15 December. In addition, the mayor of Budapest’s 16th district has also announced the introduction of compulsory vaccination, which must be taken by all employees of municipal institutions, as well as office, nursery, kindergarten, social or sentry workers, by 20 December.

So far, we have been informed about the Hungarian employers mentioned above that made inoculation mandatory for their employees. In the case our Dear Readers know about more, please share them with us in a comment.

Ongoing negotiations

Many Hungarian companies have not come to a decision yet. In their case, the final decision is expected after the necessary professional consultations and the assessment of the employees’ level of immunity. Therefore, the new vaccination regulation is still being discussed in the case of OTP, MOL, Magyar Telekom, Zwack, CIG Pannónia, and Alteo.

Companies that do not make vaccination mandatory

Some companies have already decided not to make vaccination compulsory for their employees. As Pénzcentrum reports, SPAR Hungary, which employs 14,000 people, does not make vaccination against the coronavirus compulsory but encourages each of its employees to get vaccinated if possible. The company also makes the use of masks mandatory for employees in all areas of its operation to protect customers and employees. In addition, Akko, Pensum, Masterplast, Gloster, ANY Security Printing House, Delta Technologies, and AutoWallis do not wish to make vaccination compulsory. According to their announcements, these companies are ready to react quickly in the case it is necessary. In addition, in some cases, a high proportion of employees are vaccinated.

According to the latest news reported by Telex, Audi in Győr has also come to a decision: it does not make vaccination compulsory for its nearly 13,000 employees. At the same time, “the company remains committed to protecting the health of its employees”. Therefore, the previously operating vaccination point on the factory site will be set up again where the company’s employees and family members will once again have the opportunity to take the vaccination from mid-November.

100% inoculation

Some Hungarian companies do not even have to make a decision, as the vaccination rate among employees is 100%. Companies where every employee has already received at least 2 Covid vaccines include Nap, Nordtelekom, Cyberg and Graphisoft Park. As Portfolio reports, the latter constantly monitors the immunity level of workers through antibody testing.

Mandatory vaccination across Europe

The idea of ​​compulsory vaccination divides the public across Europe.

In addition to Hungary, Italy, Greece, France, Belgium, and the UK also introduced compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers. If this is not possible for health reasons, a rapid antigen test is required at least twice a week. In Italy, the state only covers the cost of the test if someone is unable to vaccinate for health reasons. Meanwhile, Spain is considering introducing compulsory vaccination for all workers, not just healthcare workers. As Hungarian news portal Mérce reports, the proposal is supported by the local employers’ association, however, the Spanish health minister opposes the idea of ​​compulsory vaccination.

Viktor Orbán
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The fourth wave is expected to break out in these Hungarian cities

Coronavirus in Hungary

The concentration of the virus’s genetic material is constantly rising in the wastewater in Hungary. The National Public Health Center said that the tendency was expected to continue. Meanwhile, almost 100 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the past 24 hours, while 8,434 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Wednesday.

Teachers slam obligatory vaccination

According to portfolio.hu, the fourth wave is expected to break out in Győr, Kaposvár, Kecskemét, Nyíregyháza, Salgótarján, Szolnok, Tatabánya, Veszprém and the agglomeration surrouding Budapest. That is because, in the samples from these cities, the concentration of the genetic material is already high, and is expected to increase.

Meanwhile, one of the trade unions of the Hungarian teachers wants the government to

provide free testing instead of prescribing obligatory vaccination in state-run institutions of education.

They said that the government issued two decrees. One of them concerns the teachers working in public schools and prescribes mandatory vaccination for everybody. The other is for schools run by local governments, churches, or foundations, where the leader of the institution can decide whether they introduce obligatory vaccination or not. The trade union said that if the government did not prescribe obligatory vaccination even for the teachers working in the latter branch of education, unvaccinated teachers would move to work in schools where the jab is not mandatory – portfolio.hu wrote.

Hungarian infectious disease specialist: new restrictions may come

 

Almost 100 people died in Hungary in COVID-related illnesses

According to MTI, altogether 98 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the past 24 hours, while 8,434 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Wednesday.

So far 5,981,915  people have received a first jab,

while 5,760,912 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,431,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections stands at 78,025, while hospitals are treating 4,830 Covid-19 patients, 463 of whom need respiratory assistance. Since the first outbreak, 923,020 infections have been registered, while the number of fatalities has risen to 31,619. Fully 813,376 people have made a recovery. There are 32,950 people in official quarantine, while the number of tests taken stands at 7,677,571.

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Read alsoWill mandatory vaccination shut down the Hungarian public transport?

Hungarian infectious disease specialist: new restrictions may come

János Szlávik, chief infectious disease specialist of the South Pest Central Hospital, spoke about the coronavirus. Szlávik believes that the waves of epidemics mostly consist of an ascending phase and a short stagnation followed by a descending phase. Hungary is currently in the ascending phase.

The Hungarian epidemic situation is getting worse again

The number of people infected with the coronavirus has been steadily rising in recent days. Szlávik also pointed out that there were way more restrictions when the figures were this bad in March. However, an important difference is that there were not that many vaccinated people back then. The Hungarian Government decided not to impose further restrictions probably because it took into account the high vaccination rate.

Although, we do not know what to expect in the future. Many are afraid that there will be further restrictions at Christmas time.

“I do not think anyone can say that, because the number of cases that we have now is very high, so it is also conceivable that the numbers will drop by Christmas time,”

said Szlávik. The government has been organising a vaccination action week to prevent the coronavirus epidemic from deteriorating.

Restrictions may come soon

Szlávik believes that it would be important to introduce new restrictions. Due to limited capacity of the Hungarian health care system, the number of infected people must not increase further. According to Szlávik, the use of the protection card has become more and more widespread. Consequently, the number of people who choose to get vaccinated has been also rising.

“After all, if we restrict an unvaccinated person in his daily life, sooner or later he will be compelled to take the vaccine so that he can continue his everyday life with the same normality as before.”

Vaccinations take time to develop protection. Therefore, whoever wants to be vaccinated should go for vaccination as soon as possible. In addition, it is important to mention that the coronavirus vaccine and the flu shot can be taken at the same time, writes index.hu.

Szlávik also mentioned the anti-coronavirus medicine. There are two pills that are in the third phase of research, said the infectious disease specialist on TV2. Based on current tests, both drugs prove to be effective. They are especially useful to treat mild to moderate symptoms. According to the preliminary studies, one of the pills, that was manufactured by Pfizer, is 89 percent effective for prevention of hospitalization and death.

Hungary records 123 COVID deaths in 24 hours

coronavirus hospital

Altogether 123 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the past 24 hours, while 4,588 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Tuesday.

So far 5,977,908 people have received a first jab, while 5,757,501 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,397,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections stands at 71,799, while

hospitals are treating 4,522 Covid patients, 452 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 914,586 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 31,521.

Fully 811,266 people have made a recovery.

There are 27,751 people in official quarantine, while the number of tests taken stands at 7,647,898.

Many employees in different sectors will be obligated to take the vaccine. Taking the jab will become mandatory for healthcare professionals, employees in state institutions and at the Defense Forces as well as for public transport workers since these employee groups are particularly affected. Will mandatory vaccination shut down the Hungarian public transport?

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Read alsoHungary records 123 COVID deaths in 24 hours

Will mandatory vaccination shut down the Hungarian public transport?

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Many employees in different sectors will be obligated to take the vaccine. Taking the jab will become mandatory for healthcare professionals, employees in state institutions and at the Defense Forces as well as for public transport workers since these employee groups are particularly affected.

Starting from November, employers in Hungary are authorised to make vaccines mandatory at the workplace. It is up to the employer whether he allows unvaccinated people to remain at the workplace or he will send them on unpaid leave. Those working at the Hungarian Defence Forces have to take the first jab by 1 December. Employees of state or municipal institutions have to take the first dose of the vaccine by 15 December if they work closely with clients. But even those employees who do not work closely with clients will be required to take the jab. The deadline for them is 31 January 2022.

You can read about other Covid-related regulations in this article or you should visit this link for further info. In a recent article we have informed our readers that

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary would receive an additional 15 million coronavirus vaccine doses by the end of this year. Furthermore, it has also been stated that employees of state institutions will be sent on unpaid leave with immediate effect if they refuse to take the vaccine.

The situation of public transport will likely deteriorate if taking the jab becomes compulsory. According to a statement of the President of the Railway Trade Union (Vasutas Szakszervezet) and the President of the Solidarity Bus Transport Union (Szolidaritás Autóbusz-Közlekedési Szakszervezet) given to ATV : “if vaccination becomes mandatory, both MÁV and Volán will likely cease to operate”.

The number of vaccinated railroaders matches the national standard. However, if the numbers are broken down to departments, the percentage is not that good. Those employees who actively take part in railroad transport have the worst figures regarding vaccination rate.

Read also: Hungarian virologist would introduce stricter restrictions for unvaccinated people!

The situation at Volán is not promising either. Employees are angry about the possible introduction of mandatory vaccination. Having said that, István Dobi’s, the chairman of the Solidarity Bus Transport Union, still believes that vaccination will not be mandatory. There is not a sufficient number of reserves employed at the company; therefore, it would likely cease the operation of Volán.

The new regulation authorises employers to send unvaccinated workers to unpaid leave. This unpaid leave can last even for a year. At local municipalities, the mayor is the decision maker in this regard. The only way to be exempted from the rule is to provide an official medical certificate that proves that the person is not advised to take the jab.

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Read alsoHungarian professor answers the most common concerns about vaccination

Hungary reports 214 deaths over weekend – latest COVID-19 numbers

coronavirus hungary hospital

Altogether 214 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the weekend, while 17,834 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Monday.

So far 5,974,514 people have received a first jab, while 5,754,475 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 1,369,000 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections stands at 68,586, while

hospitals are treating 3,980 Covid patients, 334 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 909,998 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 31,398.

Fully 810,014 people have made a recovery.

Everyone wants life to be back to “normal”, even if we have to redefine normal. But why is it that despite all these circumstances, many people refuse the vaccine? What are the main concerns, and what is a professor’s response? Find out in the article below.