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The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 2 775. In
compulsory home quarantine:10 199. Recovered: 581. Deceased: 312 (30th April, 2020)
CORONAVIRUS
April 6 01:50 PM -: People
must observe restrictions on movement even in hot weather
The Operational Group
today warned Budapest residents to observe restrictions on leaving their homes
in order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
Róbert
Kiss, Lieutenant Colonel of the Hungarian Police, said that “with the
advent of warm weather more and more residents tend to violate the rules”. He
added that on Sunday alone the police issued 574 warnings, imposed 24 fines and
launched 16 legal proceedings.
April 6: Hungary donates medical
equipment to North Macedonia
The Hungarian
government has donated 100,000 face masks and 5,000 pieces of protective
clothing to North Macedonia to help that country fight against the novel
coronavirus epidemic.
April 6: PM
Orbán announces five new economy protection programs
In a brief video
statement on public television this morning, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
announced the launch of five new programs, focused on protecting Hungary’s
economy. “We will create as many jobs as the epidemic destroys,” he said.
April 6: PM
Orbán announces that public parking in Hungary will be free from today
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán announced on Sunday that public parking in Hungary will be free starting
on Monday.
April 6: FM
blasts lies about Hungary's response to COVID-19 crisis
The foreign minister
has lambasted what he called “lies” by certain European Union politicians about
Hungary’s new law which enhances government powers to tackle the novel
coronavirus epidemic.
In a post on his
Facebook page, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said EU foreign ministers had
again discussed the coronavirus crisis on Friday. “There may only be 27 of us
left but we could have easily added to the virtual table a 28th seat: for
hypocrisy,” the minister wrote.
April 6: Chief
Medical Officer says people must take restrictions on movement seriously
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller said Budapest is at “serious risk” of seeing an “explosion” of
coronavirus cases, with most of Hungary’s confirmed cases located in the
capital and Pest county.
Müller added that 62
percent of the country’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases have been recorded
in Budapest and Pest county, therefore asking the public for strict compliance
with curfew and social distancing restrictions.
April 6: More
medical equipment arrived in Budapest over the weekend
Hungary received some
4 million face masks, more than 400,000 protective suits, 100,000 protective
goggles, 30,000 pairs of gloves and more than 6,000 protective visors in
consignments flown to Budapest from China on Saturday.
April 6: More
details emerge on epidemic response fund
The Hungarian
government is setting up a HUF 663 billion (EUR 1.8bn) fund to combat the novel
coronavirus epidemic and a HUF 1,345 billion fund aimed at protecting and
restarting the economy.
April 6: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 744
The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 744. In
compulsory home quarantine: 14,325. Recovered: 67. Deceased: 38.
April 5: Two elderly patients pass
away as the number of confirmed coronavirus infections rises to 733
Additional Hungarians
have been confirmed to be carrying the COVID-19 virus, raising the number of
cases to 733. Both patients who passed away were over 80. Meanwhile, the number
of recovered cases now stands at 66.
April 4: PM
Orbán said his government will create as many jobs as are lost in the
coronavirus crisis
In a letter to Luca
Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC),
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said his government will create as many jobs as are
lost in the coronavirus crisis.
April 4: Funds
made available to fight the effects of the coronavirus
During a Government
Info press conference held this morning, Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading
the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the budget provides unlimited
coverage for defense against the coronavirus and all financial resources are
available.
April 4: The
coronavirus epidemic can be kept under control
During this morning’s
Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller
underlined that although appropriate measures have so far been taken by the
authorities to fight the coronavirus, the public must follow the government’s
rules and regulations to avoid mass disease.
“The coronavirus
appeared in Hungary exactly one month ago,” Müller recalled. “Appropriate
measures were taken at the right time, and, as a result, no explosion in the
number of infections was seen. The epidemic can be kept under control,” she
added.
April 4: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 678
The number of confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now
stands at 678. In compulsory home quarantine: 11,399. Recovered: 58. Deceased:
32.
.
13:55 PM - April 3: PM Orbán hits back at statement signed by 13 EU
member states criticizing Hungary's rule of law
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has hit back at a statement signed by 13 EU member states accusing
Hungary of violating the rule of law with its coronavirus state of emergency
measures.
April 3: Chief
Medical Officer says patients can be found in all counties across the country
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller said today that densely populated areas have a higher infection
rate, but patients can be found in all counties across the country.
10:05 AM - April 3: PM
Orbán: Healthcare workers will receive a bonus for fighting on the
COVID-19 frontline
During his regular
interview slot on Kossuth Radio this morning, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
discussed the possible extension of movement restrictions, preparations for
large-scale infection, and a new economic recovery plan. He also thanked all
those currently fighting on the frontline, announcing that healthcare workers
will receive a bonus of HUF 500,000.
April 3: Hungary
proposes simpler EU rules on state investment grants
The foreign minister has
said that Hungary is proposing that the European Union simplify procedures when
it comes to state investment subsidies, in order to boost the effectiveness of
economic measures in connection with the coronavirus.
April 3: 240
Hungarians stranded in the US and Canada are flown home
240 Hungarians
stranded in the US and Canada due to the coronavirus pandemic were flown home
yesterday. The planes arriving from Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and
Toronto also brought 28 nationals of neighboring countries: 17 Slovaks, 10
Slovenians and a Croatian.
April 3: Hungary
supports intensifying NATO’s anti-terrorism efforts
The foreign minister
has said that under the extraordinary circumstances created by the novel
coronavirus pandemic, it is especially important to intensify NATO’s
anti-terrorism efforts.
April 3: PM
Orbán meets with leading researchers to discuss virus
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has said that in the absence of a vaccine, Hungary will need all
medicines possible to ease the symptoms of COVID-19. The prime minister said
several drugs are currently being tested or are ready for production in
Hungary, “and the aim is to stockpile enough of them,” he added.
April 3: State
Secretary lambasts what he calls a "witch hunt and coordinated smear
campaign" against Hungary
Zoltán Kovács, State
Secretary for International Communication and Relations, has lambasted what he
called a "witch hunt and coordinated smear campaign" against Hungary.
In a video message
posted on his Facebook page referring to criticism of a new open-ended law that
allows rule by decree under the state of emergency, Kovács said that whenever
Hungary had chosen “a path at odds from that of the EU” over the past ten
years, and tailored its laws to its own needs, “its domestic and international
critics were always quick to react”.
April 3: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 623
The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 623. In
compulsory home quarantine: 10,668. Recovered: 43. Deceased: 26.
April 2: People
should do all they can to help prevent the spread of infection
At today’s Operational
Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said the number of
confirmed coronavirus cases is continuously increasing, therefore people should
do everything they can to help prevent further infections.
April 2: Work
proof needed to cross Hungarian-Austrian border and Balassagyarmat crossing
All border crossings
on the Hungarian-Austrian border and the Balassagyarmat crossing between
Slovakia and Hungary have been re-opened to commuters with jobs on either side
of the border.
April 2: Epidemic
response law ends when state of emergency ends
The justice minister
has stressed that Hungary’s new law which enhances government powers to tackle
the coronavirus epidemic will be in effect until the end of the state of
emergency.
April 2: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 585
The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 585. In
quarantine: 59. Recovered: 42. Deceased: 21.
April 1: Number
of coronavirus cases in Hungary shows gradual growth
At the Operational
Group’s coronavirus press conference earlier today, officials discussed new
supplies of protective gear, the efficiency of the imposed restrictions and the
general coronavirus trend in Hungary.
“We are preparing for
the period of large-scale infections,” Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller
said earlier today. “Even though the number of coronavirus cases is constantly
on the rise, it’s good news that in Hungary – unlike in other countries in the
region – the growth is still gradual, not exponential,” she added.
April 1: World-class
Hungarian swimmers infected with the coronavirus
Sixteen swimmers are
thought to have been infected with the coronavirus, and there are many who have
had a second test with inconclusive results, so a third is needed.
April 1: Six
planes arrive in Budapest today bringing protective medical equipment
Six planes will be
arriving in Budapest today, bringing 12 million masks, 30,000 overalls and
200,000 face protectors and other medical supplies.
April 1: New
system for recording deaths has been introduced on the official
koronavirus.gov.hu website
A new system has been
introduced on the official koronavirus.gov.hu website. More
detailed information will be provided from now on, which will include the age,
gender and pre-existing conditions of the deceased.
April 1: Hungary's food supplies are
secure
The government has
announced that food supplies are secure in Hungary and will remain so in the
coming months despite the novel coronavirus epidemic. All efforts are being
made to maintain undisturbed supplies and strict action will be taken against
those that overcharge for food products.
April 1: Medical
equipment delivered to 82 hospitals across Hungary
Face masks and other
medical protective gear recently received from China has been distributed among
82 designated hospitals across Hungary. The supplies will primarily be given to
hospital staff and are sufficient to ensure full protection for both staff and
patients.
April 1: Hungary's
emergency measures are “focused exclusively on the fight against the
coronavirus epidemic”
Zoltán Kovács, State
Secretary for International Communication and Relations, said the Hungarian
government's emergency measures taken against the coronavirus epidemic are in
compliance with the country's constitution and European Union treaties.
April 1: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 525
The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 525. In
quarantine: 61. Recovered: 40. Deceased: 20.
March 31: Army
officers begin their command of 51 hospitals
The defense minister
has revealed that army officers have started their command of 51 hospitals out
of 108 in Hungary.
March 31: Chief
Medical Officer reveals change in the way data is presented
Cecília Müller said a
new system will be introduced on the official koronavirus.gov.hu website. “More
detailed information will be provided from now on, which will include the age,
gender and already existing illnesses of the deceased," she said.
March 31: FM
says government will not leave anyone in Hungary without assistance
The foreign minister
said the Hungarian government will not leave anyone in Hungary without
assistance, adding that “we will bring Hungarians stranded abroad back home and
we will restart the economy”.
March 31: 502
Hungarians return home from Austria’s Tyrol region
The foreign minister
said 502 Hungarians returned home late on Monday in four buses and 150 cars
from quarantined localities in Austria’s Tyrol region.
March 31: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 492
The number of
confirmed people infected with the coronavirus in Hungary now stands at 492. In
quarantine: 61. Recovered: 37. Deceased: 16.
March 31: PM
says budget must be radically restructured in order to manage the crisis
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán said this year’s budget must be radically restructured in order to manage
the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak and to revitalize the economy.
March 31: Government
has spent HUF 225 billion (EUR 630.3m) on virus response
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has announced that the government has so far spent HUF 225 billion (EUR
630.3m) on buying protective equipment, building a container hospital and
making other preparations in connection with the coronavirus epidemic.
March 31: President
Áder signs coronavirus law
President János Áder
has signed the law that grants the government enhanced powers to contain the
spread of the coronavirus.
March 30: Full
details published on the passed law on the coronavirus containment effort
Parliament has today
passed the law on the coronavirus containment effort. During the state of
emergency, the government is authorised to adopt extraordinary measures in
departure from the provisions of law in the interest of people’s health, legal
security and the stability of the economy.
Read the full details here.
March 30: State
of emergency extended following today's vote
Lawmakers have today
passed a bill aimed at extending a state of emergency and granting the
government special powers to take extraordinary measures to contain the spread
of the coronavirus.
The bill passed with
137 votes in favor and 53 against in a fast-tracked procedure. Submitted by the
justice minister, the bill passed with the required two-thirds of votes.
March 30: Restrictions
on movement are proving effective
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller said during today’s Operational Group press conference that due
to coronavirus patients being evenly spread out across the country, we can safely
say that “the restrictions on movement are proving effective”.
March 30: Hungary
is prepared to join the European Commission’s RescEU program
The Catastrophe
Protection Directorate of the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that
Hungary is prepared to join the European Commission’s RescEU program, an
element of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism which shores up emergency
response capabilities.
In an effort to
support the fight against the coronavirus, the EC has decided to establish a
strategic stockpile of medical equipment. Member states that choose to store
the RescEU stockpile may ask for support from the EC.
March 30: State
of emergency bill vote to take place today
Lawmakers will today
vote on a bill that would extend a state of emergency and give the government
special powers to take extraordinary measures to contain the spread of the
coronavirus.
March 30: Hungarian
government to send two charter flights to bring back Hungarian nationals
stranded in the US and Canada
The Hungarian
government will next week send two charter flights to bring back Hungarian
nationals stranded in the US and Canada. The minister added that those who wish
to return aboard the flights next week should register at Hungary’s
representations.
March 30: Healthcare
workers are getting a free pass for all long-distance public transport services
in Hungary
State Secretary Tamás
Schanda said healthcare workers may travel free of charge on the passenger
services of railway companies MÁV and GYSEV, and of Volánbusz and other
long-distance bus companies until the state of emergency is lifted.
Budapest public
transport company BKK also said healthcare workers may ride for free on local
public transport in the capital.
March 30: More
people are expected to become infected and many new cases will be diagnosed
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller said more and more people are expected to become infected with
the new coronavirus in Hungary, and many new cases will be diagnosed.
During an online
Operational Group press conference, Müller said more laboratory tests are being
conducted, although still only in the contact-tracing phase. She added that
seven laboratories are working around the clock to process the tests. So far,
12,148 have been completed.
March 30: MEPs
urge EC to come up with proposals aimed at helping countries deal with the
ramifications of the coronavirus
MEPs from Hungary’s
ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats coalition have urged the European Commission
to come up with proposals aimed at helping countries deal with the social and
economic ramifications of the coronavirus.
March 30: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 447
The confirmed number
of patients infected with the coronavirus has increased to 447 while the number
of deaths has risen to 15.
March 29: Number
of confirmed cases rises to 408
As of this morning, 65
additional Hungarians have been diagnosed with COVID-19, raising the number of
confirmed cases in Hungary to 408. Meanwhile, two elderly patients have passed
away from the disease.
March 28: New
measures to protect the elderly come into force today
From today, a person
aged over 65 can only go to the grocery store, drugstore, market or pharmacy
between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Everyone else can shop at other times.
March 28: Restrictions
on movement now in force
Restrictions on
movement are now in force across the whole territory of Hungary up until April
11. During this period, people will only be allowed to leave their homes for
good reason.
March 28: Number
of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 343
More Hungarian
citizens have been diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the
confirmed number of people infected in Hungary to 343. Another elderly
man, already suffering from chronic illness, has died from the coronavirus.
Our most sincere
condolences to the families of the deceased.
March 27: Justice
Minister responds to false claims of a power grab in Hungary
In a commentary piece
for Politico, Justice Minister
Judit Varga has responded to false claims of a power grab in Hungary, which are
spreading as quickly as the coronavirus itself.
Minister Varga said
that like many other European Union countries, Hungary acted swiftly and
decisively to contain the epidemic sweeping across Europe. The government
declared a state of emergency and proposed a bill — which will go in front of
parliament on Monday — to empower the government to pass decrees to
protect its citizens.
March 27: Decree
on restrictions on movement released
The decree on
restrictions on movement announced by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday
morning has been published in Magyar Közlöny [Hungarian Gazette].
March 27: Universities
to remain closed despite state of emergency expiry date
The Ministry for
Innovation and Technology has called on the heads of higher education
institutions to maintain measures aimed at slowing the spread of the
coronavirus epidemic and protecting people’s health within the framework of a
rectoral decree, despite the expiry of the previously ordered state of
emergency.
March 27: PM
Orbán announces restriction on movement in Hungary between March 28 and April
11
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has announced restriction on movement in Hungary. People are only allowed
to leave their homes to go to work or to run essential errands.
March 27: Budget
in place to help those affected by the coronavirus
Gergely Gulyás, Head
of the Prime Minister’s Office, said measures to contain the coronavirus
epidemic will cost “several hundred billion forints”, but those resources are
available from central coffers.
March 27: NBH says Hungary will
maintain growth edge over eurozone despite coronavirus pandemic
The National Bank of
Hungary (NBH) projects the Hungarian economy will expand more slowly this year
because of measures to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, but it will
maintain its growth advantage over countries in the euro zone.
March 27: More
than two-thirds of Hungarians support extending the state of emergency
A Századvég Foundation
survey has found that more than two-thirds of Hungarians support the government
bill submitted to parliament on coronavirus protection and extending the state
of emergency.
March 27: BREAKING
PM Orbán: Goverment to
introduce restrictions on movement covering the whole country between March 28
and April 11. More details soon.
March 27: Number
of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 300
More Hungarian
citizens have been diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the
confirmed number of people infected in Hungary to 300.
March 26: People
who feel sick must stay at home
“There are no new
deaths in Hungary, and people who feel sick must stay at home,” said Cecília
Müller at today’s Operational Group press conference. She added that more and
more people are appearing at hospitals believing they are sick, but stressed
that they must stay at home. “These people should stay at home and call their
GP on phone,” she said.
10:25 AM - March
26: MÁV extends refunding of international rail tickets
In view of the current
epidemiological situation, MÁV-Start is extending its deadline for refunding
international rail tickets from April 11 until April 30, irrespective of the
country of destination.
09:20 AM - March
26: PM Orbán asks Secretary-General of the COE not to hinder Hungary’s
efforts to contain the coronavirus epidemic
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has asked Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary-General of the Council of
Europe, not to hinder Hungary’s efforts to contain the novel coronavirus
epidemic. “If you are unable to help us in the current crisis, I ask you to at
least refrain from hindering our efforts,” PM Orbán said.
March 26: Government earmarks HUF 15
billion for the purchase of additional medical equipment
The funds will be used
by the State Healthcare Supply Center (ÁEEK) for the purchase and distribution
of stocks under the supervision of the operative board in charge of
coordinating measures in connection with the coronavirus.
March 26: Army
now deployed to 84 strategic companies in Hungary
The defense ministry
has confirmed that army teams are being deployed to help 84 strategic companies
in connection with the novel coronavirus.
March 26: Hungary
and Romania to reopen border for key workers
The foreign minister
has announced that Hungary and Romania will reopen their shared border to
commuters. Minister Szijjártó said he and his Romanian counterpart have agreed
that the policy will apply to Hungarians and Romanians living within a 30km
radius of the border.
March 26: State-of-the-art tent
hospital built in Budapest
Ferenc Korom, the
commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces, said the army has built a tent
hospital in a single day in the courtyard of Budapest’s St. László Hospital.
March 26: Number
of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 261
More Hungarian
citizens have been diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the
confirmed number of people infected in Hungary to 261.
March 25: Senior
British diplomat Steven Dick has died of the coronavirus in Hungary
The 37-year-old,
Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Budapest, passed away on
Tuesday after testing positive for the virus at an earlier date.
March 25: Government
alone has the authority to impose curfew restrictions
The Hungarian
government alone has the authority to impose curfew restrictions, the
regulations in force during a state of emergency do not allow mayors to impose
curfew restrictions or a full curfew in relation to the free movement of
residents in their settlements.
12:45 PM - March
25: MOL to produce 50,000 liters of disinfectant per day
Péter Ratatics has
announced that MOL will produce 50,000 liters of disinfectant per day in an
attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The new product will be
available in retail stores within the next two weeks.
March 25: Cabinet
will convene today to “resolve” problems arising from expiring state of
emergency measures
The cabinet will
convene today to “resolve” problems arising from expiring measures issued under
the state of emergency introduced due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.
March 25: LOT
Polish Airlines to help bring Hungarians home
Hungarian nationals
still stranded abroad because of the coronavirus measures will be flown to
Budapest by Polish airline LOT.
March 25: State
Secretary welcomes Japan's decision to postpone 2020 Olympics
Tünde Szabó, State
Secretary for Sports, has welcomed Japan and the International Olympic Committee’s
decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus
pandemic.
March 25: Wizz
Air grounds 85 percent of its fleet
Hungarian low-cost
carrier Wizz Air has grounded around 85 percent of its fleet and cancelled
flights due to travel restrictions introduced by governments to contain the
spread of novel coronavirus.
March 25: State
Secretary says opposition is hindering government protection efforts
Zoltán Kovács said the
opposition stymied the government’s protection efforts against the novel
coronavirus by refusing to debate extending special measures in an
extraordinary session of parliament.
March 25: 226
confirmed cases while British man dies in Hungary
More Hungarian
citizens have been diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the
number of people infected in Hungary to 226. A British patient has also died.
March 25: Number
of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 226
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 226. Hungary has reached
the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group disease, when infection
spreads in public upon personal contact.
March 24: Regulations
related to taxation released
The immediate measures
adopted with a view to alleviating the economic effects of the coronavirus
epidemic have been published in Magyar Közlöny (Hungarian Gazette).
March 24: Operational
Group confirms nine deaths and new protective equipment sent out to hospitals
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller confirmed today that nine people have passed away from the
coronavirus in Hungary and urged people to abide by the rules and regulations
put in place by the government. “The virus can be anywhere and anybody can
become infected,” she said.
Colonel Tibor Lakatos,
Head of the Operational Group, revealed that a flight landed from China this
morning with a significant amount of health equipment on board. Almost 70 tons
of medical and protective equipment arrived as part of a joint purchase by the
Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Semmelweis University, the new
shipment includes more than 3 million face masks and 86 ventilators. “The masks
will go to health workers and then to those involved in the fight against the
virus,” Lakatos said.
March 24: Contactless
payment limit raised to HUF 15,000 to help reduce virus
Increasing the
contactless limit to HUF 15,000 serves to slow down the epidemic as it reduces
the need for customers using bank cards to come into physical contact with PIN
terminals.
March 24: New
shipment of more than 3 million face masks, protective gear and 86 ventilators
arrives in Hungary
Almost 70 tons of
medical and protective equipment arrived in Budapest this morning. As part
of a joint purchase by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Semmelweis
University, the new shipment includes more than 3 million face masks and 86
ventilators.
09:20 AM - March
24: Hungary is at the start of a long period of protective measures
against the novel coronavirus
PM Orbán called on
lawmakers to put aside political disputes and stand together. Cooperation will
be crucial in the difficult times to come, he said.
March 24: There
are 218 Hungarians in quarantine in other countries worldwide
Tibor Lakatos, head of
the Operational Group fighting the outbreak in Hungary, said the majority, 187
Hungarians, have been isolated in Austria, while one person is in quarantine in
Germany, and 30 in countries outside Europe.
March 24: People
infected with the new coronavirus have been found in all counties in Hungary
The number of people
to have contracted COVID-19 has started to grow exponentially. In the past 24
hours alone, 36 patients have been confirmed to be suffering from the disease.
March 24: Number of confirmed
coronavirus cases has risen to 187
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 187. Hungary has reached
the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group disease, when infection
spreads in public upon personal contact.
March 23: Another elderly man has
passed away and the number of those recovered increased to 21
Another elderly man
has died from the coronavirus, but the number of those recovered has now
reached 21. With the onset of mass disease, the government asks that the
elderly, students and those returning from abroad, as well as anyone else able
to do so, stay home and for everyone to follow all rules and recommendations.
March 23: Police
checking people entering Hungary and those instructed to stay in compulsory
home quarantine
Tibor Lakatos, head of
the duty center of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the
coronavirus infection, said border controls are ongoing in the interest of
containing the epidemic.
March 23: PM
Orbán says the more we cooperate, the more lives we can save
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has revealed details about the four avenues of defense against the
coronavirus.
March 23: 30,050
protective suits and 82,000 face masks delivered to Hungary
An aircraft carrying
11 tons of protective gear arrived from Shanghai at Budapest’s international
airport this morning.
March 23: Calls
for parliament to pass the government’s proposal to extend the state of
emergency
Gergely Gulyás, the
head of the Prime Minister’s Office, has called on parliament to pass the
government’s proposal to extend the state of emergency with regard to the novel
coronavirus epidemic.
March 23: Hungary
and Serbia cooperate in the response to the coronavirus epidemic
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have agreed to provide constant
contact and cooperation in the countries’ response to the coronavirus epidemic.
March 23: Number
of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 167
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 167. Hungary has reached
the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group disease, when infection
spreads in public upon personal contact.
March 22: Documents
verifying eligibility for travel discounts accepted without up-to-date
validation
Local and regional
transport service providers will accept expired official documents verifying
eligibility for travel discounts, including for those without up-to-date
validation, until the 15th day following the end of the state
of emergency declared due to the coronavirus epidemic, the Ministry for
Innovation and Technology announced.
The measure aims to
facilitate transportation for people until 15 days after the current state of
emergency has come to an end.
March 22: Four
new recovered patients leave hospital
Four new, recovered coronavirus
patients were able to leave Budapest’s St. László Hospital earlier today. The
total number of recovered people now stands at 16. Many thanks to the doctors
and nurses for their hard work.
March 22: Number
of people deceased rises to six, 12 recovered
Two Hungarian women,
aged 65 and 75, have died as a result of the coronavirus infection. The number
of those who have succumbed to the disease in Hungary now stands at six. May
they all rest in peace.
Meanwhile, 12 people
have recovered from coronavirus in Hungary so far.
March 22: Number
of confirmed coronavirus patients has risen to 131
Additional Hungarian
nationals have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19);
as a result, the number of confirmed patients diagnosed in Hungary has risen to
131.
We have reached the
second stage of the epidemic, the stage of cluster infections, when infection
spreads in public via face-to-face interactions. Now in Hungary, too, the virus
can be present anywhere. In order to slow down large-scale infection, it is
very important that the elderly and students, as well as anyone who is able to
do so, stay at home; and everyone is asked to observe all rules and
recommendations laid out by the government.
March 21:National
Media and Infocommunications Authority: Only visit the post office if
absolutely necessary
The coronavirus is
also taking its toll on postal services. Therefore, those who can should
transfer money online instead of paying bills at the post office, should write
e-mail messages instead of sending conventional mail, should check out
webstores before placing an order and should track consignments on their
websites.
March 21: University
of Pécs identifies full genetic code of virus
The full genetic code
of the coronavirus has been successfully identified, and this is an important
step in furthering domestic and international research, the University of Pécs
has announced.
March 21: Operational
Group says we may soon enter the era of mass illnesses in Hungary
“We must act as one;
every action that reduces the number of human contacts contributes to a
decrease in infections,” Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said this
afternoon, adding that “this way, we can delay the spread of mass infections.”
March 21: Coronavirus
has created a new threat for illegal migrants
Hungary's Chief
Security Advisor György Bakondi has said the coronavirus has created a new
threat for illegal migrants. The Greek-Turkish border has a shrinking number of
migrants, but the Greek islands are still overcrowded and the coronavirus has
now appeared there.
March 21: Government
to seek Parliament’s support with bill on containment of coronavirus epidemic
On Friday, on behalf
of the government, Justice Minister Judit Varga submitted to Parliament a bill
on the containment of the coronavirus epidemic. The government is asking all
parliamentary groups to support the bill.
March 21: Budapest and county defense
committees are helping to protect against the coronavirus epidemic
The defense committees
of Budapest and Hungary’s 19 counties will be holding a session during the
course of today in the interests of coordinating and assisting the work of
organizations taking part in efforts to protect against the coronavirus
epidemic.
March 21: Number
of those infected rises to 103
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 103. Hungary has
reached the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group disease, when
infection spreads in public upon personal contact.
March 21: Four
people have now succumbed to the coronavirus in Hungary
Another Hungarian citizen was confirmed deceased last night after having
contracted the coronavirus. The 54-year-old man suffered from multiple chronic
illnesses, aside from the virus.
March 20: Over
65s are most at risk
During this
afternoon’s Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília
Müller has underlined that those aged over 65 are an extremely at risk age
group, and those suffering with chronic illnesses should stay at home at any
age.
.
March 20: Chief
Medical Officer confirms three dead from coronavirus
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller confirmed our news this morning that over the past 24 hours, the
number of patients infected has increased to 85 and two patients have lost
their lives, bringing the total number of deceased to three.
04:10 PM - March
20: Foreign minister says Hungary has set up a humanitarian corridor
for Romanians making their way from Austria to their homeland
Government sets up a
humanitarian corridor for Romanians making their way from Austria to their
homeland.
March 20: New
regulations concerning package deliveries and emergency public procurements
According to the
latest ordinances published in the Hungarian Gazette, new regulations have been
introduced in relation to package delivery services and out-of-store commerce,
and also public procurements.
March 20: NKM
temporarily suspend personal reading of meters by their staff
In light of the
coronavirus epidemic, the distributing members of the National Utilities (NKM)
group, NKM Natural Gas Network Ltd., NKM Electricity Network Ltd., and NKM
North-South Natural Gas Network Ltd., are temporarily suspending the personal
reading of meters by their staff.
12:40 PM - March
20: People displaying mild symptoms must stay in home quarantine
The Hungarian
government has said we can only slow this disease down if everyone observes the
necessary precautionary measures.
People displaying mild
symptoms must remain in stay-at-home quarantine.People with severe symptoms,
those who fall into any of the high-risk groups and those who require hospital
care will naturally be hospitalized.
March 20: Another
two Hungarians have succumbed to the coronavirus
Two elderly people
have succumbed to the coronavirus. The two Hungarian men were 68 and
79-years-old, bringing the total number of deaths in Hungary to three.
March 20: Defense ministry sets up
operative groups to ensure operation of essential services
Operative groups set
up by the defense ministry have started working at 71 Hungarian companies to
coordinate containment measures in connection with the novel coronavirus
epidemic.
March 20: Finance minister meets with
Hungarian Banking Association to discuss new economic measures
Hungarian Banking
Association chairman András Becsei said the banking sector is prepared to work
together with the government on protecting against the fallout of the novel
coronavirus epidemic.
March 20: Foreign
ministry has set up a working group to organize the return of Hungarians stranded
abroad
The foreign ministry
has set up a working group to organize the return of Hungarians stranded
abroad. The group has been in talks with other central European countries to
fly Hungarians home from distant countries.
09:20 AM - March
20: PM Orbán says coronavirus outbreak in Hungary has not yet reached
the stage of mass illnesses, but this is likely soon
During his regular
slot on Kossuth Radio this morning, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the novel
coronavirus outbreak in Hungary has not yet reached the stage of mass
illnesses, but this is likely soon.
March
20: Seven people with coronavirus have been fully healed
In his regular Friday
morning interview on public radio, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that
according to recent data, there are 85 people currently infected with
coronavirus, six of whom are in a critical condition, and seven have been fully
healed.
March 20: Number
of those infected rises to 85
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 85. Hungary has
reached the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group disease, when
infection spreads in public upon personal contact.
March 19: Operational
Group says goal now is to avoid mass disease
The Operational Group
has said the goal now is to avoid mass disease.
“Personal
responsibility is crucial for avoiding mass disease,” said Chief Medical
Officer Cecília Müller at today’s press conference.
March 19: Six
coronavirus victims are in intensive care
At this afternoon’s
Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller
confirmed that there are now 73 registered cases of coronavirus in
Hungary.
Müller added that the
patient's conditions vary, but unfortunately six of them are being treated in
intensive care and are in a serious condition.
March 19: State
of emergency extended
Gergely Gulyás, the
head of the Prime Minister’s Office, has revealed that is was crucial for
parliament to extend the state of emergency declared last week in connection
with protective measures against the coronavirus.
At a press briefing
this morning, Gulyás noted that the state of emergency could only remain in
force for a period of 15 days, after which parliament’s approval would be
necessary for an extension.
.
March 19: Hungary
doing everything possible to ensure continuous and unhindered freight transport
“We are continuing to
do everything possible to ensure continuous and unhindered freight transport,
because this is necessary for the security of people’s supply, and for the
functioning of countries’ economies,” the foreign minister said.
March 19: Record
number of volunteers have applied to help fight the coronavirus
Almost 900 volunteers
applied for the call within two days, most of them medical, pharmacist and
dental students, but also a significant number of graduate doctors and health
professionals.
March 19: PM
Orbán addresses transit passengers heading for neighboring countries
At this morning’s
Operational Group meeting, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was informed about the
status of transit passengers heading for neighboring countries. He spoke about
this topic in a video message posted on his Facebook account before the
beginning of the meeting.
“I sincerely hope that
those who had to transit through the humanitarian corridors were able to do
so,” the prime minister said in a video message posted on his social media
account.
March 19: New economic measures
published in the Hungarian Gazette
The decrees concerning
the immediate measures adopted to alleviate the economic impacts of the coronavirus
epidemic have been published in Magyar Közlöny [Hungarian
Gazette].
March 19: More
than 2,800 home quarantines have been ordered
Tibor Lakatos, the
head of the Operational Group, said that between March 12 and Tuesday at
midnight 2,817 compulsory home quarantine orders were issued, and 5,094 checks
were carried out with a view to verifying compliance with the rules of
compulsory home quarantine.
March 19: Unfortunately,
we are still seeing many elderly people in the streets, shops and on public transport
“We are still seeing
many elderly people on public transport, in shops, and in the streets. I am
asking them most respectfully to accept our advice as we are worried about
them, they are most at risk from serious complications during the progression
of the coronavirus infection,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cecília Müller.
08:15 AM - March
19: Markets remain open, but the elderly should ask others to do their
shopping
As part of the
measures implemented in light of the state of emergency, most shops have not
been allowed to remain open beyond 3 p.m.
The restrictions do
not apply to markets mostly operating in outdoor spaces and typically closing
in the early hours of the afternoon.
08:05 AM - March
19: Number of those infected rises to 73
The number of patients
diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hungary has risen to 73.
Hungary has reached
the second stage of the epidemic, the stage of group incidences, when infection
spreads in public, upon personal contact.
March 18: PM
Orbán announces new economy and job protection measures adopted by the
government due to the coronavirus epidemic
During a national
address on his Facebook page this afternoon, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
announced that the principal and interest payment liabilities on loans taken out
by private individuals and businesses up to the present day have been suspended
up to the end of the year.
March 18: Chronic
disease patients should not attend routine tests or collect prescriptions
The Hungarian Society
of Cardiology is asking patients suffering from chronic cardiovascular diseases
not to attend routine tests and not to visit hospitals and surgeries for
prescriptions due to the coronavirus epidemic.
The Hungarian Society
of Cardiology states that based on data gathered, the viral infection primarily
results in serious complications which might even lead to fatality for the
elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases. This high-risk group
includes patients suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and various
heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, cardiac
valvular abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmia.
March 18: Ban
on visiting introduced in relation to local social institutions
A ban on visiting,
outdoor access and new admissions has been introduced with relation to
residential social institutions.
Several professional
protocols and new regulations are making the work and lives of people working
within social fields safer during the state of emergency caused by the
coronavirus pandemic.
March 18: International
post subject to delays
Worldwide postal
services are slowing down due to the coronavirus epidemic. In several
countries, restrictions have been introduced in air and road traffic which have
also caused disruptions in the forwarding of postal consignments.
March 18: PM
Orbán consults with European leaders
Following a cabinet
meeting today, PM Orbán will make an announcement on his social media account.
According to his
communications team, the live broadcast will start on PM Orbán's Facebook account
at 3 p.m.
March 18: Government
and document offices will only receive customers by appointment
In the interest of
preventing the spread of the coronavirus, government and document offices will
only receive customers by appointment from March 18.
At the same time, the
operation of Mobile Government Window Customer Services (“KAB buses”) has been
suspended indefinitely. If you have forgotten your client gate identifier,
staff members at the Government Customer Line available at the toll-free number
1818 will be happy to help.
March 18: Government
has ordered “many” coronavirus tests
The Hungarian
government has ordered “many” coronavirus tests and will take steps to
accelerate laboratory procedures.
Chief medical officer
Cecília Müller said the number of test laboratories has been “significantly
increased”, noting that there was a larger demand in view of the number of new
cases and contacts.
March 18: Several hospitals designated
as quarantine centers
Several hospitals
across the country are being designated as quarantine centers and “epidemic
hospitals” in addition to the South Pest Central Hospital’s St László unit.
Ildikó Horváth, State
Secretary in charge of healthcare, told parliament’s public welfare committee
that a mobile quarantine hospital is being constructed in Kiskunhalas, in
south-eastern Hungary, and the local hospital will be assigned for the same
purpose.
The hospitals of Ajka
(W), Szekszárd (S), and Miskolc (NE) will be similarly adapted in view of the
novel coronavirus epidemic. The aim is to slow down the spread of the new
coronavirus epidemic.
March 18: Number of those infected
increases to 58
The number of people
diagnosed with the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Hungary has
increased to 58 this morning.
Chief Medical Officer
Cecília Müller said last night that there could be several hundred patients
infected with the novel coronavirus over the coming days.
The number of people
infected with coronavirus now stands at 58. In quarantine: 122. Recovered: 2.
Deceased: 1.
March 17: Chief
Medical Officer says that in the coming days, the number of infected people
could reach several hundred
In the coming days,
there could be several hundred patients infected with the novel coronavirus in
Hungary, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller stated.
Müller pointed out
repeatedly that the elderly are especially at risk from the novel coronavirus,
and therefore, primarily those over the age of 70 should stay at home.
According to the World Health Organization’s recommendation, you should “maintain
social distancing” – meaning you should keep an approximate distance of 2
meters between yourself and others. However, staying at home is the safest
option.
March 17: Chief
Medical Officer says coronavirus successfully isolated in laboratory of National
Center for Public Health
The coronavirus has
been successfully isolated in the National Safety Laboratory of the National
Center for Public Health for the first time in Hungary, the Chief Medical
Officer announced at the press conference of the Operational Group responsible
for the containment of the coronavirus infection.
March 17: Shops
are not allowed to remain open beyond 3 p.m., excluding food stores and
pharmacies
According to the
government decree adopted as part of a series of emergency measures, from this
afternoon shops (e.g. clothing stores, shoe shops, etc.) are not allowed to
remain open beyond 3 p.m., not including stores selling foodstuffs, toiletries,
household cleaning substances, chemicals and hygiene paper products,
pharmacies, stores selling medical supplies, filling stations and tobacco
shops.
In other retail
stores, only employees are allowed to remain present on the premises between
closing time at 3 p.m. and 6 a.m.
It is important that
this regulation does not yet apply to the services sector – such as nail
parlors, hairdressers and gymnasiums – meaning that they may remain open beyond
3 p.m. At the same time, we strongly advise everyone to comply with disease
control precautions.
March 17: Organizations of pediatricians:
Do not take children suspected of infection to surgeries
The organizations of
pediatricians are asking parents not to take their children suspected of having
contracted coronavirus infection to surgeries or pediatric duty wards. They
should instead call their pediatric practitioners or one of the toll-free
numbers.
05:05 PM - March
17: Post offices will remain open beyond 3 p.m.
The regulation under
which shops and restaurants must close at 3 p.m. due to the coronavirus
epidemic does not apply to post offices. Post offices will receive customers
during the opening hours stated at the entrance.
March 17: NAV
has suspended customer services in eight locations in Pest County
Customer services will
be suspended indefinitely at the Dabas, Nagykáta, Ráckeve and Szigetszentmikós
offices of the Pest County Tax and Customs Directorate of the National Tax and
Customs Administration (NAV) as well as in the NAV windows operating at the
Gyál, Pilisvörövár, Szentendre and Szob government windows.
March 17: Volánbusz boarding and
luggage handling rules have changed
In the interest of
preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection, coach company Volánbusz has
introduced emergency transportation and commercial measures, including changes
in the rules applicable to boarding and luggage handling.
According to the
information released by the company, on national, suburban and regional
services, season ticket holders can board via the rear doors, while front door
boarding is only allowed for passengers who want to buy tickets.
Luggage handling rules
will also change. The driver opens and closes the luggage space; however,
luggage is deposited and removed by passengers.
March 17: MÁV suspends services
Hungarian rail company
MÁV has announced that passenger rail services between Hungary and Austria and
between Hungary and Ukraine have been suspended.
March 17: FM says people's health
comes first
Péter Szijjártó,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, held talks with his Slovak, Czech and
Austrian counterparts on Tuesday morning. All countries agreed that the most
important task is to protect people's health and to ensure their care.
The foreign minister
stressed that in the current situation, countries in the region are highly
independent on each other, adding that “there was a consensus that we probably
need to be prepared for a period of time, which means not days, weeks, but
months”.
March 17: Chimney
checks temporarily suspended in Budapest
Due to the coronavirus
infection, from March 17 the metropolitan chimney sweeping company FŐKÉTÜSZ
Fővárosi Kéményseprőipari Kft. will temporarily suspend scheduled chimney
checks in the interest of protecting people’s health.
10:35 AM - March
17: Foreigners will not be allowed to enter Hungary from midnight
The authorities will
close the Hungarian borders for passenger traffic tonight.
From 00:00 on March
17, only Hungarian citizens will be allowed to enter the country. The
restriction relates to all road, railway, water and air borders.
March 17: Certain
medical procedures suspended to prioritize emergency cases
Throughout the
country, hospitals are suspending elective surgeries and examinations due to
the coronavirus infection; only emergency interventions will be carried out.
Read more here.
March 17: Number
of those infected rises to 50
Another Hungarian
citizen and a foreigner have been exposed to the new coronavirus infection
(COVID-19), bringing the number of people diagnosed in Hungary to 50.
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Cecília Müller said it was clear from the data that we are entering the
second phase of the epidemic. After individual infections, the spread of the
virus has begun. It is no longer possible to tell who has infected who.
In Hungary, the number
of newly diagnosed corona virus infections has reached 50, including 9 Iranian,
1 British, 1 Kazakh and 39 Hungarian citizens.
March 16: Another
patient has recovered
A second recovered
patient, an Iranian citizen, has been released from a Hungarian hospital this
evening.
March 16: PM
Orbán announces new measures to beat the virus
Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán has announced that Hungary will close its borders for all passenger
transport and only Hungarian citizens will be allowed to enter.
During a parliamentary
session this morning, PM Orbán said all events in Hungary will be banned
starting at midnight on Monday, adding that sporting events should be held
behind closed doors unless the organizers cancel those events altogether.
Pubs, cinemas and
other cultural facilities will also be closed. Restaurants, cafes and shops
will be allowed to remain open until 3pm; the restriction will not apply to
food stores, pharmacies and drug stores.
PM Orbán has called on
people to postpone all gatherings except for family events, and warned that the
elderly were exceptionally vulnerable to the new virus.
Local councils will be
obliged to organize supplies for elderly people staying at home and look after
them, and local councils will handle this as a priority task.
Commenting on the
grave economic consequences.
The Mahatma Gandhi
Human Rights Organization is not left in this campaign against the spread of
the virus across the country. We are organizing campaigns on the Television and
other media house and Civi Organizations
to sensitize the population on the dangers of not respecting the
measures taken by the government and other Organizations like the (WHO).This
campaign will continue until such a time when the government declares that the
risks of this virus to the population has been curbed.
Gibril Deen
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