Many may have had the impression that the virus had a summer break; however, the government did not, and therefore the second wave is finding us better prepared than in the spring, Csaba Dömötör said on Kossuth Radio on Sunday.

“At the beginning of the year, we were up against an unknown enemy, but today we know more, and so our preparedness is also at a higher level,” the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister said, taking the view that we should prepare for a protracted, multi-front struggle because there is still no vaccine that could be used in mass.

The fundamental goals are to protect the elderly most at risk from the virus, to guarantee normal education, and to restore the economy’s rev count as soon as possible and to protect jobs, Mr Dömötör said.

“Discipline and unity continue to remain a safe shield against the virus, and the government can enhance these with decisions adopted swiftly and effectively. As the system of protective measures has worked well so far, there is no reason for the government to keep wrenching the steering wheel of the fight against the epidemic,” he said.

He also indicated that during the period ahead solidarity would play a major role; for instance, young people can do a great deal for the elderly by observing – among others – the rules relating to social distancing.

He said on Friday the government had clarified the rules relating to entry into the country. Those who are able to verify that they seek entry for business purposes may enter the country without restrictions. The latest rules also include that upon entry virus tests carried out abroad will be accepted, Mr Dömötör added.

Regarding education, he said it is a major achievement that we managed to start the school year. At the same time, schools were given a detailed disease control protocol in order to avoid infections. He said it is also important that if the virus emerges in one institution or another, it will be possible to make individual decisions on a case-to-case basis.

In answer to a question, he also highlighted that the national consultation had come to an end; 1,793,000 persons completed the questionnaires. This means that this consultation has been the second most popular to date.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)