In the next phase of the containment effort, from Monday, life in the countryside can be resumed through the gradual lifting of restrictions, according to a strict timetable, Government Spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi said in a message posted on her Facebook account on Saturday.

It is important that we must continue to take particular care of the elderly, while in Budapest and Pest County, due to the high number of coronavirus infections and fatalities, the current restrictions will remain in effect. For instance, the same as before, members of the public will not be allowed to use the gardens and terraces of restaurants, and only food stores, stores selling hygiene products and pharmacies will be allowed to stay open as normal; other shops will have to close at 3.00 p.m. At the same time, from Monday in the countryside shopping centres will be allowed to operate according to their normal opening hours, the Government Spokesperson said.

Those living in Budapest and Pest County will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons. They are advised against travelling to the countryside, meaning that they are not allowed to go to bathing resorts in the countryside and cannot use playgrounds, she added.

Throughout the country, the shopping time slot between 9.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. reserved for the elderly will remain in effect, and events will be banned until 15 August, with the exception of funerals, weddings and church events. Bigger weddings also qualify as larger-scale events, meaning that they cannot be held until mid-August, Ms. Szentkirályi indicated.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)