A government decree that has recently taken effect makes it easier for Hungarian nationals to return from Bulgaria, the head of the duty centre of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic said at an online press conference held on Saturday.

Police Colonel Tibor Lakatos said, according to the decree, Hungarian nationals arriving from the Republic of Bulgaria in order to perform official duties, to participate in the activities of international organisations, to engage in business or humanitarian activities or to visit relatives may enter the territory of Hungary without restrictions even if they cross the Hungarian border from the direction of Romania.

The head of the duty centre asked members of the public to maintain social distancing and to observe the rule of wearing a face mask despite the relaxing of measures as by doing so they can prevent the occurrence of mass incidences in the autumn, during a possible second wave of the epidemic.

In answer to the question as to when unrestricted border crossing from Ukraine and Romania could be made possible, the Colonel stressed that it would be irresponsible to negotiate about the free crossing of the borders with countries where the status of the epidemic does not allow this. He added that the epidemic had not passed, and there were still infected patients in hospital, including patients requiring assisted ventilation. He mentioned as an example that while the epidemic situation in Hungary is satisfactory compared with Romania, if a Hungarian national travels to Romania, they can become infected and so pose a threat to their family and colleagues.

The Colonel pointed out that the relaxing of measures is preceded by a thorough assessment of the situation. He added that these measures are not only up to Hungary; at this point, neither Romania, nor Ukraine appears to be prepared to relax measures. He observed that Hungary lets in transit passengers from these countries. At the same time, as a rule of thumb, Hungarian nationals returning from Romania and Ukraine are still required to retire to compulsory home quarantine for 14 days.

In answer to another question regarding the traditional university admission parties due to be held in mid-July when higher education institutions announce their minimum admission limits, he said at this point there is no way of knowing what the status of the epidemic will be in July. At present, however, there is no scope for holding such events; only cultural and sports events can be organised outdoors.

Regarding summer travels within the country and boat trips on Lake Balaton, the Colonel warned everyone of observing the general protective regulations, including keeping a safe distance and wearing a face mask or scarf on public transport. If a person uses any public transport boat or ferry service on Lake Balaton, they are required to comply with the relevant rules. Also at present, public transport schedules are designed to ensure that operations remain below full capacity. For instance, during the most serious phase of the epidemic, train services were planned with a maximum thirty per cent passenger capacity, and while restrictions can be gradually eased, we cannot yet return to full capacity, he indicated.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)