From Monday, a new phase will begin in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic, a staff member of the duty centre of the Operational Group responsible for the coronavirus epidemic said at an online press conference held on Sunday.

Police Lt. Colonel Róbert Kiss said so far this weekend the police had taken action in 3,512 instances due to the violation of the restrictions on movement, including 1,751 cautions, 986 onsite fines and 775 prosecutions. Since 28 March, the police have been required to take some form of action in more than 44,000 instances in connection with the restrictions on movement.

He pointed out that in Budapest and Pest County the same restrictions on movement and opening hours would remain in effect. In the rest of the country, all shops, outdoor bathing facilities, baths, museums and zoos may reopen for visiting. However, in shops and on public transport members of the public will be required to wear a face mask or a scarf to cover the mouth and nose.

According to his information, on Saturday 916 compulsory home quarantine orders were issued, resulting in 10,786 compulsory home quarantine orders in effect at present. On Saturday, the police took action in 23 instances in connection with individuals who failed to comply with the rules of compulsory home quarantine. The police have checked persons under the effect of such restrictions since 12 March, and have taken action in connection with 1,453 violations.

Regarding border traffic, he said there is a delay of 1 hour in cargo traffic on the entry side at Röszke and a delay of 2 hours in passenger traffic on the exit side at Nagylak.

In answer to a question from the press, he said the police are fully prepared and will monitor compliance with the new rules taking effect from Monday in adequate numbers. If necessary, they will take action immediately, he said. In answer to another question, he highlighted that people most frequently commit infringements by leaving their homes for non-essential reasons, failing to observe the rules of social distancing, or going shopping at a time other than the time slot reserved for them.

In answer to a question about what those returning home from abroad should expect in resuming airport passenger traffic, he said those returning home will be subjected to compulsory health examinations. If the suspicion of infection emerges, they are quarantined in a designated place, while if there is no suspicion of coronavirus infection, they are required to retire to compulsory home quarantine for 14 days.

The Lt. Colonel answered the question as to whether those working, for instance, in Germany were allowed to return home to their families for the weekend in the affirmative. He added that a person may be exempted from compulsory home quarantine if they verify that they have recovered and do not display symptoms of the infection or have a certificate verifying that prior to their return home they were under disease control observation for 14 days.

At the same time, the Lt. Colonel answered in the negative the question of whether it amounts to a breach if a Budapest resident purchases a car and presents themselves at the transport authority for the purpose of meeting the obligation of reporting the change of title. He added that according to the relevant legislation, visiting offices in essential cases requiring personal attendance before authorities and banks or in financial, insurance or postal administration qualifies as an essential reason.

In the context of the lifting of restrictions in the countryside, he said when frequenting the terraces or gardens of restaurants, customers will be allowed to use the toilets which are typically located indoors.

At the Sunday press conference of the Operational Group, Spokesperson of the National Police Constabulary Kristóf Gál greeted mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers on the occasion of Mothers’ Day, wishing them – in the present situation – primarily good health. He asked people to be creative in celebrating Mothers’ Day, taking good care of themselves and others. At the same time, he wished secondary school students taking their final examinations from tomorrow all the very best.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)