Compared with neighbouring countries, Hungary has succeeded in slowing down the spread of the virus, the head of the duty centre of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus infection said at an online press conference held on Thursday.

Tibor Lakatos added that this is owing to the measures implemented by the government earlier and the fact that members of the public are complying with the restrictions imposed by the authorities.

In answer to a question, he said compared with the normal situation, there are 60 to 70 per cent fewer people on the roads and in public spaces in Hungary.

Regarding the situation at the borders, the head of the duty centre said minor delays should be expected in incoming cargo traffic from the Slovak side at Rajka and Parassapuszta. There are longer delays at Hegyeshalom both in passenger and cargo traffic on entry from Austria. There are no unusual delays at the Romanian border; there are slightly longer delays than usual only in the lanes reserved for cargo traffic. As regards the Serbian border section, there is an approximate delay of one hour at Röszke and Tompa, he said.

Mr Lakatos said they continue to maintain the border controls that were reinstated earlier at the Austrian and Slovenian borders.

So far, the authorities have imposed 4,759 compulsory home quarantine orders; however, the number of those quarantined will soon decrease as ever more people are allowed to leave their homes upon the passage of 14 days, he highlighted.

The authorities have prosecuted 172 persons and have imposed onsite fines in 28 cases due to the violation of the rules of compulsory home quarantine, the head of the duty centre stated. He added that due to the non-observance of the provisions relating to the opening hours of shops, charges have been pressed in 44 instances, and 25 persons have been fined.

In answer to a question, Mr Lakatos said units of the defence forces are being deployed in larger stores in order to maintain the continued supply of the population should any problem emerge in deliveries. Defence control divisions have been formed in order to assist the activities of vital plants and facilities, he recalled. In the event of any problem, these units notify the Operational Group, he underlined.

He stressed that at present they are not planning to further tighten the operating conditions of fitness centres; they may remain open until 3.00 p.m. as before.

In answer to another question, he stated that the Kiskunhalas temporary hospital will be completed next week. However, the facility will only be used if “normal hospital capacities” prove to be insufficient, he added. In Kiskunhalas, the tank necessary for the supply of oxygen has already been installed, but further supplies have yet to be procured, Mr Lakatos said, observing that according to plans, the facility will also be suitable for providing intensive care.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)