There are some who repeatedly violate the rules of restrictions on movement. The police either fine them or prosecute them, 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 Thursday.

Colonel Tibor Lakatos added that during monitoring compliance with restrictions on movement, the police cautioned 187 individuals, imposed fines in more than 70 instances, and pressed charges in 162 cases.

He said the police are relying on people’s cooperation, hence the high number of cautions. However, those who repeatedly violate restrictions on movement will be fined or prosecuted. He highlighted that young people often congregate in public areas, despite the fact that presence on public premises should be kept to a minimum, Mr Lakatos said.

In answer to a question, the colonel said the disease control measures implemented in Hungary are not particularly stringent, and have been adjusted to the present state of the epidemic. He said the measures imposed are not likely to be relaxed. He added that where epicentres develop, measures could be tightened in relation to smaller areas.

In answer to a question about hospital commanders, he pointed out that hospital commanders had not reported to the Operational Group any major irregularities that could jeopardise the provision of health care.

He said in answer to a question about the domestic production of protective supplies that the production of face masks was ongoing also at present at the National Headquarters of Penal Institutions. They will soon commission new production lines which will enable production at a level several times higher than the present capacity.

Mr Lakatos said so far no infections have been detected in penal institutions, and they are taking all possible precautions to prevent infections.

The colonel also said so far 10,668 compulsory home quarantine orders have been issued which the police have checked more than 78,000 times. They found irregularities in 418 cases, cautioned 36 persons, imposed onsite fines in 211 instances and pressed charges in 341 cases.

They continue to monitor compliance with the rules relating to the opening hours of shops. So far, 39 persons have been cautioned, 25 onsite fines have been imposed and 61 persons have been prosecuted.

In answer to a question, he stressed that in most cases the rise in the prices of protective supplies in pharmacies is caused by general price rises on the world market. At the same time, they are continuously seeking to tackle unjustified price rises with market surveillance methods.

He also said so far 32 criminal procedures have been instituted due to scaremongering, 22 due to the threat of public danger, and 29 due to fraud. Many people are trying to take advantage of the situation, he observed.

Regarding the situation at the borders, he said there are delays in cargo traffic on the entry side at Röszke, as well as in passenger and cargo traffic on the entry and exit sides at Csanádpalota, but these are not longer than usual.

He announced that commuter traffic had now also been authorised between Hungary and Slovenia.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)