At a seven-party meeting, the parliamentary groups of all parties unanimously supported the closing down of schools from Monday due to the spread of the coronavirus, Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office informed journalists. He said he will relay this opinion to the government, and a decision is expected to be taken within 24 hours.

Mr Gulyás said the Operational Group has a factually supported opinion on the matter. In Hungary, the number of patients is the lowest in Europe, and this in itself would not warrant the closure of schools. At the same time, they also appreciate that many people believe their children are not safe, and in this situation they have to adopt measures which contribute to the country’s containment efforts in a way that is as reassuring as possible for the citizens of Hungary, the Minister said.

Mr Gulyás added that all parliamentary groups agreed that all schools should be closed from Monday. The government will adopt a decision in light of the position of the parliamentary groups, the Minister laid down.

In answer to the question as to whether teachers would be required to go on paid or unpaid leave, he said if they decide that there is no teaching in schools from Monday, according to the relevant legislation teachers are entitled to an absence fee, the amount of which is equal to their pay, he indicated.

At the same time, he also highlighted that they are in a very difficult situation, given that almost one third of the school year is left. Final examinations are crucial, and therefore they will make every effort to ensure that students can take their final examinations.

He added that medical experts more or less agree that this health crisis will last not just for a few weeks, but much longer, more like for a few months. There is no guarantee for when schools could be reopened if they decide in favour of closing. This is why they believed that in a parliamentary democracy – in a state of crisis – they must consult with every parliamentary group. It helps the government that there is full agreement on this issue, the Minister pointed out.

In answer to a question regarding whether the closure of schools would also apply to church-operated institutions, he said he cannot envisage the two being treated separately.

In answer to another question, the Minister underlined that at the meeting they had covered all issues that were related to the containment efforts. This was the second meeting, and it seems that there is now an established procedure. They will have meetings minimum once a week, but they could even hold several consultations a week.

MSZP’s deputy parliamentary group leader Tamás Harangozó said the closing of schools could be an important means in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus infection, primarily by bringing forward the school break or even extending it.

According to Párbeszéd’s parliamentary group leader Tímea Szabó, all possible preventive measures must be taken. She said it is important that teachers should receive their pay as should parents staying at home with their children. She spoke about the need for the continued provision of meals for needy children.

Erzsébet Schmuck, LMP’s deputy parliamentary group leader stressed that in the interest of making available the resources necessary for containment, the amendment of the 2020 budget must be submitted within the shortest possible time. In this, an allocation must also be set aside for support in relation to the lost salaries of teachers and parents.

According to Demokratikus Koalíció’s (DK) deputy parliamentary group leader, it is the government’s duty to work out measures which allow parents to stay at home. He said teachers must be fully informed and remunerated. He stated it is unacceptable that testing is not provided for those affected.

László György Lukács of Jobbik asked the government “to change into a higher gear” and to adopt all measures possible in the interest of creating maximum safety.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)