The official amendment to the decree has not been published yet in the Hungarian Gazette; however, some details can already be read on the government site. From these, we can find out what to expect in the next phase of easing restrictions in Hungary.
444.hu writes that due to the third wave of the coronavirus epidemic, the Hungarian government is extending certain measures currently in force. So, wearing a mask and keeping distance in public places will be mandatory even after April 19. In addition, the curfew, which will start at 10 a.m., will continue to apply.
Reaching 3.5 million vaccinated people will be a major milestone.
This is when the terraces and garden areas of the catering units can open. By law, these services can be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is important to note that guests do not have to wear a mask, but waiters do. The operator of the catering unit is responsible for compliance with the rules. Violations of security measures may result in fines or the closure of the restaurant.
Guests who do not follow the rules can expect a fine.
The government will also abolish the public space fee to be paid to municipalities for terraces. This also helps the recovery of catering units.
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Schools will open gradually. First, kindergartens and the lower grades of elementary schools will open on April 19. After, children in the upper grades of elementary schools and high school students may return on May 10th.
Border control will be extended by the government until May 23.
The goal remains to curb the epidemic. Returning Hungarians must be quarantined, which can only be waived with two negative PCR tests. In proportion to the population, Hungary still has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the EU. The number of 3.5 million vaccinations is expected to be reached in Hungary on 21 or 22 April.
These measures are also interesting because it is clear from this that the Hungarian government is taking into account the currently very unstable epidemic situation. The Hungarian government is trying to balance the burden on healthcare with the restart of the economy. Hasty, irresponsible easing can have serious consequences. There are many who got vaccinated; however, most received only the first vaccine, which does not provide complete protection.