Hungary to wave goodbye to masks, immunity cards

According to the decree, signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the following will happen as soon as Hungary reaches 5.5 million first-dose vaccinations:

• Wearing face masks will no longer be mandatory except in hospitals and social institutions. No masks will be needed in stores or on public transport. Meanwhile, the voluntary wearing of masks is allowed.
• People may enter restaurants, bars, hotels and other commercial accommodations, leisure centres, and cultural events and shows with pre-purchased seating even without immunity cards.
• Regulations regarding stores, including the one customer per 10 sqm limit and mandatory distancing, will be lifted.
• The number of people allowed in family events and other private events will be raised from 50 to 100. Wedding receptions can have400 guests, up from 200.
• Cultural events in performing arts will be free of limitations provided that a) the event is held at a location intended for this purpose; b) it can be attended with a pre-purchased ticket for a designated seat; and c) audience members must stay in their designated seats during the performance.
• There will be no change in the rules on sports events, music and dance events, or other outdoor events with more than 500 people. These events will still require an immunity card to attend. Children under 18 will either need a card or will have to be accompanied by an adult with an immunity card.
• Universities and colleges can now prepare for resuming on-site education.
• The special rules on fishing will be lifted, which means immunity cards are no longer required for night fishing.

But when will all this take effect?

Hungary is still 14,000 first vaccinations away from the 5.5 million mark, which means it will probably be reached on Thursday. The decree ordering the lifting of measures could be published late on Thursday, followed by the government’s announcement Friday morning. In that case, it will probably be in Orbán’s weekly radio interview.

Cover photo: MTVA/ Csaba Jászai