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Easing the rules on the Restriction of the freedom of movement - UPDATE to our 12 May Newsletter
Previously the rules on the restriction of the freedom of movement divided Hungary into two parts: Budapest and Pest County and the rest of the country. Currently there are still two separate sets of rules in effect concerning the freedom of movement, however one is for Budapest and the other one is for the whole of Hungary, also including Pest County.
I. Restriction of movement within the territory of Hungary EXCEPT FOR Budapest
On 15 May 2020, the Hungarian government passed Government Decree 207/2020 (V.15.) which mitigates the rules on the restriction of movement within the territory of Hungary except Budapest. The Government Decree took effect on 18 May 2020 and contains the following main provisions:
- It is allowed to stay inside catering establishments (i.e. restaurants, cafés, patisseries, buffets etc.) to consume the ordered food and drink. The workers of such establishments must wear something (i.e. mask, scarf) to cover their mouth and nose. The minimum 1.5 meter distance between tables shall be observed inside and outside these establishments as well.
- Hotels and other accommodations may re-open. In case the hotel or other kind of accommodation has catering establishments, the rules on catering establishments described above apply to them as well.
- From 1st June 2020 weddings, funerals and associated gatherings with no more than 200 people may be held. From 1st June 2020 weddings and associated gatherings may also be held inside catering establishments and housings.
II. Restriction of movement within Budapest
Under Government Decree 211/2020 (V.16.), the rules on the restriction of movement have also been eased in Budapest, meaning that people no longer need a duly justified reason in order to leave their home. The Government Decree took effect on 18 May 2020 and contains the following main provisions:
- The rules on keeping at least 1.5 meters distance from others and the mandatory covering of one’s mouth and nose (with mask, scarf etc.) in shops and on public transport remain in effect.
- People are allowed to visit public spaces, parks and playgrounds while keeping the minimum 1.5 meter distance from each other.
- People who are 65 years or older may visit groceries, drugstores, markets and pharmacies only between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. People younger than 65 years old may not enter such places at those times. The district municipalities may determine a different shopping period for the two age groups at local markets.
- All businesses can be opened to customers and services are freely available to anyone and premises providing services can be opened to customers.
- It is forbidden to stay inside catering establishments (except for handing over and delivery of take-away food), but it is allowed to stay in the garden or on the terrace of such establishment in order to consume the ordered food and drink. The minimum 1.5 meter distance between tables shall be kept, meaning that customers arriving together may sit together, however shall keep at least 1.5 meters from other tables. The operator of the catering establishment is responsible for keeping the above-mentioned rules.
- Masses, weddings, funerals and associated gatherings may be held. From 15th June 2020 nuptials and burial-feasts with no more than 200 people may be held. From 15th June 2020 weddings, funerals and associated gatherings with no more than 200 people may also be held inside catering establishments and housings. The minimum 1.5 meter distance shall also be kept during these events.
- The rector may decide on re-opening colleges and universities to the students. Staying inside student housings remains prohibited.
Who to contact?
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our team:
Attila Ungár
Júlia Várkonyi
Tamás Oláh
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