Update: Hungarian Government phases out further protective measures

Update: Hungarian Government phases out further protective measures

Second stage in the phasing out of protection measures: With the administration of the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 3.5 million residents, Government Decree 175/2021 (IV.15.) on the second stage in the phasing out of protection measures will enter into force. Once this number is achieved, a Ministerial Decree on the entry into force of the Government Decree will be published in the Hungarian Gazette, following which the currently existing protective measures will be amended in the following areas with immediate effect:

  • catering establishments (i.e. restaurants, bars) may open their terraces and gardens and customers will be allowed to stay, eat and drink on the terrace and garden of catering establishments between 5 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.;
  • it is forbidden to stay, eat and drink inside catering establishments, only waiting for take-away food and using the toilets is allowed. This provision shall not apply to buffets and restaurants of workplaces, accommodations, schools and healthcare institutions, in case they serve only those employed or living there. Staying, eating and drinking inside such buffets and restaurants is allowed;
  • wearing a mask inside catering establishments is mandatory with the exceptions listed in the previous Government Decrees, i.e. children under the age of 6 and people with psychosocial disability or autism spectrum disorder are not obliged to wear a mask;
  • on the terrace and/or garden of catering establishments only employees are obliged to wear a mask, while guests may stay on the terrace/garden without a mask even while they are not consuming the food and beverages ordered.

Further changes are anticipated as the situation develops. A Government spokesman has announced on 22 April 2021 that the curfew period will be shortened (between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.) and a decree effecting that is expected imminently.

For the detailed explanation of the existing rules, see our earlier Newsletter.

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