Hungary 1. Preventing Transmission: 1.1 Health Communication

Hungary
Hungary
1. Preventing transmission
The section on PREVENTING TRANSMISSION includes information on key public health measures that
aim to prevent the further spread of the disease. It details how countries are advising the general public
and people who (might) have the disease to prevent further spread, as well as measures in place to test
and identify cases, trace contacts, and monitor the scale of the outbreak.
1.1 Health communication
Health communication
By Peter Gaal, Viktoria Szerencses, Zita Velkey
When COVID-19 appeared in Hungary – on the 4th of March – the Government immediately started to
communicate with the public. The provision of information for the frontline health professionals started
earlier, after the first cases appeared in Europe. The communication was mostly focused on
prevention, the recognition of symptoms and the measures of the Government in both cases. Already
in January, a so-called "Operative Corps" was established, jointly led by the Interior Minister (Sándor
Pintér) and the Minister of Human Capacities (Miklós Kásler), with representatives of relevant
organizations, such as the national chief medical officer of the National Public Health Center (formerly
National Public Health and Medical Officer Service). The measures of the Government are mostly
announced in regular, daily press conferences of the Operative Corps, except for those with strategic
importance, which are communicated directly by the Prime Minister (Viktor Orbán). Most of the
information about prevention is spread to the public through several channels, such as TV, radio,
internet websites and posters in the form of press conferences, public purpose ads, written
recommendations and announcements, using officials and other public figures, such as one of the
most popular spokesmen, Pál Györfi of the National Emergency Ambulance Service. In May, the
government started a new communication campaign mostly to promote the economic measures of the
government, primarily using billboards.
The Operative Corps held their final daily press conference on the 17th of June but the Operative
Corps will remain in session. Moreover, an epidemiological deployment unit within the Operative
Corps, headed by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, has been established (see Section 5 –
Governance for more details).
On the 29th of August, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that a national consultation will be
launched about the coronavirus and the measures adopted in the interest of restarting the economy
[1].
At the end of August, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, announced that no one should interact
with others if they are ill and display symptoms such as a cough and a temperature in the interest of
preventing the spread of the coronavirus [2].
From the 19th of September, the Operative Corps is holding daily press conferences again.
The most important communication channels are the following:
Websites and telephone hotlines:

The website koronavirus.gov.hu was launched to inform the public about all the official information
related to the virus. The main page starts with the numbers of two 24-hour phone lines and shows the
actual numbers of those infected, healed, deceased, and quarantined. The website also includes
infographics, news as well as videos about the virus, prevention and the symptoms in plain language.
Beyond that, the website contains governmental measures as well as downloadable information
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materials (posters, flyers).
Social media:
From the beginning, the Government has used social media as a main channel to communicate. For
example, the first measures of the Government were announced on the official Facebook page of the
Prime Minister (Viktor Orbán). Additionally, public communications were published on all the frequently
used social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
TV, Radio:
In addition, TV and radio are used to announce all measures and public communications in order to
reach the most vulnerable age group. There is a regular weekly interview with the Prime Minister on
the main public service radio channel (Kossuth rádió), which has frequently been used by the Prime
Minister as a first line of communication for governmental plans and actual measures regarding the
epidemic.
[1] https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/national-consultation-to-be-launched
[2] https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/no-one-should-interact-with-others-if-they-
have-a-cough-and-a-temperature
1.2 Physical distancing
Austerity measures: physical distancing

On the 7th of September, the government instituted a ban on leaving or visiting all social institutions
that provide specialised care. Exemption from the visiting ban is only granted if someone would like to
visit a relative who is in the final stage of a terminal illness. The ban on leaving institutions is not
applicable to night shelters or temporary accommodations for homeless people. Visiting the facility’s
garden or other buildings does not constitute leaving the institution. New patients may only be admitted
if they are in possession of two negative COVID-19 tests prior to registration [19].
The Chief Medical Officer announced a similar visitation ban from 8th of September in every hospital
[20].
From the 9th of September, passengers in Budapest who are not properly wearing a face mask on
public transportation can be excluded from travel and could be required to pay a fine.
From the 15th of September, stricter face mask wearing rules will be applied on the trains and
intercity/regional buses. Passengers who do not wear a mask to cover their nose and mouth may be
excluded from travel.
From the 18th of September, individuals in Budapest are required to wear a face mask in cinemas,
theatres, and concerts, as well as during circus performances, general meetings in apartment
buildings, and closed indoor areas. Those who are not or not properly wearing a mask can get an on-
site fine up to HUF 15,000, and the owner can get an administrative fine up to HUF 50,000 [22].
From the 21st of September, the restaurants, the bars and the clubs in the country should close at
11.00 p.m. Additionally, it will be compulsory to wear face masks nationwide not only on public
transport and in shops, but also in cinemas, theatres, health care and social institutions and customer
service offices [21]. The ban on events with an attendance of more than 500 people remains in force.
From the 1st of October, pre-schools, school, and vocational institutions’ staff and students will only be
allowed to enter the buildings after their body temperatures have been checked. Parents and other
persons accompanying children to pre-schools or elementary schools can enter the institutions up to
the point where the children’s body temperatures are taken, but they should wear face masks covering
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their nose and mouth [23].
From the 23rd of October, it is mandatory to wear face masks at outdoor events and sporting events
[24]. Outdoor events are for outdoor meetings, which are defined as a public gathering of at least two
persons for the purpose of expressing in a public matter. Children under 6 are not required to wear a
face mask.
[19] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources/news/ban-on-leaving-and-visiting-social-
institutions
[20] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/teljes-koru-latogatasi-tilalmat-rendelt-el-korhazakban-az-
orszagos-tisztifoorvos
[21] https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/let-us-observe-rules-in-the-interest-of-the-
elderly-and-the-sick
[22] https://koronavirus.budapest.hu/en/2020/09/14/from-monday-new-rules-will-ease-the-restrictions-
in-budapest/
[23] https://www.kormany.hu/en/cabinet-office-of-the-prime-minister/news/new-already-announced-
protective-measures-to-take-effect-from-monday
[24] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/pentektol-kotelezo-maszkviseles-szabadteri-rendezvenyeken
Transition measures: physical distancing

On the 29th of April, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on his Facebook account that the
coronavirus epidemic containment effort is entering a new phase, which requires protecting the elderly
and maintaining restrictions for residents living in the most infected areas, but gradually lifting the
restrictions elsewhere in the country. The restrictions on movement will therefore remain in effect in
Budapest and the surrounding areas (Pest county). In the countryside, the restrictions on movement
will be replaced with new containment measures [4]. From the 4th of May, shops in the countryside will
be allowed to remain open without restrictions on their opening hours. The terraces and gardens of
restaurants and cafes may reopen, but only employees can stay indoors. Outdoor bathing facilities,
outdoor museums and zoos will be open again for visiting. Individuals are required to keep a safe
distance of 1.5 metres and cover their faces or wear a face mask in shops and on public transport. The
measures relating to the protected time slot reserved for the elderly will remain in effect.
No large events can be organized until 15th of August in Hungary [5]. On the 30th of July, the Minister
heading the Prime Minister’s Office said that the government will maintain the rules relating to events
with more than 500 people involving music and dancing also beyond the 15th of August [17].
Religious events, funerals and civil marriage can be held but the safe distance of 1.5 meter must be
maintained. Sporting events can be held without spectators. Training is allowed in amateur and
professional sports as well.
Out-of-classroom digital education will be maintained in May and the situation in June will be decided
later. More than 84,000 secondary school students will take final (graduation) exams between the 4th-
21st of May. With the exception of a few subjects, only written examinations will be held. Only those
students who need the results for their higher education application will take their final exams.
Hungarian police officers at the border will let in students coming from outside the border, and they will
not be required to quarantine at home for 14 days.
Adopted precautionary measures during final (graduation) exams [6,7]:

• public transport vehicles will run more frequently
• there will be police supervision in the neighbourhood of examination venues
• all students will be given face masks (not compulsory to wear during the exam), while the supervisor
teachers and teachers correcting the tests will also be supplied with gloves
• in the interest of minimising face-to-face interactions between those going to work and students
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taking their final examinations, during the first week, examinations will start at nine in the morning
• all schools conducting final examinations will receive supplies of hand sanitizers
• in each classroom, there will be a maximum of ten students, with minimum 1.5 meter between them
• exam papers will be disinfected in such a way that they will be left to rest for 24 hours before further
processing
In the countryside, the higher education institutions can be visited by the students in a way the rector
decides. The dorms are not allowed to open.
On the 14th of May, further loosening of restrictive measures was announced [8]:
• from the 14th of May, Pest County will operate under the same rules as other counties;
• in the counties, catering establishments will be allowed to reopen their interior spaces to customers
(in particular, restaurants, cafes, cake shops, snack bars and pubs). However, restaurant workers will
be required to wear face masks, and they are asking customers to follow suit as far as possible and to
keep a safe distance;
• from the 18th of May, playgrounds in open spaces and parks will reopen and hotels and guest houses
in the countryside will be allowed to receive guests;
• from the 1st of June, the organisation of weddings with a maximum attendance of two hundred
people will be allowed in the countryside and in Pest County;
• the government has also decided that summer camps for children without overnight stay can be
organised. They will decide on the organisation of camps involving overnight stay in light of the
epidemic situation at the end of May.
The restrictions on movement introduced in Budapest due to the coronavirus epidemic were lifted at
midnight on the 17th of May. From the 18th of May the following rules entered into force [9]:
• Wherever possible, people are obliged to keep a safe distance of one and a half metres from others
(except those who are living in the same household).
• In shops and on public transport, wearing face masks will remain compulsory.
• Public areas, parks and open-air playgrounds will reopen to visitors.
• In grocery stores, personal hygiene stores and pharmacies, the hours between 9.00 a.m. and 12.00
noon will remain reserved for customers over the age of 65, while customers aged under 65 will be
allowed to visit these stores outside the above hours.
• Local governments may determine different hours for shopping at markets for customers in different
age groups.
• All shops may reopen to customers.
• Catering establishments, in particular restaurants, cafes, cake shops, snack bars and pubs will be
allowed to reopen their gardens and terraces to customers.
• Bathing facilities and outdoor baths will be allowed to reopen.
• Outdoor museums and zoos will be allowed to reopen.
• Services, such as hairdressing and cosmetics, will be available to anyone for use; service premises
will be allowed to remain open without restrictions.
• Church services as well as civil weddings and funerals will be allowed to be held. In Budapest, family
events with fewer than two hundred attendees may be held from the 15th of June (e.g. wedding
receptions and funerals). Moreover, wedding ceremonies and receptions can also be held in
restaurants and hotels and “live musical accompaniment” is allowed as well.
• Universities may reopen; however, the rector of every higher education institution will be entitled to
make a decision on reopening. The student hall of residences of higher education institutions will
remain closed.
The operation of nurseries and kindergartens in the countryside can return to normal from the 25th of
May. In the capital these institutions will open on the 2nd of June. The education remains digital, but
the schools can be open for small group of pupils. Teachers will provide group consultations and
individual tutoring nationwide from the 2nd of June.
From the 28th of May, outdoor events, including sports events, cultural events, theatrical
performances, exhibitions and circus shows can be held. Events held in facilities which are bordered
by walls, but are partially or fully roofless should also be regarded as outdoor events (for example
stadiums, swimming pools, outdoor stages and cinemas). Three chairs must be left empty between two
spectators, and spectators must not sit directly behind each other and ensure a safe distance of at
least 1.5 meters between each other. The outdoor facilities of national parks will also reopen to visitors
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[10].
The attendance of musical and dance events held outside remains prohibited.
From the 29th of May, the interior spaces of restaurants in Budapest will reopen to customers,
however, workers will be required to wear face masks, and a safe distance will have to be maintained.
Hotels in the capital will be allowed to receive guests [11].
From the 3rd of June, it is possible to visit residents and patients living in elderly care homes and all
other social care institutions, as long as they are not isolated due to COVID-19 infections. Only healthy
family members will be allowed to visit and they will be required to wear face masks. These institutions
must provide hand sanitizers at the entrance, and if there is more than one resident in a room, only one
visitor is allowed to be present. New residents or residents returning from the hospital can only be
admitted to social institutions if a laboratory test performed not more than four days previously verifies
that they are not infected [15].
From the 12th of June, the visitation ban in hospitals was partially lifted. The relevant specific rules will
be determined by the given institutions’ director general. The general rules are the following: only
healthy persons are allowed to visit hospitals, visitors should wear a face mask and must be given the
opportunity to wash their hands with soap or to disinfect their hands [16].
The public libraries opened for visitors on the 15th of June.

The government submitted a bill on the revocation of the special legal order on the 26th of May to
Parliament[12]. The Parliament voted on lifting the State of Emergency within two weeks [13]. The
special legal order and the State of Emergency ended at midnight on the 17th of June, but the
Operative Corps remains in session and the hospital commanders as well [14]. After the State of
Emergency was lifted, the restrictions on travel for health care workers, law enforcement officers and
government officials was released. Individuals are required to wear face masks in shops and on public
transport (and when working in restaurants), but there won’t be any time limit for shopping from the
18th of June. Events with fewer than 500 participants can be organized again.
At the beginning of June, the government announced that after the lifting the State of Emergency, the
indoor theatres and cinemas can reopen. However, the decree that was published on the 17th of June
in the Hungarian Gazette and includes the details of the new measures does not mention these cultural
institutions, so no details are known about their opening yet.
With regard to the favorable situation in the defense against COVID-19, the government plans to
launch the school year according to normal schedule, on the 1st of September. The schools received
protocols on measures they need to implement to facilitate protection against the pandemic [18].
Sources:
[4] https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/containment-effort-is-entering-a-new-phase
[5] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyszovivo-augusztus-15-ig-semmilyen-tomegrendezvenyt-
nem-engedelyeznek-az-orszagban
[6] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/tobb-ovintezkedes-mellett-tartjak-az-idei-erettsegi-vizsgakat-0
[7] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources/news/more-than-84-000-students-could-
take-final-examinations-on-monday
[8] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyinfo-ujabb-enyhitesek-videken-pest-megye-pedig-tobbi-
megyevel-azonos-szabalyok-ala
[9] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/from-monday-new-rules-to-take-effect-in-budapest
[10] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/visszaterhetnek-nezok-sportrendezvenyekre
[11] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/interior-spaces-of-restaurants-and-outdoor-events-in-budapest-
to-reopen-from-friday
[12] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/government-to-submit-to-parliament-bill-on-revocation-of-
special-legal-order-on-tuesday-afternoon
[13] https://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/parliament-could-decide-on-termination-
of-state-of-danger-within-two-weeks
[14] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/gulyas-gergely-szerda-ejfelkor-veget-erhet-rendkivuli-jogrend
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[15] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/feloldottak-korhazi-latogatasi-tilalmat
[16] https://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/parliament-adopted-law-about-
termination-of-state-of-danger
[17] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyinfo-cel-masodik-hullam-megelozese
[17] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyinfo-cel-masodik-hullam-megelozese
[18] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources/news/government-plans-to-launch-
school-year-according-to-normal-schedule-school-to-begin-on-1-september
Physical distancing
Containment phase:
After the first case appeared on the 4th of March in Hungary, those who were diagnosed with COVID-
19 or were contacts of the first group had to be quarantined in the St. László Hospital, the infectious
diseases center of Hungary. On the 7th of March, the official commemoration of the National Day was
renounced by the Operative Corps and the visits of inpatients care and social institutes were banned
starting on the 8th of March.
With regard to the situation in Italy on the 11th of March, the Government declared a State of
Emergency, which allowed for the introduction of quick and extraordinary actions. Since the first
diagnosed cases were students from foreign countries studying in Hungarian universities, the
universities and other higher educational institutions were closed on the 11th of March. After a week-
long break, education has started again using online distance learning. Additionally, class trips to
foreign countries as well as the national language program in abroad was stopped on the same day.
Since the 12th of March, events with more than 100 people in enclosed spaces and more than 500
people in non-enclosed places were also banned. Furthermore, essential workers (physicians, nurses
and other healthcare professionals) were not allowed to leave the country anymore. Home office was
encouraged for those businesses, which could reorganize work that way. Just one day later, on the
13th of March it was announced by the Prime Minister, that the schools were closing on the 16th of
March and the education was going to continue online. From this day on, day care is provided only for
children, whose parents are essential workers.
Also on the 12th of March, all events were prohibited, and restaurants and other shops could only stay
open until 3 pm. The vulnerable age group was seriously asked to stay at home, while care for those in
need was promised to be organised by the municipalities.
Although it was not prohibited by the government, most traditional churches in Hungary decided to
suspend regular religious gatherings (but continued services online). For instance, the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Hungary has no Sunday worships as of 16th of March, the Reformed Church in
Hungary has cancelled and suspended all community events as of 16th of March and the Hungarian
Catholic Church has no Mass as of 22nd of March.
Delay phase:
As the number of diagnosed cases went up to more than 300, stricter actions were announced by the
Government. From the 27th of March, a curfew restriction came into force, which means that for a two-
week period people are only allowed to leave their residences for work or basic needs, as well as they
have to keep 1.5-meter distance in public places. Seniors aged over 65, are only allowed to visit
grocery stores, pharmacies, and markets between 9am and 12pm, while others are not allowed to visit
these places in that period. Restaurants are closed for the public, they can only serve by home delivery
and takeaway, but hairdressers and manicurists can remain open. Typical reasons that justify home
leave include going to work or procurement of materials for work, shopping for basic needs (food,
medicine, tobacco, cleaning supplies and toiletries, animal food, stationery, etc), caring for the elderly,
administrative errands if they require personal presence, health care utilization, fuelling the car, or car
repair, getting a haircut or manicure, taking children to child care, attending weddings and funerals
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(with minimum number of participants), visiting a church, walking the pet and open air recreational
activities. On the 9th of April, the Prime Minister announced that the curfew restrictions were extended
by the government with no exact end date, but the necessity of the measure will be revised weekly.
Further, mayors were authorized to implement stricter restrictions locally during the Easter holidays, to
prevent the mass visit of popular tourist destinations. Mayors did close parts or all of their towns and
villages for instance in and around Budapest, and around lake Balaton [1]. The special authorization for
mayors was extended for the weekend after Easter (18-19th of April) and for long weekend of May 1st
as well.
From the 6th of April, new provisions were announced to protect those living in nursing homes. These
include prohibiting visits and new admissions, as well as introducing a curfew. Additionally, each
nursing home should appoint a person responsible for the prevention of COVID-19. For more details
about the competence of these individuals, please refer to Section 5 – Governance.
From the 27th of April, riders on public transportation in Budapest must cover their face with a scarf or
mask, as announced by the mayor Gergely Karácsony. The same regulations will be introduced at
shops, markets and in taxicabs as well.
Source:
[1] https://infostart.hu/belfold/2020/04/10/bezartak-a-kirandulohelyek-itt-a-lista-hova-ne-menjen-most
1.3 Isolation and quarantine
Isolation and quarantine

Since the 26th of March, the Chief Medical Officer’s decision obliges Hungarian citizens entering the
country from abroad to undergo a medical examination upon entering Hungary. Depending on the
outcome of the examination, individuals are subjected to different types of quarantine. Those who are
suspected of being infected with COVID-19 are placed in designated quarantine facilities. Those who
are not suspected of being infected are required to undergo official home quarantine for 14 days at
their place of residence or stay [3].
Before the 26th of March, only travellers who returned from countries with a high number of cases (eg.
China, Italy, South-Korea, Iran) were required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Self-isolation (home quarantine) is mandatory for any asymptomatic person who has been in close
contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case during the onset of symptoms and for two days
prior to the onset of symptoms [4].
People with symptoms are asked to call their GP or the Emergency Ambulance Service instead of
visiting health facilities for consultations.
Since 7th of May, individuals who are in mandatory home quarantine can download on voluntary basis
a tracking application that shares their location data, photo and health data with the authorities in order
for the police to regularly check whether they comply with the quarantine. According to the regulation,
the police will check electronically whether the software has been installed. Extraction of location data
must not infringe on the privacy of the persons under this electronic surveillance and they are not
allowed to be unreasonably disturbed between ten in the evening and six in the morning. If the
application data suggests that someone is not observing the rules, the authorities can check on
him/her personally. If the home quarantine ends, the software can be deleted, but the data will be
retained for another 60 days. If someone does not voluntarily agree to install the software, the police
will perform home visits more often to personally check on compliance with home quarantine. [5]
The National Public Health Center published a new procedure on COVID-19 on the 21st of September.
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An important new element is that people who are asymptomatic but were reached during contact
tracing because they were in close contact with a COVID-19 case should remain in home quarantine
for 10 days. Based on the new guidance, the quarantine for these individuals cannot end after two
negative PCR tests [6], which is a change from the previous situation.
The test is mandatory for asymptomatic close contacts who are working or living in long term care
institutions.
From the 21st of September Hungarian nationals returning to Hungary from abroad in passenger traffic
are now required to retire to compulsory home quarantine or designated quarantine for 10 days instead
of the earlier 14. Non-Hungarian nationals are also required to retire to quarantine (more details in
section 6) [7].
Sources:
[3] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/az-orszagos-tisztifoorvos-tilto-es-kotelezo-hatarozata-jarvanyugyi-
helyzetre-tekintettel
[4]
https://www.nnk.gov.hu/attachments/article/541/COVID19_elkulonites_megfigyeles_EMMI_20200312.
pdf
[5]
https://index.hu/belfold/2020/05/05/koronavirus_magyarorszagon_hazi_karanten_nyomkoveto_magyar
_kozlony/
[6] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/attachments/article/567/Elj%C3%A1r%C3%A1srend_09.21_.pdf
[7] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/persons-returning-from-abroad-face-ten-day-quarantine
1.4 Monitoring and surveillance
Monitoring and surveillance

The definition of COVID-19 was in line with the WHO case definition, but from the 16th of March, a
suspected case is every patient with an acute respiratory illness who has at least one of the following
symptoms: fever (≥38°C), cough, shortness of breath AND has a history of travel abroad during the 14
days prior to symptom onset. (Earlier only those were suspected who had symptoms and a history of
travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of COVID-19). In addition, any
patient exhibiting respiratory symptoms can be considered a suspected case by the family doctor or
the attending specialist, or the public health agency on the basis of the assessment of clinical and
epidemiological data, such as the occurrence of multiple respiratory diseases in small communities,
like hospital wards, workplaces, families or among friends).
The probable and confirmed case definitions are in line with WHO definitions [1,2].
Monitoring of the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases and their contacts is undertaken by the National
Public Health Center, and the relevant County Government Office and/or the District Government
Office of the patient's place of residence or stay. The epidemiological staff (the staff of public health
departments and units) is responsible for the contact tracing.
The suspected case is reported by the doctor (e.g. GP, doctor in an outpatient care institution,
ambulance doctor) to the public health department of the district office by phone. Then the Public
Health Department of the district office notifies the county government office.
In case of inpatient care / admission, the Department of Public Health of the County Government Office
must be notified. The Department of Public Health of the County Government Office reports the
suspected cases to the Department of Epidemiology and Infection Control of the National Public Health
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Center by filling out daily the requested table [3].
After a COVID-19 outbreak in one elderly care home operated by the municipality of Budapest, the
official communication started to pay special attention to cases from nursing homes. Since 9th of April,
the daily official communication highlights the confirmed cases and deaths from these social care
homes. On the 15th of April, the Chief Medical Officer announced that an inspection of elderly care
homes has started throughout the country with a focus on health care services and the skills of
workers.
Sources:
[1] https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200327-sitrep-67-covid-
19.pdf?sfvrsn=b65f68eb_4
[2] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/koronavirus-tajekoztato/567-eljarasrend-a-2020-evben-
azonositott-uj-koronavirussal-kapcsolatban-2020-03-16
[3] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/koronavirus-tajekoztato/567-eljarasrend-a-2020-evben-
1.5 Testing
Testing
The National Public Health Center published its latest procedure for COVID-19 testing on the 16th of
March [1]. If at least one of the following three categories is met, the patient is a suspected case and
laboratory test should be done.
• Category A: A patient with acute respiratory illness who has at least one of the following symptoms:
fever (≥38°C), cough, shortness of breath AND has a history of travel abroad during the 14 days prior
to symptom onset.
• Category B: A patient with acute respiratory illness AND having been in close contact with a
confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset.
• A patient with severe acute respiratory illness who has fever (≥38°C) and at least one symptom/sign
of respiratory disease (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, clinical or radiological sign of pneumonia) AND
requires hospitalization.
• In addition, any patient exhibiting respiratory symptoms can be considered a suspected case by the
family doctor or the attending specialist, or the public health agency on the basis of the assessment of
clinical and epidemiological data, such as the occurrence of multiple respiratory diseases in small
communities, like hospital wards, workplaces, families or among friends.
Lower or upper respiratory tract (nasal, pharyngeal) secretions should be sent to one of the seven
designated, accredited laboratories for direct detection of the virus. Tests are carried out based on the
WHO’s relevant recommendation.
After the health check by phone, the GP will notify the National Emergency Ambulance Service and
ask to take the sample. The National Emergency Ambulance Service takes and delivers the sample to
the lab (the suspected case can stay at home). The result is reported to the patient by the GP.
On the 21st of September, Bence Rétvári, the Parliamentary Secretary of The Ministry of Human
Capacities, announced that 17 outpatient sampling points will be established. If someone needs to be
tested due to contact tracing, the GP may request an appointment at one of the 17 outpatient sampling
points if the applicant is asymptomatic. In this case, people don’t have to wait for the ambulance, and
they can use the appointment from their GP to go to the sampling points themselves where workers of
the National Emergency Ambulance Service take the sample [12].
The testing of the patients in the hospitals is done in a pre-examination room in the triage area.
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It is possible to do a test in a private laboratory as well, but the National Public Health Center does not
accept it as an official result. Anybody can request this test, at a cost of HUF 31 000 (the delivery is
HUF 15 000). If it is positive, the laboratory notifies the National Public Health Center and sends the
sample to them in order to do a confirmatory test. The private labs can do 40-50 tests/day in three
locations nationwide [2]. From September 21st, the maximum price for the test is set at HUF 19,500
(see Section 4.2 – Entitlement and Coverage for more details).
The Local Government will screen healthcare and social workers in Budapest in a private laboratory for
coronavirus, according to the Mayor of Budapest on the 29th of March [3].
Since the 1st of April there are 10 designated, accredited laboratories according to the new procedure
of the National Public Health Center [4].
From 30th of April all patients who are entering or leaving the hospital should be tested for the
coronavirus and it is mandatory to test those who are working in a nursing home [5].
On the 1st of May the HUNgarian COronaVirus disease-19 Epidemiological Research (H-UNCOVER)
was initiated in order to get an accurate picture of the extent of the epidemic and the actual number
and dynamics of those infected with SARS-CoV-2. The representative sample involves 17 778 people
from every age group above 14 years old, with voluntary participation. The research includes a survey,
a PCR test and a blood samples. GPs, outpatient clinics and screening buses will serve as sampling
locations, but the samples elderly, over 65, will be taken at their homes. Mobile screening units are
going to help the research to ensure that seniors and those with chronic illness do not have to leave
their homes. H-UNCOVER is led by the Semmelweis University, with all medical universities taking
part in it, and the Hungarian Central Statistical Office is involved as well by selecting the national
representative sample for the study [6]. Nationwide, 67.7 percent of the invited citizens (about 10 474
people) participated in the study between May 1st and 16th. The study was representative for the
Hungarian population over 14 years of age and living in private households. Three of the tested
individuals had positive PCR tests showing an active infection, and 70 had positive serological tests,
indicating a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. This means that at the time of the study, the estimated
number of active cases in the sampled population was 2,421, while 56,439 had been previously
exposed to the virus. The research will be conducted again in September [7, 8, 11].
The National Office for Research, Development and Innovation provides a separate fund for research
on COVID-19. Meanwhile, a special research program has begun for the development of the new
coronavirus vaccine in cooperation with the National Public Health Center and the University of
Debrecen [9, 10].
Sources:
[1]https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/koronavirus-tajekoztato/567-eljarasrend-a-2020-evben-
[2]https://mfor.hu/cikkek/makro/itt-lehet-maganuton-korona-virus-tesztet-vegeztetni.html?
fbclid=IwAR2WJsS4uRS1C4vhYwoDYIpcMIJdK5UPhJ_l-Mhn-ZYWW8J5y0ypIuCqw1U
[3]https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/29/a_fovaros_maganlaborban_fogja_szurni_az_egeszsegugyi_dolg
ozokat/
[4]https://www.nnk.gov.hu/attachments/article/567/3_sz_mell%C3%A9klet_kijel%C3%B6lt_laborat%C3
%B3riumok_2020_03_30.pdf
[5]https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyinfo-fokozatosan-szigoru-menetrend-mellett-ujraindithato-
az-elet
[6] https://semmelweis.hu/hirek/2020/04/28/kozlemeny-orszagos-vizsgalatsorozatba-kezdenek-a-
semmelweis-egyetem-vezetesevel-a-hazai-orvoskepzok/
[7] https://semmelweis.hu/hirek/2020/05/18/h-uncover-reprezentativ-lett-az-orszagos-koronavirus-
szurovizsgalat-eredmenye/
[8] https://semmelweis.hu/english/2020/05/h-uncover-half-of-the-screening-tests-have-been-taken/
[9] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kulon-forrast-kapnak-jarvanyugyi-kutatasok
[10] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/megkezdodott-hazai-koronavirus-vakcina-fejlesztese
[11] https://semmelweis.hu/english/2020/07/h-uncover-results-an-estimated-56000-people-had-prior-
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exposure-to-the-novel-coronavirus-through-the-end-of-the-nationwide-study/
[12] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/retvari-orszagosan-17-ambulans-mintaveteli-pont-segiti-az-
ingyenes-tesztelest
2. Ensuring sufficient physical infrastructure and

workforce capacity
ENSURING SUFFICIENT PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKFORCE CAPACITY is crucial for
dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, as there may be both a surge in demand and a decreased availability
of health workers. The section considers the physical infrastructure available in a country and where there
are shortages, it describes any measures being implemented or planned to address them. It also
considers the health workforce, including what countries are doing to maintain or enhance capacity, the
responsibilities and skill-mix of the workforce, and any initiatives to train or otherwise support health
workers.
2.1 Physical infrastructure
Physical infrastructure
The Prime Minister announced on the 23th of March during a press conference that Hungary has 1.5
million face masks, 20 million pairs of gloves and 2560 ventilators. In addition, several airplanes are
coming from China with face masks, gloves, ventilators and quick tests during the week of the
announcement. He stated that Hungary has 19 431 doctors under the age of 65, 4312 medical
residents and 690 medical students in their final year of education [1].
One of the private health care institutions in the capital offered its inpatient care capacities for the
COVID-19 treatment [2].
The production of face masks has started in Hungary: face masks are being made in the sewing
workshops of penal institutions around the clock. The raw materials sufficient for the production of 6.6
million masks had arrived from Turkey, from which 33,000 masks were being produced daily. The face
masks made in Hungary had been designed primarily for the purposes of health care workers [3].
The government has started to expand hospital capacities both for the isolation of suspected cases
and the treatment of COVID-19 patients. In the beginning of March, one of the buildings, under
renovation, of a Budapest hospital was repurposed for the isolation of suspected COVID-19 cases [4].
On the 16th of March the building of a temporary (container) hospital began at Kiskunhalas, and a 330-
bed capacity temporary facility has been established in Budapest in the exhibition buildings of
Hungexpo, the biggest company in Hungary organizing exhibitions, international fairs and conferences
[5]. On the 24th of March the military built a camp-hospital in the yard of the hospital, which has been
primarily designated as a quarantine hospital and for treatment of COVID-19 patients in Budapest, and
military installations have also been set up in other hospitals to provide place for the screening of
patients prior entering the hospital [6].
In preparation for the acceleration phase of the epidemic, hospitals have been required to report data
on key human and other resources and increase their bed capacity for COVID-19 patients by
relocating existing patients. The Ministry of Human Capacities is enforcing compliance with the
implementation of these measures. Two hospital directors have been removed by the Minister for
Human Capacities for not complying with the measures: the head of the Fejér County Hospital on the
11th of April and the head of the National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation on the 12th of April [7].
On the 15th of April an official announcement was published on the governmental coronavirus website
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that 50% of the total hospital bed capacity (i.e. 32 900 beds) need to be freed up by the 19th of April for
COVID-19 patients. Additionally, a second phase will require 60% of the hospital beds (39 500 beds) to
be available for COVID-19 treatment, with no deadline currently announced. [8] From the 15th of May,
one-third of the hospital beds dedicated for COVID-19 patients were freed up for use by other patients.
In the middle of April, a large amount of protective healthcare equipment has arrived mainly from China
(more than 15 million face masks, 6 million pairs of gloves, 1.5 million pieces of protective clothing, 50
thousand test kits, 900 litres of disinfectant fluid, 200 respirators). Sixty hospitals received protective
supplies from this stock (17 hospitals in the capital and another 43 in the provinces) [9].
The production of Hungarian-developed respirators will begin shortly with a daily capacity of ten, Lt.
Colonel Róbert Kiss a staff member the Operational Group announced on the 29th of May. The
Budapest University of Technology and Economics prepared the prototype of the respirator [10].
On the 4th of September, the Minister of Human Capacities announced that 20% of hospital bed
capacity should be dedicated to COVID-19 patients [11].
On the 25th of October, the Minister of Human Capacities announced that the designated hospitals for
COVID-19 should free up 30% of their bed capacity for COVID-19 patients by the 30th of October [12].
Sources:
[1] https://24.hu/belfold/2020/03/23/koronavirus-orban-viktor-operativ-torzs-sajtotajekoztato/
[2] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/16/koronavirus_jarvanykorhaz_budai_egeszsegkozpont/
[3] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-interior/news/duty-of-hospital-commanders-is-to-facilitate-
containment-effort
[4] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/lehetseges-korhazi-karantennak-elokeszitik-kutvolgyi-tombot
[5] https://www.kormany.hu/hu/hirek/jo-utemben-halad-a-kiskunhalasi-kontenerkorhaz-epitese
[6]https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/segitseg-a-szent-laszlo-korhaznak/;
https://honvedelem.hu/media/eloszuro-allomas-a-heim-pal-orszagos-gyermekgyogyaszati-intezetnel-3/
[7] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/04/11/kirugott_korhazigazgato_egy_ilyen_hiba_barhol_elofordul/;
http://os.mti.hu/hirek/151442/emmi_az_utasitasok_be_nem_tartasa_a_betegek_ellatasat_eletet_vesze
lyezteti
[8] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/korhazak-orszagszerte-felkeszulnek-tomeges-megbetegedesekre
[9] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/today-60-hospitals-are-receiving-protective-supplies
[10] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/production-of-hungarian-developed-ventilators-to-start
[11] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/emmi-egyetlen-beteget-sem-kell-hazakuldeni-korhazakbol
[12] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kasler-miklos-bovitette-covid-ellatasba-bevont-intezmenyek-koret
2.2 Workforce
Workforce
Several measures have been introduced in order to protect the healthcare workers. Health workers
over 65 years of age and with chronic diseases were withdrawn from direct contact with patients, non-
emergency care was suspended and non-emergency procedures were postponed, while the use of
already implemented eHealth technologies, such as the ePrescription system was encouraged.
During the State of Emergency, the operating licence of health workers is automatically prolonged and
certain requirements can be done via distance learning.
The current resident and specialist training plan has changed. In order to eliminate unnecessary
commuting, all residents and medical students should be recalled from their educational institution and
recruited at their own institution.
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The Ministry of Human Capacities started recruiting volunteer health workers between age 18-49 (e.g.
students, health professionals from the private sector) as the health workers above 65 had to be
relocated to positions where they could not meet a coronavirus patient [1]. According the Minister close
to 900 volunteers have registered at the website of the National Healthcare Service Center [2].
Health care workers will be able to travel free on regional public transport, the Minister of State of the
Ministry for Innovation and Technology said at the Operational Group’s online press conference on the
28th of March [3].
Several services have been launched at the Semmelweis University to provide psychological support
to frontline health and social workers (Call for Help lines 0-24) [4].
The government announced on the 4th of April that health workers will receive a one-time bonus of
HUF 500,000 gross, expected sometime in early Summer [5].
On the 24th of July, the Minister of Human Capacities withdrew the instructions to exempt health care
workers over the age of 65 from direct health care positions [6].
From October, due to the rise in the number of patients requiring hospitalisation, health care workers
were transferred to institutions where all the conditions for the treatment of COVID-19 patients are
available [7].
On the 6th of October, the Parliament passed an act about the new legal status of health services
employees. According to the act, which was passed with an accelerated procedure, the salaries of
doctors working in state or municipal health care facilities will increase to a gross amount of between
HUF 687 thousand and HUF 2.38 million by 2023, depending on the number of years spent in the
profession.
However, along with the salary increase, the act also will change the legal status of doctors working in
public health from a public service to health service relationship, which is estimated to affect thousands
of doctors. Doctors working in health service will be entitled to the increased wages, although in return
they will no longer be able to work elsewhere, so they cannot work in both the public and private sector
at the same time. Exceptions to this rule may be given by a government body designated in a
subsequent decree. Another provision of the act will be to criminalize every form of informal payment in
the Criminal Code.
Based on the decision of health care administrators, doctors working in a health service relationship
may be assigned to another health care provider. The duration of the secondment may not exceed one
year. Health professionals must be informed at least ten working days in advance about secondment
and its expected duration [8].
Sources:
[1] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/16/megkezdtek_az_onkentes_eu-dolgozok_toborzasat/
[2] https://www.kormany.hu/hu/emberi-eroforrasok-miniszteriuma/hirek/ket-nap-alatt-rekordszamu-
csaknem-900-egeszsegugyi-onkentes-jelentkezett-a-koronavirus-elleni-kuzdelemhez
[3] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-for-innovation-and-technology/news/health-care-workers-to-
travel-free-on-regional-public-transport
[4] http://semmelweis.hu/hirek/2020/03/27/tobb-szolgaltatas-is-indult-az-egyetemen-az-egeszsegugyi-
dolgozok-lelki-tamogatasara/
[5] https://www.portfolio.hu/gazdasag/20200404/itt-a-kormany-bejelentese-kulonadokat-vezetnek-be-
gigantikus-csomag-keszul-424146
[6] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/az-egeszsegugy-tovabbra-szamit-65-ev-feletti-orvosokra-es-
szakdolgozokra
[7] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/deployment-of-health-care-workers-is-going-to-plan
[8] T/13174. számú törvényjavaslat az egészségügyi szolgálati jogviszonyról
3. Providing health services effectively
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The section on PROVIDING HEALTH SERVICES EFFECTIVELY describes approaches for service
delivery planning and patient pathways for suspected COVID-19 cases. It also considers efforts by
countries to maintain other essential services during periods of excessive demand for health services.
3.1 Planning services
Planning services
The patient isolated at home can stay at home after their case is confirmed with a positive laboratory
test result. If a patient treated in an inpatient facility is confirmed to have COVID-19, if possible, the
patient will be isolated in the care setting. If not, the patient should be isolated in an infectious ward
with territorial supply obligation. If the infectious ward does not have enough capacity for the confirmed
case, the patients will be transported to one of the five designated isolation hospitals [1].
Most of the hospitals nationwide are deferring elective procedures, including surgeries and
examinations, and only perform emergency procedures. Diagnostic test results and other medical
documents can be downloaded from the National eHealth Cloud, which also manages the
ePrescriptions [2].
One hospital from the private sector offered its capacity for coronavirus treatment. There are offers
also from the hotel industry [3], and an initiative has been launched by Airbnb hosts to offer
accommodation free of charge to health workers, who would like to isolate themselves from their
families [4].
The leading exhibition and conference organizing company in Hungary has offered (if necessary) one
of its exhibition hall to be organized to a heath care facility [5].
Primary health care providers (GPs) play an important role in detecting COVID-19 cases as people
with symptoms are asked to call them first, instead of going to a health care facility. The GPs do a
health check by phone and use a short checklist to decide whether it is a suspected case or not. If it is,
the GPs notify the National Emergency Ambulance Service and ask to take a sample for laboratory
testing. The National Emergency Ambulance Service goes to the location of the patient, takes the
sample and deliver the sample to the lab.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/component/content/article/140-koronavirus-tajekoztatok/567-
eljarasrend-a-2020-evben-azonositott-uj-koronavirussal-kapcsolatban-2020-03-16?Itemid=135
[2] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/16/koronavirus_magyarorszagon_korhaz_mukodesi_korlatozas/
[3] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/17/koronavirus_felajanlas_hotel_karantenkorhaz_nagy_elek/;
https://www.sonline.hu/kozelet/helyi-kozelet/szallodai-karanten-a-siofokiaknak-2175003/;
[4] https://www.facebook.com/groups/843585072783174/
[5] https://hungexpo.hu/news/a-hungexpo-zrt-felajanlasa-a-veszhelyzet-idejere/
3.2 Managing cases
Transition measures: managing cases

As the number of confirmed coronavirus infections and the number of people requiring hospital care is
constantly decreasing, the process for managing cases changed on the 11th of May to the same way it
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was at the beginning of the epidemic. Specifically, new coronavirus patients with severe conditions
should be transported to one of the two priority hospitals, South-Pest Centrum Hospital and National
Korányi Pulmonology Institute [2]. These changes have also been implemented to relieve hospitals and
gradually restore hospital care.
[2] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/jarvany-kezdeti-szakaszan-megszokott-rendhez-visszaterve-ket-
kiemelt-korhazba-szallitjak-az
Managing cases
There is a designated telephone helpline for the population and a tele-triage system is available for
patient evaluation prior to admission to hospital. This system can also be used to coordinate the arrival
of patients to the hospital.
Handbook of Prevention and Therapy of COVID-19 Infections was published by the Ministry of Human
Capacities on the 25th of March, that is based on the National Public Health Center procedure.
Hospitals have internal procedures in place to separate suspected cases from other patients (e.g.,
separate waiting rooms and separate toilets).
Until separating, the patient with respiratory symptoms should wear a surgical face mask.
If a suspected case of a new coronavirus infection is identified, the patient should be isolated
immediately. The suspect, probable and confirmed COVID-19 patients should be placed in a well-
ventilated separate (single) ward. If no separate ward is available, isolation of the cohort of confirmed
COVID-19 patients is possible, but the beds should be at least one meter apart.
While complying with hand hygiene rules, health care professionals should wear a surgical mask for
any patient presenting symptoms of respiratory tract infection, whether or not there is a potential for a
COVID-19 infection. In the isolation ward or during any treatment involving COVID-19 patient, the
healthcare staff should wear the following suitably worn, properly fitted personal protective equipment:
surgical face mask or FFP2 respirator, gloves, goggles and protective clothing or overalls and surgical
cap [1].
Rationing care for COVID-19 patients has not yet been necessary.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/component/content/article/140-koronavirus-tajekoztatok/567-
eljarasrend-a-2020-evben-azonositott-uj-koronavirussal-kapcsolatban-2020-03-16?Itemid=135
3.3 Maintaining essential services
Transition measures: maintaining essential services

From the 4th of May, the government will lift restrictions on private health care and on some parts of
publicly financed health care. Primary health care, dentists, outpatient care (including diagnostic care),
one-day care and from inpatient care rehabilitation and transplantation can operate again with the
following rules (but telephone consultation remains the primary way of treatment [7, 8, 9]):
• the patients should ask for an appointment on the phone
• the patients are undergoing body temperature measurement and risk assessment,
• mandatory PCR testing before some treatments: hospitals and outpatient care providers take the
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sample themselves for the coronavirus exclusion certificate (PCR test); for dental treatments, the test
is only required for patients with suspected infection. For individuals seeking dental treatments, the test
will be ordered by the GP, and the sample will be taken by the emergency ambulance staff at their
home,
• the patients should wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer before entering an outpatient care
facility,
• up to four patients can be examined in one hour,
• a distance of one and a half meters between patients must be ensured in the health care facilities,
• regular disinfectant cleaning of the heath care facilities is required,
• the health care workers should get protective equipment and hand disinfection opportunity.
On the 14th of May, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office announced that the number of
coronavirus patients is decreasing significantly. The Minister indicated that if this process continues,
health care will be allowed to return to normal conditions and the beds that were freed up for COVID-
19 cases could be used for normal therapy again [10].
On the 25th of May, the Chief Medical Officer announced that the organized public health screening
programmes will start again at the 1st of June. These include mammography examinations for the 40-
65 age group, cervical screening for younger age groups, and colon cancer screening for the 50-70
age group [11].
From the 15th of June, all health care services are available without restriction. In hospitals, 80 percent
of the beds reserved earlier for the care of coronavirus patients can be restored to other therapies;
however, 20 per cent of beds must be reserved for treating coronavirus patients. The rule of four
persons per hour introduced for general practitioners and specialist physicians has been abolished;
however, health care services can still only be used by prior appointment made by telephone [12].
Sources:
[7] https://nepszava.hu/3076539_sok-uj-szaballyal-indul-hetfotol-a-betegellatas
[8] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/orszagos-tisztifoorvos-az-egeszsegugyi-ellatasok-fokozatosan-
indulnak-ujra
[9] https://nepszava.hu/3077068_ez-kasler-eljarasrendje-igy-tesztelik-a-haziorvoshoz-es-
szakrendelesre-erkezo-betegeket
[10] https://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/further-loosening-of-restrictive-measures-
pest-county-to-come-under-same-rules-as-other-counties
[11] https://hvg.hu/itthon/20200525_koronavirus_jarvany_operativ_torzs_tajekoztato_majus_25
[12] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/hetfotol-ujraindulhat-az-egeszsegugyi-ellatas
Maintaining essential services

Non-emergency procedures and examinations are postponed in most of the hospitals. The
Professional College of Health (an advisory body of the Minister for Human Capacities) published a
recommendation to postpone the non life-threatening procedures. According to the recommendation,
surgeries should be avoided whenever possible. The emergency cases and interventions, which are
necessary to avoid the deterioration of the health status of patients, are exceptions (e.g. removal of
surgical stitches, tending of wounds, prenatal care, oncological care) [1,2]. Dentists are allowed to
perform only emergency care. Certain restrictions on the prescription of pharmaceuticals have been
removed, ePrescriptions are available and can be redeemed by anyone on behalf of the patient since
13 March [3]. After the State of Emergency was lifted, ePrescriptions remain in place without an
expiration date.
Municipalities are organizing the work of volunteers to help the elderly people. They purchase and
deliver essential foods and medicines to vulnerable people, specially to elderly living alone. Moreover,
they provide information for them and in some cities, food collection is organized as well [4].
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The National Public Health Center has a procedure on COVID-19 infection preparedness and infection
control tasks in the residential social institutions that supplements the ministerial orders. The procedure
highlights e.g. that the workers should have infection control education including hand hygiene and
usage of protective tools, there should be enough hand sanitizers and soaps, the institutions should
introduce daily monitoring of all residents by tracking their symptoms and measuring their body
temperature twice a day), and staff involved in the handling of suspected or confirmed COVID-19
cases should be identified. [5]
After the COVID-19 outbreak in some elderly care homes, on the 15th of April the Chief Medical Officer
announced a nationwide inspection of elderly care homes. The inspections will determine whether the
institutions carried out the measures required by the authorities, whether medical care was available,
whether the relevant training has been provided for personnel, whether the necessary human
resources and physical conditions are available, and whether the relevant protocol is being observed.
The availability of individual protective supplies and the entire care process is under assessment as
well. [6]
Sources:
[1] https://index.hu/belfold/2020/03/16/koronavirus_magyarorszagon_korhaz_mukodesi_korlatozas/
[2] https://kollegium.aeek.hu/Hirek/Details/41
[3] https://www.eeszt.gov.hu/hu/erecept-kivaltas
[4] https://magyarnemzet.hu/belfold/igy-segitenek-az-onkormanyzatok-7902464/
[5] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/koronavirus-tajekoztato/599-a-bentlakasos-szocialis-
intezmenyek-covid-19-fertozessel-kapcsolatos-felkeszulesi-es-infekciokontroll-feladatai-2020-04-03#
[6] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/inspection-of-elderly-care-homes-started-investigation-at-pesti-ut-
still-under-way
4. Paying for services

Adequate funding for health is important to manage the excess demands on the health system. This
section considers how countries are PAYING FOR COVID-19 SERVICES. Health financing describes how
much is spent on health and the distribution of health spending across different service areas. The section
also describes who is covered for COVID-19 testing and treatment, whether there are any notable gaps (in
population coverage and service coverage), and how much people pay (if at all) for those services out-of-
pocket.
4.1 Health financing
Health financing
According to the government’s communication, the funds are available for the containment effort to
combat the coronavirus epidemic. So far HUF 225 billion has been spent on the procurement of
protective supplies, preparations and the construction of an epidemic hospital, according to Prime
Minister Viktor Orbán on the 31th of March.
The government announced on the 4th of April the establishment of a so-called Pandemic Protection
Fund with the amount of HUF 663 billion. The government has funded this by reallocating certain
budgeted items to the new fund, including subsidies to political parties and tax revenues that normally
go to municipalities. In addition, new taxes have been introduced for banks and selected companies.
The fund will cover several items, including the cost of the medical equipment and the one-time bonus
(HUF 500,000) for health workers [2].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/huf-225-billion-spent-so-far-on-containment-
effort
[2] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/megjelent-jarvany-ellen-vedekezesi-alaprol-es-gazdasagvedelmi-
alaprol-szolo-rendelet
4.2 Entitlement and coverage
Entitlement and Coverage

The Hungarian health system provides comprehensive and universal coverage with few coverage
gaps. Therefore, the necessary treatment for COVID-19 is available for all ordinarily residents in the
country. Tests are available in hospitals only for suspicious cases under strict procedures, but officially
unapproved tests can be accessed in the private sector for any individuals by paying out-of-pocket.
During the containment phase, the diagnosed cases and their contacts had to be quarantined and
cared for in the St. László Hospital, the infectious diseases centre of Hungary. Since mid-March, home
quarantine has also become an option under strict supervision. It is unclear what the costs will be or
how they would be determined for non-residents of Hungary. In general, everyone, who is staying
within the borders of the country is entitled to receive public health services related to the management
of the epidemic, but entitlement to get treatment for COVID-19 is linked to the social health insurance
status of the person concerned.
From the 1st of August, those who return to Hungary from a country marked yellow or red (see section
6 – Measures in other sectors) will have to pay for their own PCR test to be exempted from the official
two-week home quarantine [1].
From the 1st of September, the distinction between the countries is abolished. Hungarians returning
from abroad will be required to retire to quarantine for 14 days, or until they are able to present two
negative tests with forty-eight hours between the two tests. The citizens should pay for their own PCR
tests. The government only covers PCR tests that are conducted a result of contact tracing.
On the 16th of September, the Prime Minister announced a government decision about the maximum
official price of coronavirus tests, so no one will be allowed to charge more than HUF 19,500 for a test
from the 21st of September [2].
PCR tests ordered by general practitioners, hospitals and the disease control authority for potential
coronavirus patients will remain free. Therefore, the only people who will have to pay for the test are
those that decide to have the test performed themselves or individuals returning from abroad who
would like to be released from compulsory home quarantine after 2 negative PCR test results [3].
[1] https://www.nnk.gov.hu/index.php/koronavirus-tajekoztato/741-gyik-a-szerdatol-eletbe-lepo-
beutazasi-szabalyok-celja
[2]https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/let-us-observe-rules-in-the-interest-of-the-
elderly-and-the-sick
[3] https://www.kormany.hu/en/cabinet-office-of-the-prime-minister/news/new-already-announced-
protective-measures-to-take-effect-from-monday
5. Governance
5.1 Governance
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The GOVERNANCE of the health system with regard to COVID-19 relates to pandemic response plans
and the steering of the health system to ensure its continued functioning. It includes emergency response
mechanisms, as well as how information is being communicated, and the regulation of health service
provision to patients affected by the virus.
Governance
Hungary had a national pandemic response plan in place before the outbreak, but it was specific to
pandemic influenza. It was created in 2009, when the H1N1 appeared. The content was the following:
impact of the pandemic on society, on health system and on economy; organizations and the legal
framework of their work in the preparedness for the pandemic and in the eradication of pandemic;
phases of pandemic [1].
On the 11th of March, the Government declared a State of Emergency. As part of this, hospital
commanders were appointed to the 108 inpatient care institutions on 29th March. The duty of hospital
commanders is to ensure the availability of the stocks and protective equipment necessary for the
maintenance of smooth medical activities and to guarantee the security of supplies and equipment.
Furthermore, they can relieve hospital staff of various statistical data services. Hospital commanders
are not allowed to state opinions, make recommendations or adopt decisions on medical issues.
Hospital directors are obliged to comply with the instructions of hospital commanders in two areas:
issues regarding the security of assets and compliance with disease control regulations [2,3].
From the 29th of April the competence of hospital commanders extends not only to hospitals but also
to nursing homes with at least 200 beds. This allows hospital commanders to supervise stock
management in nursing home facilities, but they cannot make decisions on nursing, care and medical
issues. [4]
The national response to COVID-19 is led by the government and is supported by the so-called
Operative Corps, jointly led by the Interior Minister and the Minister of Human Capacities, with
representatives of relevant organizations, such as the national chief medical officer of the National
Public Health Center. The measures of the government are mostly announced in regular, daily press
conferences of the Operative Corps except those with strategic importance communicated directly by
the Prime Minister (for more details about communication please see Section 1.1 – Health
Communication). The national chief medical officer of the National Public Health Center is responsible
for the implementation of the epidemiological interventions together with the county and district offices
of the Government Office, in particular their public health departments and units (formerly they were
the regional offices of the then unified National Public Health and Medical Officer Service). They are
coordinating the surveillance and the testing.
The government is constantly monitoring the plans of other European countries regarding exit
strategies. In Hungary, the restrictive measures will be in place until the 3rd of May. The details of
upcoming relaxation measures will be discussed and announced during the last week of April.
At the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer, in response to the Minister’s proposal, the
government may declare a state of health care crisis which amounts to a state of disease control
preparedness. During this period, patients are cared for according to the protocol of a state of health
care crisis. A state of health care crisis can last for a maximum of six months and is revised every three
months, unless the government extends the measures [10].
An epidemiological deployment unit within the Operative Corps, headed by the Deputy Chief Medical
Officer, has been established [11]. If immediate intervention is needed in a particular area due to a high
number of coronavirus cases, the deployment unit should go on site.
Sources:
[1] https://www.antsz.hu/data/cms26491/Pandemias_Terv_20090818.pdf?archived=true
[2] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-interior/news/duty-of-hospital-commanders-is-to-facilitate-
Page 19/25
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containment-effort
[3] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/megkapjak-megbizoleveleiket-korhazparancsnokok
[4] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/200-fo-feletti-idosotthonokra-kiterjed-korhazparancsnokok-
hataskore
[5] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/tobb-ovintezkedes-mellett-tartjak-az-idei-erettsegi-vizsgakat-0
[6] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources/news/more-than-84-000-students-could-
take-final-examinations-on-monday
[7] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/kormanyszovivo-augusztus-15-ig-semmilyen-tomegrendezvenyt-
nem-engedelyeznek-az-orszagban
[8] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/budapesten-es-pest-megyeben-marad-kijarasi-korlatozas
[9] https://nepszava.hu/3076539_sok-uj-szaballyal-indul-hetfotol-a-betegellatas
[10] https://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/parliament-adopted-law-about-
termination-of-state-of-danger
[11] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/lakatos-tibor-jarvanyugyi-keszenlet-pillere-lesz-jarvanyugyi-
bevetesi-egyseg
6. Measures in other sectors
6.1 Measures in other sectors

Many MEASURES IN OTHER SECTORS beyond the immediate scope of the health system are being
taken to prevent further spread of the virus. This section contains information on many of these areas,
including border and travel restrictions and economic and fiscal measures, among others.
Transition measures: measures in other sectors

From the 4th of May, citizens of Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Austria and the Republic of
Korea can enter Hungary and don’t have to go into quarantine if they are employees of affiliated
companies in these countries and are on a probable business trip at the time of entry. Moreover,
Hungarian citizens can cross the Hungarian border without restrictions, if they return from a business
trip from the above listed countries and they are employees of a company that has business in
Hungary and in one of the six listed countries.
The seasonal workers from neighbouring countries are allowed to enter to the country to support
agricultural harvesting work, as announced on the 7th of May. The applicants must undergo a medical
examination before entering the country. [1]
On the 13th of May, two border crossing points for passenger traffic were opened between Hungary
and Austria (especially for citizens commuting between Hungary and Austria). Negotiations with
Slovenia have started as well in order to lift the restrictive measures affecting the border crossing. The
target date is the 1st of June.
Hungary has continued to reopen its borders with neighbouring countries, so that citizens of Hungary
and citizens of other countries can cross borders without restrictions and mandatory quarantine. Border
reopening took place in the following stages:
• 25 May: Serbia
• 27 May: Czechia, Slovakia (as long as the stay does not exceed 48 hours)
• 28 May: Slovenia
• 5 June: Austria, Czechia, Slovakia (no time limit for the stay)
• 7 June: Germany
• 12 June: Croatia
• 18 June: Romania
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From the 15th of July, travel restrictions are in place again. Based on the recommendation of the
Operative Corps, the government has decided to classify countries into three categories – red, yellow
and green – depending on the gravity of the coronavirus situation in each country.
Different rules apply to Hungarian citizens and their relatives and to non-Hungarian citizens. Hungarian
citizens arriving from countries in the green category are free to enter the country without controls. At
the same time, Hungarians entering the country from countries falling into the yellow or red category
are subject to health screenings and are required to quarantine for 14 days. Hungary allows an
exception to this rule if the person arriving in Hungary is able to present negative coronavirus test
results, but they should do a second test as well. Hungarian citizens arriving from yellow countries are
released from quarantine after the first negative coronavirus test result. In the case of countries in the
red category, two negative test results are required from tests conducted over 5 days, with 48 hours
between the two tests.
In the case of non-Hungarian citizens, individuals from countries categorized as yellow are allowed to
enter the country under the same conditions as Hungarians, while citizens from countries falling into
the red category are not allowed to enter Hungary.
Transit passengers, cargo traffic and official travel constitutes an exception to these rules.
The government will regularly review the list of countries every Wednesday, and if necessary, the
categorization of the countries will change.
At present, among EU Member States, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania and Sweden fall into the yellow
category, while among non-EU Member States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Japan,
China and the United States do.
Among European countries, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Kosovo, North Macedonia,
Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine (as the only neighboring country) fall into the red category. The
countries of Asia, Africa and South America are also designated in this category.
The government will cover the costs of testing until August 1st; after that, everyone will have to cover
the testing costs themselves [2,3].
From the 1st of September, the distinction between the countries is abolished. Foreign citizens will not
be allowed to enter the territory of Hungary except in justified circumstances, and must observe the
relevant safety regulations. At the same time, Hungarians returning from abroad will be required to
quarantine for 14 days, or until they are able to present two negative tests with forty-eight hours
between the two tests.
Exceptions are – similar to the previous phase of infections – military convoys and business travel
between related undertakings. Border crossings will be allowed during limited hours, and travel via
humanitarian corridors will be guaranteed also in the future, in accordance with the rules in effect
earlier. Specific rules will apply to international sporting events, while diplomatic and official travel will
also be allowed. These stricter border protection rules will be valid for one month [4].
From 21st of September Hungarian nationals returning to Hungary from abroad in passenger traffic are
now required to retire to compulsory home quarantine or designated quarantine for 10 days instead of
the earlier 14. Non-Hungarian nationals may only enter the territory of Hungary in passenger traffic in
possession of a permit issued by the competent police constabulary, and they are also required to
retire to quarantine [5].
From the 1st of October, the government has extended the border closure by another month, but
changed the travel restrictions for nationals of the Visegrád countries. Hungarian nationals and their
family members entering Hungary from the Czech Republic, Poland or Slovakia who booked
accommodation in one of the V4 countries before the regulation came into force are only required to
present one negative PCR test result in order to be relieved of the obligation of disease control
observation.
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Similarly, Czech, Polish and Slovak nationals will also be able to travel to Hungary under less stringent
conditions until 1 November if they have one negative PCR test result and booked accommodation in
Hungary for at least one day in October prior to the entry into force of the regulation [6].
Sources:
[1] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/agrarkamara-lehetove-valik-kulfoldi-idenymunkasok-
foglalkoztatasa-mezogazdasagban
[2] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/terkepen-piros-sarga-es-zold-jelzesu-orszagok
[3]https://magyarkozlony.hu/dokumentumok/3ded363d88858fa8cb693217c955d93eced831f3/megtekin
tes
[4] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/teljes-belso-hataron-visszaallitja-kormany-hatarellenorzest-
szeptember-elsejetol
[5] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/persons-returning-from-abroad-face-ten-day-quarantine
[6] https://www.kormany.hu/en/news/rules-relating-to-facilitated-entry-of-v4-nationals-reregulated
Measures in other sectors

As the first cases appeared in Europe in January, a so-called Operative Corps was established in
Hungary led by the Interior Minister and the Minister of Human Capacities. The role of the Operative
Corps is to organise the medical and epidemiological measures in order to protect the citizens of
Hungary, and to coordinate the activities of other state bodies. The Government first supported the
containment efforts with 8 billion HUF, which was supplemented on the 25th of March with 15,2 billion
HUF for purchasing medical devices.
On the 25th of June, Hungary established an Operative Corps for Economic Protection to coordinate
the actions supporting the Hungarian economy, with special regard to the workplaces [11].
With regard to the situation in Italy, on the 11th of March the Government declared State of
Emergency, which allowed to introduce quick and extraordinary measures. For the defence against
coronavirus, ten task forces have been set up by the Government: Coronavirus Education Task Force,
Task Force for the Establishment of a Temporary Infection Hospital (a container hospital at
Kiskunhalas), Task Force for the Security of Critical Hungarian Corporates, International Coordination
Task Force, Communication Task Force, Legal Task Force for the Regulation of the State of
Emergency, Financial Task Force, Border Control Task Force, Task Force for the Research of
Coronavirus, Task Force for the Restart of the Hungarian Economy. On the 30th of March, the
Parliament approved the State of Emergency until it is withdrawn.
As part of the “State of Emergency package”, border control to Austria and Slovenia was reinstated,
and border-crossing from the outbreak countries (South-Korea, Iran, Italy) was not allowed anymore.
Since the 12th of March, essential health care workers (physicians, nurses and other healthcare
professionals) were asked to stay in the country and return from abroad. From the 16th of March, the
borders were closed for passenger transportation, and obliged Hungarian citizens entering the territory
of Hungary from abroad to undergo a medical examination, and depending on the outcome of which
they are subjected to different types of quarantine. The decision allowed to remain a humanitarian
passage open for foreign individuals passing through.
Several extraordinary measures were announced to protect the economy and the reconsideration of
the central government budget has begun. The most important interventions are the following:
• Moratorium on payments of loans for individuals and businesses until the end of the year.
• Extension of maternity allowances until the end of the State of Emergency.
• Over 81,000 small businesses have exemption from the tax of small business until the end of June.
• Businesses in 11 professions, mainly in tourism, food and beverage services, as well as media
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services, are not required to pay contributions and their employees are allowed to pay reduced taxes
as well.
• In sectors such as tourism, food and beverage services, entertainment industry and sport services,
the employer is exempted from paying tax and other contributions after the employees in March, April,
May and June.
• HUF 150 billion will be provided for the complete renovation of lodgings in Hungary, as well as for
further tourism developments. Each private accommodation will receive a subsidy of HUF 1 million per
room for renovation this year [5].
• Private and municipally owned companies in Pest County are able to apply forto a new program
facilitating the constructions of new accommodations. Companies areThe eligible to apply for grants
between amount is HUF 80-300 million. [12].
• In order to maintain the operation of micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses, the Széchenyi
Card Program will be expanded with four special newly developed loan products. The “Széchenyi Job
Retention Loan” with a two-year term will be available for up to HUF 750 million. The “Széchenyi
Current Account Credit” will be opened only together with the “Széchenyi Job Retention Loan” for up to
a maximum HUF 100 million with 50-50 percent rate. The “Széchenyi Liquidity Loan” will be available
for HUF 250 million with three years term, while the term of the “Széchenyi Investment Loan Plus” will
be maximum 6 years up to a maximum HUF 1 billion.
• An interest-free loan for farmers up to HUF 200 million until the end of the year.
• A new agricultural investment tender package has been announced, with an amount of HUF 80
billion, for the livestock and horticultural sector in order to reduce the effects of COVID-19 on the
agricultural economy and increase competitiveness [6].
• Businesses with employees who work at least two hours per day are able to apply for wage subsidies
and loans with a preferential interest rate
• The state has taken over 104 companies in order to ensure the supply of food and medicine for the
population.
• HUF one billion will be reallocated from the resources of the Ministry of Human Capacities for
supporting independent artists, who lost their income.
• The budget of the Enterprise Modernisation Program was raised to HUF 100 billion. Applications for
over double the 50-billion-forint budget available have been submitted for the tender aimed at
facilitating the technological modernisation of enterprises [7]. Those building permits, which are
expiring within six months after the end of the State of Emergency, will be automatically renewed [7].
• Over the summer, Hungary launched a new program for Hungarian enterprises that invest at least
HUF 560 million to maintain jobs. The value of support can reach the half of the investment. Grant
applications can be submitted until September 30, and investments must be made over the next two
years [9].
• From mid-November, HUF 2.5 billion support will be available for small farms, with a flat-rate aid of
HUF 5.2 million (EUR 15,000) [20].
On the 4th of April, the government announced an update to the central government budget, whereby
two funds, the so-called Pandemic Protection Fund and the Fund for Economic Protection and Restart
will be launched. The government has started to create the necessary funds by withdrawing and
reallocating 1,345 billion HUF from the ministries. Funding will also come from 50 percent of this year’s
party subsidies, a trade tax on multinational chains, a contribution from the financial sector and the car
tax of the municipalities.
On the 3rd of July, the Parliament accepted the new central government budget for 2021 including
resources for maintaining the epidemiological preparedness as well as the economic protection [8]. As
a result of the economic protection measures and protection-related expenditure, the deficit of the
central government approached 2165 billion HUF (6.156 billion EUR) at the end of July [14]. In 2020,
the budget deficit will be between 7 and 9 per cent of GDP, according to Péter Benő Banai, Minister of
State at the Ministry of Finance on the 27th of August [4].
On the 6th of April, the Prime Minister introduced a comprehensive action plan for economic protection
with three steps. The first step includes all of the interventions, which have already been announced.
The second step will have five different programmes. The first will focus on preserving jobs by covering
the wages of part-time employees. The second, the Family and Retirement Protection Program, will
rebuild the one month extra pension (the so-called pension for the “13th month”) in four steps by 2024.
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Hungary
The third will focus on key sectors of the economy that need to start again. In order to finance
companies, in total more than 2,000 billion HUF interest-subsidized and guaranteed loans will be
provided to Hungarian companies. Under the fifth programme to create new jobs, investments will be
supported with 450 billion HUF. The third step will only be introduced, in case more jobs will need to be
saved or created and the programs of the second step need to be supplemented.
On the 8th of April, György Matolcsy, the Governor of the Central Bank, announced that the Monetary
Council of the Central Bank of Hungary will provide a total of 3,000 billion HUF to protect the financial
system, which is 6 percent of Hungary’s expected GDP in 2020.
The government offers safe accommodation to victims of domestic violence while the current disease
control measures are in effect. The new rules were announced by the Minister of Justice, Judit Varga,
on the 7th of May, and are designed to facilitate communication for divorced or separated parents with
their children [3].
“During the second wave of the virus, we must prevent the previously seen partial shutdown of the
Hungarian economy”, announced Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade [17]. The
Minister confirmed that the government’s goal of avoiding unemployment remains [18].
Hungary turned to the Turkic Council for health protection equipment, and received considerable help
from Turkey and Uzbekistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, announced on
his Facebook page on the 13th of May, that the countries of the Turkic Council have decided to
establish an investment fund, which Hungary will also join [2]. A Hungary-China air bridge was
established, through which gloves, respirators, masks, materials for mask production, tests and patient
monitors arrived to the country. In addition, Hungary will benefit from the reallocation of EU funds as
well. Since the 25th of March, it is forbidden to export hydroxychloroquine-sulfate, as well as medicines
and intermediate products containing the same active substance from Hungary during the State of
Emergency.
On the 9th of July, it was announced that a new program will be launched with a HUF 50 billion budget
to develop production capacities in the health sector. The application will likely open at the end of the
summer with detailed information [10].
The government will sponsor the organization of minimum 150 “garage gigs” to the tune of more than
HUF 5 billion, where actors of the domestic pop and rock scene will be able to play their songs with
professional technology and the assistance of their own touring staff. This program was announced by
Alexandra Szentkirályi, the Government Spokesperson, on the 5th of August. She said the recordings
of these concerts are expected to be aired sometime in September [16].
A tender of HUF 700 million has been published to support music festivals with more than 500
participants. These music festivals include ones which were delayed, or held the event with a
significantly reduced program [19].
More than ten thousand teachers will receive an extra one-time bonus of HUF 500.000 gross, as
announced by Miklós Kásler, Minister of Human Capacities on the 27th of August [11].
On the 21st of August, Csaba Dömötör, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Cabinet Office,
announced that within days, the government will launch a campaign to promote Hungarian products
[15].
Sources:
[2] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/countries-of-turkic-council-
establish-investment-fund-with-involvement-of-hungary
[3] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-justice/news/justice-minister-judit-varga-government-helps-
victims-of-domestic-violence-and-divorced-or-separated-parents-also-during-state-of-danger
[4] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-for-national-economy/news/consolidation-could-begin-as-early-
as-next-year
[5] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/guller-ujabb-150-milliard-forint-jut-turisztikai-fejlesztesekre
[6] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/nagy-istvan-ujabb-80-milliard-forint-jut-az-allattenyesztes-es-
kerteszet-tamogatasara
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[7] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-for-national-economy/news/government-to-double-budget-of-
enterprise-modernisation-program-to-100-billion-
forints[7] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/automatikusan-meghosszabbodnak-az-epitesi-
engedelyekvalidityvalidity
[8] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/elfogadta-2021-es-koltsegveteset-az-orszaggyules
[9] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/szijjarto-uj-program-indul-magyar-vallalatok-tamogatasaert
[10] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/pm-kormany-50-milliard-forintos-kerettel-tamogatasi-programot-
inditott-az-egeszsegugyi
[11] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/magyar-gazdasag-es-munkahelyek-vedelme-gazdasagvedelmi-
operativ-torzs-legfobb-feladata
[12] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/penzugyminiszter-ketmilliard-forintos-panzioepitesi-palyazat-
indul
[13] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources/news/ten-thousand-teachers-to-receive-
an-extra-one-time-bonus-of-five-hundred-thousand-forints-before-tax
[14] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-for-national-economy/news/the-budget-is-continuing-to-fully-
provide-the-resources-required-for-protecting-against-the-epidemic[14]
[15] https://www.kormany.hu/en/cabinet-office-of-the-prime-minister/news/campaign-to-promote-
hungarian-products-to-be-launched
[16] https://www.kormany.hu/en/government-spokesperson/news/government-has-already-helped-
many-sectors-it-is-now-musicians-turn
[17] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/we-must-prevent-the-
shutdown-of-the-hungarian-economy
[18] https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/the-extraordinary-measures-
are-also-protecting-the-economy
[19] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/turisztikai-ugynokseg-megjelent-palyazat-konnyuzenei-
fesztivalok-tamogatasara
[20] https://koronavirus.gov.hu/cikkek/am-25-milliard-forint-tamogatas-nyilik-mezogazdasagi-
kisuzemeknek
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Hungary 1. Preventing Transmission: 1.1 Health Communication

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Hungary 1. Preventing Transmission: 1.1 Health Communication

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1.1 Health communication

The most important communication channels are the following:

Websites and telephone hotlines:

materials (posters, flyers).

1.2 Physical distancing

Austerity measures: physical distancing

their nose and mouth [23].

Transition measures: physical distancing

Adopted precautionary measures during final (graduation) exams [6,7]:

The public libraries opened for visitors on the 15th of June.

1.3 Isolation and quarantine

Isolation and quarantine

1.4 Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring and surveillance

Center by filling out daily the requested table [3].

2. Ensuring sufficient physical infrastructure and

2.1 Physical infrastructure

3. Providing health services effectively

3.1 Planning services

3.2 Managing cases

Transition measures: managing cases

3.3 Maintaining essential services

Transition measures: maintaining essential services

Maintaining essential services

4. Paying for services

4.1 Health financing

4.2 Entitlement and coverage

Entitlement and Coverage

6. Measures in other sectors

6.1 Measures in other sectors

Transition measures: measures in other sectors

Measures in other sectors

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