Everything you need to know about the restrictions on going outside
IS THIS A CURFEW?
No, it is not. The government has introduced restrictions on going outside, which are less severe than a curfew, but it is very important to obey them for the management of the pandemic.
WHY IS THIS NECESSARY?
Since the pandemic broke out, social contact has gradually diminished to 10%, but this tendency has now stopped. The aim of the restrictions is to further reduce social contact, which is indispensable to slow down the spread of the pandemic.
DO THESE RESTRICTIONS MEAN ONE IS NOT ALLOWED GO OUT TO THE STREET?
The regulations mean that people can only leave their homes in cases of absolute necessity, with duly justified reasons, such as shopping or work, under the conditions specified in the decree.
An important regulation specifies that everyone must reduce social contact to the minimum and keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people, even on means of public transport.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR STAYING OUTSIDE?
Yes, and this is very important! People over the age of 65 may only go to grocery stores, drugstores and markets between 9 AM and 12 PM. In this time period only elderly people may use these venues. In other words, people under 65 may not go shopping between 9 AM and 12 PM. Enforcing this regulation is the responsibility of the operator of the venue.
IS IT FORBIDDEN TO DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE HOME EXCEPT FOR WORK AND SHOPPING?
No, it is not; the decree specifies a wide range of activities that can be pursued. You can read a detailed list here.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE’S PERMANENT ADDRESS AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE ARE NOT THE SAME (E.G. A RENTED APARTMENT), SO THEIR ADDRESS CARD CONTAINS A DIFFERENT ADDRESS THAN THE ONE WHERE THEY LIVE?
The decree uses the terms “home, place of residence or private dwelling”, so it should not be a problem if someone “stays at home” at a place different than the address on their address card.
ARE THERE ANY SANCTIONS FOR BREAKING THE REGULATIONS?
Breaking the regulations of the decree can be punished by an administrative fine of 5000 to 500 000 Forints. The police and other entitled law enforcement agencies will be deployed to supervise that people will obey these regulations.
DOES ONE NEED TO TAKE ANY DOCUMENTS OR CERTIFICATES WHEN LEAVING ONE’S HOME?
The decree contains no regulations about this.
HOW LONG DO THE RESTRICTIONS LAST?
The temporary term of the restrictions is until April 11th.