Hungary is closing down its borders to passenger traffic and public events will be banned, while bars, restaurants, cafés and shops will only be allowed to stay open until 3 pm, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced in the Hungarian parliament ahead of Monday s regular session.

Only Hungarian citizens will be allowed to enter the country, PM Viktor Orban told the National Assembly ahead of Monday s regular session.

He said in the upcoming period Hungary was to enter the new phase of group infections, adding that the only chance was to slow down the spreading of the disease. The number of contacts must be reduced and the government has introduced several measures to that end, including shutting down Hungary s borders, he added.

The PM noted that public events will be generally banned, adding that entertainment venues and movie theatres will also be closed. Restaurants, cafés and stores can stay open until 3 pm, Mr Orban said, adding that these restrictions do not apply to food stores.

„We recommend that people postpone their meetings and events, except for family gatherings. The elderly should excercise extreme caution and not leave their homes,” the premier said, calling on local governments to organise the care and support of older persons staying home.

Mr Orban said Hungary needed coordinated action and national unity in the fight against the coronavirus disease. The prime minister emphasized that we have the best chance if we can work together. Fighting the coronavirus epidemic will be a long and difficult process and life will not be the same in the coming months, he added. Our most important reserve of strength is cooperation and discipline, PM Orban said.

Viktor Orban emphasized that the work of healthcare and law enforcement employees will be of utmost importance in the coming period. He expressed his gratitude for their efforts and asked people to support their work.

The prime minister said the epidemic will have a negative effect on the entire Hungarian economy, but not at the same time, as some sectors had already been affected.

The prime minister stressed that the most adversely affected sectors are tourism and general catering. He commissioned Andrea Bartfai-Mager, minister without portfolio in charge of National Assets, to consult with the representatives of the affected sectors to allow the government to introduce some quick measures.

Highlighting the importance of protecting jobs, Viktor Orban said the epidemic is set to override the current budget and the government s economic plans. The budget will have to be redrawn at all levels, a task to be coordinated by the finance minister, Mr Orban said, adding that he had already contacted the governor of the Hungarian National Bank regarding the matter.