Hungary Tightens Mask Mandate as Lockdown Restrictions Grow

(Bloomberg) -- Hungary is making mask wearing mandatory in many public spaces of bigger cities as of Wednesday as part of fresh restrictions designed to curb a sharp rise in coronavirus deaths.

Further restrictions were needed to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview on state television late Tuesday. The government would review the impact of the measures in two weeks, he said.

Here are some of the latest measures as published in the official gazette overnight:

• Mayors in towns with more than 10,000 inhabitants will designate public spaces where masks must be worn outdoors. This is in addition to compulsory face covering already in effect in indoor areas such as stores and public transportation. Masks may be taken off during individual outdoor exercise and in parks.
• Gyms, libraries, museums and zoos must close.
• Family gatherings such as birthday celebrations may be held with no more than 10 people, funerals with no more than 50. Wedding parties are forbidden.
• High schools and universities are switching to distance learning, primary schools and kindergartens remain open
• Stores must close by 7 p.m., in time for a general curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Restaurants may only serve customers for takeaway and home delivery
• Sports events must be held without spectators

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