Also cinemas may reopen, and sport events can now be attended over the Pentecost holiday weekend and onwards, but the obligatory social distance measures have to be maintained.

In the Hungarian countryside, the interiors of restaurants and hotels have been open to guests since May 18.

Hotels in the capital are now allowed to receive guests once more, outdoor facilities of national parks will also reopen to visitors, and outdoor playgrounds, too, a member of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic said at an online press conference held on Thursday.

Lt. Colonel Róbert Kiss said the government decree providing for the next phase of protective measures in the capital has been released in Magyar Közlöny [Hungarian Gazette].

Pursuant to this, customers may be present on the interior premises of catering establishments for the consumption of the food they order; however, workers will be required to wear face masks on premises attended by customers, and a safe distance will have to be maintained.

Another government decree allows the holding of outdoor events, including sports events, cultural events, theatrical performances, exhibitions and circus shows.

He said events where – with regard to the weather – organisers build tents as well as events held in facilities which are bordered by walls but are partially or fully uncovered should also be regarded as outdoor events. He mentioned stadiums, swimming pools, outdoor stages and cinemas as examples of the latter.

At the same time, the attendance of musical and dance events held in non-indoor places remains prohibited, the Lt. Colonel underlined.

The detailed protective regulations relating to cultural and sports events are laid down in the government decree.

In answer to the question as to whether in the case of outdoor theatres, cinemas and stadiums organisers will be required to monitor spectators for possible signs of infection, he said organisers do not have such an obligation; however, creating the conditions for the protective measures in place and enforcing compliance with the relevant regulations will be their responsibility.

If a person violates the rules, they can be removed from the event, he added. The Lt. Colonel asked prospective visitors of such outdoor events to only attend if they are healthy.

Sources:  Hungary Around the Clock, Office of the Prime Minister, MTI.