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Whether you are volunteering or working with Solidarity Corps in Hungary we want to make sure that you have access to information in English related to the measures taken by the Hungarian authorities and also we want you to be informed regarding your protection against COVID-19.

 What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)? 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience from mild to moderate respiratory illness and able to recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared that the world is facing a pandemic due to the severity and fast spread of the COVID-19 virus. (Source: eurodesk.eu)

 How can you contribute to stop the spread of the virus? 

• Often wash your hands with soap and running water at least for 20 seconds to kill the virus.
• Do not touch your face, mouth, nose, eyes.
• Try to stay at home as much as possible.
• When you must go outside, try to keep at least 1,5 m of distance from the others.
• To learn about the national restrictions, follow the Hungarian news and ask your host organization to inform you as soon as possible.

 What is the current situation in Hungary regarding restrictions in order to stop the coronavirus? 

The Hungarian Government is imposing a curfew restriction between March 28 and April 11, which means that you are not allowed to leave your place of residence/place of stay, except for work, basic necessities and duly justified reasons, which are the following (according to the Government Decision No 71/2020 (III. 27.)):

• using health-care services, which includes both physical and mental health services (e.g. psychotherapy, physiotherapy)
• individual leisure sports activities, walking in the open air, and in the cities, preferably in green spaces, carried out alone or with the members of the same household, with a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from the others
• taking care of pets eg. taking them for a walk in public spaces, taking them to the vet
• administration tasks requiring personal appearance, including government, banking, financial, insurance and postal services ONLY if personal appearance is absolutely necessary
• taking care of vulnerable persons (the sick, the elderly or children)
• getting married or holding a funeral ceremony in close family circle
• religious activities (except visiting places of public worship)

Extended stay in restaurants, bars, pubs, fast food outlets or any other such catering establishments is forbidden. However, it is allowed to order take-outs in person or with delivery. Groceries, pharmacies, markets, pet food stores, gas stations, tobacco stores, beauty salons, vehicle repair services and drugstores are allowed to visit. People over the age of 65 may only visit these places between 9AM and 12PM, but persons under 65 MUST NOT visit these facilities during this period of time.

In public places (public transport included), please keep a distance of 1,5 meters from everyone.

Failure to comply with the above mentioned shall be considered by the Government as a violation, therefore please pay special attention to follow these measures!

 What to do if you feel unwell? 

• If you have symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) call your organization and your house doctor, but do not leave the house.
• The doctor will tell you whether you need to take a coronavirus test or not and will inform you about the next steps.
• If medical costs are incurred, you can claim for a reimbursement at Cigna in the usual way. More information here and here.

 Websites and resources to follow: 

Word Health Organization: to find reliable information about the virus itself
European Commission’s website about COVID-19: to find the EU and Europe-related news
Website of the Government of Hungary: to find the Hungary-related news
Collection of the official coronavirus-related websites of EU members
Eurodesk.eu: to hear about the pandemic’s effect on EU youth initiatives
List of embassies in Hungary

 If you need specific help regarding your project 

If you need specific information or help in connection with your own volunteering/jobs and traineeship project, please consult with your hosting and/or supporting organizations.

Last modified: 17-06-2020