Hungary’s government has extended temporary border controls introduced in September to contain the spread of the coronavirus by another month, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.
At a regular press conference, Gergely Gulyás urged the public to observe the rules implemented so far in response to the epidemic, underlining the importance of wearing face masks.
Schools have started carrying out temperature checks on students and the blanket visiting ban for hospitals and retirement homes has also been upheld, he said, adding that the seasonal flu vaccine would also be widely available.
The government’s aim, in line with the results of the latest “National Consultation” public survey, is to ensure that the country is able to function, Gulyás said.
Government spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi said that flu vaccines would be made available free to residents this year. She noted that flu and Covid-19 produced similar symptoms, and vaccination against flu could help doctors diagnose Covid-19. Nationwide, 1.3 million flu vaccines will be distributed, she said.
Traditionally, the vaccine is offered free of charge to risk groups over the age of 3 but this year it everyone will have access without having to pay, she added. The flu vaccination will be available to everyone from their GPs from the second half of October, she added. Over 39,000 health workers and 8,900 social care employees have already been vaccinated, she said.
Source: https://hungarytoday.hu/
