What can you do in Hungary with or without the immunity certificate?

Here is the complete list of where to go and what to do with or without the immunity certificate, together with where we need to wear a mask and who exactly is obligated to do so.

The vaccination process in Hungary is going strong; the country has reached the magical number of 5 million administered coronavirus vaccine doses last week. PM Viktor Orbán announced on his Facebook page on Friday that it is time to say goodbye to the mask. His act gives the impression that we can actually get rid of the masks for good, that we never have to wear them at all. In reality, it is much more complicated.

Here are all the changes to restrictions in Hungary

It is very important to note that

wearing the mask in a closed public place where those who are “protected” and those who are “not protected” can mingle with each other and get in contact is still obligatory.

Defining exactly what is a place where “protected” and “not protected” people (those with and without the immunity certificate) can meet is actually a bit confusing.

Telex.hu found a Hungarian meme on social media that describes the satiation perfectly. A maximum of 500 people can come together at an open-air public place for a musical event. In case there is no music, anyone without the immunity certificate can enter; however, if they do so in an organised way as an open-air event, only 500 of them can stay. But if the band starts playing, all those without the plastic card need to leave. Except if there is a bride present, in which case they can stay, but only 200 of them. Confusing, is it? The meme refers to the new rules taken related to public events, demonstrations and nuptials.

Let’s make it clear then who can go where with or without the mask, based on the changes announced by kormany.hu. 

Those over 18 years of age who have the immunity certificate:

• Can participate in any open-air event without the need to wear a mask
• The same goes for indoor events; no mask is needed with the plastic card
• They can go to a hotel
• They can sit down at a table inside a restaurant, a bar or a café, the mask is only needed in case they leave their table, so they are not consuming at that moment
• The mask is still needed on public transport
• Shops and offices can only be approached wearing a mask
• They can go to the beach, a thermal bath or a sports centre having a swimming pool