Gergely Gulyas, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, speaks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on March 11, 2020. The Hungarian government declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Gergely Gulyas said here on Wednesday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, March 11 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian government declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Gergely Gulyas, head of the Prime Minister's Office, said here on Wednesday.
The decisions taken by the government are "unprecedented" in recent history, Gulyas said at a press conference.
Prior to making its decisions, the government had consulted experts and discussed the issues with the leaders of other European Union (EU) countries, especially with Slovenia and Austria, Gulyas said.
He also said that in the coming days a series of government decrees will be adopted, including an entry ban on foreigners from some worst affected countries.
"Sanctions will be imposed on those who make false declarations and those who violate quarantine," he said. The country's universities will be closed but remote lectures will be held. School excursions abroad will also be banned.
The government also bans indoor events with more than 100, and outdoor events with more than 500 attendees. These bans do not apply to events held at workplaces.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hungary has increased to 13, the government said.
Gergely Gulyas (R), head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, speaks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on March 11, 2020. The Hungarian government declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Gergely Gulyas said here on Wednesday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Gergely Gulyas, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, speaks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on March 11, 2020. The Hungarian government declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Gergely Gulyas said here on Wednesday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Gergely Gulyas, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, speaks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on March 11, 2020. The Hungarian government declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Gergely Gulyas said here on Wednesday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
