In a video address in Hungarian, Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony assured citizens that the city was still operating and expressed his thanks to all workers in health and public services. He also underlined the need for the public to stay at home, and for people to keep their distance from each other if they have to go out for essential errands, making sure to wash their hands as much as possible.
New measures include the closure of all public playgrounds around the city, and the delivery of food and groceries to the elderly by 20-30 municipal vehicles. In answer to calls for the dropping of parking fees, Karácsony stressed the need to allow access for medical and emergency staff – opening up free spaces for everyone might obstruct their essential work.
Emergency kitchens are also being set up in each district for poorer families whose children usually receive their hot meals at school, now closed due to the coronavirus.
