HUNGARY

SZONJA PORKOLAB COLLINSON 2007-2010 BUDAPEST – AUGUST 2020

I think Hungary coped quite admirably during spring when Covid-19 hit our country. Hungary closed its borders as soon as people started becoming infected. Our government had some great ideas when it came to helping the people. For example digital education was introduced in schools for children and at universities Elderly people had shopping time frames, they could go shopping from 6 - 9am when younger people were not allowed in the shops, parking was free on the streets; clubs, bars and most restaurant were closed and of course we had to wear masks everywhere we went. Most workplaces closed their offices and sent their employees home to work. We were told to stay inside and only go out if we must.

Thanks to these restrictive measures, the number of cases were low. In addition, the government introduced the debt repayment moratorium until the end of December. Just recently this debt repayment moratorium was extended for another six months after December.

Lockdown was not as bad as in Italy for example. We didn’t really have a proper lockdown we were just advised to stay at home and only go out if we needed food or medicine.

Thankfully, I did not experience any negative impacts of Covid-19. I did not lose my job, my salary was not reduced, I did not catch the virus and nor did my family. I actually enjoyed life slowing down a little bit and enjoyed doing things that I would not have done before. I went to play tennis instead of the gym, I went hiking, went running in the nearby forest etc. I am definitely not keen on returning to the office. I have been working in the home office since March and I a much happier.

I think things won’t return to normal until there is a vaccine. Hungary is experiencing the second wave of the virus and things are getting worse and worse with more cases every day. I am sure this will go on until there is a vaccine that provides protection.

I miss the people most who I used to be friends with in Mill Hill School.