(TAN): Hungary lifted all controls at its internal Schengen borders earlier this week, stating the measure does not help slow the spread of COVID-19 anymore.
“After consultations with the law enforcement agencies of the neighbouring countries, the Hungarian-Slovenian border control was also abolished, so the border control at all Schengen internal borders has [now] been abolished,” Lieutenant Colonel of the Hungarian Police Force Robert Kiss said.
Hungary has so far reported 4,017 cases of infection that includes 550 deaths, data from Johns Hopkins University showed.
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Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller said four counties in the country had no confirmed infections although “despite improving data, epidemiological preparedness still needs to be maintained”, as per the International Communications Office of the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister.
Muller added the authorities will soon decide if the country’s healthcare services can get back to pre-COVID situation.
“Of the 550 victims, the proportion of people suffering from other underlying diseases is high, reaching 527,” she said.
Hungary lifted travel restrictions on German nationals following Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s announcement that Germany has successfully managed the epidemic.
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The country also opened its borders with Slovenia while Slovakia abolished travel restrictions with Hungary and Austria as the epidemiological state improved in these countries. It also allowed Serbian nationals to enter Hungary without any restrictions or need for isolation.
Hungary had become the first European Union country to lift the Schengen entry ban for citizens outside of non-European Economic Area that was put in place in March.
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