Hungary reopens spas, gyms, pools for people holding coronavirus immunity cards

People who have received at least one vaccine dose and those who have recovered from Covid-19 are eligible for the government-issued immunity cards

Individuals with the plastic cards can enter indoor dining rooms, hotels, theatres, cinemas and other recreational venues

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A woman relaxes at the Szechenyi thermal bath in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:00pm, 1 May 2021Updated: 10:00pm, 1 May 2021

Hungary on Saturday loosened several Covid-19 restrictions for people with government-issued immunity cards, the latest in a series of reopening measures that have followed an ambitious vaccination campaign.

As of Saturday, individuals with the plastic cards may enter indoor dining rooms, hotels, theatres, cinemas, spas, gyms, libraries, museums and other recreational venues. Opening hours for businesses were extended to 11pm and an overnight curfew in place since November will now start later, at midnight.

People who have received at least one vaccine dose and those who have recovered from Covid-19 are eligible for the Hungarian immunity cards, which must be presented at establishments before entry. Businesses can be issued heavy fines if they allow non-cardholders to enter.

Hungary’s famous thermal baths, a hallmark of its tourism industry, opened their pools, saunas and steam rooms to guests on Saturday after nearly six months of closure. Budapest, which operates 12 such spas, opened six of them.

Ildiko Szucs, the CEO of Budapest Spas Ltd., said that she thinks the baths will benefit people who have suffered physically and mentally during the pandemic.