Education in Hungarian schools in 2020

Dear friends,

All schools were closed from March 16. Instruction at Hungarian schools was moved to digital classrooms in March as the country went into lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Online learning continued until the end of the school year in June. Students were not allowed to attend educational institutions from that day and our teachers had to adopt digital methods that did not require personal attendance. The teaching experience for those with small children at home was difficult (giving online lectures through Skype, WebEx, Teams, Zoom, etc.).

Primary schools were reopened normally in September but from the 1st of October, pre-schools, primary school institutions’ staff and students are only allowed to enter the buildings after their body temperatures have been checked. Parents and other persons accompanying children to elementary schools can enter the institutions up to the point where the children’s body temperatures are taken, but they should wear face masks covering their nose and mouth.

From midnight of the 10th of November, the following regulations measures will take effect for 30 days:

• A curfew is instated between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

• All forms of assembly are forbidden.

• Restaurants must close, but food delivery remains possible.

• Shops and services must close by 7 p.m.

• Hotels may only host business travellers.

• There is a general ban on events.

• Family gatherings and private events may only be attended by a maximum of 10 people. Weddings are only possible without a wedding reception. Only the best man, maid of honour, parents, and siblings may attend church and civil ceremonies.

• Only 50 people can attend funerals.

• All sporting events must take place without spectators.

• Individual sports activities are possible outdoors, but amateur team sports are forbidden.

• Extracurricular facilities, including gyms, indoor swimming pools, museums, theatres and zoos, must close.

• Higher education may be continued only in an online format, and university dormitories are closed.

• A digital curriculum is reintroduced above the 8th grade in high schools (for children, typically, 14 years old or older).

• Kindergartens, nurseries and primary schools stay open for children under 14.

• Mask wearing is compulsory in certain public spaces in towns larger than ten thousand people. The designation of these public spaces is the responsibility of the local mayor. Mask wearing is not obligatory while playing sports or visiting parks.

Now we have our winter holiday till 4 of January 2021.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!