COVID-19 and expatriation in Hungary

fluffy2560 wrote:

Cynic wrote:

We recently travelled back from the Netherlands to the UK on the Rotterdam > Hull ferry; we had to take the PCR test 3 days before we arrived in Hull; complete the online passenger information form; then a final test 2 days after arrival, the only thing of note was it was bloody expensive; had it not been for a family bereavement, we wouldn't have travelled.

The rules were the same had we been travelling to Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland; we both have the NHS travel app.  Unlike our previous trips, we heard nothing from Test and Trace after we got back; Mrs C was back nursing the next morning; she was tested at work.

Sorry to hear about the bereavement - rest in peace.

I used to do that Rotterdam-Hull trip quite a lot.  North Sea Ferries.  Like a little cruise.  Certainly helped with driving from Dover to the North West.

After my UK trip, I got my own PCR results for inbound Day 0-2 on the day I left (outbound) back to here a week later.  It was over the late August bank holiday.  Overall it was rather useless, too little, too late and £55 down.   

Makes me wonder if I'd proved positive on the day of departure if I'd just have come back anyway.  Would have been irresponsible to do that I suppose.  Seems to me unlikely I would have been positive if double jabbed.  Of course there are false positives too.

I've been tested a lot (I'm part of the NHS Zoe Covid Study group) 4.7m of us across the UK; every time I'm tested I wonder if it's my turn; as you say, you can have it and not know, but having been tested so often, plus being married to a nurse that must have conducted thousands of tests, jabs, I've now become an "expert" in my own mind - I just have to remember that, really, I know nothing.

Mr Fluffy

There is the Swiss app that should work.

Cynic wrote:

....
I've been tested a lot (I'm part of the NHS Zoe Covid Study group) 4.7m of us across the UK; every time I'm tested I wonder if it's my turn; as you say, you can have it and not know, but having been tested so often, plus being married to a nurse that must have conducted thousands of tests, jabs, I've now become an "expert" in my own mind - I just have to remember that, really, I know nothing.

In a whopping cohort of that size, you're just a statistic.  Just as most of us are in the general scheme of things. 

Reminds me of that old saying, apparently misattributed to Joseph Stalin (about death):

"The death or <insert whatever you want> of one man is a tragedy, the death or <insert whatever you want> of millions is a statistic"

SimCityAT wrote:

[img align=C]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCA0gW0WUAIn0gZ?format=jpg&name=large[/url]

There was an article in The Times today saying that the majority of new UK cases are in the young.  But it seems also that the number of deaths are going up.  And then there's the new Delta Plus variant they've been reporting. 

I cannot see it being politically acceptable to bring back lockdown anywhere.   

Masks are still mandated in places with lower rates.  Perhaps that's the reason it's lower.  Just speculating.

Masks compulsory on public transport etc...

Hungary: Authorities to require face masks aboard public transportation beginning 1 November

On 1 November 2021 authorities will require face masks on all forms of public transportation nationwide to reduce coronavirus transmission.

The measure will be in effect until further notice and is in addition to extant requirements for hospitals and certain other public venues.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Masks compulsory on public transport etc...

Hungary: Authorities to require face masks aboard public transportation beginning 1 November

On 1 November 2021 authorities will require face masks on all forms of public transportation nationwide to reduce coronavirus transmission.

The measure will be in effect until further notice and is in addition to extant requirements for hospitals and certain other public venues.

Well, I think we all knew it would start up again.
They gave us the summer...
I read somewhere that this "virus agenda" will go on until at least 2025.
Thank God we are not living in Australia. they are hard core over there with no end in sight.
Yes, you must wear a mask in hospital setting or in medical clinics but what gets me is why they have people waiting to see a doctor for hours on end having you just sit in a crowd of ill people in a small area? Why not just make appointments , give numbers or text you 20 mins before your turn ?
Guess it costs $$ to upgrade the old system.

This appeared in my inbox from the HU government.  I've already had my booster.  They've fixed the web site and it is possible to book without a TAJ card.


The fourth wave of the coronavirus epidemic reached Hungary as well. The number of patients is growing throughout Europe, including Hungary. The now-spreading delta virus mutant is spreading rapidly and can cause more serious disease. Unvaccinated people are still in the greatest danger.

Vaccine recipients are advised that protection after vaccination may be reduced after a few months. This is true for all vaccines. Therefore, revaccination is especially important for those who have been vaccinated in the past.

Therefore, if you are over 18 years of age and have taken your previous vaccination more than 4 months ago, please also apply for the third vaccination again! You can ask your GP to give you this, and you can also book an appointment with a hospital vaccine online. You can do this on the following page:

www.eeszt.gov.hu/hu/web/guest/covid-olt … t Reservas

The vaccine works, the vaccine has saved lives. Long live the vaccine!*

Sincerely:

Government Information Center

* btw, these vaccines aren't alive

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Masks compulsory on public transport etc...

Hungary: Authorities to require face masks aboard public transportation beginning 1 November

On 1 November 2021 authorities will require face masks on all forms of public transportation nationwide to reduce coronavirus transmission.

The measure will be in effect until further notice and is in addition to extant requirements for hospitals and certain other public venues.

Well, I think we all knew it would start up again.
They gave us the summer...
I read somewhere that this "virus agenda" will go on until at least 2025.
Thank God we are not living in Australia. they are hard core over there with no end in sight.
Yes, you must wear a mask in hospital setting or in medical clinics but what gets me is why they have people waiting to see a doctor for hours on end having you just sit in a crowd of ill people in a small area? Why not just make appointments , give numbers or text you 20 mins before your turn ?
Guess it costs $$ to upgrade the old system.

Yes, think it's coming back.  It's going to be in shops next.  I didn't hear 2025 but I can believe the hassle will continue until at least 2023.   We'll all have to live with it - no choice unfortunately!

I was at the booster place last Sunday near Szent Janos Korhaz (it was Semmelweis University - intensive care and anesthesiology department on Varosmajor utca).  Everyone is standing up in the queue and masked up and the process takes less than 20 mins.

While it was quite slickly organised now.  There's a mixup on HU forms with TAJ card or non-TAJ forms in English.  They ask different questions. 

However, apart from that, online appointments set every 10 minutes or so.  It's possible to have an appointment just about any time and one can choose your vaccine (but this will changes the location of the vaccination centre).  I had the Janssen one (previously I had 2 x Pfizer).   

If one is able, and there are no other medical reasons to not do it, there's no reason to be unvaccinated.

EU now recognises UK vaccine certificates.  I don't know if this means for sure no-PCR test inbound to the EU from outside. Link here: [/b]

Recognition of COVID certificates from third (non-EU) countries

Also says:

Validity of the certificates

The Commission has proposed, and Member States have adopted, an update to the Council recommendation on free movement restrictions. It includes specific provisions – although Member States can be less strict as well:

- Fully vaccinated persons holding an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be exempt from travel-related testing or quarantine 14 days after having received the last dose. This should also cover recovered persons having received a single dose of a 2-dose vaccine.

-  Recovered persons, holding an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be exempt from travel-related testing or quarantine during the first 180 days after a positive PCR test.

-  Persons with an EU Digital COVID test certificate should be exempt from possible quarantine requirements: 72 hours for PCR tests and, where accepted by a Member State, 48 hours for rapid antigen tests.

Not really for Hungary, but if you plan to visit Austria you will need to be Vaccinated if you wish to eat or drink at cafes, restaurants etc....

Its even getting tougher Austria to put millions of unvaccinated people in Covid lockdown

More Police will be employed to do just do spot checks.

SimCityAT wrote:

Not really for Hungary, but if you plan to visit Austria you will need to be Vaccinated if you wish to eat or drink at cafes, restaurants etc....

Its even getting tougher Austria to put millions of unvaccinated people in Covid lockdown

More Police will be employed to do just do spot checks.

We were thinking of going to SCS for Xmas shopping but this could nobble that plan.    We were going previously but one of us was only singly jabbed and it was too much hassle in case we were stopped. Now we are all jabbed but have to go the government office to get  an EU certificate.   Then I suppose we can move around freely over there.

Lockdown could well appear here again.  But there are other problems, inflation is high and fuel prices now have a cap on them.

I've seen posts from the US where 6.5 lbs of beef is selling in markets for over $200.!!!!
Guess hot dog sales are on the rise?
I'll have to double check if that's for real or not by asking some family in the states.
My sister packed her freezer awhile ago  because she saw prices rising.
One sister in the mid-west said stores are running out of certain items and the shelves are bare.
Heard starting this Monday we need to wear masks again in shops, not sure will just have to bring one along next shopping trip.
We will never go back to,"normal" not anytime soon at least.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've seen posts from the US where 6.5 lbs of beef is selling in markets for over $200.!!!!
Guess hot dog sales are on the rise?
I'll have to double check if that's for real or not by asking some family in the states.
My sister packed her freezer awhile ago  because she saw prices rising.
One sister in the mid-west said stores are running out of certain items and the shelves are bare.
Heard starting this Monday we need to wear masks again in shops, not sure will just have to bring one along next shopping trip.
We will never go back to,"normal" not anytime soon at least.

Didn't hear that about the masks.  Mrs F says she didn't hear it but did hear government offices will require the masks.  Maybe it's that.

Something is a bit odd.  Inflation, rising prices, shortages (why?), labour issues etc.   UK has empty shelves.  Choice of goods has reduced significantly there. And labour shortages are restricting hours in some retail sectors.  And  then there's the pandemic.

And we also have that lunatic Lukashenko threatening to cut off the gas and the refugees (not that many) on the border with Poland.  I continue to be amazed the UK has sent a military contingent to assist the Polish Army at the border of the EU and Belarus.   UK spent gadzillions with Brexit and now we're shoring up its borders.   

Belarus is not the only hot topic. Apparently Putin has sent troops to the Eastern Ukraine border.  Might be a consolidation to relive tension on Crimea.  There are water shortages there as Ukraine cut off the water.   Closing the Belarus border would be difficult as there's the Kaliningrad exclave Russia needs to support.

Overall it seems to be a case of WTF is going on?

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've seen posts from the US where 6.5 lbs of beef is selling in markets for over $200.!!!!
Guess hot dog sales are on the rise?
I'll have to double check if that's for real or not by asking some family in the states.
My sister packed her freezer awhile ago  because she saw prices rising.
One sister in the mid-west said stores are running out of certain items and the shelves are bare.
Heard starting this Monday we need to wear masks again in shops, not sure will just have to bring one along next shopping trip.
We will never go back to,"normal" not anytime soon at least.

I continue to be amazed the UK has sent a military contingent to assist the Polish Army at the border of the EU and Belarus.   UK spent gadzillions with Brexit and now we're shoring up its borders.

10 sappers from 59 Cdo Engr Regt, to assist in repairs to the fence; they're part of the British army unit that was already stationed in Poland at a NATO training facility - they've been in Poland since 2015, together with troops from Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.

Cynic wrote:

...
10 sappers from 59 Cdo Engr Regt, to assist in repairs to the fence; they're part of the British army unit that was already stationed in Poland at a NATO training facility - they've been in Poland since 2015, together with troops from Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.

Not too much involvement then.

But still strange to hear UK troops repairing the EU border.  Why not those from the other countries intersecting with two groups (NATO and EU) and not one (NATO)?

We went to war over Poland in 1939.  We'd had nothing much to do with them until that point.

(Obviously I do realise many migrants are trying to get to the UK)

fluffy2560 wrote:

Cynic wrote:

...
10 sappers from 59 Cdo Engr Regt, to assist in repairs to the fence; they're part of the British army unit that was already stationed in Poland at a NATO training facility - they've been in Poland since 2015, together with troops from Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.

Not too much involvement then.

But still strange to hear UK troops repairing the EU border.  Why not those from the other countries intersecting with two groups (NATO and EU) and not one (NATO)?

We went to war over Poland in 1939.  We'd had nothing much to do with them until that point.

(Obviously I do realise many migrants are trying to get to the UK)

It's a NATO border, nothing to do with the EU.  All about gesture politics, a trip-wire if you like.  It tells your potential adversary that if they decide to invade, that there are British forces in the area, you mess with us, then NATO is involved.

We had a pact with Poland in 1939 (link), similar to the NATO pact of today, but was in direct response to what the Germans were threatening.  My money is on the Ukraine, Poland is a bluff.

Cynic wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Cynic wrote:

...
10 sappers from 59 Cdo Engr Regt, to assist in repairs to the fence; they're part of the British army unit that was already stationed in Poland at a NATO training facility - they've been in Poland since 2015, together with troops from Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.

Not too much involvement then.

But still strange to hear UK troops repairing the EU border.  Why not those from the other countries intersecting with two groups (NATO and EU) and not one (NATO)?

We went to war over Poland in 1939.  We'd had nothing much to do with them until that point.

(Obviously I do realise many migrants are trying to get to the UK)

It's a NATO border, nothing to do with the EU.  All about gesture politics, a trip-wire if you like.  It tells your potential adversary that if they decide to invade, that there are British forces in the area, you mess with us, then NATO is involved.

We had a pact with Poland in 1939 (link), similar to the NATO pact of today, but was in direct response to what the Germans were threatening.  My money is on the Ukraine, Poland is a bluff.

Oh sure.  It's a good point it being NATO.

The threat is pretty minimal as of right now around there but the optics stink. But then again, if you look at the Crimea thing, the West did almost nothing except a few sanctions.

But Russia can ill afford to take on a more serious fight now. Their economy is down apart from gas and only the size of Italy, i.e. small.   But Putin's no fool, he thinks he can weaken and divide and his ultimate ambition around there would be to take back the Baltics and perhaps creeping around in the East, take more in Eastern Ukraine.   

I don't think he's got enormous amounts to bank roll that lunatic Lukashenko who might suddenly slip on the stairs and fatally bang his head.  Or someone else will take him out by way of lead poisoning.   Putin can be pretty much assured that the US and the EU  would not become involved whatever happens.  Putin would probably love to have Belarus back as a buffer country.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've seen posts from the US where 6.5 lbs of beef is selling in markets for over $200.!!!!
Guess hot dog sales are on the rise?
I'll have to double check if that's for real or not by asking some family in the states.
My sister packed her freezer awhile ago  because she saw prices rising.
One sister in the mid-west said stores are running out of certain items and the shelves are bare.
Heard starting this Monday we need to wear masks again in shops, not sure will just have to bring one along next shopping trip.
We will never go back to,"normal" not anytime soon at least.

Didn't hear that about the masks.  Mrs F says she didn't hear it but did hear government offices will require the masks.  Maybe it's that.

Something is a bit odd.  Inflation, rising prices, shortages (why?), labour issues etc.   UK has empty shelves.  Choice of goods has reduced significantly there. And labour shortages are restricting hours in some retail sectors.  And  then there's the pandemic.

And we also have that lunatic Lukashenko threatening to cut off the gas and the refugees (not that many) on the border with Poland.  I continue to be amazed the UK has sent a military contingent to assist the Polish Army at the border of the EU and Belarus.   UK spent gadzillions with Brexit and now we're shoring up its borders.   

Belarus is not the only hot topic. Apparently Putin has sent troops to the Eastern Ukraine border.  Might be a consolidation to relive tension on Crimea.  There are water shortages there as Ukraine cut off the water.   Closing the Belarus border would be difficult as there's the Kaliningrad exclave Russia needs to support.

Overall it seems to be a case of WTF is going on?

What's going on is the powers that be have to bring order out of choas.
If things are going smoothly then people will resist change.
If there is lack of food, supplies and restrictions people will literally sell their souls in hopes of getting their freedoms back.
Look at hw people ran to get jabbed, they followed what the gov. wanted but still they have restrictions placed on them.
I'd say it is a good time to stock up on food, medical supplies whatever , candles whatever will hold you over for at least 6 months.
Once things get desperate no one wants to be out with desperate people standing in a bread line.
We already are at war, many can't see it but it's going on.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

...
What's going on is the powers that be have to bring order out of chaos.
If things are going smoothly then people will resist change.
If there is lack of food, supplies and restrictions people will literally sell their souls in hopes of getting their freedoms back.
Look at hw people ran to get jabbed, they followed what the gov. wanted but still they have restrictions placed on them.
I'd say it is a good time to stock up on food, medical supplies whatever , candles whatever will hold you over for at least 6 months.
Once things get desperate no one wants to be out with desperate people standing in a bread line.
We already are at war, many can't see it but it's going on.

It's only the unvaccinated that will continue to have major restrictions on them.  It's  understandable as they are likely to spread it and/or get ill and burden the health system.   But it's a surprise that perhaps 30% of the population (in Austria) will have to stay at home.   They need to up that vaccination rate and cover 90-95% of the population. 

I am more worried about any power shortages than the food shortages.  That can be shipped in and is more a matter of money than anything else.  Less easy to ship power in.  But HU would be OK mainly, they could have rationing but we are way off that level of problem. I also worry about travel restrictions.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I read somewhere that this "virus agenda" will go on until at least 2025.

I read that as well. This smelly bit of crap was doing the rounds on Facebook, mostly on anti-vax sites. It seems the world bank was planning  Covid to run until March 2025, but the truth is it was just a financial plan in case it did.
It was uploaded by bloody fools for bloody idiots to believe.

This is the big thing about all this conspiracy crap - it's always rubbish, and none of these morons ever manages to offer a link with proof - but it's all true because some utter dick on Facebook said it is.

fluffy2560 wrote:

It's only the unvaccinated that will continue to have major restrictions on them.  It's  understandable as they are likely to spread it and/or get ill and burden the health system. .

Vaccinated people can get covid, and they can spread it.
The difference is vaccinated people hardly get any symptoms at all, or just a mild nothing.
Un-vaccinated people tend to be prone to serious problems and cost a small fortune to save. They also  take up hospital beds that could better be used for people who need them because of accidents or illnesses they couldn't prevent.

We saw all this with that utter pillock Andrew Wakefield who falsified his MMR research in a massive bout of anti-vax cretinism. He made it all up in the hope of spreading his anti-vax aganda - This is exactly what we're seeing now with anti-covid cretins.

I see it this way, if there is something wrong with the vaccine and millions are about to die, get serious blood clots, or become Bill Gates' robots, I'm pretty sure someone would have noticed by now.
How many millions have been vaccinated, and how many of those have seen anything worse than feeling a bit crap for a couple of days?

I'll give you a clue - Shite all and a few.

I have absolutely no problem with anyone refusing to get vaccinated, but they can't expect to be treated the same as sensible people. Frankly, if an unvaccinated person does get the dreaded lurgy, they should have to pay for their own care.
As for posting negative stories, they can add all they fancy about the vaccines - but they really need to back it up with links to reliable medical sites that prove their point - not just talk about rubbish they saw on Facebook.

So there you have it. I have no problem with any government imposing restrictions on vaccinate refuseniks. They have a choice.

Apologies for the apparently harsh tone of the tome but I'm from Barnsley - A place diplomats don't come from, and a place we call an idiot and idiot.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

I've seen posts from the US where 6.5 lbs of beef is selling in markets for over $200.!!!!

Perhaps you could provide a link because the US government seems to be at odds with your truth.

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ … r%20pound.

Errata: On November 12, 2021, Meat Price Spreads, “Choice values and spreads and the all fresh retail value” and “Summaries of retail prices and spreads,” were updated to correct the all fresh retail value of beef for October 2021. The correct price for the all fresh retail value of beef is 754.8 cents per pound.

Fred wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

It's only the unvaccinated that will continue to have major restrictions on them.  It's  understandable as they are likely to spread it and/or get ill and burden the health system. .

Vaccinated people can get covid, and they can spread it.
The difference is vaccinated people hardly get any symptoms at all, or just a mild nothing.
Un-vaccinated people tend to be prone to serious problems and cost a small fortune to save. They also  take up hospital beds that could better be used for people who need them because of accidents or illnesses they couldn't prevent..

Sure, I knew that but the vaccinated are not going to die (ok, some miniscule number might but that could be true of any vaccine).

Fred wrote:

We saw all this with that utter pillock Andrew Wakefield who falsified his MMR research in a massive bout of anti-vax cretinism. He made it all up in the hope of spreading his anti-vax aganda - This is exactly what we're seeing now with anti-covid cretins.

He's living in the USA I think and still peddling the same nonsense and making good money out of not even being a snake oil salesman but pretending to be a snake oil salesman.  I suppose some gullible people will buy into it and prove Darwin correct.   Like that idiot and his wife who drank fish tank cleaner because Donald Trump said it was OK.

Fred wrote:

I see it this way, if there is something wrong with the vaccine and millions are about to die, get serious blood clots, or become Bill Gates' robots, I'm pretty sure someone would have noticed by now.
How many millions have been vaccinated, and how many of those have seen anything worse than feeling a bit crap for a couple of days?

There are good reasons to not be vaccinated but anti-vax Bill Gates robot hysteria isn't one of them. I find it strangely hilarious (and sinister at the same time) anyone would be believe any of that. 

Fred wrote:

I have absolutely no problem with anyone refusing to get vaccinated, but they can't expect to be treated the same as sensible people. Frankly, if an unvaccinated person does get the dreaded lurgy, they should have to pay for their own care.
As for posting negative stories, they can add all they fancy about the vaccines - but they really need to back it up with links to reliable medical sites that prove their point - not just talk about rubbish they saw on Facebook.

So there you have it. I have no problem with any government imposing restrictions on vaccinate refuseniks. They have a choice.

Sure, citizen journalists need to provide their sources like everyone else.   I reckon Facebook and the others need to be paying for the damage they've been causing.  Probably the best thing to do is break them up and while doing that, use a witch's stool to dunk Zuckerberg and Co. 

Fred wrote:

Apologies for the apparently harsh tone of the tome but I'm from Barnsley - A place diplomats don't come from, and a place we call an idiot an idiot.

By gum, down to brass tacks I see. 

Barnsley's one of those places I've heard of but cannot remember visiting and might only exist as part of up North mythology.  A bit like Brigadoon.

The Barnsley version of diplomatic is not suggesting the subject is sexually active (with an F) before you insult them.

Fred wrote:

The Barnsley version of diplomatic is not suggesting the subject is sexually active (with an F) before you insult them.

I wonder if members of the Australian parliament are all from Barnsley?

This article this morning shows potential for vaccines against Alzheimers. I heard the interview with the researcher on LBC Radio this morning.

Alzheimer’s vaccine step closer after new treatment reverses memory loss

I wonder how many COVID anti-vaxxers would be prepared to take the risk on this new potential vaccine vs the COVID19 ones?

Bit like HPV, polio, tetanus and so on.  No-one would refuse those (unless they had a screw loose).

I am wondering if we're entering an age of  "dread disease" vaccines.

It seems the CDC has declared Hungary as a Level 4 health risk and issued a do not travel to Hungary.
The fun never seems to end.

Austria looks like its about to go into another Lockdown.

I am in a difficult situation as I want to move outside of the EU (Turkey), permanently, having said that I do understand lockdowns. Both me and my wife got our 3rd jab, Still I understand the current constraints. It is not at life as it was before.
We maintained voluntary isolation for almost a year (shopping (vegs, fruits mostly_),.
Meat (we have a fridge), whisky, wine through internet.

I have a VERY smoker (once per 3 months make a big order of 300 Packs)

cdw057 wrote:

I am in a difficult situation as I want to move outside of the EU (Turkey), permanently, having said that I do understand lockdowns. Both me and my wife got our 3rd jab, Still I understand the current constraints. It is not at life as it was before.
We maintained voluntary isolation for almost a year (shopping (vegs, fruits mostly_),.
Meat (we have a fridge), whisky, wine through internet.

I have a VERY smoker (once per 3 months make a big order of 300 Packs)

Are you saying, you cannot actually leave the country?

Looks like  you won't need to worry about COVID.  If it doesn't get you, the smoking might.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

It seems the CDC has declared Hungary as a Level 4 health risk and issued a do not travel to Hungary.
The fun never seems to end.

Do not travel is a bit of an OTT thing for them to say.  They should say, travel is not recommended.  Plenty of people travel to lots of other places and survive with no problem.

Mrs F just told me that in HU the masks are back at any building and no gatherings over 500 people.

Received this message:

Hungary: Authorities to expand face-mask requirements from 20 November
   
On 20 November 2021 authorities will expand face-mask requirements nationwide to reduce coronavirus transmission. Face masks will be required in all indoor public spaces, including museums, shops and theaters. The measure will be in effect until further notice and is in addition to extant mask requirements for hospitals, public buildings and public transportation. Individuals should consult official sources for more information and adhere to local measures.

A bit slow on that Mr Fuffy, we got told this 2 days ago

SimCityAT wrote:

A bit slow on that Mr Fuffy, we got told this 2 days ago

I also said it yesterday which Mrs F got from the HU news.  I got this new one today which is more verifiable. I wouldn't normally post anything that hasn't been corroborated.  But yes, bit slow. Usually my informants tell me at lightning speed.  The worst one is the British Embassy.  They are terribly slow and sometimes wrong.

Looks like lockdown could be coming back - cases increasing with regional neighbours...

COVID in Europe: Czechs declare state of emergency as Portugal reinstates restrictions

More worrying is the rise of the newest variant:

What we know so far about the B.1.1.529 COVID variant causing concern in South Africa

Another difficulty for planning is the news that  the digital COVID certificate -- needed for cross-border travel -- will expire nine months after the last vaccine dose.  Probably it means we'll all have to be vaccinated again 9 months after the booster.   

What I don't know is if the Kormany Ablak (Government Window - service point) is issuing EU certificates for the booster.   I looked at my COVID immunity card and its link to the online database and it doesn't show the earlier 2 vaccinations any more, it only shows the booster. 

I'm thinking this will be a hassle crossing a border.

I will worry quite a bit on Covid and I actually took three shots, not so much more I can do, having said that with these new variants in voluntary isolation might be an option, having however took a decision to sell out property and buy in Turkey (sounds strange and perhaps it turns out to be stupid, but against trends might be good).
Still I believe vaccine is good and forcing of masks as well, but I will not protect us fully.

For moving continents is stressfull though I can tell you, bureaucracy, uncertainty, clients not paying ,,,

cdw057 wrote:

.... took a decision to sell out property and buy in Turkey (sounds strange and perhaps it turns out to be stupid, but against trends might be good).
Still I believe vaccine is good and forcing of masks as well, but I will not protect us fully.

For moving continents is stressful though I can tell you, bureaucracy, uncertainty, clients not paying ,,,

Probably be OK in an expat bubble. 

Years ago, I met a guy who worked in Zimbabwe and he told me that it was a fantastic place to buy property if you had enough nerve and time to stick it out.   Very nice houses that were being sold off by those leaving the country - just trying to convert their assets and get liquid.    The big problem and risk was they might be appropriated by those in cahoots with Mugabe.  He's gone but I am pretty sure old habits die hard with some of those left.

Just heard on a news conference that for inbound UK travellers it's back to PCR day 2 tests with isolation until a negative result is obtained.

It's a possibility that similar situation will occur in the EU considering the number of countries reporting Omicron.

So just before Xmas, travel is going to be slowed down and for some stopped.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Just heard on a news conference that for inbound UK travellers it's back to PCR day 2 tests with isolation until a negative result is obtained.

It's a possibility that similar situation will occur in the EU considering the number of countries reporting Omicron.

So just before Xmas, travel is going to be slowed down and for some stopped.

It would not surprise me if the EU recommended a cessation of all non-essential travel from the UK to anywhere in the EU; of course, it will be up to the individual members whether they follow the advice.