Are baths really reopening in Hungary?
Baths can now reopen after the restrictions have been eased up in regions outside of Budapest. According to Prime Minister Orbán’s announcement, they can open their doors to guests again starting May 4.
The announcement does not make it clear, whether it only applies to beaches that are out in the open, or bath houses too. Termalfurdo.hu tried to find out which baths were planning on opening soon, but there is much uncertainty as of yet.
Even under usual circumstances, baths and beaches can only open after they have been approved by the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service, and the examination and testing of pools can take weeks. The quality of the water in the pools is tested in a laboratory, and only 100 per cent aseptic pools get approved.
Testing usually starts in April, so baths and beaches can open at their usual time in May, but because of the pandemic, getting appointments for testing the water can start on May 4.
There is no news about any new safety protocols yet. They already have very serious hygiene protocols to follow, but because of the coronavirus, these rules are expected to become more strict.
The general secretary of the Hungarian Bath Association, Zoltán Balogh, did not want to reveal any specifics of their suggestions about tightening protocols. Still, he says they follow the general restrictions about safe distance and protecting the elderly.
People over 65 will most likely not be able to visit beaches this season. To be able to keep a safe distance, fewer people will be allowed on bath premises at one time, and the number of people in one pool will be limited as well. As to how the safety measures will be applied to changing rooms and communal showers is still a question.
- Hungarian baths started closing down in March because of the pandemic.
- Check out Hungary’s beautiful and famous baths.
One bath has already opened, the Demjén Thermal Bath announced on their Facebook page, that three outdoor thermal pool would be open for guests between 9 AM and 2 AM.
As for other baths and beaches, some are planning to reopen on the Pentecost long weekend, while others are aiming for the start of July, but nothing is set in stone yet. Many of them will open even if the restrictions will mean a financial loss.
Source: termalfurdo.hu