Gulyas: August 20 national holiday public events cancelled

All public events lined up for the August 20 national holiday have been cancelled in light of coronavirus protection measures, the Prime Minister's chief of staff said on Thursday. The events would have included an air show and fireworks in the evening. Gergely Gulyas told a regular weekly press briefing large gatherings increased the risk of intensifying the spread of the coronavirus. Gulyas expressed regret over the cancellation, adding stocks already purchased for the festivities would be used next year. The oath-taking ceremony of graduate officers will go ahead, he added. Gulyas noted that the number of active coronavirus infections in Hungary is gradually dropping. Hungary is one of the safest and most protected countries against the virus in the region, he said.