A pandemic is on: Behave responsibly!

The COVID-19 pandemic has entered into a new phase in Hungary. Elderly people over 65 are requested to stay at home, since they are the most vulnerable ones, the virus poses a higher risk for them.

All members of the society should show a responsible attitude in order to slow down the spread of the virus. Just a few simple regulation to be followed, and we are on the right way to save lives:

First and foremost: we should stay at home if possible!

Wash your hands thoroughly, ventilate frequently!

Postpone family meetings and friendly gatherings to a later date, unless our relative is unable to take care of her/himself alone!

Do the shopping for the elderly relatives, the neighbours, place the packages and bags outside their doors!

Purchase an easy to use –a simple one button operated- mobile phone for our grandparents and retired parents!

Avoid the crowd and larger companies!

Accept as credible only authorities’ communicated information and strictly follow the rules requested by them!

Ask for health assistance over the phone only!

Particular and big responsibility rest on those who recently travelled abroad to countries where many infections had been recognised. For them it is extremely important to minimalize their personal meetings, contacts and if possible the best they can do is to retreat voluntarily into the privacy of their home, since the incubation period may last long.

The Secretary General of the International Eucharistic Congress is travelling a lot in order to widespread the news on the Congress. Kornél Fábry wrote on his Facebook timeline:

“What is going through my head? Nowadays, the very thought, that how badly it would hit me if one day it would turn out that a deceased had been infected by me and I was not even aware of it. (…) I’m responsible for the others. I keep distance as much as possible. At the moment there is no better solution. And of course I pray.”

As of March 5, the Church has introduced several restrictive measures in the liturgy to prevent the spread of the disease. Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom - Budapest, following the Code of Canon requirements, granted exemption from the obligatory attendance on the Sunday Holy Mass.

“Therefore we kindly ask our priest brothers to reassure our elderly sisters and brothers, that no sin is committed if they do not dare to go to church during an epidemic outbreak! On the other hand we should call their attention that keeping the sanctification of Lord’s Day is still an order: pray as much as possible, and participate in the Holy Mass broadcasts via the radio or the television channels.”

Holy Mass broadcastings: https://www.magyarkurir.hu/hirek/hol-es-mikor-kovetheto-elo-szentmise-kozvetites-osszegyujtottuk-lehetosegeket

Assistance have been offered by most of the Parish Churches and by many Municipalities to the elderlies and in case of need they are going to take care of the needy’s shopping as well. Don’t be shy and accept the offered helping hands!

“Oh Lord, please give that our responsible behaviour helps to avoid the spread of the disease” – prays Péter Erdő. Let’s say together the Bishop’s prayer breath!

https://www.magyarkurir.hu/hirek/erdo-peter-biboros-imadsaga-jarvany-idejen2020