A few examples illustrate the severity of some such measures: — As of 25 March 2020, all EU Member States advise self-isolation/selfquarantine of identified contacts of COVID-19 sufferers. — Countries placed entire provinces, regions or cities under quarantine, for example in Austria,4 Bulgaria5 and Italy6. Some states in federal countries such as Germany adopted their own quarantine measures.7 — Some Member States prohibited all movement in the public sphere without a special permit as, for example, in Greece8, France9, Italy10 and Spain.11  few Member States, such as Croatia12, largely suspended public transport, —A with significant consequences for those who need to continue to go to work. France13 postponed the second round of its municipal elections in light of the pandemic. The first round took place on 15 March 2020 despite the introduction of a prohibition on mass gatherings.14 Hungary15 will postpone elections and referendums as long as the declared state of emergency (referred to as ‘state of danger’ [veszélyhelyzet] in the Constitution)16 lasts. To minimise the impact on the right of assembly and on freedom of thought, conscience and religion, several Member States announced specific exceptions to the general ban on public gatherings. For example, in Denmark,17 the prohibition of gatherings does not apply to assemblies for political or other purposes. In Austria18 and Croatia19, churches shall, where possible, remain open for individual prayer. 1.1.1 Enforcement and penalties EU Member States have implemented different strategies to enforce these measures. In Hungary, authorities put a red warning label on the door of the person who is obliged to stay in quarantine, and the police regularly check on them. People breaking the rules face misdemeanour proceedings and fines of up to HUF 150,000 (€ 425). 20 In Poland,21 police check whether people in quarantine are at home. Those who disobey the rules face fines of up to € 1,250. Financial sanctions for those not complying with newly introduced emergency measures were put in place in most Member States. Some also introduced custodial sentences, for example from 8 days to 3 months in Belgium for breaking the rules regarding assembly,22 to up to five years in Bulgaria for not observing quarantine measures or violating other measures imposed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.23 Czechia24 introduced sanctions for individuals not following quarantine rules, not wearing facemasks, or for gathering in large groups. 17