Hungarians are preparing for a tough new round of lockdown measures as the country's government prepares its response to a soaring number of COVID-19 infections.

The Hungarian cabinet began discussions on Tuesday, which have carried over to Wednesday after the number of new daily infections rose to 4,000 and the death toll hit 70.

Although Hungary has escaped the fate suffered by many of its geographical neighbors, the big question is what the government will do about mass gatherings – including at football matches – which have been allowed to continue since the infection rate started to fall.

The country's football-loving Prime Minister Viktor Orban had supported the presence of live crowds at matches, but medical experts have voiced fears that they could be the perfect venues for spreading the virus.

In an effort to minimize the damage to the Hungarian economy, shops and schools have also remained open. The National Medical Chamber has criticized that approach and recommended that shop opening hours are be reduced and special shopping times implemented for the elderly and most vulnerable.

On Tuesday, activity was subdued in the center of capital city Budapest, with many shops standing empty. Cafes and restaurants were doing business, albeit with workers and customers wearing face masks.

Face masks were made mandatory in shops, pubs and restaurants this week, with fines of up to $4,000 for owners who flout the regulations.

The government has tried hard to minimize the impact of lockdown measures on the economy after the last wave of the pandemic reduced economic activity by more than 13 percent but new measures are likely to have a knock-on effect for business.

After Hungary's first lockdown at the start of the pandemic, an estimated 40 percent of Budapest's cafes and bars were forced to close their doors for good.