Relaxing in the water of Budapest's famous thermal baths was something many residents had struggled without during the country's latest lockdown. Finally, after 40 percent of the country had received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine came the news many had been desperate to hear. 

From Saturday, indoor dining, hotels, leisure facilities, museums and zoos were allowed to open to those who could show their vaccination card – another restart of the economy and another "new normal."

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Istvan is a regular at the capital's Szechenyi bath, attending nearly every day for the past three decades. He explained to CGTN Europe he has paralysis that is almost unbearable without his daily bath, saying the coronavirus closures had caused him great harm. 

For fellow regular Miklos, the reopening after nearly six months without customers was a cause for celebration. "I called other regulars on the phone to come here. There were six of us here in the morning. Yesterday when I was here, 20 people came," he said. 

While the regulars have rushed back, the impact of coronavirus restrictions and closures over the past year has taken a toll on businesses. "We had many foreign visitors until March 15, 2020. An average of 5,000 guests came every day, and this weekend only 500 came," said Mariann Eva, managing director of Szechenyi bath. 

"We are confident that we will see a recovery, that the vaccination rate will continue to improve and that more and more people will come."  

Another business that has borne the brunt of the latest closures is the MAG47 climbing gym, an indoor rock-climbing facility launched during the winter months. Unfortunately, the timing coincided with the country's COVID-19 restrictions and the business is only now starting to welcome visitors. 

Adult climbers have flocked to the facility since the weekend but so far children aren't included in the latest change to government guidelines. 

"I am super excited to have this place open finally because it was a nightmare sitting all through lockdown without being able to do anything," explained Botond Kovago, a climber at MAG47. 

Having customers back is a boost for the business, according to managing director Karoly Kovago – but it really needs under-18s to be allowed to climb again, something he's hoping for when the next set of restrictions ease. The government says 16 to 18-year-olds will be able to register for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 10. 

The reopening of Hungary's economy has been a very steep turnaround. Just weeks ago, the country was recording the world's highest daily coronavirus deaths per capita. The government says its large-scale vaccination program has driven infection numbers down but business owners and the general public are anxious to see if the numbers will rise again.

Kovago is hopeful 4 million vaccinations and counting is enough to keep Hungary ahead of new infections. "We cross our fingers that thanks to the high number of vaccinated people, the potential for a fourth wave will be not so bad for us, we will see," he said. 

The Hungarian government has set its sights on the next milestone of 5 million vaccinations. It's expected reaching that target will mean more restrictions are lifted, with weddings and family reunions to take place again.