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Operational Group: Large shipment of protective equipment has arrived

“Another person has passed away from the coronavirus,” Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said at today’s press conference of the Coronavirus Operational Group. Müller implored everyone to follow all epidemiological regulations prescribed by the government, while Colonel Tibor Lakatos, head of the Operational Group, reported that close to 200 people have broken compulsory home quarantine in 24 hours.

Cecília Müller, chief medical officer of the Operational Group handling the coronavirus epidemic, announced that the number of infections has risen to 187 and that another patient with underlying chronic diseases has also died from the infection.

“The virus can be anywhere. Anyone can become infected anywhere, and anyone can infect anyone else,” she said, asking citizens to follow the government’s guidance and rules established to combat the spread of the disease.

Müller also noted that important changes are coming to local healthcare at the GP level. “In order to minimize potential contact,” she said, “a separate unit will be set up for patients with acute respiratory disease, and another unit for others.” She clarified that this change could come within a week and will help make sure everyone is protected.

The chief medical officer also emphasized that “with the measures it has taken, Hungary has bought some time in the fight against the virus.”

Colonel Tibor Lakatos, head of the Operational Group, said that a flight arrived from China on this morning with a significant amount of medical equipment. “Three million masks, 100,000 tests and 86 ventilators arrived,” he said, adding that “first and foremost, the masks will go to healthcare workers and then to others involved in the fight against the virus.”

Colonel Lakatos also reported that “during the previous day, a total of 3,000 checks were performed on those in compulsory home quarantine,” adding that “a total of 177 people have broken home quarantine in the past 24 hours.”

“From the point of view of defense, it is very important for everyone to comply with official rules,” he said.