Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller reported today that 877 people are currently hospitalized out of the 2,383 confirmed cases, and 61 of those are on a ventilator.
Müller also announced that following an earlier research plan, for the first time in Hungary, blood plasma was administered to a patient on Thursday, which was obtained from a recovered patient. “This was the first treatment, the patient will get two more doses,” she said.
The Chief Medical Officer added that passive immunization is the essence of the Hungarian procedure to fight the virus. “When someone goes through the disease, their body produces antibodies that can be detected in blood plasma. In order to help the body fight infection, the patient gets antibodies instead of expecting the body to produce the antibody itself,” she explained, adding that they are waiting for healed patients to apply to help those currently in a serious condition.
Meanwhile, Róbert Lakatos, head of the Coronavirus Operational Group, announced that a “significant amount of protective equipment has been sent to several hospitals and will continue next week".
Regarding the new restrictions in Budapest – all citizens must wear masks on public transport, in shops, markets and taxis. Lakatos pointed out that “enforcement of the new rules will be the responsibility of the capital.”
A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email koronavirus@bm.gov.hu