Hungary’s health authorities have started inspecting the country’s 1,579 elderly care homes, concentrating on larger facilities where there is a higher risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said that an investigation was still under way at a home on Pesti Road, in Budapest’s eastern suburbs, in which 10 seniors recently died after having tested positive for COVID-19. Overall, 200 elderly residents have tested positive.
According to MTI, the inspectors will check if the homes have implemented coronavirus-related measures, if they have a doctor, staff and members have been informed, if they have sufficient personnel and supplies, and if the relevant protocols are in place. Müller noted that the infection has been reported from several such institutions both in Budapest and the provinces.
Müller warned that the country must prepare for a massive increase in case numbers, adding that this is why hospital capacities are being expanded. She said COVID-19 patients that require hospitalization should have “beds, personnel and ventilators” to avoid “patients lying on hospital corridors as in some EU countries”.
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