Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller confirmed today that nine people have passed away from the coronavirus in Hungary, and urged people to abide by the rules and regulations put in place by the government. “The virus can be anywhere and anybody can become infected,” she said.
Müller also announced that important changes are coming to local healthcare institutions. “An overhaul of the home medical system has begun in order to minimize potential contacts,” she said, adding that “a separate unit will be set up for patients with acute respiratory disease, and another unit for other patients. This will happen within a week, with the aim of protecting everyone.”
The Chief Medical Officer emphasized that implementing the new measures will buy Hungary a little more time in the fight against the virus.
What’s more, Colonel Tibor Lakatos, Head of the Operational Group, revealed that a flight landed from China this morning with a significant amount of health equipment on board. Almost 70 tons of medical and protective equipment arrived as part of a joint purchase by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Semmelweis University, the new shipment includes more than 3 million face masks and 86 ventilators. “The masks will go to health workers and then to those involved in the fight against the virus,” Lakatos said.
Lakatos also reported that during the previous day, people in compulsory home quarantine were checked more than 3,000 times, adding that in the past 24 hours, a total of 177 people have broken home quarantine. “From the point of view of defense, it is very important that everyone complies with the official rules,” he said.
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