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News in Brief

PM Orbán: Operative board assess hospital capacity

Nov 05, 2020

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in a video on Facebook that the operative board in charge of combatting the epidemic assessed hospital capacity early on Wednesday morning, taking into account the number of beds, staff and ventilators.

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Tighter COVID-19 restrictions are being considered by operative board

Oct 29, 2020

Proposals by the Hungarian Chamber of Doctors to tighten restrictions in the fight against COVID-19 are being considered by the operative board responsible for handling the epidemic.

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PM Orbán: All the conditions are in place to treat Covid-19 patients

Sep 28, 2020

The prime minister said hospital capacity is reviewed regularly at operational board meetings in terms of whether there are a sufficient number of beds, doctors and staff, as well as the amount of equipment such as ventilators.

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Operational Group: Movement restrictions saved 3 million lives in Europe

Jun 11, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

The Operational Group continues to perform its duties, collecting and analyzing data on a regular basis, said Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss; meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller added that the epidemic has reached a dormant phase.

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Operational Group: First wave of coronavirus will soon be behind us

Jun 08, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference, CMO Cecília Müller revealed the latest coronavirus figures from Hungary. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss spoke about the easing of border-crossing rules with select countries.

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Operational Group: Cinemas and theatres could reopen soon

Jun 04, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Parliament will vote on the elimination of the state of danger on June 16, and the special legal order may end on June 20.

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Operational Group: Government to “analyze and evaluate” restrictive measures, decision expected on Thursday

Jun 03, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller discussed the probability of a second wave of coronavirus and said that although opinions on the subject vary, the virus is likely to “stay among us.” Meanwhile, the government is preparing new decisions to be announced on Thursday.

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Operational Group: The epidemic curve has been trending downward for 10 days

Jun 02, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“We are constantly analyzing foreign and domestic data and striving to compare Hungarian data with other countries in the world to prepare for the next wave,” Cecília Müller reported today at the Operational Group presser.

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Coronavirus Update: Epidemic is on a downward trend in Hungary

Jun 02, 2020

During today’s Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller announced that the coronavirus epidemic is now on a downward trend in Hungary.

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Operational Group: Wearing masks and keeping to a safe social distance is still important

May 30, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Colonel Tibor Lakatos said today that following the social distancing rules could prevent a more serious second wave in the fall.

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Coronavirus Update: Outdoor sporting and cultural events, restaurants and hotels to reopen across Hungary

May 28, 2020

Outdoor cultural and sporting events can now be held, and restaurants and hotels can reopen across Hungary. However, social distancing must remain in place.

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Operational Group: New protection measures in Budapest starting Friday

May 28, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Outdoor cultural and sports events can be held again and hotels can reopen, but people must continue to practice social distancing, officials announced at today’s Coronavirus Operational Group presser. They also reported that the data show that those who have had the disease should remain protected against the virus for a long time.

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Operational Group: Number of new infections still low

May 27, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

CMO Cecília Müller said that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hungary per 100,000 inhabitants is 39, while this figure for Budapest stands at 103. With 22 new confirmed cases, the total number of infected grew to 3793. 1856 have recovered from COVID-19 so far.

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Operational Group: The government is doing its utmost to save jobs

May 26, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Besides wage subsidies, the government has allocated HUF 80 billion to create 70,000 jobs; meanwhile, foreign investors need permission from the ITM minister to acquire ownership in strategic Hungarian companies.

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Operational Group: Number of recovered is now higher than active coronavirus cases

May 25, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

CMO Cecília Müller said at today’s Operational Group press conference that Hungary’s coronavirus figures are “very favorable,” as there are now more people who have recovered from the virus than the number of active coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, András Tállai, Deputy Minister at the Finance Ministry, said that the most critical part of the most recent Economy Protection Action Plan was the moratorium on loan repayments.

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Operational Group: The epidemic did not go away; it’s only in decline

May 24, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“In terms of the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, we are doing far better than the countries of Western Europe,” István Vályi-Nagy, Director of the South-Pest Central Hospital, said during today’s Operational Group press conference. Meanwhile, Vályi-Nagy warned that the epidemic is not over yet and is only in decline.

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Operational Group: The recovery rate is now higher than the number of those infected

May 23, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Favipiravir is now available in Hungary, which is good for treating patients with moderate conditions.

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Operational Group: Epidemiological preparedness must be maintained to keep the epidemic under control

May 21, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today's Coronavirus Operational Group press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said that it is not yet possible to say how the next stage of the coronavirus infection will develop, therefore epidemiological preparedness must be maintained. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss reiterated the new regulations that now apply to entering Hungary.

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Coronavirus Update: CMO says Hungary's low numbers puts us in a good spot among European countries

May 20, 2020

“There continues to be a regional difference in terms of the number of infected people per 100,000 inhabitants,” Cecilia Müller said today, adding that the figure is the highest in Budapest, 97.6, while nationwide there have been 36.8 infections for every 100,000 people.

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Operational Group: Hungary ranks well in Europe regarding the number of infected per 100,000 inhabitants

May 20, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

In terms of the number people infected with coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants, Hungary is in a good spot in Europe, said Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller at the Coronavirus Operational Group’s press conference earlier today. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss revealed that the police are in “continuous dialogue” with neighboring countries’ authorities so that we can gradually return to ordinary border-crossing procedures.

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Operational Group: More than 95,000 jobs have already been saved

May 19, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

In the past two weeks, more than 2,700 companies have applied to the government’s wage subsidy program, saving tens of thousands of jobs nationwide. Meanwhile, the coronavirus continues to spread the fastest in Budapest.

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Operational Group: Regulations must be observed even if movement restrictions are now lifted

May 18, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said at today’s Operational Group press conference that there are now 1,673 active coronavirus cases in Hungary, which means that 1,400 have already recovered from the disease. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss reiterated the new regulations that now apply to Budapest.

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State Secretary: The role of the family has increased

May 16, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“We can always count on our family members. We want to show that no Hungarian is alone,” Katalin Novák, State Secretary for Family and Youth Affairs, said today.

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Operational Group: We have reached a static stage; the epidemic is declining in Hungary

May 14, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“We have reached a static stage; the epidemic is declining in Hungary,” said Cecília Müller at today’s briefing of the Operational Group.

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Operational Group: Government's wage support program extended, number of recipients on the rise

May 13, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Sándor Bodó, State Secretary for Employment at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, attended today’s Operational Group press conference to speak about the details of the government’s wage support program and job creation plan. Meanwhile, the chief medical officer said that recent coronavirus figures are a reason for hope.

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Coronavirus Update: Government extends wage support scheme

May 13, 2020

Sándor Bodó said today that the wage support program has been extended and the number of recipients is growing week by week.

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Operational Group: Decision on possible easing of movement restrictions to come on Thursday

May 12, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Coronavirus Operational Group presser, officials said that the government will discuss the possible relaxation of current movement restrictions this Wednesday and also reported that the National Public Health Center’s lab passed the PCR test flawlessly.

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Operational Group: Number of infected remained low due to early, effective measures

May 11, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said at today’s Operational Group press conference that despite a period when the number of infected grew rapidly, this period did not last long due to effective measures taken against the spread of the coronavirus.

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Operational Group: More and more people are recovering from the coronavirus in Hungary

May 09, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

The number of active COVID-19 cases has been on the decline for five days in a row now. However, there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the coronavirus.

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Operational Group: The number of newly confirmed infections is declining

May 08, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s press conference, members of the Coronavirus Operational Group reported that they have been monitoring the new measures introduced on Monday and that any lifting of restrictions can only take place under strict rules.

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Operational Group: Number of deaths and rate of coronavirus spread still highest in Budapest

May 06, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s press conference, members of the Coronavirus Operational Group reported that they have been monitoring the new measures introduced on Monday and have found that strict restrictions need to be maintained in Budapest. Meanwhile, the number of active COVID-19 cases has been declining for two days in a row.

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Coronavirus Update: Strict restrictions need to be maintained in Budapest

May 06, 2020

The authorities are monitoring the new measures, introduced on Monday, and found that strict restrictions still need to be maintained in Budapest.

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Operational Group: The spread of the epidemic has stabilized

May 05, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group presser, Cecília Müller said that all normal healthcare services are now again available, but patients must follow different rules of use.

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Coronavirus Update: Hungary moves to second phase of easing out of restrictive measures

May 05, 2020

Daily life and the economy can slowly restart in the countryside, although movement restrictions remain in force in Budapest and Pest County.

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Operational Group: We have entered a new phase in the defense against the coronavirus

May 04, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Beginning today, movement restrictions are partially lifted in rural Hungary, while Budapest and the surrounding Pest County remain under lockdown.

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Operational Group: Hungary establishes scientific consortium to fight the coronavirus

May 02, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Hungarian hospitals are working with several promising medicines; Budapest residents cannot travel to the countryside without good reason, and those aged over 65 are still most at risk.

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Operational Group: The flattening of the epidemic curve is the success of all Hungarians

Apr 30, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Today’s briefing by the Coronavirus Operational Group covered ongoing inspections at homes for the elderly, news that commanders will start their work managing senior homes with more than 200 residents, and a reminder that people should continue following all remaining measures after restrictions are eased.

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Coronavirus Update: CMO says Hungary has now entered the second phase of the epidemic

Apr 30, 2020

Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said today that Hungary has now entered the second phase of the epidemic, and nobody will be left without care.

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Operational Group: We have now reached a balanced situation and a reduction in restrictive measures might be possible

Apr 29, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference, Zoltán Maruzsa, state secretary for Public Education, spoke about the measures introduced for this year’s matriculation exams, while Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller talked about the monitoring of nursing homes.

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Operational Group: The jobs of Hungarian people must be protected

Apr 28, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Tamás Schanda, deputy minister and parliamentary state secretary at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, attended today’s Operational Group press conference, where he explained the methodology behind the government’s wage support program meant to counter the negative economic effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

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Operational Group: Nearly 500 have recovered from coronavirus

Apr 27, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hungary grew to 2,583, while 280 have succumbed to the epidemic thus far. At the Operational Group’s regular press conference, officials spoke about incoming shipments of protective gear, police actions against those violating movement restrictions, a new form of treatment, and the success of the free parking policy. Cecília Müller also explained how to wear masks properly.

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Operational Group: Government takes significant steps to protect the economy

Apr 25, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Norbert Izer, state secretary for Tax Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, reported today on the economic measures taken by the government in the fight against the coronavirus.

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Operational Group: Huge progress in treating the coronavirus in Hungary

Apr 24, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Coronavirus Operational Group presser, Cecília Müller announced that for the first time in Hungary, blood plasma from a recovered patient was used to vaccinate a patient on Thursday.

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Operational Group: Local governments have the right to issue stricter movement restrictions

Apr 23, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss said that movement restrictions are still in force, but local governments will be able to issue their own decrees for stricter restrictions over the next two weekends.

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Chief Medical Officer: 50 percent of all hospital beds have been successfully freed up in preparation for the virus’ peak

Apr 22, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s press conference, Hungary’s Coronavirus Operational Group discussed new protective gear shipments to elderly homes, education and exams in these extraordinary times, and the latest figures for criminal proceedings and compulsory home quarantine. Cecília Müller also revealed that 50 percent of all hospital beds have been successfully freed up in preparation for the peak of the virus.

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Coronavirus Update: WHO representative considers the Hungarian testing protocol reliable

Apr 21, 2020

“By flattening the epidemic curve, we may be able to avoid the worst,” Cecilia Müller said today.

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Operational Group: Coronavirus is expected to peak on May 3

Apr 20, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

The Chief Medical Officer revealed that human resources are currently being secured to meet requirements in preparation for the estimated May 3 peak of the epidemic. More than 1,000 have applied as volunteers, while 13,000 have applied for special training.

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Operational Group: The epidemic’s curve is gradually rising

Apr 19, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference, Cecília Müller reported that the epidemic’s curve continues on a gradual, upward trend in Hungary, but the recovery rate is better than expected.

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Coronavirus Update: The spread of the disease is accelerating slowly

Apr 17, 2020

“The number of confirmed cases stands at 1,763, and the number of deaths rose to 156 this morning,” Cecília Müller said today. “The spread of the disease is accelerating slowly; we are entering the stage of mass disease.”

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Operational Group: 11 Iranian citizens to be deported from Hungary

Apr 16, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Coronavirus Operational Group press conference, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss announced the deportation of 11 Iranian citizens. In addition, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said that all available hospital beds will be published on the internet and all elderly homes will be inspected.

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Coronavirus Update: 199 patients have so far been able to leave the hospital

Apr 16, 2020

Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller confirmed that there are 722 adults and seven children currently hospitalized with the coronavirus, and 60 of those are on a ventilator.

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Operational Group: No one in need of care will be left without

Apr 15, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Coronavirus Operational Group press conference, Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss reported that a significant amount of equipment had arrived at Liszt Ferenc Airport on Tuesday. He also spoke about proceedings against a quarantine violator as well as the government’s decision to send more than 10 Iranians home due to their violent behavior at South Pest Central Hospital.

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Chief Medical Officer: Protection of healthcare workers is very important as the epidemic is showing rising trends

Apr 14, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

All medication used to relieve symptoms is available, said Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller at today’s Operational Group press conference. She was joined today by Minister of Agriculture István Nagy who spoke about measures being taken to provide relief to those working in the agricultural sector.

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Operational Group: The spread of the epidemic has accelerated

Apr 11, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Besides the current 1,310 confirmed cases, eight more patients have passed away in the last 24 hours, bringing the number of deaths to 85.

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Operational Group: It is clear that the number of infected people is increasing

Apr 10, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference, Cecília Müller reported that the number of confirmed infections has increased more in the last 24 hours than in previous days.

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Katalin Novák: We continue to support families during the epidemic

Apr 08, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group press conference Katalin Novák, state secretary for Family, Youth and International Affairs, reinforced the government’s support for families, while Lieutenant Colonel of the Police Róbert Kiss announced numerous proceedings against parties for fake news and fraud.

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Operational Group: If we don’t take care, Budapest may become a coronavirus focal point

Apr 07, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At the Coronavirus Operational Group’s daily press conference, Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller called attention to the fact that without following the orders in place, Budapest may become a focal point for the epidemic in Hungary.

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Coronavirus Update: Operational Group says if we’re not careful, Budapest could become a focal point of the epidemic

Apr 07, 2020

At this morning’s coronavirus press conference, Cecília Müller said that without the restrictions on movement, Budapest could become a focal point of the epidemic in Hungary.

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Operational Group: “While public parking is free as of this morning, movement restrictions must still be observed”

Apr 06, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s Operational Group presser, Róbert Kiss, Lieutenant Colonel of the Hungarian Police, said that “with the advent of warm weather, more and more residents are tending to violate the rules.” He added that on Sunday alone the police issued 574 warnings, imposed 24 fines and launched 16 legal proceedings.

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Coronavirus Update: The epidemic can be kept under control

Apr 05, 2020

“Appropriate measures were taken at the right time, and, as a result, no explosion in the number of infections was seen. The epidemic can be kept under control,” Cecília Müller said.

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Operational Group: The coronavirus epidemic can be kept under control

Apr 04, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said today that the public must follow the government’s rules and regulations to avoid mass disease.

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Operational Group: Number of coronavirus cases in Hungary shows gradual – not exponential – growth

Apr 01, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At the Coronavirus Operational Group’s press conference on Wednesday, officials discussed new supplies of protective gear, the efficiency of the imposed movement restrictions and the general coronavirus trend in Hungary.

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Operational Group: People who feel sick must stay at home

Mar 26, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s press conference of the Coronavirus Operational Group, Dr. Cecília Müller announced that there had been no additional deaths from the epidemic and people who feel sick “must stay at home.” Colonel Tibor Lakatos was also on hand and stated that Hungary’s borders are barrier-free.

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Operational Group: MOL to produce 50,000 liters of disinfectant per day

Mar 25, 2020

MOL CEO Péter Ratatics said that the company will produce 50,000 liters of disinfectant per day to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The new product will become available in retail stores over the next two weeks. Meanwhile, the Government is spending HUF 15 billion on additional protective gear.

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Operational Group: Large shipment of protective equipment has arrived

Mar 24, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“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.

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Coronavirus Update: Operational Group confirms nine deaths and new protective equipment sent out to hospitals

Mar 24, 2020

Cecília Müller announced today that the number of those infected has risen to 187 and another patient with a chronic illness has died.

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Operational Group: ‘Curfew not necessary at this time’

Mar 22, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

At today’s press conference of the Coronavirus Operational Group, Colonel Tibor Lakatos, head of the Operational Group, stressed that "it is not necessary to introduce a curfew at this time." Infectious disease specialist Dr. János Szlávik also reported cases of older patients recovering from the virus.

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Operational Group: These times demand sacrifice from everyone

Mar 21, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“The good news is that seven patients have left the hospital,” said Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller at Friday’s press conference of the Coronavirus Operational Group. Colonel Tibor Lakatos, head of the Operational Group, also assured people that those stranded at the airport are being properly cared for.

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Operational Group: Cooperation from media is crucial at this time

Mar 13, 2020 - Zoltán Kovács

“Every minute counts,” said Tibor Lakatos at the press conference, where he asked media outlets to cooperate for the health and safety of Hungarian citizens.