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

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.

Cecília Müller, Hungary’s Chief Medical Officer, said that “in the last 24 hours, the number of deaths has increased by nine, which is significant.” The total number of deaths from coronavirus now stands at 47. “To prevent this trend from intensifying, a number of measures are needed and those measures must be followed,” she said.

Speaking today at the press conference of the Coronavirus Operational Group, Müller also pointed out that “as the number of confirmed cases increases, everyone is at greater risk.” Regarding the number of samples taken so far, which has increased significantly to almost 24,000, she also emphasized that “a large number of infections is concentrated in the capital.” The number of cases in Budapest and all of Pest County accounts for more than 60 percent of the total.

“Based on the data, there is a need for increased compliance with the regulations,” the chief medical officer said, adding that “if this trend continues, Budapest could become a focal point, which would come with serious consequences.”

Róbert Kiss, Lieutenant Colonel of the Hungarian Police, reminded all that “the government has allocated significant resources to control the epidemic, and hospital commanders continue to work in the 108 hospitals where they are required by law to operate.” He added that these commanders are continuously reporting on available equipment and taking action wherever there is a shortage of supplies.

Kiss also drew attention to the fact that unfortunately there are more and more people who are breaking the rules of compulsory home quarantine. There are additionally some 100 proceedings against those who violated the official closure rules for stores, restaurants, etc. “The number of epidemic-related crimes has risen to 166,” Kiss reported, adding that “of these, 44 cases were launched in connection with the spreading of fake news.”