“We are preparing for the period of large-scale infections,” Chief Medical Officer Cecília Müller said at the Operational Group’s press conference earlier today. “Even though the number of coronavirus cases is constantly on the rise, it’s good news that in Hungary – unlike in other countries in the region – the growth is still gradual, not exponential,” she added.
“There is, however, a very sad development: we lost four souls in the last 24 hours,” Müller said. She revealed that all four elderly victims suffered from chronic, cardiovascular disease. The number of those who have died of the coronavirus now stands at 20 with an average age of 73.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Colonel Róbert Kiss said the Operational Group is continuously monitoring the progress of the restrictions put in place by the government. “Based on the data at hand, the Operational Group concluded that the imposed measures have contributed to the efficiency of the protection against the coronavirus and the decrease in the number of new infections,” he said. He added that the Operational Group therefore extends the duration of the restrictions until the end of the state of emergency.
Since the introduction of the restrictions on movement imposed last Saturday, Hungarian police officers have had to resort to sanctions in 118 cases due to the violation of the new regulations. Meanwhile, authorities have ordered 9,679 people to remain in self-isolation, carried out some 70,000 supervisions and began proceedings in 322 cases.
Finally, six planes have brought new supplies of special surgical masks, overalls and other medical equipment to Hungary today.
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