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Coronavirus Update: PM Orbán briefs EU heads of state on the situation in Hungary

The prime minister warned of the virus’s effects on the economy and pointed out its links to migration.

During a conference call, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán briefed European Union heads of state and government on the situation in Hungary regarding the new coronavirus outbreak.

According to MTI, the prime minister warned of the virus’s effects on the economy and pointed out its links to migration.

In the call initiated by European Council President Charles Michel, PM Orbán told his counterparts that the Hungarian authorities had the coronavirus situation under control, noting that only individual cases had been identified in the country so far.

The prime minister said all confirmed cases have been quarantined, adding that the world must find a balance between understating the seriousness of the situation and panic. He also highlighted Hungary’s “excellent cooperation” with the Austrian authorities.

PM Orbán said there was a clear link between illegal migration and the coronavirus outbreak, arguing that a number of migrants who arrived in Europe either came from Iran or passed through it. Hungary has therefore strengthened the protection of its borders and temporarily sealed its transit zones.

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 under koronavirus@bm.gov.hu.