There are 204 confirmed coronavirus cases at the Pesti út elderly care home in Budapest; ten of them have died in recent days, the Chief Medical Officer stated at the online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic held on Tuesday.

Cecília Müller added that a disease control investigation is under way at the institution also at present to determine how this high number of infections could occur. The investigation will not only evaluate the situation, but could also provide guidance for the future regarding the management of epidemics in elderly care homes, she added.

She also said at the weekend a major disinfection project had started with the assistance of the defence forces, while the residents staying in the home are under continuous medical observation.

She said she had ordered inspections in all 1,035 elderly care homes in the country; they will start inspections in those with the highest numbers of residents.

As to whether those returning to care homes from hospital should be tested, the Chief Medical Officer said those returning from health care institutions must be isolated for two weeks. This guarantees sufficient protection, preventing anyone from transmitting the disease to roommates or others during the fourteen-day incubation period.

She highlighted that any test or laboratory examination only provides information in relation to the point in time when it was performed, and cannot substitute for a quarantine period and isolation.

In answer to a question, the Chief Medical Officer said pregnancy is not a risk regarding the disease, but caution must be exercised. She indicated that both health visitors and gynaecologists have been fully prepared for pregnancy consulting and the performance of pregnancy-related tests, while they have also designated maternity wards which are able to receive pregnant women who have tested positive for coronavirus infection. At this time, they are not aware of any such case, she observed. In the context of the mandatory vaccination of children, Ms. Müller indicated that all vaccines are available; these were procured and stocked already before the epidemic. Only school vaccination campaigns will be postponed; these will take place after the epidemic.

It is necessary to vacate 60 per cent of hospital beds to ensure that everyone has access to care, Ms. Müller said, indicating that while so far they have managed to avoid extreme incidence numbers, they are preparing for a worst-case scenario.

In answer to a question, she said they are planning to examine the Hungarian population’s “exposure rate” after the epidemic to determine how many people have had the disease and what degree of immunity they have acquired against the coronavirus.

Regarding public health screening tests, she confirmed that these had been suspended; however, the treatment of those who have been diagnosed with any abnormalities will start or continue. They are only planning further screening tests for after the epidemic, she said.

According to Ms. Müller, it is the employer’s duty to provide the necessary individual protective supplies; the labour protection legislation lays down the responsibilities of all parties concerned. She added that the law only provides an extra possibility for the state and government offices to provide institutions with supplies. She indicated that also on Tuesday basic health care workers, general practitioners and duty general practitioners will receive protective supplies.

All medicines which are being used for the treatment of coronavirus-related diseases around the world are also available in Hungary, she stated.

Regarding the importance of treatment, she said 122 persons have already recovered from the disease, adding that it is very good news that nine patients have been taken off assisted ventilation and have also left intensive care. “This is a remarkable result,” the Chief Medical Officer said, thanking health care workers.

Ms. Müller drew attention to the fact that infection could occur in any age group, from children to the most elderly.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)