A complex analysis and evaluation of data, including the number and percentage of fatalities can take place after the epidemic, the Chief Medical Officer said at the Wednesday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller said in the past 24 hours three persons have died, while since the beginning of the epidemic 470 persons, typically elderly persons suffering from chronic diseases. Those without underlying medical conditions were in a very small minority.

In answer to a question, she said in 33 elderly care homes 110 persons diagnosed with coronavirus infection have died. In total, 846 residents and 139 workers have been infected in institutions. At the same time, 298 patients have already recovered.

Outlining the latest national data, she said in the past 24 hours, the number of confirmed coronavirus patients has risen by 42; since the beginning of the epidemic, 3,598 positive cases have been confirmed. One third of the 1,674 active infected patients, 539 persons are in need of hospital treatment, including 29 requiring assisted ventilation.

She highlighted that the number of infections falling on one hundred thousand persons is 36.8 nationally which is a favourable rate compared with neighbouring countries, others countries in Europe and countries around the world. At the same time, there are territorial differences; the number of infections falling on one hundred thousand persons continues to remain the highest in Budapest, with 97.6. Fejér County is in second place with 86.4, followed by Zala County with 86, Komárom-Esztergom County with 68.8 and Pest County with 38.8 infections falling on one hundred thousand persons, the Chief Medical Officer said.

She added that data cleansing is ongoing, and so some figures could change. If it later transpires about the residence data stated in the examination form that it is not accurate, the given patient is moved to the statistics of another county.

Ms. Müller also said in reopened playgrounds and adventure parks it is important to observe the basic rules of hygiene, primarily the frequent washing of hands, the cleaning of children’s hands with disinfectant wipes, the disinfecting of toys and the regular emptying of bins.

She added that it is not necessary to pour out any disinfectant liquid as it pollutes the environment. However, operators must check that the paint is not chipped on surfaces of playground equipment, and that such surfaces are smooth and easy to clean. She pointed out that as part of regular cleaning, the sand in sand pits in playgrounds should be raked to allow the sun to disinfect it.

She also said there is no need to put face masks and gloves on children, they only bother them. At the same time she highlighted that neither parents, nor children should go to playgrounds if they are not completely healthy.

In answer to a question, Ms. Müller said they will assess the reports on the Tatabánya Szent Borbála Hospital today, and it is to be hoped that “within the next few days” the ban on admission could be lifted in most wards.

In answer to another question, she pointed out that the 42 cases registered in the past 24 hours are from Budapest, Fejér County, Komárom-Esztergom County, Nógrád County, Pest County and Zala County. Five patients were registered at the Kamaraerdei út elderly care home in the capital, while four patients were diagnosed at the Külső-kórház utca elderly care home in Zalaegerszeg. The rest of the cases were not from closed communities.

She also said they will seek to lift restrictions in institutions within the shortest possible time, but at this time she is unable to state a specific date. At the same time, in child protection institutions, social and correctional institutions there are no restrictions on movement, while the residents of homes caring for persons with disabilities and psychiatric patients are allowed to leave homes for the duration of leisure-time programmes organised by the institutions.

Admission to institutions is possible in certain “justified cases”; new residents are required to present two negative coronavirus tests within 48 hours.

In answer to a further question, she highlighted that pursuant to the relevant legislation, outdoor fairs do not qualify as events, and can be held regardless of the number of attendees. At the same time, also at fairs it is important to observe the fundamental rules of hygiene and wherever possible to keep a safe distance, Ms. Müller added.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)