Everyone must step out of their comfort zone because there is an extraordinary situation, the Chief Medical Officer stressed at the Friday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller said there is a continued state of disease control preparedness, not only in Hungary but throughout the world.

We must continue to pay special attention to observing the basic rules of personal hygiene, the Chief Medical Officer warned, thanking members of the public for recognising the importance of this.

She said they often see people reminding one another of observing the rules.

This is important because as during the first wave, also now we can only conquer the epidemic if we all stand together, Ms. Müller stated.

The Chief Medical Officer drew attention to the fact that people should only use disinfectants bearing labels that prove that they have been authorised for sale, hand washing should last for 20 to 30 seconds, and when washing hands, people should pay special attention to cleaning the tips of their fingers, between the fingers, and their thumbs.

In the past 24 hours the number of confirmed coronavirus infections has risen by 927; nine people aged between 57 and 90 have died, including several who suffered from cardiovascular disease and some form of cancer. The number of active infections currently stands at 16,466, and 577 of them are being treated in hospital, including 30 requiring assisted ventilation. So far, 4,945 persons have recovered from the disease, she said.

Most of the newly confirmed patients are younger people, but the severe progression of the disease is a threat primarily to the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases, she added.

She stressed that disease control data shows that with the rise in the number of infections, the number of persons requiring hospitalisation is also increasing, and in four to five weeks the number of fatalities could rise as well.

“This is what we would like to prevent, and therefore today our responsibility is greater than ever,” the Chief Medical Officer pointed out.

Ms. Müller said since the beginning of the epidemic 668,553 PCR tests have been performed, the number of laboratory tests is increasing, but they are able to meet daily needs.

She observed that a test must be performed in a case suspected of coronavirus infection and if required by the disease control authority.

“There are hardly any paid tests because the number of those returning from abroad – who would like to have the tests performed at their own expense – is lower than earlier,” she said.

She said the cost price of PCR tests is “economical” and includes, among others, the cost of the culture prepared by the National Centre for Public Health. The culture is necessary to ensure that the virus should remain viable for the period between the collection of the sample and its arrival at the laboratory. Ms. Müller added that it is from this that the virus is demonstrated during the test. By her account, the price of the PCR test also includes the prices of the vial and cotton swab.

The Chief Medical Officer said the test is carried out in two phases, with the use of different equipment and machines. In the first phase, the genetic material is extracted from the sample, while in the second the extracted “tiny piece of nucleic acid” is cultivated to demonstrate the presence or absence of the virus. They use different medical instruments and equipment during the test, including filters, while the price of the test also includes the cost of energy, overhead costs and the cost of the laboratory personnel. Ms. Müller stressed that PCR tests performed for the purpose of detecting and diagnosing infection are free of charge.

If anyone believes they are displaying symptoms of the disease, the protocol is clear: they are required to contact the general practitioner, and with the assistance of the ambulance service, samples are collected in their home, she said.

The Chief Medical Officer highlighted that they had designated the health care institutions for the treatment of persons suspected of coronavirus infection; these are typically the infectiology departments of county hospitals. Moderate to severe patients are being treated in 29 institutions, including ten in Budapest.

Ms. Müller stressed that the country is in a state of preparedness, and we need concentrated measures and protective action in relation to health care workers and protective equipment to ensure that patients receive appropriate care in appropriate facilities.

The Chief Medical Officer thanked health care workers for standing their ground. She pointed out that they had done exceptionally well during the first wave, and today there was again an increased burden on their shoulders.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister / MTI)