The PCR test designed to demonstrate the presence of the coronavirus is performed free of charge for everyone who is suspected of coronavirus infection, the Chief Medical Officer said at the Wednesday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller stressed that the number of tests performed is increasing by 10,000 to 12,000 a day.

The expert drew attention to the fact that from 1 October body temperature checking will be compulsory in schools. The necessary equipment – thermometers and thermal imaging temperature detector gates – is available. In the case of students whose body temperatures are higher than 37.8 degrees Celsius, the procedure is repeated after a wait for fifteen minutes, and if the result is still the same, they must leave the institution, she said.

She added that schools had made the necessary arrangements to avoid overcrowding in the mornings by using multiple entrances.

Outlining the latest epidemic data, the expert said the number of positive cases has risen by 894 in Hungary, and as a result, at present there are 19,806 active cases of infection. Eight patients have died, aged between 54 and 78; they all suffered from underlying chronic diseases. She said in the past few days, the number of fatalities has increased by 8 to 10, “but this is something we should expect” as with the rise in the number of total positive cases, the number of patients requiring hospitalisation will also increase.

At present, 773 patients are being treated in hospital, including 54 requiring assisted ventilation.

Ms. Müller reported that the Operational Group had imposed extraordinary breaks in thirty nursery schools and six elementary schools, while 130 classes and four entire schools had been required to change over to digital education.

She highlighted that the observance of the general rules of hygiene continue to remain extremely important because by doing so we can avoid the introduction of further restrictive measures.

In connection with the International Day of Older Persons (1 October), she asked everyone at this difficult time to pay even more attention to the elderly in general and elderly family members in particular. Generations must beat this epidemic by cooperating, she said, asking the elderly to continue to avoid crowded places and those not living in the same household as them, to be more aware when planning shopping, and to disinfect their homes more frequently. If shopping or going to the chemist is a problem, they should ask local governments for assistance, she advised.

The Chief Medical Officer answered the question as to whether the wearing of face masks will be made compulsory in sports clubs and fitness clubs in the negative. At the same time, she drew attention to the importance of keeping a safe distance, indicating that fitness clubs themselves are free to regulate how many persons can be present on the premises at any one time. She added that she would recommend outdoor sports at this time.

In answer to a question about the severity of the threat of contracting the seasonal flu and novel coronavirus infection at the same time, Ms. Müller took the view that it is not possible to give a clear answer, but it is to be presumed that in this case far more complications could emerge. She mentioned that the vaccine against the flu will be available free of charge, and she recommends it to everyone.

Ms. Müller also highlighted that the quantity of the genetic material of the coronavirus is being continuously monitored in 25 cities around the country, including in three places in Budapest. This could provide information about where a possible rise in the number of positive cases could be expected at a delay of seven to ten days. At present, they are observing elevated values in Western Hungary, she said.

Family and friendly gatherings and events are not prohibited at this time, but they do convey risks, she said, and there is therefore a need for caution and the observance of the basic rules of hygiene. At the same time, it is a fundamental expectation that only healthy people should mix with others, she added.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister / MTI)