The number of those infected with the coronavirus as well as the number of those who have died of the disease have risen more significantly, the Chief Medical Officer said at a press conference broadcast online on Friday.

Cecília Müller said in the past 24 hours the number of confirmed patients has risen somewhat more significantly, but the epicentre that has developed at the Pesti út elderly care home is responsible for a considerable percentage of this rise. At present, they are aware of 151 confirmed infections among workers and residents. She observed that even if they deduct this from the number of infected persons, there is still a clear rise. Therefore, she asked everyone to pay more attention, pointing out that this is the reason why they are not relaxing the restrictions.

She said since the beginning of the epidemic, 1,190 persons have become infected, most of the patients are in a satisfactory state of health, many are displaying symptoms, and there are some who are in need of hospital treatment, intensive therapy or assisted ventilation.

Ms. Müller also highlighted that on Thursday she had paid a visit to the Pesti út elderly care home operated by the metropolitan municipality, seven of whose residents have died in different health care institutions.

She said on Thursday 126 infected patients were taken from the care home to the Korányi Hospital, regardless of their state of health as in the case of elderly persons, after the incubation period, a swift deterioration could set in which must be detected in a timely manner.

This was the most effective measure in the interest of the patients’ safety, she observed.

By her account, she spoke to the head and workers of the institution who are working hard and are making many sacrifices to curb the epidemic. She also announced that she required the institution to ensure ongoing medical and health care services on the premises of the institution in the interest of the continuous monitoring of residents not taken to hospital.

She also ordered training for the personnel which must extend to the correct use of disinfectants as she identified problems in that department during her visit.

She stressed that they are helping the elderly care home as much as they can, and will provide them with individual protective supplies in the coming days because they are aware that these elderly care homes are especially sensitive and vulnerable due to the shared indoor spaces and the age and state of health of residents.

Regarding the Rózsa út elderly care home, she said there are seven patients there who had tested positive for the virus, but this number is expected to rise further; they are testing both residents and workers.

She repeated that she had ordered the inspection of elderly care homes in relation to the entire territory of the country, and these inspections have already begun. If public health experts uncover deficiencies, they will take action immediately, she added. She highlighted that it is the responsibility of the operators of elderly care homes, the authorities, the workers of elderly care homes and every citizen to take good care of the health of home residents.

In answer to a question, the Chief Medical Officer thanked health care workers and those working in social institutions who have fallen ill for their hard work, and said once they have recovered, they are expected back within the shortest possible time because they are much needed.

In the context of the national epidemic situation, Ms. Müller mentioned that, parallel with the rise in the number of new infections, the number of the deceased has also increased. Yesterday, 11 persons died of coronavirus infection, most of them elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases. She confirmed that primarily the elderly were at risk as well as those suffering from chronic diseases.

The number of laboratory tests has also risen; almost 30,000 tests have already been carried out. She said they only state the number of tests carried out by designated, accredited laboratories; tests carried out privately are not featured in the official numbers.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)