The number of persons infected with the coronavirus is on the rise, but thanks to the effective containment effort, we have succeeded in keeping the epidemic curve flat, the Chief Medical Officer highlighted at the Sunday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller stressed that the number of coronavirus patients being treated in hospital is also on the rise; 927 persons of the 2,500 confirmed coronavirus patients are being treated in hospital, with 56 of them on assisted ventilation. 57 per cent of confirmed patients are women, while 43 per cent are men, she said.

She also said the number of the deceased has risen to 272; most of them – 256 – were over sixty, and also suffered from chronic underlying diseases. Eight of the deceased were aged between 50 and 59, six between 40 and 49, and two between 30 and 39, she said.

The expert underlined that the majority of infected persons continue to be present in Budapest and Pest County, with 1,274 confirmed cases from the former and 350 from the latter. Nationally, the rate of infection falling on one hundred thousand persons is 25.6. She pointed out that this number is comparable with the figures of other countries; however, “there is no room” for genuine comparison as in each country the epidemic started differently, and also its progress is different.

In answer to a question, she said excess weight and obesity are also an extra risk during the progression of the disease. Excess weight poses an extra burden on circulation, the respiratory system and joints, and affects metabolism. Treating these patients is far more complex, she added.

Ms. Müller said in answer to another question that they are testing each individual several times, in observance of the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO). They typically carry out two laboratory tests on each person, but those working in the critical infrastructure, such as in health care, are subjected to multiple tests.

She highlighted that coronavirus patients are only released from hospital once they have fully recovered, after two consecutive negative tests and the cessation of clinical symptoms. In this regard, she said if a person who is not a coronavirus patient is sent to hospital for an examination from a social institution or elderly care home, after being released they must be placed under disease control observation for 14 days. This does not mean quarantine, but their state of health must be observed continuously, she pointed out.

The Chief Medical Officer said in Hungary the reproductive rate of the virus is below 1, thanks to the disease control measures and the observation of the rules by members of the public. Regarding the reproductive rate of the virus, the WHO earlier said that 1 infected person is able to infect 2 to 3 persons if no precautions of any kind are taken.

Ms. Müller also said in Hungary they are not aware of cases where persons died of coronavirus infection in their homes.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)