The number of infected persons is clearly on the rise throughout the territory of the country, the Chief Medical Officer pointed out at the Thursday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller said in the last 24 hours the number of registered patients in Hungary has risen to 585, one person has died. The deceased suffered from cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. With this addition, the number of the deceased has increased to 21. She also stressed that the number of recovered patients was likewise on the increase; there are 42 at present.

The Chief Medical Officer asked everyone to reduce the chance of infection in all possible ways: they should not meet others, or if they do they should keep a distance of one and a half metres, and should only leave their homes if it is absolutely necessary.

She highlighted that it was important to keep the home environment clean, and to regularly disinfect it. It is wise to wipe the keyboards and displays of computers, laptops and mobile telephones as well as surfaces that we frequently touch such as light switches, handles and lift door handles several times a day.

According to Ms. Müller, people are advised to go to work using their own cars if possible, while she asked everyone to ensure that only healthy people travel together in the same car; if possible passengers should sit on the backseat. Car owners should disinfect the steering wheel, the dashboard, the navigation surface and door handles in their cars. As a permanent piece of advice, upon arrival anywhere, one should immediately wash one’s hands, she highlighted.

Those who use public transport should plan their travel and should keep a distance of one and a half metres from others also on vehicles. Passengers can hold onto straps using a tissue which should be discarded in the bin after disembarking, she pointed out.

In answer to a question, the Chief Medical Officer said in every instance the attending physician decides about the continuation of the ongoing therapy of chronic patients. She indicated that institutions had received the positions of the board of health care specialists with respect to 62 areas of specialisation; the attending physician decides about the continuation of therapy based on those recommendations. Hospitals have been issued with coronavirus manuals which provide information for physicians about therapy, among others.

In answer to another question, Ms. Müller said the genetic materials of individuals determine to what extent they are susceptible to the virus. She indicated, however, that “this is as yet an open issue, there are a great many research projects under way in this field as well”. These research projects will provide experts with information regarding whether immunity develops after infection and how long it lasts, she added.

In answer to the question as to how many times someone needs to be tested to obtain a reliable result, Ms. Müller said they conduct two laboratory tests to determine the presence of the virus. She added that a person can be regarded as fully recovered if they have no clinical symptoms and their laboratory test results have been negative three times in a row.

The expert also highlighted that asthma and allergies, too, are chronic diseases which convey an extra risk during this period.

Regarding the use of face masks in the street, Ms. Müller said if someone is ill, they should not go out; however, if they do, they should wear a face mask under any circumstances. If a person is healthy and feels safe wearing a face mask, they should do so, but should pay attention to its correct use. They should not touch the mask and should not reach underneath with their hands because this, too, conveys a risk of infection, she warned.

Ms. Müller said if someone sustains a serious accident whilst in home quarantine, they should call an ambulance which will take them to hospital. If the injury is less severe, they should call their general practitioner. In answer to a question, she also highlighted that, according to present information, mosquitoes and other insects do not spread the coronavirus.

(MTI)