The number of patients having recovered from coronavirus infection is increasing continuously; at present, there are 1,051 active coronavirus infections in Hungary, the Chief Medical Officer said at the Friday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller said the number of recovered patients currently stands at 2,447, and this significantly exceeds the number of active infections.

In the past 24 hours, the number of confirmed infections has risen by 14, including two minors. They each belong to “a family epidemic,” meaning that the coronavirus infection of family members was already diagnosed earlier, the Chief Medical Officer said, adding that the 14- and 15-year-old youths are in a fine state of health.

According to her information, another two elderly infected patients have died, and as a result, the number of the victims of the epidemic has risen to 555. 290 persons are being treated in hospital, including 20 requiring assisted ventilation.

She said the highest number of active cases, 421 is still recorded in Budapest, while in Baranya County, Bács-Kiskun County, Somogy County, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County and Tolna County there is not a single active positive case.

The capital continues to “lead” as regards the total number of infections falling on 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Komárom-Esztergom County in second place and Zala County in third place on this list, she highlighted.

She reported that according to a test conducted by the laboratory of the National Centre for Public Health, the presence of the virus in the capital’s sewage has decreased by magnitudes. This allows experts to conclude that in the coming week or two, we cannot expect a rise in the number of infections.

On the occasion of the day of health visitors, Ms. Müller greeted health visitors. She said health visitors greatly contribute to the physical well-being of families, and play an enormous role in the protection of women.

In answer to a question, she drew attention to the fact that during the summer there tends to develop a shortage of blood as it is more difficult to organise blood donations. Therefore, she encouraged everyone to donate blood. She stressed that the organisers take good care of ensuring appropriate hygienic circumstances.

In answer to another question, she said the virus will not disappear in the period ahead, and according to the expert we can expect a second wave of the epidemic. Therefore, they are operating a disease control monitoring service, and are also planning to set up a disease control deployment unit in the interest of ensuring a rapid response.

Preventive measures will remain in effect, Ms. Müller said, observing at the same time that men can return to the tradition of shaking hands.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)