Despite a rise in the number of infections, the coronavirus epidemic has not spread at an explosive rate, and the fact that people are observing the restrictions on movement is playing a major part in this, the Chief Medical Officer stated on Monday at the Operational Group’s online press conference.

Cecília Müller said the restrictions on movement will lead to the expected results, and will “prevent the spread of the virus”. Hungary is still only in the group phase of infections, the number of infected persons is evenly spread out throughout the country, and there are no identified geographical epicentres either. The number of infections is rising every day, but the rise is even, and “we are on the verge of mass incidences,” she said.

Regarding tests, the expert pointed out in general that there are many different types around the world, most of them “unverified” as the epidemic itself forced manufacturers to seek to “approach” the disease with some means; however, these are only suitable for the purpose to a very limited extent.

For the effectiveness of the laboratory tests conducted by the National Centre for Public Health and the other designated institutions for demonstrating the presence of the virus, there must be an adequate number of viruses present in the nose and throat samples. This is when they are able to demonstrate the propagating material of the virus; however, this test only reflects the patient’s state of health at a given time, and based on this it is impossible to determine any prognosis for the disease. The patient’s state of health “at a given time” can change as the incubation period of the disease is 5 to 6 days, 14 days at most, she said.

She added that there is a test which is able to demonstrate the antibodies generated in the patient’s system in response to the virus. This provides evidence that shows that the virus was present in the person and an immune reaction was triggered.

There is no test that is able to prevent or affect the spread of the virus, she stressed. Ms. Müller continues to ask everyone, if they have symptoms, to call their general practitioner who, together with the ambulance service and a disease control expert, decides whether a laboratory test is required.

The Chief Medical Officer asked everyone not to leave the elderly on their own, and in addition to doing their shopping for them, to keep in contact with them by telephone or the Internet.

As some practical advice, she mentioned that it is worth going to the shops with a shopping list, thereby avoid unnecessary “wandering” in the shop. We should first inspect packaged goods and then put them in the basket, while we should avoid touching products. It is also wise to pay attention to the sell-by or best-before dates of products. When paying, it is better to use bank cards, and after returning home, everyone should wash their hands, she said.

She pointed out that the time during which we hand over the contents of the shopping bag to family members does not qualify as direct physical contact, and the same applies to the receipt of parcels received by mail. However, we should not enter the homes of the elderly, and likewise should not initiate longer conversations with them, she highlighted.

In answer to a question, Ms. Müller said paramedics go to a patient’s home to take samples if requested by the general practitioner. She indicated that the ambulance service had commissioned another 55 ambulances for these responsibilities, and in the majority of cases they arrive at the scene within 24 hours. The ambulance service has received almost eight hundred addresses. They are asking everyone for their patience, she said, adding that these do not qualify as urgent cases. She highlighted that if a blood sample is taken from the tip of the finger, there is no specific instruction the patient should follow. If, however, respiratory samples are taken, patients must not eat or drink anything beforehand.

In this context, she mentioned they are aware that private laboratories, too, are conducting tests for the coronavirus; however, in every instance, responsibility lies with the given provider. At the same time, these tests are not included in the officially published numbers.

Regarding the infection that occurred in an elderly care home in Nagymágocs in Csongrád County, she said no further infections have been registered. The county medical officer imposed a full quarantine on the institution. Patients are being treated at the infectious diseases department of the Szentes Hospital, while the care home is currently being disinfected.

Ms. Müller said they have given health care institutions guidelines about the interventions, broken down into areas of specialisation, which they are required to carry out also in the present situation in the interest of preventing health damage or long-term health deterioration. If a patient nonetheless believes that the level of care they are receiving is not satisfactory, they can contact the head or patient rights representative of the institution.

According to the latest data, the number of confirmed coronavirus patients has risen to 447, while the number of case-related fatalities to 15. The Chief Medical Officer pointed out that among the infected there are also children and young adults. In answer to a question, she said fifteen patients are in need of intensive care.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)