We are in an upward, active phase of the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, the Chief Medical Officer said at the Friday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.

Cecília Müller said by Friday the number of infections had risen by 1,332, and 17 elderly, chronically ill patients had died. We must continue to make every effort to prevent the spread of infection, she pointed out, stressing the importance of social distancing, the wearing of face masks, hygienic hand-washing and disinfecting. The ages of the deceased ranged between 61 and 96, and all of them suffered from chronic diseases, she added.

Similar to the rest of Europe and the world, the number of infections is rising in Hungary as well. Case numbers have significantly increased in neighbouring countries, including in Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Poland, she indicated.

She reported that 740 persons are being treated in hospital due to coronavirus infection, including 47 requiring assisted ventilation.

The Chief Medical Officer drew attention to the fact that people themselves can do a great deal for their own health. She advised chronic patients to keep taking the medicines they regularly take as by doing so they can reduce the risk of the development of a severe form of infection. Additionally, in order to boost the immune system, they should take vitamins, in particular vitamins C and D, and should likewise not forget about the regular consumption of water in ample quantities.

She repeatedly drew attention to the importance of the vaccine against the flu that will be available from the second half of October, adding that chronic patients are especially recommended to ask for the vaccine.

Ms. Müller said, pursuant to the decision of the Operational Group, extraordinary breaks have been imposed in 33 nursery schools and six elementary schools, while 121 classes and five schools have switched over to digital education.

In answer to a question, she said social institutions and hospitals are monitoring the observance of visiting bans within their own competence; so far the authorities have not received any reports on violations.

In answer to another question, the expert said at this time, the medicine with the active ingredient favipiravir is available in Hungary as part of a clinical trial. “It appears to be effective typically in the early phases of moderate cases,” she said.

Ms. Müller also reported that since the beginning of the epidemic in the spring, 1,234 health care workers have tested positive for coronavirus infection; at present, they are aware of 481 positive cases, accounting for 2.23 per cent of active cases.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)