Economy 9 February 2021, 1:47pm

Virus data in Hungary ‘warrant attention’, CMO says

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Data from the past few days “justify increased attention”, chief medical officer Cecília Müller said at today’s press conference of the Operational Corps. While the number of new cases is level, the positivity rate of tests is increasing, and so is the number of people trated in hospital or receiving artificial ventilation, she said.

There is talk about a third wave of the pandemic in neighbouring countries, Müller said, adding that the downward phase of the second wave has apparently come to a halt in Hungary. A number of important statistics and indicators are no longer in decline, which could give cause for concern, and sewage water tests by the National Public Health Centre (NNK) also show an increase in viral genetic material.

The British mutation of the coronavirus, which can spread faster than the original version, may spread in Hungary, Müller said. So far, authorities have confirmed 24 cases of the British mutation but have found no trace of the Brazilian or African strains in Hungary, she added.

Vaccination continues in Hungary this week, with a shipment of 85,410 doses of Pfizer vaccine expected on Tuesday and 21,600 doses of Moderna vaccine will arrive on Thursday, Müller said.