Coronavirus – Budget resources in place to finance efforts against virus in Hungary

Efforts against the novel coronavirus epidemic will cost “several hundred billion forints”, but those resources are available from central coffers, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office told his regular news conference on Thursday.

Gergely Gulyás said that the situation in Hungary was not nearly as bad as in most countries of Europe because the government had taken all necessary measures much earlier. He added, however, that the number of those infected could increase in leaps and bounds in the next days and weeks. He said that all conditions were in place to control the epidemic and the health-care system was prepared to handle “the highest possible number” of patients.

• Hungarian experts to start testing anti-coronavirus substances
• Coronavirus – Over two-thirds of Hungarians back emergency extension bill

Gulyás thanked health-care and law-enforcement staff, adding that the success of preventative measures depended on their efforts.

Hungary currently has 2,500 respirators, and the government is bent on increasing that number, he said, adding that the government is in the process of purchasing equipment from abroad, but he noted uncertainties around deliveries.

Concerning the Covid-19 disease, Gulyás said 80-90 percent of the patients had no symptoms, but there were some that required hospitalisation. He added that few deaths were primarily caused by the novel coronavirus. “This is typically a secondary disease which becomes lethal because of another primary problem.”

On another subject, Gulyás said that leaders of the European Union will meet in a teleconference on Thursday to discuss efforts against the epidemic. He added that “Brussels’ plans are the least favourable for Hungary” because the EU had proposed making it easier for members to access funds, and Hungary has already tied up nearly all funds allocated to the country.

The Hungarian government has proposed that equipment used for virus prevention should be imported duty-free from third countries, he said.

Concerning the economy, Gulyás said the government was working to ensure the functioning of the economy and to save jobs. He noted a recently introduced moratorium on consumer and business debt servicing and a ban on increasing loan repayments from next year. He said the money left with households would help the economy survive.