Gloomy outlook: Hungary’s neighbours report record Covid-19 caseload

The Covid-19 pandemic is taking an increasing toll not only on Hungary, but also on its neighbouring countries. These are the latest highlights from Ukraine, Slovenia and Croatia:

Ukraine’s total COVID-19 cases top 700,000

Ukraine’s national COVID-19 caseload reached 709,701 on Saturday, after the country reported a record daily increase of 16,294 cases during the past 24 hours, its health ministry reported.

Meanwhile, 184 patients have died of the disease, bringing the nationwide death toll to 12,093, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said.

The Eastern European nation registered nearly 100,000 coronavirus infections during the past week.

The ministry is working with the World Bank on a project that will allow the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and equipment for medical institutions, said Deputy Health Minister Svitlana Shatalova on Thursday.

The World Bank would provide around 100 million U.S. dollars, which will be used to “purchase COVID-19 vaccines, as well as diagnostic and laboratory equipment for medical institutions,” Shatalova told a briefing.

Slovenia’s COVID-19 cases exceed 70,000

Slovenia’s national tally of confirmed cases increased to 70,911, according to official figures.

The country conducted 7,391 coronavirus tests on Wednesday, with 23.9 percent returning positive. A total of 1,302 patients are being treated in hospitals, including 215 in intensive care units, 13 more than the day before. With 46 new deaths, the country’s total death toll from the coronavirus-caused disease has risen to 1,245.

According to the official COVID-19 tracker site, there are currently 20,174 active cases in the country. The average 14-day incidence rate is now 963 per 100,000 population.

The Slovenian government on Thursday decided to extend all of the restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 epidemic. The ban on gatherings, in-class schooling, movement among municipalities and the 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain for one more week.

Public transport suspension, the restrictions concerning sport activities and the current mask wearing regime will stay in place for at least two more weeks.

Kindergartens, shops selling non-essential goods, cultural institutions, and bars and restaurants remain closed for at least one more week, while the border regime remains unchanged.

Croatia to shut restaurants amid COVID-19 spike

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday announced strict new measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, as a record high of 4,009 new cases and 51 deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours.

The new measures which will be effective on Saturday and last at least until Dec. 21 include the closure of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Schools will remain open until further notice.

Plenkovic explained that the government had to introduce new restrictions because earlier measures had not stopped the surge in coronavirus cases.

“The key is our behavior. Even if a small number of people do not adhere to the measures, the infection will continue to spread, so even these measures will not be enough,” Plenkovic told a press conference after a cabinet meeting, urging people to act responsibly and avoid any unnecessary physical contact.

“Complete lockdown is not realistic, neither economically nor politically,” Plenkovic noted.

Churches, stores, and cultural and entertainment institutions can continue operating with special restrictions. All public gatherings of over 25 people are banned while private celebrations can be organized for 10 people at most. To prevent party at home, the government also banned the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m.

Public transport travel will be limited as much as possible. Employers are encouraged to introduce working from home, where it is possible, or organize working shifts.

Source: Xinhua