RTL: Covid complications killed a Hungarian every 18 minutes in 2021

In Hungary, the restrictions have been eased quite significantly since the occurrence of the now global coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. However, if we take the shocking figures of Covid complications, the ease of the restrictions may not have been the best decision. 

According to the most recent data published by the Hungarian Government, the number of coronavirus deaths since the emergence of the pandemic in Hungary in 2020, is currently at 39,434.

Even in contrast to the number of the populace in Hungary, this figure is fairly high, but when compared to neighbouring Austria, which was used as the template for restrictions in 2020, it gets worse.

Easing restrictions

Rtl came out with a video report about the current coronavirus situation in Hungary and Austria. They have found that in 2020, soon after the emergence of the virus in Europe, the restrictions were stricter in the country than in Austria.

However, by using the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker, they have concluded that this has changed significantly in early 2021. The current restrictions in Hungary are not even half as strict as those of our neighbours.

András Falus immunologist said to Rtl, that Austria has been acting more wisely in terms of epidemiological restrictions. He also highlighted that their preventive measures are more successful than Hungary’s.

Read also: These are the most important changes taking effect in Hungary in 2022

In 2021, the Hungarian Government heavily focused its preventative efforts on promoting vaccination. The weeks of vaccination drive introduced in November are a perfect example of that.

Shocking figures of Covid complications

Although vaccination is crucial, it was not sufficient, in itself, to prevent the significant increase in mortality rate.

Although in 2020, the number of patients died in Covid (9,667) was approximately 42.8 pc higher than in Austria (6,261), domestic figures rose sharply in 2021.

In Hungary, 29,519 people died in Covid complications in 2021, while the Austrian mortality rate was considerably more stable, with only one-fourth as many victims (7,472), writes Index.

Read also: Govt spokesperson: Hungary remains ‘unbroken’ amid pandemic

The reasons behind this large discrepancy may not only be the restrictions, however. Index reported that the general health of the public and the quality of the country’s healthcare is much worse than in Austria.

András Falus immunologist added, that the number of untreated people with underlying diseases is likely higher in Hungary.

According to the scientist, the number of cardiovascular diseases is notoriously high in Hungary and when a virus, such as Covid, becomes rampant, it poses a higher risk of life-threatening complications.

According to Index, another big difference between Austria and Hungary is the number of tests performed. Data shows that a person was tested on average 13 times in Austria, while in Hungary only two out of three citizens were tested and no more than once.

Read alsoHungarian GPs could face €13k fine for refusing to administer vaccines

Source: Rtl.hu, Index.hu, Daily News Hungary