Coronavirus in Hungary

Astonishing COVID-19 data surfaced in Hungary!

The National Center for Public Health has recently published updated COVID-19 data. Meanwhile, a new variant has been discovered in France.

A new variant of the coronavirus has been identified in France. The variant is called IHU until an official name will be given. So far, it has been identified in 12 people in the Southern Alps around the same time Omicron was discovered in Africa in 2021. The first patient identified with the variant was vaccinated. The variant is under investigation. – writes Bloomberg.

At the time when IHU takes the spotlight, data about the Omicron variant in Hungary has been finally published. But the figures are contradictory. Data from the National Center for Public Health shows a low number of Omicron-infected people, while a private laboratory indicates a high number of cases. – writes Portfolio.

According to the National Center for Public Health, 11% of infections are caused by Omicron. There have been 100 confirmed cases. Neumann Labs, on the other hand, announced that every fourth coronavirus case is caused by Omicron. Their last data shows that 78% of the infections are caused by the new variant. Since Omicron took over, there have been 66,000 detected COVID-19 cases in Hungary.

The difference in the numbers is astonishing. But there is an explanation why. Neumann Lab examines samples from big cities, where the virus rapidly spreads. The National Center for Public Health aims to do its research on the entire territory of Hungary. Although, they could put more effort into sequencing.

The authorities also did not report on the side effects of the vaccines, a factor that would be crucial to consider when carrying out vaccination campaigns. Additional data and transparency would build trust, and thus people would have a better understanding of how the virus and the vaccines affect the population.

The recently published data is promising, though, and possibly a sign of transparency and will to inform the public. This was the first time that the National Center for Public Health published relevant data about the Omicron variant. In the past, they indicated how many cases they registered but left out other relevant pieces of information. For instance, they wrote how many infected people were identified, but there were no statistics regarding what percentage of these patients had Omicron. As we reported earlier, specific COVID-19 data was hardly available in Hungary before. Details HERE.

Read also“Flurona” – The new COVID-19 syndrome carries the symptoms of coronavirus and flu

January 5, 2022

Nr of new infections skyrocketing, GP says 5th wave has arrived

Szabolcs Békássy asks everybody to call their doctor if they experience respiratory symptoms. The chairman of the online organization of Hungarian GPs added that the number of patients with such symptoms rose significantly. That means the fourth and fifth waves of the coronavirus overlapped.

Less severe symptoms but more patients in the fifth wave

Mr Békássy highlighted that the omicron variant is in the background spreading dramatically. “Thanks to the vaccines, we experience that the symptoms are less severe in the case of omicron” – he said. Most of their patients complain about shore throat and the common cold. However, it seems the flu also arrived in Hungary. We wrote about the dangers of a combined flu and omicron epidemic HERE.

Read also: Will the Omicron virus explode in Budapest?

Meanwhile, MTI reported that altogether 82 patients died of a Covid-related illness during the past 24 hours, while 5,270 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Wednesday.

So far 6,269,955 people have received a first jab, while

5,990,568 have been fully vaccinated.

Fully 3,191,997 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

More than 300 patients receiving respiratory assistance

The number of active infections has risen to 101,457, while

hospitals are treating 3,090 Covid-19 patients, 307 of whom are intubated on a ventilator.

Since the first outbreak, 1,269,979 have been registered with the virus, while 39,599 deaths have beeen recorded. Fully 1,128,923 people have made a recovery.

Read alsoHBO series to come about Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and the vaccine

January 5, 2022

Will the Omicron virus explode in Budapest?

Although the number of hospitalised patients is currently declining, experts say the virus will be with us for a long time to come. Based on foreign examples, we can see that the Omicron wave begins in densely populated areas. So it is likely that the spread of the Omicron will begin in Budapest.

Is the fifth wave of the epidemic near?

Currently, the number of covid patients treated in hospital is decreasing in Hungary, writes napi.hu. The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic may be declining, but it will stay with us for a long time. According to a Pulse Researcher survey,

most Hungarians think that the fifth wave will arrive in the next few months.

69 per cent of respondents believe the new wave will arrive in the spring of 2022 at the latest. Only 7 per cent of those surveyed think that there will be no more coronavirus waves. The research surveyed 1,000 people who represent the opinions of the adult population. The results show that women are slightly more pessimistic than men.

In terms of age, a higher proportion of seniors reckon there will be a fifth wave in the spring.

According to the survey, the higher one’s level of education is, the darker that person sees the future. If we examine the place of residence, a larger proportion of the residents living in the capital and the countryside believe there will be another wave soon.

The Omicron wave can start from Budapest

The Omicron wave starts from densely populated areas. It then reaches areas with lower population density. Gábor Vattay, the head of the Department of Physics of Complex Systems at Eötvös Loránd University, prepared an analysis in this connection.

The number of cases in Budapest is constantly increasing.

Over the next few days, the fall of the Delta wave will change the indicators. After all, the decrease in the number of Delta wave cases masks the increase in Omicron cases. The data show that half of the cases in Budapest, while every fourth case nationwide, can be linked to the Omicron variant.

Examining international processes, it can be stated that the Omicron virus wave is one of the most serious in terms of case number, writes portfolio.hu. Mathematician Gergely Röst and epidemiologist Beatrix Oroszi are both members of an expert group supporting the Hungarian government’s epidemiological decisions. They believe that if the Omicron variant continues to spread at a similar rate as now, the current restrictions will not be sufficient.

January 5, 2022

“Flurona” – The new COVID-19 syndrome carries the symptoms of coronavirus and flu

Not long after the recently detected Omicron variant, a new syndrome of the coronavirus has started to spread. The disease complex called Flurona carries the symptoms of covid and flu. So far, two such cases have been diagnosed in Hungary.

Sadly, the beginning of 2022 has brought even more negative news concerning the spread of the coronavirus. As the Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum reports, 78% of positive samples are now the latest Omicron variant which started to spread from South Africa.

According to Gábor Zacher Hungarian virologist, the number of infections can significantly increase in the upcoming weeks, as a result of New Year’s Eve gatherings. The expert also points out that as long as there are places in Asia and Africa with low vaccination rates, there is a higher possibility that new variants will emerge. Just like in the case of the new Omicron mutant that could develop in an HIV-infected person with weakened immunity. Even if there are nearly fully vaccinated communities, as long as there are low-vaccination countries, new mutants may emerge – reported by Portfolio.

Furthermore, recently a new disease complex has also started to spread.

The syndrome known as Flurona carries the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu.

The disease complex was first identified in Israel. However, in the last two weeks, two Flurona cases have also been diagnosed in Hungary. Both patients are young, under 30 years old.

Neumann Labs was the first in Hungary to introduce simultaneous PCR testing for flu and COVID-19. It is not a coincidence that the laboratory decided to do so. Previously, scientists forecasted that the two viruses can be caught at the same time, and in this case, the disease can be more severe and life-threatening. Fortunately, such cases are not yet widespread. Still, health services need to be prepared for the possibility of double COVID-19 and influenza infections.

In addition to the predicted fifth wave of the coronavirus, the flu epidemic could soon be at its peak.

Detecting the new dual syndrome is even harder than before. The symptoms of different respiratory infections – such as fever, cough, fatigue, joint pain – are very similar, so people who get sick may not know for certain which virus they contracted. Many people with the flu diagnose themselves as having the coronavirus and vice versa. Therefore, the tests of the diagnostic laboratory will not only show whether a person has been infected by the Delta or the new Omicron variant, but also whether they have the flu.

Read alsoHungary reports 2,429 new coronavirus infections – latest numbers

January 4, 2022

Hungary reports 2,429 new coronavirus infections – latest numbers

Altogether 83 patients died of a Covid-related illness during the past 24 hours, while 2,429 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Tuesday.

So far 6,268,108 people have received a first jab, while 5,986,342 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 3,184,580 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections went down to 100,247,

while hospitals are treating 3,335 Covid-19 patients, 316 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 1,264,709 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 39,517.

Fully 1,124,945 people have made a recovery.

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

Read alsoThese are the most important changes taking effect in Hungary in 2022

January 4, 2022

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.

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.

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.

Coronavirus Koronavírus Vakcina Vaccine General Practitioner Családi Orvos 2

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

January 3, 2022

HBO series to come about Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and the vaccine

HBO is going to create a series about the history of the existing coronavirus vaccines’ development, says Telex.hu. The series will be presented to the audience under the name The First Shots.

The Hungarian biochemist, Katalin Karikó, who played a pioneering role in the development of the mRNA technology that underpins both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines, will also appear in the series.

According to SZTE (Szegedi Tudományegyetem – University of Szeged), the series is expected to “present the scientific and business competition for vaccines as a collaboration between scientist women and decision-maker men, based on Brendan Borell’s book of the same title (The First Shots).

Next to Katalin Karikó, the HBO series will feature U.S. immunologist Kizzmekia Corbett, vaccinologist Sarah Gilbert, and chief virologist Anthony Fauci, as well as Albert Bourla and Stéphane Bancel, the CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna.

Karikó was chosen as one of the heroes of 2021 by Forbes

Vaccine scientists are TIME's 2021 Heroes of the Year #TIMEPOY https://t.co/8qAiVzxRPP pic.twitter.com/pxee2faWdL
— TIME (@TIME) December 13, 2021

In the article created by Time, Karikó is the first in a series of researchers. The article writes about her history and work and makes sure to acknowledge her fast, precise work and the fact that she has revolutionised the medical industry with the mRNA technology.

Karikó won almost everything

Other than the Nobel Prize, Katalin Karikó received pretty much all other major awards she could.

Shared with her fellow researcher, Drew Weissmann, she was awarded the 2022 Benjamin Franklin Medal in the Life Sciences category.

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has been honouring Benjamin Franklin’s legacy since 1824 by awarding outstanding achievement in science and engineering. As the oldest comprehensive science and technology award in the United States, the institute has recognised more than two thousand pioneering scientists, engineers, and inventors from around the world, including Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

January 3, 2022

Coronavirus in Hungary: 248 COVID-19 deaths over weekend

Coronavirus in Hungary: Altogether 248 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the past three days, while 5,865 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Monday.

So far 6,266,483 people have received a first jab, while 5,982,104 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 3,178,228 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections went down to 101,023, while

hospitals are treating 3,313 Covid-19 patients, 318 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 1,262,280 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 39,434.

Fully 1,121,823 people have made a recovery.

read more news about Coronavirus in Hungary

Read alsoThese are the most important changes taking effect in Hungary in 2022

January 3, 2022

These are the most important changes taking effect in Hungary in 2022

2021 is over, and we have entered the year 2022. The new year brings not only New Year’s resolutions but also many changes in the everyday life of those living in Hungary. In 2022, warranties will change, moving will be easier, and there will be more Hungarian foods in the school canteen.

Changes in 2022

From May 2022, warranty regulations in Hungarian stores will be tightened. There will be no more fake discounts, as all products on sale must show the previous price. In the case of warranties, the previous half year has been increased to 1 year, during which the seller must investigate the defective product.

The price of food in a school canteen may be more expensive.

Under an earlier regulation, at least 60 per cent of food used in public catering had to come from domestic sources. This incurs an additional cost that parents have to pay. The goal is for children to eat better quality, fresh, and healthy food, and it also benefits domestic economy.

Unvaccinated teachers were given a delay until January to get a medical certificate or get vaccinated. They can then be sent on unpaid leave. According to the teachers’ union, 5,000 teachers may be affected by the regulation, writes 24.hu.

Wages in the public sector will increase.

So, the salaries of specialists, doctors, nurses, and social workers will be raised. The amount of pensions will also increase from January. However, GPs are not only given more money but also more responsibilities. In January, all GPs must offer vaccinations against the coronavirus at least one weekend, telex.hu writes.

Changes in everyday life

In 2022, it will be impossible to order medicine.

This is because, according to an amendment to the law introduced in November, the delivery of not only prescription drugs but also any medicine can only be carried out by pharmacy professionals. Previously, it was possible to easily order medicine online using parcel delivery services. This has been a huge help to the elderly, as well as in the fight against the virus.

The Hungarian government is suspending interest on housing.

In this sense, interest rates on mortgages will not rise further. In addition, the amount of the minimum wage will rise to HUF 200,000. Moreover, young people under the age of 25 will be exempt from paying tax. While those under the age of 25 do not have to pay personal income tax, those raising a child are reimbursed the amount of personal income tax.

Of the many changes, it is even more important to point out that moving will be easier from next year. After all, the administration of data changes and the reassigning of utilities will be faster and easier.

Read alsoThe biggest booms of 2022 in Hungary – an event calendar

January 2, 2022

Govt spokesperson: Hungary remains ‘unbroken’ amid pandemic

Alexandra Szentkirályi Government Spokeswoman

Hungary has “stayed unbroken despite all difficulties” amid the coronavirus pandemic, government spokesperson Alexandra Szentkirályi said in a video published on the government’s website on New Year’s Day.

The spokeswoman said that the health services had been able to take care of each patient, and “there is enough vaccine for everyone, and by now a large part of the population have been vaccinated, with the majority having received a booster jab”.

Thanks to the government’s measures, the national economy has continued to grow, and the number of jobholders has grown, she said.

The central budget was burdened with covid-related expenditures to the tune of “thousands of billions of forints”, yet the economy’s good performance has ensured further pay rises to health-care staff, police, soldiers, teachers, the social and cultural sector as well as a general minimum wage rise, Szentkirályi said.

She also noted further assistance to families, as well as to both young people and the elderly.

János Áder President of Hungary New Year Speech

Read alsoHungarian President’s New Year Speech: “strengthen our will to act”

January 1, 2022

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

A new decree states that family physicians have to spend at least one weekend administering vaccines on top of their usual working hours.

A new decree will be in effect in Hungary starting January 2022. The decree states that family physicians have to spend at least one weekend administering vaccines on top of their usual working hours. – writes hvg.hu. The official announcement was published on 27 December.

According to the document, family doctors can choose from three options. The first one is to work on at least one weekend between 1 January and 31 January 2022. Their second option is to work on a Friday or a Saturday in consultation with the county vaccination committee. The third option is to administer vaccines, working from 2 pm to 6 pm on Fridays and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays.

If a doctor refuses to participate in the “volunteering” program, they could be fined for a sum of 30,000 (EUR 81) to 5 million forints (EUR 13,536).

Index writes that doctors also have the responsibility to inform their patients of the opportunity to take the vaccine. At the beginning of 2021, Zoltán Soós head of the general medical group of the Hungarian Medical Chamber said that about a quarter of family doctors would not like to administer vaccines, or cannot administer vaccines in the course of the vaccination program.

Read also Fourth wave downhill in Hungary!

Doctors are obligated to call back their patients on the phone as soon as they can. Miklós Kásler, head of ministry of Ministry of Human Resources also ordered that doctors do covid tests for every patient suspected to have the virus. The test can be done at the consulting room, at the patient’s place of residence or any other suitable place based on what they agree on. – writes hvg.hu.

Infostart writes that the national collegial professional leader of general practitioners, Szabolcs Békássy, said that imposing fines is not the right way to encourage doctors to vaccinate more people. He said that general practitioners had a part in vaccinating people before the new decree came out. 24.hu writes that “in the fall, more than 47 percent of booster doses were administered at GP practices” during working hours.

According to data on koronavirus.gov.hu, there were 6,252,653 vaccinated people as of 28 December. There were 22,465 people infected with the virus in Budapest and 94,313 in rural Hungary. 180,980 people were considered healed from the virus in Budapest and 910,037 in rural areas. 15,775 people were quarantined in their homes. The data showed that 6,587 people died in Budapest and 32,307 passed away in rural Hungary. The information indicates that 9,119,505 samples were taken.

Worldwide 281,992,357 people had the virus. 5,411,147 died and 9,021,723,426 vaccines were administered.

Read alsoHungarian Covid ward: it is a stressful job, vaccinate yourself! – VIDEO

January 1, 2022

Like Bill Gates, Karikó also gets award from American Academy Achievement

Hungarian-born biochemist Katalin Karikó Bolyai Prize

Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó has been awarded this year’s Golden Plate Award granted by the American Academy Achievement, the Szeged University said on Friday.

Karikó, a vice president of BioNTech, which has led research on mRNA-based medicine since the 1990s, has played a major role in developing new vaccination strategies which have been used in the fight against Covid-19.

Granted by the Academy’s Awards Council, the honour is given in five categories in recognition of exceptional accomplishment in the sciences, the professions, business, industry, arts, literature, sports, entertainment and public service, according to the Academy’s website.

Read also: Most prestigious construction award won by futuristic Hungarian bridge

Karikó was nominated for the Golden Plate by Nobel laureate scientists Frances Hamilton Arnold, Jennifer Anne Doudna, Robert Joseph Lefkowitz and James Patrick Allison, Szeged University said. She received the award at a gala dinner in Los Angeles on December 23,

it added.

Featured image: Karikó receiving the Bolyai Prize.

Read alsoHungarian-born biochemist Katalin Karikó awarded the prestigious Bolyai Prize

December 31, 2021

Number of active infections declined further in Hungary

Altogether 82 patients died of a Covid-related illness over the past 24 hours, while 3,360 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Thursday.

So far 6,266,064 people have received a first jab, while 5,981,569 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 3,176,553 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections went down to 105,553, while hospitals are treating 3,492 Covid-19 patients, 334 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 1,256,415 infections have been registered, while the number of fatalities has risen to 39,186. Fully 1,111,676 people have made a recovery.

Read alsoThe Omicron variant spreads much quicker than the government says!

December 31, 2021

Coronavirus in Hungary: number of fatalities has risen to 39,104

Altogether 95 patients died of a Covid-related illness during the past 24 hours, while 3,361 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Thursday.

So far 6,262,698 people have received a first jab, while 5,978,673 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 3,170,694 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

The number of active infections went down to 107,420, while

hospitals are treating 3,697 Covid-19 patients, 342 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Since the first outbreak, 1,253,055 infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 39,104.

Fully 1,106,531 people have made a recovery.

read also: The Omicron variant spreads much quicker than the government says!

Read alsoHungarian Covid ward: it is a stressful job, vaccinate yourself! – VIDEO

December 30, 2021

This is where you need a Covid certificate to party on New Year’s Eve in Hungary

New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching. There are only a few days left until the big event when we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in 2022 with a loud bang. But the fact that the coronavirus is still with us, it makes things a little more complicated than usual. Are you wondering for which events you need to produce a vaccination certificate? Find the answers below.

Hungary is relatively lax, considering the emergence of the new Omicron variant, but that also means that more restaurants and hotels can hold New Year’s Eve events. Although restaurants and hotels can normally welcome guests without restrictions or vaccination certificates, you still need to wear your mask when going to public places, but only until your food or drink arrives.

However, as a party can attract more people to a single location than regular restaurant dinners, you can face a few additional restrictions.

Hence, many restaurants and catering units have asked the Hungarian Hotel & Restaurant Association (HH&RA) to help them understand the exact restrictions.

According to Turizmus.com, the Hungarian Hotel & Restaurant Association (HH&RA) has written an inquiry to the Hungarian Department of the Interior to help shed light on the exact restrictions concerning New Year’s Eve parties.

Turizmus.com reported that the Hungarian authorities’ answer was the following:

Dance or concert events

If the main attraction of the New Year’s Eve event the restaurant or hotel holds involves partying and dancing, or listening to a concert, then by law, it is considered a “music and dance event” and have the following restrictions.

It is mandatory to have a vaccination certificate for

anyone who visits an event at an accommodation where dancing or listening to a concert is the main attraction, even if it is combined with a dinner, regardless of whether they are staying guests or just there for the event
anyone who visits a dinner at a restaurant that is combined with dancing or actively/purposefully listening to a concert

regardless of the size of the event or the number of guests.

Dinner events with live performance

According to Turizmus.com; however, if the main attraction of the event is a dinner, combined with live music or some other form of stage performance in which guests do not actively take part, then only the restrictions of a regular restaurant dinner are in place.

It is NOT mandatory to have a vaccination certificate for

anyone who visits an event at an accommodation where a seated dinner is taking place without dancing, even if there is a live performance of any kind (live music, comedian, magician, etc.)
anyone who visits a restaurant with an event similar in kind to the one mentioned right above.

You should also keep in mind that restaurants and hotels or other forms of accommodation can have their own safety precautions. We have only included some general rules; therefore, it is always worth getting informed about the event you are about to attend or contacting the establishment beforehand if you have any doubts.

The team of Daily News Hungary wishes all of you a Happy New Year!

December 29, 2021

The Omicron variant spreads much quicker than the government says!

In the days around Christmas, the new variant spread very quickly in Hungary, according to the biggest private lab in the country. They analysed the positive samples and measured the frequency of the Omicron variant 60 pc in them. The Neumann Labs. reported on 22 December that the new variant is only present in 25 pc of the new COVID-positive samples. That was already a higher rate than the government communicated before. The administration talked about 15 patients having the Omicron variant then.

There is no official data about the spread of the Omicron variant

According to telex.hu, experts already said before Christmas that the number of patients infected by the new variant was higher than the official communication reported. On 23 December, officials said that the number of such patients tripled. Interestingly, on the official coronavirus website, koronavirus.gov.hu, the top news is still about the tax refund for families raising children. Below, there is the Christmas message of the prime minister, but there is no updated news or detailed report about the spread of the Omicron variant.

Therefore, experts can only rely on data provided by private labs.

Read also: Government: Hungary’s healthcare system prepared for potential next wave

Less severe symptoms but much more patients

Miklós Nyíri, CEO of Neumann Labs., said in the ATV that the number of patients having the new variant is rising swiftly. They analysed COVID-positive samples to discover how many of them were caused by the Omicron. “Regarding the last hundred of the analysed samples, the rate of Omicron reached 60 pc” – he said.

The sample and the result of their research is probably not representative. But experts believe the new variant is already dominant in Hungary.

Meanwhile, the Hungarian News Agency said today that only 68 cases of the Omicron variant have been officially detected in Hungary.

The spread speed and virulence of the Omicron is higher than the other variants. Therefore, it is expected to become the world’s dominant variant soon. Meanwhile, it seems that it causes less severe symptoms. However, since it can infect much more people, it might push the country’s healthcare system behind its operability limit.

Koronavírus Coronavirus Vaccine Vakcina Ampulla Ampoule

Read alsoHow effective are vaccines really in Hungary? – NEW DETAILS!

December 29, 2021

Almost 40 thousand Hungarians died in COVID

Altogether 115 patients died of a Covid-related illness during the past 24 hours, while 3,005 new coronavirus infections were registered, koronavirus.gov.hu said on Wednesday.

So far 6,257,771 people have received a first jab, while 5,973,555 have been fully vaccinated. Fully 3,161,930 Hungarians have received a booster jab.

So far 68 cases of the Omicron variant have been officially detected in Hungary.

The number of active infections stands at 113,057, while hospitals are treating 3,854 Covid-19 patients, 357 of whom need respiratory assistance.

Read also: Government: Hungary’s healthcare system prepared for potential next wave

Since the first outbreak, 1,249,694 COVID infections have been registered, while

the number of fatalities has risen to 39,009.

Fully 1,097,628 people have made a recovery.

Read alsoCORRUPTION – Hungarian doctor issued fake vaccination certificates

December 29, 2021

Government: Hungary’s healthcare system prepared for potential next wave

Hungary’s healthcare system is prepared to handle a potential next wave of the coronavirus pandemic, and there are sufficient quantities of vaccines available, a government official said on Tuesday.

Csaba Dömötör, parliamentary secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, told public news channel M1 that developments connected to the new Omicron variant were constantly being monitored. Epidemic protection measures are determined by circumstances such as whether enough protective equipment is available and health-care capacities.

Hospital capacity, he said, was now sufficient and there were significant reserves, too.

Only vaccination, however, offered an effective solution in combatting the epidemic, he added.

Read also: Hungarian Covid ward: it is a stressful job, vaccinate yourself!

Dömötör welcomed that over 6 million Hungarians have been vaccinated, including over

3 million who have received their booster shots.

Future restrictions can be avoided if the number of vaccinated further increases, he said.

Read alsoDid the Hungarian authorities take risks with the Sputnik V vaccine?

December 29, 2021