The Hungarian government is still not aware of any cases of the coronavirus being present in Hungary.
Gergely Gulyás, the head of the prime minister's office, noted that the virus is spreading in Europe and there was little chance Hungary could avoid COVID-19.
The minister said the government knew of two Hungarians who had contracted the virus: a woman living in Vienna and a man on a boat in Japan.
Gulyás said the press will immediately be informed if any person in Hungary is identified to carry the virus. He added that for the time being, the effect of the epidemic of the Hungarian economy cannot be assessed.
Human Resources Minister Miklós Kásler said Hungarian procedures in connection with the new virus were slightly stricter than those generally applied in Europe. He said GPs have received the latest protocols connected to the COVID-19 virus, providing details as to how it can be identified as well as procedures in case of suspected infection.
Budapest Airport and border controls are also heavily versed on the virus and are conducting tests on those arriving from flagged areas.
A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email under koronavirus@bm.gov.hu.