Orban: Govt has spent HUF 225 bn on epidemic response so far

The government has so far spent 225 billion forints (EUR 630.3m) on buying protective equipment, building a container hospital and making other preparations in connection with the novel coronavirus epidemic, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in parliament on Monday. So far, 15 people have died from the virus, Orban said in response to an MP's question, adding that their average age was 72. Altogether 447 people have been confirmed as testing positive for the virus in the country so far, 16 of whom have severe underlying illnesses. A total of 103 of the confirmed cases do not require treatment and 279 are asymptomatic, the prime minister said. Hungary has "deployed the necessary hospital capacities for treating patients," Orban said. The government will outline Hungary's "most comprehensive economic stimulus action plan of all time" on April 6 or 7, the prime minister said.