Hungarian experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the Chief Medical Officer of State in the fight against the epidemic

Abstract

In the first wave of the new coronavirus epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a significant proportion of cases came from residents of nursing homes. In the second wave, the number of infected people increased much higher. The infection then affected most the population between 3060 years. The third wave hit hard Central Europe and Hungary, but in addition to the restrictive measures, the vaccination program largely contributed to its rapid ceasing in Hungary. The National Public Health Centre (hereinafter referred to by the Hungarian abbreviation as NNK) operates under the direction of the chief medical officer of state and in addition to its tasks as the authority responsible for healthcare, it is a governing body responsible for operating the surveillance system, developing public health procedures, advising on epidemiology and infection control and coordinating local efforts in these areas. NNK plays a major role in the examination and analysis of samples taken from persons suspected of being infected. The NNK also has a key role in making vaccines available to the public at the right time and place.