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BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary notched up two COVID-19 milestones on Wednesday when its total number of infections exceeded 40,000 and deaths rose above 1,000, official data showed, as scientists warned insufficient testing meant steeper increases and a possible lockdown loomed.
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Hungary weathered Europe’s first COVID-19 wave in the spring fairly well thanks to a tough lockdown but, like neighbouring countries such as the Czech Republic, has seen a sharp rise in cases over the past month as Budapest resists calls for more onerous restrictions that would deepen an economic downturn.
Unlike the Czechs, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said Hungary must avoid another national lockdown. After a 13.6% annual fall in second-quarter economic output, the government has said it expects a 5-7% contraction this year.