An evaluation of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic 16 days after the end of social confinement in Hungary

Abstract

Differences in the rigor of confinement and other preventive policies between countries and the speed and degree with which these measures are relaxed affect both the public health of COVID-19 and its social and economic impact. In this Special Issue, Merkeley et al. describe the results of a comprehensive large-scale survey of present and past SARS-CoV-2 infection in Hungary after the relaxation of containment measures. Their results suggest that the implementation of effective preventive policies in Hungary effectively reduced COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates. The data provided may inform decisions by public health officials worldwide, both with regards to the implementation of preventive societal measures and the formulation of exit strategies. Data in this report also emphasize the importance of sustainable strategies aimed to shield older adults from potential SARS-CoV-2 infection.