Measures taken in the healthcare sector during Covid19 pandemic and their effects in Hungary and in Austria

Abstract

Following the first wave of the Covid19 epidemic, it is worth reviewing the measures taken to control and manage the pandemic, as their experience will determine the defence strategy for the period ahead us. In our analysis, we examined the pandemic measures of Hungary and Austria, focusing only on the field of healthcare. As the first case of the new type of coronavirus disease appeared by our Austrian neighbour approximately two weeks earlier they were an important point of reference for us in introducing restrictive measures. Ensuring the smooth function of the healthcare system posed a similar challenge both for Hungary and Austria. There are many similarities in the measures taken, the main directions were the same, but there are differences between the two countries in the timing of the measures’ implementation. The differences are presented on the basis of the exact date of introduction of the measures and the number of days since the onset of the first coronavirus cases. A structured overview of the measures takennin the healthcare sector can also be instructive from the point of view of law enforcement, because during this pandemic period the hospital command system managed by the Ministry of the Interior was introduced, which created a new situation for both law enforcement and health care workers.

Arrived: 24 November 2020
Accepted: 16 December 2020