Merkely, the rector of Budapest’s Semmelweis University, said an average of twenty new cases were still being reported daily.

But for every person officially registered with the disease “there could be others with only mild symptoms”, he said, adding that masks should still be worn indoors.

Merkely said there was a chance that a vaccine may be available in November.

In this case, vaccinations of people over 65, high-risk patients, hospital staff and staff of elderly care homes would be compulsory.