Both the elderly who suffer from a chronic illness and many teenagers have been fully vaccinated, Rusvai told public news broadcaster M1, adding that it was the unvaccinated middle-aged who were at greatest risk.

At the same time, compared with a year ago there are fewer Covid-related deaths as well as patients requiring respiratory assistance, he said.

The virologist advised people to get the flu vaccine and to wear a mask on public transport and in shops, saying doing so would greatly reduce the risk of spreading and catching viruses.