He said many potential coronavirus victims with respiratory symptoms have had a hard time in contacting their local doctors.

GPs questioned by Népszava said there were no answering machines on their mobiles or on their fixed-line telephones, which makes it impossible for the patient to leave a message and a contact number.

Kásler also ordered GPs to perform a rapid test on all Covid suspect patients “at a suitable location” – preferably in the office, “but if this is not possible, at the patient’s residence or by mutual agreement anywhere else”.

The minister also required GPs to prescribe medication depending on the severity of the viral infection, to arrange for more serious cases to be hospitalised and to monitor patients being treated in their homes.