Coronavirus in Germany
Corona online test, current statistics on coronavirus, and how to recognize a possible infection.
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Coronavirus live map
Coronavirus continues to spread internationally and has already reached all continents. An overview of current figures in Germany and worldwide statistics can be found on the interactive live map from Funke media group. The map provides insights on which regions are most affected worldwide and how the statistics are changing over time.
"To slow the process, we must reduce possibilities for the virus to spread via everyday contact with other people. All citizens need to be ready to adjust their daily routines accordingly."
Slowing the spread of corona – prevention in everyday life
Transmission of coronavirus
Similar to the common influenza (flu) virus, coronavirus spreads primarily via respiratory (droplet) transmission. This occurs when people sneeze and cough, as well as when people touch their noses, mouths, or eyes after shaking hands.
Hygiene tips
It is recommended to avoid close contact with others. Make sure to wash and disinfect your hands regularly if you have exposure to public spaces or other risk factors (e.g. traveling by train, public facilities, people coughing or sneezing in their hands). Check with local authorities to find out when wearing a face mask in public is recommended.
In summary, this list of measures significantly reduces the risk of infection:
Who is most at risk?
Currently people who may be at higher risk of more serious complications from coronavirus include:
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- People with severe chronic illnesses (e.g. chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, or other diseases affecting internal organs)
- Patients with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies (e.g due to medications used in chemotherapy)
- Pregnant women and children are not at higher risk according to current evidence
Which preventative measures should people in high risk groups take?
If you belong to a high risk group, please note the following guidelines:
- Follow general rules of hygiene and conduct
- Take measures to reduce contact – no visits from children/grandchildren
- Limit social contact to the bare minimum and stay home if possible
- Ask neighbors, friends, and family members early on if you need help getting groceries or medication
- Actively inform yourself about the state of the pandemic and possible symptoms
- Always keep your insurance card ready with a list of current medications and pre-existing conditions
FAQ (Update: May 28th, 2021)
Symptoms of a coronavirus infection may vary widely between different people. Some people may experience few or no symptoms, while others require hospital treatment. According to current knowledge, typical symptoms can include fever, cough, and a loss of smell or taste.
The symptoms of a coronavirus infection are non-specific and similar to those of other respiratory infections, such as influenza. Reliably detecting and diagnosing a SARS-CoV-2 infection therefore depends on laboratory testing.
Rapid coronavirus tests can be performed in various test centers without much effort. You can either make an appointment online or register on-site by scanning a QR code with your smartphone. You will usually receive the result within 20 to 30 minutes. If the result is positive, consult information provided by your local health department. You may be legally obliged to have a PCR test done afterward.
If you've had contact with a person who has tested positive, please contact your local health department and isolate yourself at home until you get further notice.
If you are concerned that you have been infected, you should proceed step by step according to the current recommendations of the RKI or your local health department:
Step 1: Stay home if you have cold symptoms, avoid contact with people, and follow hygiene and distancing rules
Step 2: Get advice from your family doctor by phone or call 116 117 (in case of acute respiratory distress dial 112)
Step 3: Follow the doctor's recommendations for further action
Rapid coronavirus tests can be performed in various test centers without much effort (see FAQ above). Also, if a doctor has advised you to get tested (see FAQ above), he or she will also suggest where the test can be done. Generally, this should be done at a doctor's practice or a local testing center.
Rapid coronavirus tests can be fully conducted on-site. However, both PCR and antibody tests require that the sample must be sent to a certified laboratory. .
Coronavirus can be safely detected by swabbing the mouth and throat and performing a PCR test afterward. Even the smallest amount of genetic material from the virus is sufficient for detection. Depending on the test, results are usually available within 1-2 days. If the virus is detected, you and the responsible health authorities will be notified automatically. They will contact you to discuss how to proceed. Hospitalization may be necessary beforehand if symptoms are severe.
In Germany, rapid coronavirus tests are currently offered free of charge in all test centers. You can get tested every day.
PCR tests, on the other hand, are only carried out if there is reason to suspect infection. This applies if a rapid coronavirus test has a positive test result. In this case, the PCR test will be free of charge. However, if you need a PCR test for air travel or similar reasons, you will have to pay a fee at the test center.
Further information
For further information on coronavirus, we’ve prepared a list of recommended articles:
Factsheet on coronavirus:
https://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.htm
Travel information from WHO:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice
Travel warnings from the Foreign Office:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en
Q&A from WHO and Charité on frequently asked questions about corona:
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
https://www.charite.de/en/clinical_center/themes_hospital/faqs_on_sars_cov_2/
Best ways to prevent COVID-19 from CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
Live updates from the New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/news-event/coronavirus
Paul-Ehrlich Institut informationen on Coronavirus und COVID-19
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