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.
Go to mapVaccine rollout is making progress! A lot has happened since the first coronavirus vaccine was officially approved at the end of 2020. Find out everything you need to know about vaccination statistics, vaccine development, approved vaccines, the approval process, discussions on mandatory vaccination, and possible side effects of coronavirus vaccines. We’ve summarized the most important information for you.
Go to overview
Rapid coronavirus tests can be performed in various test centers without much effort. However, if you have reasons to suspect infection, the following options are available:
Contact your general practitioner
Call a hotline or 116 117
Contact the department of health
Go to the hospital*
For acute, life-threatening emergencies, call 112
*Only patients with urgent or severe symptoms should visit an emergency room.
If you decide to get tested for SARS-CoV-2, there are a few types of tests available: direct virus detection using a rapid antigen test or PCR (throat swab) and antibody testing (blood test). Direct virus detection shows whether you are currently infected with coronavirus, while antibody testing determines whether your immune system has developed antibodies due to a previous infection.
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. As an aerosol, the Coronavirus can also temporarily persist in indoor air.
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:
"There are two basic principles for autumn and winter: For all indoor gatherings, you'll have to be vaccinated, recovered, or tested. Otherwise, we will continue to wear masks and follow the rules on hygiene and social distancing."
No hugging or shaking hands
Wash hands thouroughly and regularly
Air out enclosed spaces regularly
Don’t touch your face
Observe coughing and sneezing rules
Only use tissues once
Wear face masks when recommended by authorities
Avoid large crowds
Keep a distance
Don’t touch common surfaces
No hugging or shaking hands
Work from home
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)
Children are not at higher risk according to current evidence
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
Limit social contact to the bare minimum and stay home if possible
Consider asking neighbors, friends, and family members to help getting groceries or medication
Actively inform yourself about the state of the pandemic
Always keep your insurance card ready with a list of current medications and pre-existing conditions
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.
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.
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 Institute information on Coronavirus and COVID-19
Learn more about health topics and examine your health behavior, so you can act with greater awareness and improve your quality of life. In the Data4Life library, you’ll find articles, insights, and advice written by our guest authors, editors, and team of doctors.
The coronavirus is constantly changing, so the vaccines also need to be constantly adapted. What side effects are possible?
