Coronavirus guide

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious virus that broke out in China in December 2019. Since then it has spread rapidly around the world. It is spread from person to person mostly through droplets that enter the air and surfaces through loud speaking, sneezing or coughing. Frequent touching of the face can also cause viruses to get into the eyes, nose and mouth and thus trigger an infection. The virus causes the lung disease COVID-19, which, if severe, can cause severe symptoms and even be fatal.

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to a severe course of the virus than others. These people particularly need to protect themselves from infection:

• Older people: The risk of a severe course increases in people aged 50-60 and over. People in this age group often have a weaker immune system, which can react more slowly to infections. Symptoms often appear later and/or are weaker.
• People with previous illnesses: Regardless of their age, people who are already ill also have to fear that the disease will become more severe. Corresponding previous illnesses include: diabetes, diseases of the respiratory system, liver and kidneys, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
• Immunocompromised people: People who suffer from an autoimmune disease or are immunocompromised due to taking medication also have an increased risk of severe disease.

In order to protect yourself, you have to adapt your everyday life to the new situation. This applies not only to your behavior in your own home, but also in the office and in public areas.

• Stay at home: Leave the house as little as possible. This not only protects yourself, but also helps to contain the spread of the virus.
• Avoid social contacts: Reduce social contacts to a minimum. You should completely avoid encounters with risk groups. Use telephone or video chats to stay in touch with your loved ones.
• Wash your hands – often and thoroughly! Frequent hand washing is one of the most effective prevention methods. Always wash for at least 30 seconds and use soap as this is the only way to effectively kill the viruses.
• Disinfection in your own home: Disinfection is the best method for removing viruses and bacteria. If you or people around you belong to a risk group, germ traps should be cleaned more often and disinfected more thoroughly.

Germ traps in your own home:

• your own hands
• Doorknobs
• Light switch
• Remote control
• WC
• Refrigerator
• sink
• Computer keyboards and laptops
• Smartphone and tablet
• All other touch areas of monitors

• Regular ventilation: Poorly ventilated rooms are also a germ trap. Open the window completely for a few minutes every day instead of just tilting it.
• What to do if a roommate falls ill? Ensure spatial separation. Set up a separate area for the sick person that can be used like a quarantine. The person should wear a mask to protect fellow residents and maintain a distance of at least 2 m.

• Home office: The best behavior for the office is to not be in the office at all. Ask your boss about working from home.
• Digitize communication: Use digital tools such as video conferences, write an email or pick up the phone.
• Minimize personal contact and keep your distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters. Shaking hands and any physical contact are a no-go. If possible, spend your lunch break alone.
• Ventilate office rooms: Ventilate regularly and sufficiently. Always open the window completely for a few minutes.
• If you have symptoms, be sure to call in sick: If you feel sick – even with minimal symptoms – call in sick.
• Disinfection and germ traps in the office: Frequently used surfaces are germ traps and should, if possible, not be touched with bare hands.

Germ traps in the office:

• Door handles
• Switches and buttons (e.g. buttons in the elevator)
• Railings, handrails and poles
• Displays

• Keep your distance: Whether shopping, going for a walk or doing sports – keep a minimum distance of 2 meters and avoid crowds.
• Go shopping less: Go shopping less often and take a little extra with you once a week. Avoid panic buying.
• Avoid public transport: Only use it in an emergency. Walk short distances or use your bike.
• Use offers from public institutions: Use online portals or clarify matters by telephone.
• Avoid traveling: Postpone or cancel trips to avoid spreading the virus.
• Do not touch germ traps with bare hands: If necessary, put on gloves or use third objects.

Germ traps in public areas:

• Switches and buttons
• Ticket machine displays
• Hand dryer
• Shopping cart handles
• Gas pump guns at the gas station
• handbag

People who have developed symptoms AND have recently been in a risk area OR have had contact with a person who has been proven to be infected can be tested.

1. Under no circumstances should you go to the doctor or hospital without registering!
2. Stay at home and keep your distance from other people.
3. Call your family doctor or the medical on-call service.

Emergency number for the medical on-call service: 116117