Darrick Robles To protect public health, we should now stay at home and avoid unnecessary social contacts. Because of this, shops and schools have been closed and public events canceled. But what exactly is the difference between quarantine, self-isolation and social distancing? We clarify.
Current regulations in Germany
At the moment, the official guidelines are very strict: In public spaces, you can only be in a group of a maximum of 2 people, and a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people must be maintained. Many public institutions such as B. Restaurants, cinemas, gyms and playgrounds are temporarily closed.
Traveling to work, to go shopping or to the doctor is still allowed. Necessary appointments and examinations may still be attended. You can also support others, for example shopping for older people in the supermarket. Walking the dog is also allowed.
The guidelines are monitored by the police and the local regulatory authorities. Anyone who violates them must expect sanctions. You can find an overview of the currently valid regulations and restrictions on the website of the federal government .
Isolation measures
In the following we have put together an overview of the various isolation measures for you. The goal is the same for all measures: to slow down the spread of the coronavirus . In this way, everyone who falls ill can receive reasonable medical care.
quarantine
A quarantine, i.e. a temporary spatial separation from other people, is ordered in Germany by the health department or doctor. It affects people who have been in contact with the corona virus. They have a reasonable suspicion that they are contagious, even if they may not yet be showing any symptoms.
If the coronavirus is suspected, the officially prescribed quarantine period is 14 days. The quarantine can take place in the isolation ward of a hospital or it can be ordered at home, even against the will of the person concerned.
self isolation
Self-isolating at home is recommended for anyone showing symptoms that may indicate they are infected with the coronavirus. This can e.g. B. cough, sore throat, fever or fatigue.
The isolation should be continued until the person concerned is completely healthy again and free of symptoms for at least 48 hours. At least 14 days should have passed since the onset of the first symptoms.
Voluntary quarantine
Most people do not have any symptoms. You can voluntarily go into quarantine at home if your job or employer allows it. Many companies are currently asking their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the corona virus.
Social Distancing
If you don’t want to completely isolate yourself from the outside world, you can use social distancing. You are outside, but consistently keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people. At this time, social distancing is recommended indefinitely for anyone who has not yet been exposed to the coronavirus. It’s an act of solidarity. According to experts, social distancing was instrumental in containing the coronavirus in China.
FAQ
Question: I am young and healthy. Should I work from home? Answer: Yes, if you have the opportunity to work from home then you should.
Question: I’m not feeling well. Should I isolate myself at home? Answer: Yes, if you have symptoms such as fever or cough , you should stay at home – even if your symptoms are only very mild. You may not have the coronavirus, but during these times it is especially important not to pass a cold or flu on to others.
Question: Should I drive out of town into the country to isolate myself? Answer: It is currently recommended to avoid unnecessary travel of any kind, especially across city limits.
Question: Can I still visit my parents or grandparents? Answer: People over the age of 60 belong to the risk group, especially if they already have previous illnesses. That’s why old people’s and nursing homes have very strict visiting rules at the moment. Personal contacts should be avoided as far as possible. The best way to keep in touch is by phone or video chat.
Question: I am a healthy pensioner. Can I look after my grandchildren? Answer: When schools and day-care centers are closed, childcare should not be taken on by grandparents.
Question: Do hamster purchases make sense now? Answer: No, the supply situation in Germany is good and no delivery bottlenecks are to be expected. If noodles or toilet paper are not available in the short term, it is only because some people have bought more of them than they actually need. All important goods such. B. Groceries are continuously replenished.
Question: Which shops are still open? Answer: Many shops for daily needs are still open. This includes:
- supermarkets
- pharmacies
- drugstores
- gas stations
- Banks
- Post offices
- dry cleaners and laundromats
- Spätis, kiosks and newspaper vendors
- delivery services
- wholesaler
- and in some federal states also horticultural and animal supply centers
help at home
Whether you’re in quarantine or self-isolating at home, when you’re sick you can see a doctor without leaving your home. At Med-Healths you have the daily opportunity to speak personally with a qualified specialist with a German license. In this way you avoid the waiting room and make an effective contribution to containing the corona pandemic.
