Information regarding COVID-19 in Germany

What is COVID-19? Here you can find general information on modes of transmission, the origin of the virus as well as sickness symptoms. Inform and protect yourself.

We can all do our part to contain the coronavirus by keeping a distance, following hygiene rules and, where there is little room, wearing a community mask.

Around the world, researchers are working on a COVID-19 vaccine. Read on to learn about the phases of vaccine development and what Germany and the EU are doing to make a vaccine available quickly.

When number of cases is high, community masks are often no longer sufficient. At this point, it has become mandatory to wear FFP2 or other face masks that provide medical protection in public spaces. Find out what you need to know about the masks here.

What should you do if you seriously suspect that you have COVID-19 or if there is a suspected case in your family, flat-share or at work? And what is the difference between quarantine and self-isolating at home? Read on to learn which rules apply in each case.

In addition to fever, coughing and a runny nose are often symptoms of COVID-19. However, there are also other symptoms that could indicate that you have the disease. Here you can find out how to recognise COVID-19 and what you should do if you suspect you might have it.

Limited contact, restrictions on recreational activities, worrying about falling ill and infecting others and feelings of uncertainty about the future are just a few of the challenges we must contend with during this difficult time. Parents and family members acting as carers are under particular strain. Working from home and having to take precautionary measures when we do go to work have completely altered our professional lives. Many adults are worried about losing their livelihoods, with many having to put their careers fully on pause or significantly slow their plans. Others had just been planning to start their careers, or were still studying and are now left to wonder what the future holds. So it’s no wonder uncertainty and worry are such big parts of our everyday lives. The circumstances we are all currently facing can sometimes bring about feelings of anger or sadness. It’s an understandable response that many people are experiencing.

Working from home, home schooling and no play dates or sports allowed – things are not easy for families at the moment. Everyday life has had to be completely reorganised, and the entire family now spends all its time together at home. It’s no wonder then if families are feeling stressed and tense. This can even lead to arguments from time to time, even though that’s not what anybody wants. In addition to all that, parents are worried about their family’s health, and about their careers. Children are often aware that parents are stressed, which often leads to them feeling anxious and stressed themselves.

Coping with stressful mental health conditions has become an even greater challenge due to all the changes in our living conditions. Many activities that would normally have a stabilising effect may no longer be possible for one reason or another – our contact with others is limited, our perspectives have changes, and we may be experiencing additional pressure on top of everything. It may be the case that symptoms of yours are reappearing or are heightened, or you may be dealing with something altogether new. Those suffering pre-existing mental health conditions are being called upon to muster an incredible amount of patience and strength, and are using what resources and coping mechanisms remain with courage and confidence. It is completely understandable that this is not always easy.