Home quarantine is intended to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The health department can order a statutory quarantine if you have had close contact with a person infected with corona within the last 14 days or if you have tested positive for the virus yourself. Close contact means that you have spoken to the person personally for at least 15 minutes or have had direct contact with respiratory secretions, e.g. B. was coughed or sneezed on.
According to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), those affected are obliged to follow the instructions of the health department. During the quarantine you are not allowed to leave your four walls and you are not allowed to receive visitors.
In order to protect yourself and your environment as best as possible, the Federal Center for Health Education (BZGA) has drawn up regulations that must be observed. These are sourced from the Infection Control website .
1. Limit contacts to risk groups
During the quarantine, those affected should avoid contact with people from risk groups in the household. This includes the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions.
2. Individual accommodation and regular airing
If you live in a multi-person household, you should definitely make sure that the sick person is accommodated in a separate room , which is entered as little as possible by the other flatmates. The room should also be aired regularly .
3. Keep the minimum distance
Even if it is difficult to keep enough distance in families, shared apartments or other institutions , those affected should still be careful. When meeting a healthy roommate, the minimum distance of
1.5 meters should still be maintained. Wearing a
mouth and nose protector is also helpful .
4. Use common rooms separately if possible
Even if it requires a bit of organization, it makes sense if common areas such as the bathroom or kitchen are used separately. Care should be taken to ensure that surfaces are cleaned and disinfected after use. In general, household items should not be shared with other people. In addition, common rooms should be ventilated regularly.
5. Correct behavior when coughing and sneezing
In addition to the distance regulation, it is just as important to observe the cough and sneeze rules. When sneezing and coughing, keep as far away as possible from other people and, if possible, turn away . Sneeze and cough into the crook of your arm or a paper handkerchief , which you then throw away. You should also wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
6. Comply with hygiene measures
In order to prevent other people in the household from being infected, you and your relatives should always follow the hygiene measures. This includes washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds . It can also be useful to use disinfectants. Also avoid using towels. Dry hands and surfaces with paper towels instead. In general, you should take care to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes .
7. Consultation with the doctor and the health department
If quarantine has been ordered, you should consult your doctor and the health department at regular intervals and inform them about your state of health. During the quarantine, you should measure your body temperature twice a day and keep a diary of the course and any other signs of illness .
The health department will lift the quarantine after ten days at the earliest or if there are no more symptoms after at least 48 hours. In the case of a serious illness, a negative test must first be available.
By the way : Violations of the officially ordered quarantine can be punished with a fine or imprisonment.
8. What to do if signs of illness appear or get worse?
Inform the health department as soon as possible if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and breathing difficulties during the quarantine. If you experience an increase in mild symptoms, you should call your doctor for advice.
If, on the other hand, you have tested positive for Covid-19 and the symptoms are getting worse, call your family doctor’s practice or another practice via the medical on- call service on 116117 immediately . In the event of acute shortness of breath, dial 112 .
9. Where can I get help and support during home quarantine?
- Ask family members, friends, acquaintances, or neighbors to run errands for groceries and medicines for you. It is best to leave your purchases in front of your door.
- Dishes from the delivery service and packages should also be placed in front of the door.
- Ask a family member or friend to walk your dog.
- If there are problems with the supply, contact your health department. Volunteers in your community also offer support.
10. How can I reduce the stress of quarantine for me and my child?
- Develop a reliable daily structure and routine.
- Pay attention to your child’s media consumption and offer other employment opportunities.
- Maintain social contacts with your child, e.g. B. by phone or video chat.
- Make sure you are physically active: tips for playful movements, gymnastics and other sports are available on the Internet.
- If necessary, accept the offer of telephone counseling.
- On the website of your community or city there are hotlines for advice and questions about family life in many places.