Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread to many countries all over the world since the initial outbreak in China, and Germany has naturally also been affected. The virus can be transmitted from person to person by way of respiratory droplets and triggers a respiratory tract infection which has been given the name COVID-19. Especially for persons belonging to certain high-risk groups, the infection can result in serious illness. To slow down and contain the spread of the virus, extensive measures have been implemented. Here, you can find information on such measures in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Dresden.

State government ordinances

Saxon Corona Protection Ordinance

Here, you can find the texts of the currently applicable state government ordinances issued by the Free State of Saxony.
www.coronavirus.sachsen.de

Further information issued by the Free State of Saxony(only available in German).

Symptoms and high-risk groups

Disturbed sense of smell or taste, fever, (dry) cough, sore throat, general fatigue
Less frequently: Pain, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, diarrhoea

Persons at a higher risk of serious illness

Older persons (increasing risk of serious illness from an age of around 50 to 60 years)
Persons with pre-existing medical conditions: Heart diseases, lung diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, conditions resulting in a weakened immune system, obesity
Smokers

Protective and hygiene measures

Maintain a distance of 1.5 to 2 metres to others and avoid crowds wherever possible
Wearing a covering over your mouth and nose can reduce the risk of infection
Cough or sneeze into your elbow
Thorough washing of your hands (20 seconds – for children: Sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
Wash your hands after using a disposable tissue
Avoid touching your face to reduce the risk of the virus coming into contact with your eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid physical contact, including handshakes, when greeting others
Provide for regular and effective ventilation of indoor spaces
The Corona-Warn-App can help to interrupt chains of infection

The use of disinfectants and protective clothing is recommended only for persons working in medical occupations. The Public Health Office is not responsible for supplies of such materials.

Corona-Warn-App

The Corona-Warn-App is an important element of the measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It helps the Public Health Office to identify chains of infection quickly and efficiently. The underlying concept is based on voluntary use of the app. All data are stored locally on the user's own mobile phone. Further information can be found on the website of the Robert Koch-Institute.

Further information

www.rki.de

Wearing a mouth/nose covering

To effectively reduce the risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus for yourself and others, the Free State of Saxony issued a government ordinance under which it has been mandatory to wear a covering over mouth and nose in certain situations (including use of public transport and when entering shops or businesses) since 20th April 2020. In other areas of public life, it is urgently recommended to wear a covering over mouth and nose.

Behaviour in case of suspected infection

Citizens who are displaying relevant symptoms may contact a general practitioner after making an appointment by telephone.
Persons who are known to have had contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus are required to observe a period of quarantine. If the quarantined person later develops symptoms, a general practitioner should be consulted to determine further action (an appointment must be made in advance by telephone). The Public Health Office (Gesundheitsamt) must also be notified by telephone (0351-4885322) or by e-mail.
In exceptional cases, persons who develop symptoms may also seek help at the Corona Outpatient Clinic (Corona-Ambulanz) at Dresden University Hospital.

Important notes

A general practitioner is obliged to treat patients.
The Public Health Office is unable to issue medical certificates (“sick notes”) for presentation to an employer (e.g. if a child is placed in quarantine or in case of voluntary quarantine).

Returning to Germany from abroad

New quarantine regulations of the Free State of Saxony came into force on Monday, 15th June 2020. In accordance with these regulations, persons returning to Germany from abroad must observe a 14-day period of self-isolation if they have visited or stayed in a designated risk area during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Germany. They must travel directly to their place of residence (necessary transfers, e.g. a train connection from the airport, are permissible). Isolation here means: Remaining exclusively in your home and not receiving visitors (quarantine).

A list of risk areas is published by the Robert Koch Institute. Decisive for the purposes of the quarantine regulations is whether the country in question is classified as a risk area on the date of arrival in Germany. The current list of risk areas can be found here.

Insofar as you have visited or stayed in a risk area during the 14 days prior to your arrival in Germany, you are required to report immediately to the Dresden Public Health Office (Gesundheitsamt), either via the corona hotline (0351-4885322) or by e-mail, and must provide the following information:

Full name, date of birth and address of each person concerned
Phone number to enable the Public Health Office to contact you quickly if necessary
Date of entry (arrival in Germany)
Exact description of your travel route for the 14 days before entry, specifying any stopovers and the means of transport used up to arrival in Dresden (e.g. journey starting on 1st June 2020; flight to Sweden, staying until 8th June 2020; flight to Copenhagen, staying until 15th June 2020; return flight to Frankfurt/Main and train to Dresden, arriving at 2.00 p.m. on 15th June 2020)
Occupation (to enable the Public Health Office to decide whether a work-related exemption may apply)

An official notice of quarantine will be sent to youby email or by post within a few days. The requirement to isolate ends automatically 14 days after entry into the country.

Corona hotline of the Dresden Public Health Office
Telephone: 0351-4885322 (Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
E-mail address of the Public Health Office
gesundheitsamt-corona@dresden.de
Direct contact via Facebook
www.facebook.com/stadt.dresden