Coronavirus

Every person is urged to reduce physical-social contacts with other persons except for members of the own household and persons for whom there is a right of custody or access.

In the case of private gatherings in enclosed spaces, it is recommended that the minimum distance be maintained, that general hygiene be observed, and that adequate ventilation be provided. Where possible, it is recommended that private gatherings be held outside enclosed spaces.

It is strongly recommended to keep a minimum distance of at least 1.5 meters wherever possible and reasonable.

The mask recommendation applies generally in enclosed spaces.

Masks are mandatory (medical mask) in the following enclosed spaces

1. Buses and trains of local transport
2. shelters for homeless people/asylum seekers

Mask obligation (FFP-2 mask)

1. Buses and trains of long-distance traffic
2. surgeries and medical facilities
3. Sick and rehabilitation facilities (wide-ranging exceptions for treated and cared-for persons)
4. (Partial) inpatient care facilities, living arrangements for persons with disabilities (wide-ranging exemptions for treated and cared-for persons)
5. Outpatient care services and similar services

There is a testing requirement for individuals in:

1. Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
2. (Partially) inpatient care facilities, residential facilities for people with disabilities.

With the exception of':

• persons with an insignificant stay
• vaccinated or recovered persons

If an unvaccinated or unrecovered person is working in the above-mentioned facilities, three self-tests per week are sufficient.

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Please do not brush your teeth, chew gum, smoke or suck candy for about 30 minutes beforehand.

If a self-test is positive, then it is possible for the tested person to have a PCR test performed immediately. Please contact your family doctor.

Immediately go into domestic isolation, avoid contact with other persons. If your PCR test or the certified rapid test is also positive, report to the health department using the online form.

Classic PCR test

• Test detects the genetic material of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) (PCR = polymerase chain reaction).
• Test is considered the most reliable method to detect infection.
• PCR tests are always snapshots, but reliably detect low levels of viral genome in the nasopharynx.
• It takes a longer time for results to become available (currently about 24 hours).
• Swab from the mouth, nose or throat.
• Samples are analyzed in laboratories.
• Use in persons with symptoms typical of corona, category I contacts, prior to planned surgery, during outbreaks, when risk is indicated in the Corona Warning App.

PCR rapid test

• Test like classic PCR test, based on detection of the genetic material of the virus
• Swab from oral pharyngeal cavity directly on site (point-of-care).
• "Cartridge tests": (simplified) have the lab integrated in a small box, therefore no transport time to the lab, thus fast results (few hours).
• Tests are less reliable, however.
• Used in situations where it is necessary to quickly find out if person is infectious (emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, nursing homes...), also used in some general practitioners and pediatricians' offices.

Antigen rapid test

• Rapid test confirms direct pathogen detection.
• relatively new on the market
• similar to pregnancy test: patient sample (e.g. saliva, nasal swab material) is taken and mixed with solution, then applied to test kit
• Unlike PCR tests, they do not detect the genetic material of the virus, but protein fragments (proteins) of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, the so-called antigens.
• Tests are performed directly at the point of care (doctor's office, test centers, nursing homes...) by a third party authorized by infection control law.
• Tests provide rapid results (approx. 15 minutes).
• Disadvantage: If the number of viruses is low, false negative results may result; rarely, a test may be false positive. Each positive rapid test must be followed by PCR testing to confirm the result. Until the PCR test result is available, the person must remain in quarantine.

Antibody test

• does not detect virus itself, but immune system reaction to pathogen (antibodies), indicates previous infection
• not suitable for detecting acute infection, therefore not an alternative to PCR test
• Antibody tests are available in the form of laboratory or rapid tests.
• for certain occupational groups (nursing, medical staff, certain risk groups...) and under special questions
• Informative value of the antibody test currently unclear, duration of antibody detection subject to research

FFP2 or comparable mask

Unless and to the extent that physical contact with patients, persons under care, persons being cared for or employees is not excluded within closed rooms of these facilities and companies:

1. Hospitals,
2. Facilities for outpatient surgery,
3. Preventive or rehabilitation facilities where medical care comparable to hospitals is provided,
4. Dialysis facilities,
5. day clinics,
6. offers of outpatient nursing services providing intensive outpatient care in institutions, residential groups or other communal forms of living,
7. fully or partially inpatient facilities for the care and accommodation of elderly, disabled or persons in need of care or comparable facilities,
8. services provided by outpatient care services and companies offering services comparable to those provided by the facilities referred to in No. 7; this does not include offers of assistance in everyday life within the meaning of Section 45a (1) Sentence 2 of the Eleventh Book of the German Social Code (SGB XI),
9. Rescue services

mandatory use of masks (OP mask or FFP2)

1. in closed means of public transport as passengers as well as control and service personnel and driving and control personnel, insofar as there is physical contact with other persons due to the activity,
2. in doctors' and dentists' surgeries, with the exception of treatment rooms, if the nature of the service does not permit this,
3. in closed rooms of
   a) shelters for the homeless in accordance with § 36 Para. 1 No. 3 IfSG or
   b) facilities in accordance with § 36 Para. 1 No. 4 IfSG for the communal accommodation of asylum seekers, persons who are obliged to leave the country, refugees and ethnic German immigrants, if and insofar as physical contact with the persons accommodated or employees is not excluded within the closed rooms of these facilities.

In addition, it is strongly recommended that masks continue to be worn indoors wherever the minimum distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained, e.g., in waiting lines. Also outdoors, wearing a mouth-nose covering in situations with groups of people (e.g. weekly markets, public transport stops) can provide further protection against infection.

Wearing a mouth-nose covering serves as protection for you and the people around you against possible infection with the coronavirus. If it is not possible for you to wear a mouth-nose covering for health reasons, you must present a medical certificate or attestation for this purpose.

The medical certificate must contain the following information:

• full name,
• date of birth,
• if presented to the competent authorities: a specific reason for exemption from the obligation to wear it.

If the collected data is checked, it must be kept confidential. The collected data may be used exclusively for the purpose of proving certain hygiene rules. A copy of the certificate may not be made.

The higher protective effect of medical mouth-nose coverings compared to community masks is only achieved if you wear the mouth-nose covering correctly. This is the only way to significantly reduce the risk of infecting yourself and others with the coronavirus. You should therefore observe the following:

• If possible, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before using the medical mouth-nose covering.
• Always handle the mask by the straps only.
• Pull the straps over both ears.
• The mask must fit snugly over the mouth, nose and cheeks.
• The edges of the mask should fit snugly against the face so that no air can be breathed in or out past the mask.
• If the mask becomes soaked or wet, for example due to saliva sputum or even rain, it should be removed and replaced.
• When removing the mask, use only the straps and do not touch the non-woven fabric if possible.

There are further instructions for wearing FFP-2 or FFP-3 masks. Paying attention to them is really important: the mask will only protect you if it is worn properly - leaks increase the risk of infection.

1. Your mask must fit snugly and fit over your mouth, nose and cheeks. The edges of the mask should fit snugly and not allow airflow past the mask. This means pressing the wire straps close to the bridge of your nose so that the mask fits your face shape. Often the masks can also only be used with the help of special retaining straps and foam seals on the nose without edge openings.
2. When using the mask for the first time, please test it to see if it allows enough air to pass through to minimize obstruction to normal breathing.
3. Please change your mask as soon as it becomes soaked. Refer to the following section for reuse instructions.
4. Please always remove your mask via the straps and do not touch the front.
5. Difference between masks with and without exhalation valve: Masks without a valve filter both the inhaled and exhaled air. Masks with a valve filter only the inhaled air and thus offer little external protection.

Beard wearers

Beard wearers are recommended to shave before wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks, otherwise the protection is not guaranteed. However, in Thuringia, one may switch to the medical surgical mask - and for this, the beard does not have to be removed.

FFP2 masks are actually intended for single use. In the field of occupational safety, for example, they are disposed of at the end of a working day. Or they may need to be replaced earlier, for example, if they become soiled or soaked.

In the event that FFP2 masks are only worn for a short time, such as when shopping or on public transport, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices provides instructions for reuse.

FFP2 masks (or masks with a comparable protective effect) are almost exclusively intended for single use with disposal at the end of e.g. one day, i.e. reprocessing is usually not possible. The mask must also be changed in the event of moisture penetration or contamination. For possible multiple use and correct application, please refer to the information provided by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

Specific information on disinfection and private reuse can be obtained from the Münster University of Applied Sciences, which has tested various procedures with the support of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

1. disinfection procedure: 7 days drying with room air

SARS-CoV-2 is infectious on mask materials even at room temperature for a long period of time. For example, if you use the FFP2 mask on a Monday for shopping or public transportation, let the mask dry in room air (preferably hung in an airy place) for the next six days of the week. And when it is Monday again, exactly after one week, you can use the mask again.

2. drying in the oven at 80°C with top and bottom heat

With the procedure "Dry heat 80°C for 60 minutes" SARS-CoV-2 can be completely inactivated. Outside the oven, cover the clean oven rack/grid with baking paper. Place the dry mask and a roasting or oven thermometer on the baking paper, but leave it still outside the oven. Set the oven to 80°C top and bottom heat (it is not known whether pathogens can detach from the mask in convection/hot air).

The most important features in FFP2 masks to look for when buying are:

• Indication of the manufacturer and clear marking of the model,
• Class (FFP2),
• indication of the number and year of the underlying standard,
• With the CE marking, the manufacturer certifies compliance with European safety regulations,
• NR (not reusable) or R (reusable) marking,
• A four-digit identification number provides information about which testing body monitors the quality of FFP2 masks. In the NANDO database, you can use the identification number to display the corresponding test center,
• Instructions for use in German.

Contact the health department

For questions about Corona, please use the email address gesundheitsamt@jena.de.
We will quickly forward your request to the correct contact person:in on weekdays.

As an infected person, please use this contact form.

As a contact person, please use this form.