Respiratory illnesses caused by the novel coronavirus were first detected in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan (Hubei Province) in early December 2019. The virus can be transmitted from person to person.

Coronaviruses in general usually cause mild courses of disease, but can also lead to severe, possibly fatal courses. The novel coronavirus can lead to a severe infection of the lower respiratory tract and to pneumonia in some of the infected persons. So far, deaths have mainly occurred in patients who had already suffered from severe underlying diseases.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) estimates the overall risk of spread in Germany as high (as of 24.3.2020). The RKI publishes current case numbers, affected countries and information on risk areas.

Behaviour in case of suspected infection

A warning and information system has been set up for travellers arriving by plane from a risk area.

If you are returning from a risk area or have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and develop symptoms such as fever or respiratory problems within 14 days, the RKI recommends contacting a doctor (phone call) and coordinating your visit or dialling 116117.

Doctors and laboratories must report suspected illness with the novel coronavirus to the public health department. The public health department

• can implement further measures to protect against infection,
• reports information about the case to the state authorities. Name, address and other personal data are not transmitted. The RKI evaluates all information on the novel coronavirus centrally.

General protection against infections

The RKI and the BZgA refer to the usual general rules of conduct for protection against infectious diseases:

• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly.
• observe etiquette when coughing and sneezing
• Keep your distance from people who are ill.

These also serve to protect against influenza, for example.

In the case of acute respiratory infections, it can be useful for an ill person to wear a mouth-nose protection. This can reduce the risk of infecting other people through droplets that are produced when coughing or sneezing (external protection).

Information for travellers

The Federal Foreign Office publishes health recommendations for travel abroad as required. Current information can be obtained from the travel and safety advice of the Federal Foreign Office.