Hotlines and Recommended Actions for Suspected Cases
If there is a strong suspicion of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, affected individuals should seek clarification or testing. The Senate Department for Health has set up a hotline where you can report suspected coronavirus infections by phone.
The hotline is available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 9028-2828.
You can also contact the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians by calling 116117.
According to the test criteria of the Robert Koch Institute, you are considered a suspected case and should get tested in the following situations:
If you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the last 14 days and are experiencing unexplained cold symptoms. This applies to Category I contacts who had close contact with a COVID-19 case and are at higher infection risk. The Corona-Warn-App will turn red in such cases.
If you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, shortness of breath, fever, or an acute loss or disturbance of smell or taste. If you have respiratory issues and belong to a high-risk group, have regular close contact with many people, work in healthcare, hospitals, or medical practices, or have been in situations with a high likelihood of exposure (such as events in enclosed spaces or inadequate adherence to distancing and hygiene rules). If you have been in contact with individuals experiencing acute respiratory symptoms in an area where the 7-day incidence rate exceeds 35 new infections per 100,000 residents. If your condition has worsened despite existing symptoms.
If any of these cases apply to you, follow these steps: - Stay at home and isolate yourself: Avoid close contact within two meters, wear a face mask when interacting with others, and strictly follow hand hygiene, coughing, and sneezing etiquette.
Contact your doctor or local health department by phone. Depending on your situation, you may receive a SARS-CoV-2 test and further guidance. If hospitalization is not required, stay in home isolation before and after the test until the results are available.
Even if your test result is negative, a second test after 5 to 7 days may be advisable. Your local health department or doctor will provide further information. If you have any questions or uncertainties, contact the Senate Department for Health hotline at 030/90282828 or the district-specific hotlines.
The cost of coronavirus tests in Germany is regulated nationwide. If a doctor determines that a test is necessary, the cost (according to EBM No. 32816) will be covered by the health department or health insurance providers. Individuals without German health insurance must clarify cost coverage directly with their insurance provider.
COVID-19 Clinics in Berlin
Several general practitioners in Berlin have agreed to treat patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms if they cannot contact their regular doctor. These COVID-19 clinics have implemented necessary protective measures and ensured separate patient care.
The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Berlin provides information on clinic locations and treatment requirements on their website.
Please note that COVID-19 clinics are designated for patients experiencing symptoms indicative of a coronavirus infection. Testing facilities for individuals entering or returning from high-risk areas without symptoms are listed separately in a PDF provided by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.