Information on the novel coronavirus and how to prevent an infection
The Coronavirus Covid-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets. The same hygiene practices that are recommended to prevent the spread of other similar infectious diseases may also help to prevent catching the coronavirus. This includes: thorough hand washing with soap, using disposable tissues when coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and avoiding touching your face.
How to prevent infections
The following info sheet shows ten hygiene tips which help to minimize the risk of an infection for you and others:
Links
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BzgA) [Information in German]
- German Federal Ministry of Health [Information in German]
- World Health Organisation (WHO) Up to date information on the novel coronavirus
- Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs (North Rhine-Westphalia) Information on the current situation in North Rhine-Westphalia [in German]
- European Center for Disease Prevention and Control Information on the coronavirus incl. risk assessment for Europe
- Robert Koch Insitute (RKI) Offical list of risk areas [in German]
- Interactive Map (WHO) Map and list of confirmed cases of COVID-19 world wide
Additional information
The Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BzgA) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) provide additional information on preventing an infection. The Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesgesundheitsministerium) also provides information on the coronavirus [in German]. Information on the current situation in North Rhine-Westphalia is available on the website of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs (Ministerium für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales (MAGS).
The Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs strongly recommends that individuals who have recently visited one of the risk areas or who have been in touch with individuals infected with the coronavirus and who, within two weeks, show symptoms such as fever or respiratory infections, contact their health care provider.
Please make sure to call in advance! Do not visit a clinic or hospital without calling in advance. When calling, inform your health care provider of any symptoms and recent travel or contact with infected individuals.
Risk areas are determined and announced by the Robert Koch Institute. The list is reviewed on a daily basis and the number of infections worldwide is updated.
Many cities and communities also provide information on the local situation. In addition to the information available online, the City of Cologne has launched a hotline. Citizens who have questions on the coronavirus can reach Cologne’s Health Department (Gesundheitsamt) at +49 221/221 33 500.
Information for TH Köln's employees
Links
- German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) Travel and security warnings
- WHO Information on the spread of COVID-19
- Until further notice, business trips to China will not be authorized. Authorizations already given were revoked.
- If you know of any employees or members of TH Köln who are currently in China and need our assistance, please feel free to contact us.
- If you recently returned from a trip to China or another risk area and show symptoms such as fever or respiratory infections, please call your physician.
- Any meetings, congresses or conferences which include individuals whose permanent place of residence is in China are to be postponed or to take place without these guests. Please make appropriate arrangements.
If you are planning a business or private trip in the near future, please consider the current situation at your destination. The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) as well as the World Health Organization provide reliable information on the spread of the virus which is updated daily.
Please carefully evaluate the necessity of your trip.
March 2020