Coronavirus – reliable websites and other sources of information
The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes (COVID-19) are a major topic of discussion in the media and society in general. Alongside good, reputable reports, incorrect or obsolete information sometimes also appears. Here you will find an overview of places, advisory points and websites that offer reliable, in-depth information about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 disease and the latest medical research.
Where can I get advice if I suspect I have an infection?
If you suspect that you have a coronavirus infection, consult your doctor – but only do so over the phone. Alternatively, you can call 116 117 – the medical helpline number.
Important: Do not go to a medical practice without contacting them first. This serves to protect other people in case you are infected.
Anyone interested in using the coronavirus alert app and learning what it means when the app displays a red tile can find answers on the federal government website:
If you have any questions about dealing with SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, you can also contact these advice centers:
Independent Advice for Patients (Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland) – phone 0800 011 77 22
Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit) – public hotline 030 346 465 100
Advice service for the deaf and hard of hearing – email addresses info.deaf@bmg.bund.de or info.gehoerlos@bmg.bund.de
Sign language phone line (video calls) – gebaerdentelefon.de
Where can I find more information about coronavirus?
Scientists are constantly learning more about SARS-CoV-2 and about how a COVID-19 illness progresses and should be treated.
Reputable information sources, such as those listed below, take these new findings into account without distorting any details. You can use this information to make good decisions about your health.
Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit)
The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) provides information about the COVID-19 pandemic on its website. There you will find useful downloads and up-to-date information about all measures relating to COVID-19.
zusammengegencorona.de provides answers to the key questions concerning SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 vaccine and testing procedures. The site also provides information in simple language and sign language, and has content in Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.
Federal Center for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung)
The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and its offerings aim to prevent health risks and support healthy lifestyles.
The BZgA has put together detailed advice on how to avoid becoming infected by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on infektionsschutz.de/coronavirus.
Robert Koch Institute
The Robert Koch Institute is the German government’s central body in the area of disease monitoring and prevention. The institute records the current situation, assesses all the information, estimates the risk to the population and provides recommendations for the experts like the medical professions.
You can find this detailed information on the RKI website.
Where can I get more information?
The federal government provides more advice about coronavirus and COVID-19 – for example, coronavirus travel warnings and the latest workplace guidance.
You can find the latest information about the COVID-19 pandemic on the German federal government website.
On its website, the Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) has put together information for travelers and on risks in different regions.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat) provides information about travel restrictions and border controls.
The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales) explains legal issues relating to employment, such as short-time working and entitlements to compensation.
The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz) has information about economic impacts and coronavirus assistance.
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