Currently, basic protective measures against the coronavirus are in place in Berlin which all residents must follow.
Every asymptomatic person has the opportunity to take advantage of free PoC antigen testing (“rapid tests”) at least once a week in numerous testing centers in Berlin.
Rapid tests are also used for clarification in suspected cases. This applies, for example, to persons who are considered to be close contacts of a confirmed Corona case or in various facilities where a Corona case has occurred. PCR testing may also be used depending on the situation.
Only those persons who have tested positive after a rapid test, self-test or pooling test using nucleic acid detection are now entitled to a free PCR test. PCR follow-up testing is offered in numerous pharmacies in Berlin as well as in other places.
The following groups of people are considered to be vaccinated or recovered:
- Fully immunized persons. Until the end of September 20, 2022, two vaccinations are required for this purpose. As of October 01, persons will only be considered fully vaccinated if they have received three vaccine doses whereby the final vaccination for basic immunization against the coronavirus took place at least three months after the previous vaccination.. The corresponding vaccination certificate must be submitted in digital or paper form. Vaccination certificates issued in the European Union (EU) and outside the EU are accepted provided that the vaccine is recognized by the EU. Persons who have been vaccinated outside the EU can apply for an approved vaccination certificate by presenting their vaccination documents to the relevant authorities.
- Persons who have recently recovered from Covid-19. Evidence of this is a positive PCR test that was performed at least 28 days and no more than 3 months (90 days) ago. These people are considered to be recovered.
- People who have had Covid-19 and have had at least one vaccination. This includes people who received a vaccine dose before they became ill and people who were vaccinated against coronavirus at least once after they became infected. In this case, both a positive test (PCR test) and proof of vaccination in digital or paper form serve as evidence. The test must be at least 28 days old. Persons for whom the above applies are considered fully vaccinated until September 30, 2022. From October 01, 2022, recovered persons will be considered fully vaccinated if they can prove that they have received two doses of vaccination against coronavirus in addition to having recovered from a Covid-19 infection.
- Persons who have a specific positive antibody test which was performed prior to them being vaccinated and have received one vaccine dose are also considered fully vaccinated until September 30, 2022. From October 01, they must have received two doses of vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated.
- Fully vaccinated persons who have received a booster vaccination are considered to be boostered until September 30, 2022. From October 01, they are considered to be fully vaccinated.
In order to contain the rate of infection, access to certain facilities may be restricted to persons who have a current negative test result. Further restrictions on visitors – such as those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered no longer apply.
In the case of mandatory testing, the following applies: rapid tests must generally be carried out at a certified testing center, and are valid for 24 hours. The testing obligation generally also applies to vaccinated and recovered persons.
In hospitals testing is mandatory for visitors, patients and employees. The facilities themselves determine the extent to which the testing obligation is implemented. In emergencies, the testing obligation is waived for all parties involved.
In care facilities, testing can be mandatory for residents, employees and visitors. The facilities decide this independently, taking into account the guidelines of the Robert Koch Institute. If testing is required, the facilities provide the appropriate tests.
Persons aged 14 and over have to wear a FFP2 mask without a ventilation valve or an equivalent mask in the following places:
- In medical practices – for patients and visitors as well as for the staff in direct contact with the patients.
- In hospitals for visitors and patients who are outside their room
- In care facilities for visitors
- In care facilities for staff who carry out activities close to the body and also at the request of the person in need of care
- In local public transport
Children and adolescents between 6 and 13 years of age can wear a medical mask instead of an FFP2 mask in these places.
You have to wear a medical face mask (surgical mask, FFP2 or KN95 mask without a ventilation valve) in the following places:
- In medical practices and hospitals – for staff. An FFP2 mask is mandatory for staff in direct contact with patients.
- In local public transport – for staff
The mask must be worn in such a way that the mouth and nose are completely covered preventing the emission of aerosols and droplets. Anyone who does not comply with the mask wearing obligation risks a fine.
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus must immediately go into isolation at home and avoid all contact with persons outside the household. This does initially not apply to persons whose positive test result is from a self-test which was not carried out under supervision. These persons are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen test at a certified testing center without delay. If this test is positive, the quarantine obligation also applies. If it is negative, a PCR test must be performed. Quarantine at home is to be maintained for 10 days. The isolation requirement ends after this period without a test. Quarantine can be terminated from the fifth day after a negative rapid antigen test if the person concerned has previously been symptom-free for 48 hours. If this is not the case, isolation is extended until the person has been symptom-free for 48 hours and tested negative, but at the latest until the tenth day.
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus using a rapid test at a certified testing center can have a free PCR test to confirm whether they have Covid-19. These are offered among others at numerous pharmacies. If the PCR test is negative, there is no obligation to go into quarantine.
