Corona self-test is positive: You must take these steps now

After a positive corona self-test, you should act responsibly to avoid further infection. We explain step by step what to do now.

A positive corona test usually indicates infection with the virus Coronavirus there. You must assume that you are very contagious to those around you and should therefore avoid all contact – even if you are already fully vaccinated.

You may feel stressed about the situation and have fear of the virus. So that you can keep track of things during this tense time, we have summarized all the important tips for dealing with a positive rapid test.

Corona self-test positive: you have to do that now

If your corona self-test is positive, it will show two red dashes. Above all, try to remain calm. You now have to take the following steps:

1. Avoid contact and keep your distance: In the event of symptoms, as well as after every positive rapid or self-test, you must immediately avoid contact with other people. If possible, go home or stay home and/or stay away from other people.
2. PCR test: After that you have to make an appointment for a PCR test. You can do this by calling 116117 or by contacting your family doctor. You can do this free of charge at the family doctor or directly at the test center by presenting your positive test. To do this, you first have to fill out a few forms so that the test center can forward your data directly to the health department if the result is positive.
3. Inform contact persons: You usually have to wait 48 hours for the result of the PCR test. Go into quarantine until your test result: stay at home, avoid contacts and keep sufficient distance from other household members. It is best to inform the friends, colleagues and family members you have met in the last few days.
4. Isolation: If the PCR test is also positive, isolation begins. You must isolate for ten days from the day you took the PCR test. However, you can get tested again after seven days if you haven’t had any symptoms for at least two days. If the test is negative, the isolation can also be ended earlier.

You should keep this in mind during isolation

After a positive corona self-test, not only do you have to go into quarantine, but also your contacts. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, there are also exceptions. Boosted contact persons or those whose second vaccination or corona infection was not more than three months ago do not necessarily have to go into quarantine.

However, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) states as a prerequisite that the groups of people mentioned do not show any symptoms that indicate the corona virus. In order to protect yourself and others, it can also do no harm if you test yourself every day.

The following tips will help you master the isolation period:

• Don’t leave the house: Isolation means that you are not allowed to leave the house – not to go shopping, to go for a walk or to go for a walk. Of course, you can still stay and move freely in your own garden.
• Organize groceries/medicines: It is best to inform friends or family members so that they can provide you with food or medication during isolation. If you don’t have anyone in your immediate vicinity who can help you, it’s worth taking a look at the homepage “Quarantine Heroes”. Here you can register and ask for help.
• Fixed daily structures: Try to stick to fixed daily structures during isolation. Plan specific times for studying or working, eating and sleeping. Get up early anyway and dress normally. However, if you are feeling unwell, use the time to rest and get well.
• Social contacts: Even if you are not allowed to meet anyone in isolation, it is certainly good for you to maintain social contacts. You can also maintain your relationships and friendships virtually through telephone calls, video calls or chats.

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