Quarantine: Meaning and Tips

What is a quarantine?

Most people have only come into contact with quarantine or (voluntary) isolation with the outbreak of the Corona pandemic. Often these two terms are confused with each other.

Isolation

As a rule, isolation is ordered by public health departments or other competent authorities. The legal basis for this in Germany is the Infection Protection Act (IfSG).

If the course of the disease is mild, isolation can also take place at home (see: Domestic isolation). Those who have to be treated in hospital are isolated there, e.g. in a special isolation ward.

In emergency and crisis situations, mobile isolation wards (e.g. quarantine tents) are sometimes also used.

Quarantine applies to persons who are more likely to have been infected with a pathogen requiring isolation. This applies, for example, to contact persons, persons with corresponding symptoms (even if a test is – still! – negative) or travelers from countries with a high risk of infection.

In the event of a local outbreak, an entire county or valley may also be quarantined. All people in this quarantine zone must then comply with the measures and rules ordered by the authorities.

Who must be quarantined?

In case of a corresponding disease, the isolation obligation or quarantine applies to

  • Diseased persons
  • Germ excretors who have no symptoms themselves but are infected and can infect others. These include people who are asymptomatic, but also newly infected persons during the incubation period (incubation excretors), convalescents (convalescent excretors).

In some diseases, infected persons continue to excrete for more than three months after they have recovered and in some cases even for the rest of their lives (permanent excretors).

How long does quarantine or isolation last?

For persons who are only suspected of possible infection, the quarantine period depends on the incubation period of the respective disease. If this period has elapsed without a positive test, it can be assumed that the person concerned has not been infected.

How long is the quarantine period for Corona infections?

Mandatory isolation: Following a positive Sars-CoV-2 test, there is a regulatory requirement to isolate oneself at home for five days. It is strongly recommended that infected individuals test themselves regularly and not abandon isolation until the rapid test is negative.

These rules also apply to isolation and quarantine for omicron infection or suspected infection, despite the often milder courses.

For health care workers, separate measures apply to return to work in addition to the isolation and quarantine rules for the general population.

  • For infected individuals: 48 hours symptom-free plus negative rapid professional test or PCR test.
  • For contacts: Daily testing with rapid test before going on duty.

What does domestic quarantine mean?

In some cases, competent authorities may also order quarantine or seclusion in a person’s own home or other non-medical building. This is also the case for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

What do I need to know about home quarantine or isolation?

The goal of home self-isolation or quarantine is not to infect anyone. You can also use these quarantine rules to protect others in your household.

  • You and the other members of your household should wash your hands regularly, thoroughly and for at least 20 seconds with soap.
  • Also, follow the coughing and sneezing rules (i.e., use disposable tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, turning away from others, then wash your hands).
  • It is best to use disposable cloth towels to dry your hands.
  • Do not put your hands on your face, especially your nose, mouth or eyes.
  • Air all kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living rooms regularly.
  • Do not share dishes or linens with others living in the same household until they have been cleaned as usual.
  • Avoid close physical contact and keep a minimum distance of 1.5 to two meters from other household members.
  • Wear a mouth-to-nose mask if you must necessarily be in the same room with other household members. They should also put on a mask.
  • Clean surfaces and objects with which you come into contact (door handles, light switches, etc.) regularly – possibly also with a surface disinfectant after consulting a doctor.
  • Use your own garbage bag, which you keep in the patient’s room until disposal.
  • If you live alone: Have neighbors, friends or relatives get you groceries and other needed items and leave them outside your door. If necessary, you can also ask the fire department, the technical relief organization or volunteers in your community for assistance.
  • Do you have a dog? Then ask neighbors, relatives or friends to walk it regularly.
  • Take your body temperature twice a day and make a note of any symptoms of illness. Also write down who you have had personal contact with recently.
  • Notify a doctor if you develop a cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or a severe feeling of illness.

Tips for quarantine and isolation

Quarantine or isolation can be particularly frightening and challenging for children. Explain the situation to your offspring in a way that is appropriate for their age. Try to convey calm and confidence.

  • Ensure a reliable daily structure with fixed times for getting up, eating and going to bed – for yourself and your children. For school children, fixed times for homework are also important. Don’t forget to take small breaks in between.
  • Those who are “cooped up” at home often tend to spend a lot of their time in front of the TV or computer. However, media consumption should remain within limits – both for you and for your children. Make sure your children have access to age-appropriate, reputable media and information sources (for example, on the current Covid 19 situation).
  • Keep moving mentally, too, especially if you can’t challenge your mind in the home office. Try reading, (creative) writing, puzzles or (thinking) games, for example.
  • Relaxation exercises are especially recommended if you are tense or anxious. On the Internet you can find lots of suggestions and instructions for breathing exercises, meditation, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation. (Age-appropriate) relaxation exercises can also help children.
  • If you or your family are experiencing anxiety, worry, frustration or conflict, do not hesitate to seek help by telephone even during quarantine – for example, from relatives, your family doctor, the telephone counselling service or other crisis services. You can find information about suitable contact points on the Internet (for example, on the homepage of your municipality or city).

Legal information on quarantine

If you as an employee are affected by an official measure such as a ban on activities or a quarantine, you may have a claim for remuneration against your employer.

Further information

Robert Koch Institute: Recommendations on isolation and quarantine in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure, as of 2.5.2022: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Quarantaene/Absonderung.html

Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA): Infektiosschutz.de: “Quarantine and isolation”, 26.09.2022