Up-to-date Information regarding the Corona Virus in the Hannover Region

How many people are infected or under quarantine?

As of 10 a.m. on March 17, 2020, a total of 126 people are registered as infected. The distribution of cases according to district is projected to be published this evening or tomorrow.

Region President Hauke Jagau implores a responsible and thoughtful handling of the situation
“The most important thing is to slow the spread of the Corona Virus. Therefore it is essential that everyone reduce their amount of social contact as much as possible. All must take responsibility for their own protection and take action in order to protect high-risk groups.” It is everyone’s duty to act in a considerate and prudent manner. “The task at hand is to make sure that no one be forgotten and that all receive the help and support that they need. This especially is where neighborly assistance is meaningful: If everyone were to consider all of the people around them who may need help, there wouldn’t be people without assistance!”, said Jagua.

Dr. Mustafa Yilmaz, director of the Hannover Regional Ministry of Health, added: “We have to assume that the rate of infection will swiftly increase in the region. Our health system is equipped for this, but only if everyone does their part to minimize the risk of infection. The good news is that the disease has taken a rather mild course in the region to date. Those from the first round of quarantine have already been released and our first Corona Virus patient has recuperated and is doing well.”

No time to panic: The risks of infection are easy to minimize

Along with the tightening of measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, people's concern about getting infected has also increased. However, just a few simple steps make it easy to reduce the probability of infection:

• Avoid physical contact with others (ex. find creative ways other than hand shaking to greet others)
• Keep a safe 1.5 meters distance (for those exhibiting cold symptoms give a bit more space)
• Wash your hands regularly
• Keep door knobs and handles used by many people especially clean
• Avoid touching your face (esp. mouth, nose and eyes) as much as possible

Currently, about 0.1 % of the population of the Hannover region has been confirmed to be infected with the Corona Virus. The measures currently being taking will help more to prevent the rapid spread of the virus than if no measures were taken. Every single person can do their part to help influence the rate of infection so that the local health system can address the situation. The use of protective clothing among the general population is not recommended and has been proven to have little effect. Protective clothing such as surgical masks should be reserved for those working in direct contact with people infected with Corona Virus. The recommendations above apply to all other social contact.

Quarantine for those who have been in direct contact with infected people

Due to the rising number of people affected by the Corona Virus, as of March 12, 2020 the Ministry of Health will no longer be contacting people who have been in contact with confirmed Corona Virus patients nor placing them under quarantine. Those who have been in direct contact with an infected person are asked to inform the people with whom they have been in contact themselves. Once someone has been informed of contact with someone confirmed to have the Corona Virus, they should place themselves under self-quarantine for 14 days. It is only necessary to contact your doctor if you are currently exhibiting symptoms. Only then will a test be administered. The test should also not occur too soon after the probable infection in order to ensure valid test results.

Info Hotline: 0800/7313131

The Info Hotline for the Hannover region is available daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for questions regarding the Corona Virus.

On March 16, 2020 the hotline received over 1,300 calls. The most frequently asked questions were regarding person health, possible symptoms, what to do in case of infection and how to implement officially recommended protective measures.

Emergency Childcare
The cities and districts are required to provide emergency childcare for children grades 1 through 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Day cares are permitted to offer longer hours. Emergency childcare is intended for parents who work in professions critical to the handling of the Corona Virus, such as healthcare, nursing homes, emergency medical services, police, or utility service providers (gas, electricity, water). Workers who work in the food service industry or sale of groceries and food should also be supported that they too can go to work.

Emergency Telephone Number: 112

As generally applies, the emergency telephone number 112 should only be used in urgent emergency situations. For all other cases that fall outside of your doctor’s office’s operating hours, call the medical stand-by service at 116 117.

What should people for whom the Corona Virus poses a higher risk do?
Dr. Mustafa Yilmaz, Director of the Regional Ministry of Health, has the following instructions for those for whom the Virus poses a higher danger: “Please avoid large crowds of people and take other measures on your own accord in interest of protecting yourself.”

According to the best available knowledge at this time, the following populations are at higher risk of the disease taking a serious course should they be infected with COVID-19:

• People 50 years of age and older

• Those with preexisting heart conditions, diabetes, disease of the respiratory system, liver or kidneys

• People who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system

• People who used medications that weaken the immune system (ex. Cortisone)