Social Distancing Guide for Students in Germany

An infectious disease called coronavirus (COVID-19) is what causes respiratory ailments. Common signs and symptoms include fever, coughing, and dyspnea. Preventing the virus from spreading is thought to be vitally important. The virus can spread from person to person contact, or more precisely, through cough and sneeze droplets. Social distancing is being practiced by infected nations, such as Germany, in an effort to stop people from becoming infected. A social distancing guide for German students can be found below.

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What Does Social Distancing Mean?

As a precaution against the coronavirus (COVID-19), social distancing requires people to limit their social interactions in order to potentially stop the disease from spreading. Social distancing essentially encourages people to avoid both big and small gatherings in public spaces and to spend as much time at home as possible. As a student, you may be perplexed about social distancing and the rules you should abide by because so many terms are being used during this period. We’ll go into more detail about this below.

Remember that everyone should practice social distancing, regardless of whether they have the virus or not.

Social Distancing Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Allowed to Go to the Grocery Store?

Yes. You are allowed to go to the grocery store. However, you should do so while undertaking the necessary safety measures. Make sure you do not take many trips to the grocery store, go once and do your shopping for the rest of the day, or a few days. You can choose a time when there aren’t many people, so this way you avoid crowds of people or lines. Make sure you wash your hands after you return from the store as well as before you start eating or preparing food.

Can I Use Public Transport?

Using public transport is not advised since it goes against “avoiding isolated places with a lot of people”. However, if you must use public transport, make sure you clean your seat and poles before touching them. As soon as you arrive at your destination, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

Can I Get Food Delivered to Me?

Yes, you may also order food which can be delivered. Keep in mind that you are advised to disinfect the containers before starting to eat, as well as clean your hands.

Can I Take a Walk or Go Elsewhere?

Taking a walk is possible since you’re also allowed to go to the grocery store or the doctor’s office. However, the situation calls for you to stay inside as much as possible. Public gatherings of more than two people (excluding families and those who live together) are banned. The Federal Government has declared that gatherings of any kind, including bars, theatres, or cinemas, are to be halted for the time being. This is to ensure that the virus does not spread and the number of infected people does not increase.

You can go out only if you have to buy essentials like groceries, have to go to work, visit the doctor’s office for appointments that cannot be changed, or urgent family reasons.

Can I Exercise Outside?

Going to the gym is not advised taking into consideration the current situation. However, you may choose to exercise at home or outside (while keeping a safe distance from other people). You have to stay at least 2-metres away from someone else.

Can I Go to the Doctor?

Going to the doctor is allowed but it is wise to cancel all appointments that are not critical. In case you experience coronavirus symptoms, you can call your doctor, the local health department, or call 116 117. You can find your local health authority by postcode if you use this search tool by Robert Koch-Institut.

Can I Visit Family Members/Friends?

You should not have contact with anyone you do not live with, especially the elderly or those who have underlying health issues since these people are more vulnerable to the virus. It is crucial to keep the virus from spreading and protect everyone and particularly those who are more vulnerable. You can keep contact using remote technology like phones, internet, or social media.

What If I Have to Go to Work?

If you are working part-time while being a student and you cannot work remotely, then you can go to work but you must apply the correct safety measures. Use gloves and a face mask when possible and make sure to wash your hands frequently. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

Will My Health Insurance Cover My Expenses While Social Distancing?

No, your health insurance plan as an international student, will not cover your expenses while social distancing. This is because social distancing falls into the category of precautionary measures against the virus. If you do find out that you have coronavirus during this time, health insurance will cover your further medical expenses. The private health insurance company, Dr-Walter, offers coverage of up to 90 days for medical costs, in case you’re forced to spend more time abroad as a result of COVID-19.

Social Distancing Advice

Keep in Mind the Safety Measures

The coronavirus (COVID-19) safety measures are as follows:

• Wash your hands regularly, at least 20-30 seconds with soap.
• Cough or sneeze while covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. Throw the tissue afterwards.
• Avoid large crowds of people or closed spaces with a lot of people.
• Avoid gestures like shaking hands or hugging.
• Avoid using public transport, if you can.
• Avoid visiting public institutions, if you can.
• Avoid shopping when there are a lot of people. Choose a less-busy time of the day.
• Stay away from people who show flu-like symptoms (or coronavirus symptoms).
• Keep a distance of at least 2 meters away from other people.