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Do you have to self-quarantine if relatives or colleagues are suspected?
Not at the beginning. Only the person named in the notification from the health authority should go into quarantine. People who live in the same household can basically keep running errands and go to work. However, it is advisable to separate spatially within the apartment and not to use the same hygiene items, sanitary facilities or towels. If possible, it is also recommended to isolate yourself if you live with a suspect and there is still no negative result.
Do you have to be in quarantine if you have been in contact with infected people?
If you had contact with a person who tested positive for more than 15 minutes without maintaining a distance of two meters, you will receive a quarantine order. You are then considered a Category 1 contact person. As such, the quarantine should continue even if your own test result is initially negative. This can lead to a quarantine time of up to 20 days, because although the originally infected person has already recovered, they still had contact on the last infectious day and could carry the virus.
It’s different with young children, right?
Not yet, but: the Health Ministry recently issued a recommendation that children up to ten years old no longer have to be quarantined for ten days if there is a case of corona in their class. If they have tested negative themselves and have no symptoms, they can continue to attend school. The background to this is that children do not play an important role in transmitting the virus. The health authorities of the federal states have not yet implemented the recommendation. Until now, like older children, they have had to be quarantined in case of having a positive partner.
How can you take care of yourself?
As soon as the notification is sent, you will no longer be able to leave the apartment. Ideally, family members, friends, or neighbors can secure supplies. Of course, this should happen without direct contact. If you have difficulty securing the supply in this way, you can contact the Austrian team. Then a team brings food and medicine home. If you suddenly need acute medical attention during illness, you should call 1450 or the ambulance at 144.
How long does the quarantine last?
In Austria, you currently have to be quarantined for ten days. Experts are currently discussing whether the period will be shortened. Patients with a severe course of the disease can end quarantine no earlier than ten days after the onset of symptoms, at least 48 hours after they have been symptom free and with a negative corona test. If the disease progresses slightly, it is only necessary to observe the time periods; no retest is necessary. If there was an asymptomatic course, the quarantine can simply be ended after ten days.
Who controls the quarantine and what threats if it is violated?
The respective district administrative authorities verify if the quarantine is fulfilled. Violations can result in a fine of up to 1,450 euros. You can also be subject to prosecution if you put other people at risk of contracting communicable diseases. By the way, neighbors do not have to be automatically informed about a quarantine or an infection. Health data must be treated confidentially in Austria. If there was contact, the health authorities take over.
