Information on coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

In line with the tighter rules on mask use issued by the Senate of Berlin, Charité has amended its rules for visitors and patients. The wearing of surgical masks will no longer be permitted. 

• All patients must wear an FFP2 mask when leaving their rooms and while others are present in their (single or shared) rooms.
   
• FFP2 masks will be compulsory for all visitors wishing to visit family members in hospital.

Our video demonstrates how to use masks which cover the mouth and nose correctly.

Case numbers continue to fall, and we appear to have passed the peak of the Omicron wave. As a result, Charité is updating its rules for visitors and accompanying visitors.

From 7 March 2022, inpatients will once again be permitted to receive one visitor per day, for a maximum of one hour.  Critically ill patients will be exempt from this restriction.

Outpatients, day case patients and patients attending Charité’s emergency departments may bring one accompanying visitor.

All visitors and accompanying visitors must provide proof of a negative rapid antigen test result obtained on the day of their visit.

The aim of these rules is to prevent the virus from entering and spreading through Charité, and to optimize the level of protection in place both for Charité staff and for particularly vulnerable patients with severe underlying medical conditions.
 

What these new rules mean in practice:

• Only individuals with a negative rapid antigen test result will be permitted to visit or accompany patients. This rule also applies to fully vaccinated and recovered individuals. To be considered valid, the negative test result must be no older than 24 hours. This testing requirement also applies to children above the age of 5 and to adolescents. Presentation of the child’s student ID card will not be sufficient. Asymptomatic children aged 5 or younger will not require proof of testing.
   
• To gain admission to hospital grounds, all visitors will be asked to show proof of a negative test result, in addition to an identity card or passport. Visitors will then be issued with a visitor pass or visitor armband and granted admission to Charité premises. Visitors who are unable to produce a visitor pass or armband will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
   
• Children and adolescents under the age of 19 who are being accompanied by a parent or carer during their stay may continue to receive one visitor (another parent or carer) for up to one hour every day. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, subject to discussion with the ward’s clinical and nursing managers.

The following rules remain unchanged:

• Mask mandate and distancing rules: Visitors and accompanying visitors must wear FFP2 masks (without a valve) at all times while inside Charité buildings and maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from others whenever possible, including when outside.
   
• Individuals with symptoms of respiratory infection will not be permitted within any Charité buildings.

Please bring your identity card or passport with you to your scheduled visit. These will be checked at the entrance and your details recorded. You will then be issued with a visitor pass or visitor armband and granted admission to the hospital grounds.

Visitors are advised that checks at entrances may result in delays. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. To minimize delays, please ensure that you have all required documentation ready for inspection.

• Why is it important to use face masks in hospitals?
   
• What needs to be considered when putting on and wearing face masks?
   
• Can masks be reused?
   
• What rules must patients and visitors observe while using Charité’s inpatient and outpatient areas?

Our video provides you with the answers to these questions.