Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) has called on people who have returned from southern Africa in the past ten days to contact a newly established AGES hotline on 01/26 75 032. There you will receive information on where to turn for an official PCR test so that you can be tested for the newly emerged variant of the coronavirus B.1.1.529.
“This is a precautionary measure in order to detect any introduction of the new virus variant as quickly as possible and to be able to take further necessary steps,” said the health minister in a broadcast. Returnees from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini are affected.
The call is aimed at both unvaccinated and vaccinated people, whether they have symptoms or not. “Keep a close eye on your state of health, if at all possible, please go into quarantine voluntarily and reduce your contacts as much as possible!” Said Mückstein. Alternatively, contact details and information on travel activities can also be sent by email to [email protected]. AGES employees will then contact you with information on the official PCR testing.