Arriving during COVID19

• Where should I submit my arrival details?

• Please submit your arrival details in the above-mentioned online form.
• If you are under the obligation to self-isolate after entry according to the information you submitted and the current Coronavirus Entry Regulations and risk areas, we will inform you about it and assign you a tutor as soon as possible. Your tutor will later contact you directly and you two can discuss when and where you shall meet. The tutor will pick up the key of your student dormitory room in advance
• If you are under no obligation to self-isolate after entry according to the information you submitted and the current Coronavirus Entry Regulations and risk areas (because you won't be spending time in any risk-areas ten days prior to entry and/or you can submit proof of recovery/vaccination before entry so that no quarantine is necessary), you will not be contacted by us. Please contact Studentenwerk yourself to pick up the key of your dormitory. If you belong to the student status group "Exchange student (ERASMUS+ / NON-EU programs)”, please contact Interstudis directly and make sure to do so at least ten days before your arrival. Interstudis may be able to find a student buddy for you to help you with your arrival. However, it's not guaranteed.

• Where can I apply for a place of residence in a student dormitory of the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder)?

• On the website of Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).

• What else do I need to consider?

• Read the information regarding travel regulations below!!!
• We strongly recommend that you carry a sufficient amount of cash (approx. 300,00 - 400,00 Euros) for the first days on site to be able to cover all costs for food and groceries.
• We also advise you to carry a well-equipped first-aid kit with necessary medication, personal hygiene products (shower gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), mouth and nose protection as well as a sufficient number of towels.
• You will not be able to wash your clothes during the quarantine period. Therefore, you should make sure to pack enough clean laundry for a period of 8 - 14 days.

COVID-19 related regulations may apply to you, e.g. the obligation to register, furnish proof and quarantine on entry. You must follow the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations, which is in the FAQ on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG)).

Basically, whether you are under obligation to quarantine depends on if you have

• stayed in an area classified as a high-risk area or area of variants of concern within the ten days prior to entry and/or

• recovered or been vaccinated.

We’ve summarized some of the most important regulations. For more questions (marked with “[…]” in this form) like exemptions in detail, please read the above-mentioned FAQ thoroughly.

• How do I know the status of the country I am arriving from (e.g. high-risk area, area of variant of concern)?

• The list of high-risk areas (“Hochrisikogebiete”) and areas of variant of concern (“Virusvariantengebiete”) is published on the website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the government’s central scientific institution with the task of Identification, surveillance and prevention of diseases. The website is in German but you can also find an English version of the list. As the epidemiological situation worldwide is still volatile, therefore, the infection or incidence rate can rapidly change at any time, we recommend all students to check the official list of the RKI regularly. This way, you can ensure immediately before departure that the region from which you are travelling has not retroactively been designated as a SARS-CoV-2 high-risk area or area of variants of concern and that you therefore have to consider other entry regulations.

• Obligation to register

• Where do people entering the country need to register?

• Even before entering Germany, you must carry out a digital registration on entry if, at any time in the ten days prior to your entry, you spent time in an area classified as a high-risk area or an area of variants of concern at the time of your entry. Please enter information on the places you stayed over the previous 10 days on this travel portal. After filling in all of the necessary information, you will receive a PDF file as confirmation. Before transporting you to your destination, your carrier, as a rule, will check whether you are in possession of a confirmation. Otherwise, the carrier will not be allowed to take you. Please note that persons across all age groups must be registered and children under the age of 6 are not exempted.

[…]

• Obligation to furnish proof

• Who is required to furnish proof?

• Travellers aged 6 or over must, irrespective of the mode of transport or whether they previously spent time in a high-risk area or area of variants of concern, as a rule carry with them a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery when entering the country. […] Persons travelling by air must already present such proof to their carrier before departure. […]

•  How recent must the test be?
• The test result must pertain to a test that is no older than 48 hours. As a rule, when calculating these time frames, the time of entry into Germany is decisive. Where entry takes place using a carrier and the testing comprised a nucleic acid test (e.g. PCR), the actual time or scheduled time of the carrier’s departure is decisive. […]

• What test are recognized?
• In principle, nucleic acid amplification techniques (PCR, LAMP, TMA) and antigen tests are recognised for the direct detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Antibody tests are not recognised as proof of testing. Proof of testing can be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish in written or digital form. […] A self-test is not sufficient.

• What constitutes proof of recovery?
• Proof of immunity acquired through previous infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus issued in written or digital form in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish. The proof must comply with the requirements published on the internet by the Robert Koch Institute at www.rki.de/covid-19-genesenennachweis with regard to the following criteria:
• Type of testing that may be used to demonstrate prior infection,
• The amount of time that must have elapsed after the test demonstrating the prior infection or the test certificate needed to lift the isolation on account of a prior infection,
• The maximum period of time that may have passed since the test performed to demonstrate the prior infection.

Please inform yourself at www.rki.de/covid-19-genesenennachweis about the current requirements for the recognition of proof of recovery.

• What constitutes proof of vaccination?
• In the context of entry, proof of vaccination must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish. It must prove full vaccine protection against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a televant vacination listet by the Paul-Ehrlich Institue.

Please inform yourself at www.pei.de/impfstoffe/covid-19 about the current requirements for the recognition of proof of vaccination.

• Obligation to quarantine on entry

• Who needs to quarantine after entry?
• If, at any time within the ten days prior to entry, you spent time in an area classified as a high-risk area or area of variants of concern at the time of your entry, you must, as a rule, make your way directly to your home – or other place of accommodation at your destination – upon arrival and remain isolated there (home quarantine). If you are entering Germany following a stay in a high-risk area, you will need to self-isolate for ten days; if you spent time in an area of variants of concern prior to entry, the self-isolation period is 14 days.

  Home quarantine automatically ends if the area concerned is no longer listed under www.rki.de/risikogebiete (known as de-listing).

• Does the quarantine obligation also apply to people who have recovered or who have been vaccinated?
• Home quarantine can be ended early by submitting proof of vaccination or of recovery via the upload portal of the Digital Registration on Entry. Please use the individual link you were provided in your registration confirmation (PDF document) to upload your proof. This applies to all travelers who previously spent time in an area classified as a high-risk area at the time of their entry into the Federal Republic of Germany. Quarantine can be ended after they have submitted proof of vaccination or of recovery.

  If proof of recovery or vaccination is already submitted before entry, no quarantine is necessary.

• What if I stayed in an area classified as an area of variants of concern?
• Following a stay in an area classified as an area of variants of concern at the time of their entry into the Federal Republic of Germany, even people with proof of vaccination or recovery are, as a rule, obligated to quarantine for fourteen days. […]

• When can I get tested to be released from quarantine

• Following a stay in an area classified as a high-risk area at the time of entry into the Federal Republic of Germany, home quarantine can be ended early by submitting a negative test result via the upload portal of the Digital Registration on Entry. Please use the individual link you were provided in your registration confirmation (PDF document) to upload your proof. However, this test may not have been taken earlier than five days following entry into the country. Quarantine can be ended from the time you have submitted your negative test result. […]

• Is testing to be released also an option after having stayed in an area of variants of concern?

• After having stayed in an area classified as an area of variants of concern at the time of entry into the Federal Republic of Germany, the quarantine period lasts for a period of 14 days and cannot be ended early. However, there is the possibility of shortening the self-isolation period by submitting a negative test result if the respective area of variants of concern is downgraded during the self-isolation period following entry into Germany. In this case, when the self-isolation period ends depends on the regulations for high-risk areas. […]

• How is the quarantine duration and the five-day deadline for “test to release” calculated?

• If, at any time within the ten days prior to entry, you spent time in an area classified as a high-risk area or area of variants of concern, you must, as a rule, make your way directly to your home – or other place of accommodation at your destination – upon arrival and remain isolated there (home quarantine). If you are entering Germany following a stay in a high-risk area, you will need to self-isolate for ten days; if you spent time in an area of variants of concern prior to entry, the self-isolation period is 14 days.

  Example: This means that if you entered the country on 1 August 2021 after spending time in a high-risk area, your self-isolation will end on 11 August 2021 (you can move freely on 12 August 2021); after spending time in an area of variants of concern, however, it will end on 15 August 2021 (you can move freely on 16 August 2021).

• What happens if I test positive before I travel?

  •  In this case you can not travel to Germany. Please contact your doctor and follow the local corona rules.

• How can I get my key to the student dormitory (and the SIS-Pack)?

  •  If you are under the obligation to self-isolate after entry, the tutor will pick up your key for you and meet with you when you arrive. If you have ordered a SIS-Pack, the tutor will also pick it up and leave it in your room in advance. A SIS pack is an offer from the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder). It contains: plate, cup, cutlery, pillow, duvet, bed linen, fitted sheets, pot, pan, trash bags and toilet paper) The cost of the SIS-Pack is 50,00 Euros and will be transferred to the Studentenwerk in advance, together with the deposit.
  • If you are under no obligation to self-isolate after entry, you need to contact the Studentenwerk yourself to pick up your key (and the SIS-Pack) or contact Interstudis directly if you belong to the student status group "Exchange student (ERASMUS+ / NON-EU programs) or double degree programs”.

• How will I get my supplies during quarantine?

• If you are in quarantine, we offer you a comprehensive shopping service, which you can make use of upon demand. For this purpose, you will be in close contact with dedicated student tutors who can do your shopping for you in nearby supermarkets or other shops on two to three dates a week. The shopping will be handed over in compliance with the usual hygiene regulations, especially with a safety distance of two meters. The student tutors will clarify the exact details and shopping lists with you personally. Make sure that you carry a sufficient amount of cash (approx. 300,00 - 400,00 Euros) for the first days on site to be able to cover all costs for food and groceries.

• Where are the COVID-19 test sites in Frankfurt (Oder)?

• According to BMG, nucleic acid amplification techniques (PCR, LAMP, TMA) and antigen tests are recognised for the direct detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Antibody tests are not recognised as proof of testing. There are two options for “test to release” (Freitesten) in Frankfurt (Oder).

• Option 1: Certified rapid antigen test at a test site

  You can get a result in about 15 minutes. Most of them are possible without an appointment.

  You can find a list of COVID-19 test sites on the website of the city:
  https://www.frankfurt-oder.de/Verwaltung-Politik/Verwaltung/Aktuelles/Informationen-zum-Corona-Virus-Sars-CoV-02-/COVID-19-Teststellen-in-Frankfurt-Oder-/

  The antigen test is also called citizen test (Bürgertest) at some test sites. Please remember to upload your test result using the individual link mentioned above. A self-test is not recognised for “test to release”.

• Option 2: PCR Test at the local health department (Gesundheitsamt)

  You can get a result in about 1-2 work days because it takes time for the laboratory to process. This test is only available at around 9 a.m. on a work day. If you arrive on a Monday, the PCR test can be carried out on the next Monday earliest. You have to make an appointment with us.

  If you want to take this PCR test, you have to send an email with the subject "Freitesten" to intoffice@europa-uni.de after your arrival in Germany, but no later than the next day. Your email must contain the following information:

  Date of entering Germany (DD.MM.YYYY)
  Surname
  First name
  Sex
  Date of Birth (DD.MM.YYYY)
  Address in Frankfurt (Oder) including street, house number and apartment number
  E-Mail
  Phone number (if you have one)

• Can I take the PCR test at the local health department for a trip later? ·       

• No. This PCR test is only available for “test to release” for newly arrived students. You are not entitled to take this PCR test if your quarantine is already ended, e.g. for a trip during the holidays. But you can still take a certified rapid antigen test at a test site for free. Please note that some test sites may not be open any more if the Covid-19 situation gets better.
  

• Where can I dispose my garbage during quarantine?

  • You can leave the garbage bags on Wednesdays, by 10 a.m. outside the door of your dormitory during the quarantine. The trash will be collected every Wednesday. Please follow the waste separation in Germany. During the quarantine you can only leave the following two types of trash outside the door:
  • Yellow bags („Gelber Sack“): Light-weight packaging, i.e. all packaging which are not made of glass or paper (for example aluminum foil, plastic bags, tins, yoghurt cups, Tetra-packs in which juice and milk are sold, plastic bottles and coffee packs)
  • Black bags („Schwarzer Sack“): residual waste or household waste and all other types of waste that cannot be recycled (for example, porcelain, hygiene articles, dirty packaging, damaged shoes or utensil, vacuum cleaner bags, diapers, cigarette butts, window glasses).

Please keep paper waste in your room and throw the trash yourself after the quarantine. Used batteries don’t belong to Black bags or Yellow bags. You can throw them into the batterie recycle boxes in super markets after your quarantine. Please keep paper waste in your room and throw the trash yourself after the quarantine. Used batteries don’t belong to Black bags or Yellow bags. You can throw them into the batterie recycle boxes in super markets after your quarantine.

• Where can I wash my clothes?

  • There are laundry rooms in the dormitory. But you can only leave your room and after your quarantine. Therefore, we suggest you bring enough clothes with you. 

• Sign your rent contract (Mietvertrag) and give the original contract to your facility manager (Hausmeister). If you haven’t received the housing confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung) upon arrival, be sure to ask your facility manager for it. You will need it for the residents’ registration (Anmeldung). 

• “Anmeldung” – Make an Online Appointment at the Bürgerbüro (Residents’ registration office) here:

  Digital appointment booking / Frankfurt (Oder)

  You are required to register by law in 14 days after moving into your dormitory. If there are no appointments available, you can try to refresh your website just before 8 am every day. Sometimes you can even get an appointment for the same day.

• What if I experience a medical emergency?

  • In the section Helpful Documents you will find a compact list of doctors and medical practices in Frankfurt (Oder) and the surrounding area. In addition, you will find more detailed information in which medical practices you can communicate in English, Polish or Russian.

  In case of an acute medical emergency, hospitalization to the local hospital, the Health Campus in Frankfurt (Oder)-Markendorf, can also be arranged.

• Contact details of the hospital in Frankfurt (Oder) - Markendorf

• Klinikum Frankfurt (Oder) GmbH

  Müllroser Chaussee 7

  15236 Frankfurt (Oder)

  www.klinikumffo.de/klinik/kontakt

  Central telephone number: 0335 5480

• Ambulance service: 112

• Who can I contact in the case of non-acute life-threatening complaints?

•  a general practitioner during their consultation hours (you can find a list with doctors and medical practices below)

• outside of the consultation hours of the general practitioners, the national emergency medical service for panel doctors can be contacted by dialing 116 117, www.kvbb.de.

• Who can I contact in case of a toothache?

• Since there is no dentalcare possible in the hospital please contact the dental emergency service Frankfurt (Oder):

  www.kzvlb.de

  Ophthalmological on-call service

  Telephone: 0180 558 2223 465

• Checklist - Step by Step: that has to be done

• List of doctors and medical practices in Frankfurt (Oder)

• Cooking recipes - provided by the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder)

• Rules for accomodation - provided by the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder)