COVID-19 Information
Dear Patient,
Due to the current situation around COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2, we ask for your understanding for some additional measures during your next visits to the University Hospital Basel.
COVID-19 infection: Please register by phone
If a doctor has already diagnosed you with a COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, please inform us by telephone before your visit. Please also inform us by telephone before your visit if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Sudden loss of the sense of smell or taste
You will find your clinic’s telephone number on their page. Report such symptoms again when entering the hospital, both at the check-in desk and at the clinic.
If you have any questions, please call your clinic (telephone number on their page).
Masks must be worn in all areas where patient care is provided
Patients must wear a mask inside the University Hospital Basel if they have symptoms of a cold. Pay attention to the signs requiring masks to be worn in special areas. Visitors with cold symptoms are not allowed to come in.
Visitor restrictions
- There are restrictions on visitors at the University Hospital Basel.
- Please also note: Our visitor rules in the Intensive Care Unit and in the Emergency Center.
Q&A about COVID-19
What are the typical symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?
- Cough, cold, sore throat
- Fever or feverish sensation, chills
- Loss of the sense of smell and/or taste
- Deterioration of general condition, unless otherwise explained
I am positive for COVID-19; What do I do next?
If your test result is positive, you can view the conduct guidance on the FOPH website (www.bag.admin.ch/neues-coronavirus) or via the QR code.
I am positive for COVID-19 and feel worse?
If you feel worse, please call your family doctor or the Emergency Call Center (+41 61 261 15 15) or go to the Emergency Center at the University Hospital of Basel. Always wear a mask when leaving the house.
I have been in contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
Relevant contact takes place if:
- the distance is less than 1.5 meters, and
- lasts more than 15 minutes, and
- no mask is worn.
A person is contagious at the earliest 48 hours before the onset of the first symptoms. If contact with the person took place before this time, the risk of infection is negligible.
If you had relevant contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 within the time frame specified above, you must self-isolate. Contact the Cantonal Medical Service to check whether the contact is really relevant. The cantonal doctor can then order a 10-day quarantine (start of quarantine from the last contact). You will also receive a corresponding confirmation, which serves as a doctor’s note. If you do not develop any symptoms during the quarantine period, the cantonal doctor will end your quarantine after 10 days. You have the option of ending the quarantine period on the 7th day of the quarantine. Your cantonal doctor will provide you with a corresponding form for ending the quarantine early. This form is completed and signed by the test center.
Anyone who fails to comply with the quarantine rules is liable to prosecution.
How long does it take between infection and illness?
It takes about three to seven days (in exceptional cases up to ten days) after infection for the first symptoms to appear.
When will I become contagious?
People who get infected may be contagious as early as 48 hours before the first symptoms begin.
Q&A for Cardiology Patients
I have high blood pressure. Do I now have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness?
High blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases are common. They are particularly prevalent in old age, and older people are the group predominantly at risk of COVID-19 disease. This is reflected in the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases among seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Regardless of your age, it is important that your high blood pressure is managed as optimally as possible. This reduces both the cardiovascular risk and the overall risk in the event of a COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 disease.
I am taking ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (sartans). Do I need to worry about a higher risk of getting COVID-19 or severe illness from it?
No. There is no data to support a direct relationship between these drugs and the severity of COVID-19. However, there is very good evidence that these drugs significantly reduce mortality in cardiovascular diseases. These include, in particular, heart failure, heart attacks or high blood pressure. The better your heart disease or high blood pressure are managed, the lower your overall risk. It is therefore absolutely necessary to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
I had a heart attack, but I feel fine. Do I have to consider myself in the risk group now?
In principle, yes. However, the risk depends heavily on the extent of your heart disease and, above all, on your age; the better your heart performance and medication management of your heart disease, the lower the risk. The risk is not significantly higher if you are in good physical condition, with normal heart pumping and good medication-based blood pressure management.
I read that certain heart medications may be problematic in connection with COVID-19. Is that true and should I stop or change my medication?
Under no circumstances should you stop taking medication, change the dose or switch to other medications on your own. There is currently no evidence to prove a link between heart medication and COVID-19. On the contrary, the overall risk is higher in the presence of poorly treated heart disease or insufficiently managed high blood pressure.
I work from home and therefore get much less physical activity. In addition, my cardiac exercise group is not open at the moment. How can I maintain my physical fitness and morale in this situation?
Walking, cycling or jogging outdoors are still possible as long as you are on your own and avoid crowds. In order to stay in shape at home, our rehabilitation program KARAMBA has developed a varied home training program with fitness, strength and coordination exercises for different training levels. It is available at www.karamba-reha.ch.
What does everyone need to keep in mind, whether healthy or sick?
Always follow the current recommendations of the Federal Council very closely, which may become even more stringent if necessary: Reduce your social contact and keep two meters away from the person you are talking to, avoid crowds and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. If you are unsure, please contact your doctor.