Answer

In the case of a PCR test:

• This means: You have been infected with the coronavirus and it is highly likely that you are currently contagious. You can find more information on the webpage Protect yourself and others.
• COVID certificate: You can apply for a COVID recovery certificate if your COVID infection has been confirmed with a positive PCR test. Detailed information on the COVID certificate can be found on the page COVID certificate.

In the case of a rapid antigen test:

• This means: You have been infected with the coronavirus and it is highly likely that you are currently contagious. You can find more information on the webpage Protect yourself and others.
• COVID certificate: You can apply for a COVID recovery certificate if the result of a nasopharyngeal rapid antigen test is positive. Detailed information on the COVID certificate can be found on the page COVID certificate.

In the case of a self-test:

• This means: There is a suspicion that you have been infected with the new coronavirus.
• What you have to do: If you are among those at especially high risk, you should go for a PCR test to confirm the result of self-test. If you are not at especially high risk, a rapid antigen test based on a nasopharyngeal swab is recommended and very reliable. Information on what to do next can be found on the webpage on Tests.

In the case of a positive serological test (antibody test):

• This means: You have been infected with the coronavirus at least 1-2 weeks ago or you have had and recovered from the disease. It is not possible to say when the illness was or whether you are still contagious only on the basis of a serological test. It is unclear whether and for how long you are protected from renewed infection. At the present time, an antigen test does not provide any indication on the development of immunity over time either.
• Vaccination: We recommend vaccination for full protection, particularly against severe illness. From two weeks after the positive test result, a single vaccine dose is sufficient.
• COVID certificate: We recommend you get a single dose of vaccine two weeks after a positive antibody test at the earliest. That way, you can obtain a COVID vaccination certificate that is valid for 270 days. A positive antibody test does not entitle you to a COVID recovery certificate. Detailed information on the COVID certificate can be found on the webpage on COVID certificate.
• Please note: Serological tests only provide a snapshot of your state of health as they do not indicate when you were infected or how long the immunity lasts. The costs of an antibody test are usually not covered by the federal government. Information and exceptions in this regard can be found on the page on Tests and Vaccination.