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Photo: Arno Burgi/ dpa
In view of the increasing number of corona infections, it is now possible to write sick leave by telephone again.
It is initially valid until November 30th, according to the Federal Joint Committee of Doctors, Health Insurance Companies and Hospitals (G-BA).
This means that patients with mild respiratory diseases do not have to come to the doctor's office, but can use the telephone.
A sick note issued by telephone is valid for up to seven days.
It can be extended once for up to a further seven days.
With the reintroduction of telephone sick leave, the G-BA is following the guiding principle "caution instead of unnecessary risks", it said.
In this way, full waiting rooms in medical practices and the emergence of new chains of infection should be avoided.
The rule is necessary because video consultation hours are not yet offered everywhere.
The telephone sick leave expired after two years on June 1 due to the falling number of infections.
However, even then, the G-BA reserved the right to resume the case.
The instrument was first introduced in spring 2020 and has been extended several times.
hey/AFP
