Sometimes the big solutions are in the little things. Dr Alemka Markotic, the director of Zagreb's Fran Mihaljevic Clinic for Infectious Diseases is also trying to check whether this is the case with the new virus that saw the world grind to a halt through a new study.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 20th of September, 2020, while the world's pharmaceutical companies and the most prestigious scientists are busy working on the production of vaccines against the new coronavirus, Dr Alemka Markotic has stated that even some simple procedures such as maintaining good nasal hygiene can help fight respiratory infections in general.

The observations she cites are still in their initial controlled study phases, but this finding cannot certainly be harmful to anyone. The idea for the study, she explained, was born out of trying to help asymptomatic infected people who had been in isolation for weeks because of a positive swab test that was no longer in line with their state of health because they were feeling well. The key is in saline solutions that the new coronavirus, much like other viruses, finds hostile.

''From the very beginning of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, scientists and doctors have noticed that in a number of patients, but also in people who have been diagnosed with the infection but haven't developed symptoms, we can detect the virus in the nasal mucosa for a long time. Cases of over two months of positive swabs have been reported in some individuals. In the first few months of the pandemic, while we didn't know how long the virus could be infectious for, it was associated with the long-term stay of positive people in isolation, which led to certain psychological problems, but also existential ones due to long-term isolation and the inability to return to work,'' said Dr Alemka Markotic in conversation with 24sata. She is exploring the possibility that in a number of people, slowing down or preventing the spread of the virus from the nose to the lungs could be done with the simple use of saline.

''During the spring and early summer, some people with long-term positive swabs turned to me for help. Since there's no specific cure for now, I was thinking how best I might help them. The assumption was that the results of the swabs were probably made up of defective virus particles or viruses that had lost their power to infect, but there wasn't enough information in the relevant scientific and professional literature to attest to it for sure and they had to be isolated until negative results were obtained from them. I thought that maybe a good nasal clean, that is, rinsing and moisturising the nose with sea salt-based preparations, could help remove the dead epithelium in the nose, and thus the viral particles from that epithelium.

I advised people to refresh and clean their noses 3-4 times a day by injecting seawater-based preparations for 2-3 days and then do another control swab. In most cases, after that procedure, the test returned negative and they could finally leave isolation and return to their "new normal" lives,'' explained Dr Alemka Markotic. The next step was to scientifically prove this interesting observation.

''As these were individual observations and experiences, which definitely need confirmation in a controlled study in order to be considered scientifically and professionally relevant and applicable, we launched a pilot study at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Zagreb. In the study, we'll try to examine patients with COVID-19 and see how much regular nasal bathing with seawater-based solutions can reduce the presence of the virus in the nose, and if the results are encouraging, we plan to continue the study in asymptomatic cases to reduce the possible spread of the virus to the lower parts of the respiratory system, ie towards the lungs,'' she noted.

She stressed that maintaining a healthy nasal mucosa is extremely important in general.

"Doctors regularly give such advice to their patients, and it's good that now, before the season of respiratory infections comes around, where the flu will play a big role, we remind everyone of this type of protection. The nasal mucosa is the site of entry of numerous microorganisms that cause respiratory tract infections. Cells that line a healthy and undamaged mucosa represent a physical barrier to the entry of microorganisms and the contraction of disease. The nasal mucosa provides heating, moisturising and purification of the inhaled air.

In addition, IgA antibodies are secreted on the surface of the mucosa that can offer local protection against various microorganisms. Cold weather, but also overheated areas with dry air damage the mucous membrane, cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane and increase the possibility of microorganisms settling on it. Therefore, keeping the mucosa moist and undamaged, including regular nasal cleaning, is important in defense against microorganisms,'' said Dr Alemka Markotic.

To ensure nasal patency and normal breathing, Markotic added, various drops are used to reduce mucosal swelling, but most such drops should only be applied for a short time, as their long-term use can also lead to damage to the nasal mucosa.

"For the daily moistening of the nasal mucosa and the prevention of damage to the mucosa, seawater-based solutions are recommended. Salt reduces swelling by binding water from the mucosa, dilutes the mucus and facilitates its expulsion, and can also have an anti-allergic effect. It can also physically remove dead and damaged nasal epithelial cells.

In the current era of COVID-19, in addition to measures of distance, hand hygiene and wearing masks, it's important to maintain proper nasal hygiene, which includes regular cleaning and moisturising, especially since the prolonged wearing of masks can further reduce the normal wetting of the nasal mucosa,'' concluded Dr Alemka Markotic for 24sata.

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As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 20th of September, 2020, assistant Minister of Labour, Melita Cicak, recently stated that "everything is ready for the introduction of the national benefit for the elderly", referring to the pre-election promise of HDZ from 2016 which was once referred to as a ''national pension'' before being changed.

This refers to a monthly allowance of 800 kuna for citizens over the age of 65 who haven't, for whatever reason, acquired the right to a regular pension. The project was met with both praise and criticism, writes Net.hr. Dr.sc. Danijel Nestic from the Institute of Economics in Zagreb believes that there will not be many beneficiaries of this so called ''national pension'' fee.

"Overall, we shouldn't expect a larger number of completely new beneficiaries and therefore the impact on poverty among the elderly will be extremely limited. It shouldn't be forgotten that very ambitious announcements were made, that there was talk of a ''national pension'', but over time these ambitions fell, and the word ''pension'' was dropped because both experts and pensioners' associations were against the name being used in the sense of benefits like this, which in actual fact is social assistance,'' said Nestic.

Nestic believes that some will choose this form of compensation instead of the guaranteed minimum compensation because it isn't possible to receive both, but he doesn't see it as a threat to the pension system.

"The national benefit for the elderly belongs to the social welfare system and the social welfare centres have the knowledge and resources to implement it," said Nestic, adding: "This benefit is still lower than the lowest pension, and it will be received by people who have really low or absolutely no income. After all, social assistance has existed in the social welfare system for a long time now and is paid in similar amounts, so it can't be said that it has called the fairness of the pension system into question,'' he said.

The National Allowance for the Elderly Act, passed last spring, will enter into force on January the 1st, 2021, and all procedures related to it will go through the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO).

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September the 21st, 2020 - The European minimum wage is set to be introduced, but what does that mean for Croatia, the Croatian minimum wage and the country's employees?

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 20th of September, 2020, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced the imminent adoption of common rules, known as the European minimum wage, to help EU member states set their minimum wage amounts.

''Wage dumping destroys the dignity of work, punishes enterprises who do pay decent wages and distorts fair competition on the single market. Everyone must have access to minimum wages through collective agreements or on the basis of legal minimum wages,'' von der Leyen stated.

Ensuring a fair minimum wage for all workers across the European Union is one of the priorities of Ursula von der Leyen, and the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has further strengthened the demands for the European Union's engagement in reducing growing wage gaps and poverty, writes tportal.

European Union countries have different approaches to regulating their respective minimum guaranteed wages. The minimum wage is prescribed by law in 21 countries of the European Union, and in six member states it is determined by collective agreements. Its amount varies considerably from country to country, depending on the country's development, living standards and social sensitivity. According to the latest Eurostat data, the gross minimum ranges from 312 euros in Bulgaria to 2,142 euros in Luxembourg, and Croatia is at the bottom of the European Union scale with 546 euros.

The European Commission's initiative is not to set a single minimum wage at EU level, known as the European minimum wage, or to change national minimum wage systems, but its main goal is to ensure that minimum wages are set at an appropriate level in order to protect all workers.

In early September, the second phase of advising European unions and employers on a fair minimum wage was completed. Based on the answers received, the European Commission will issue a proposal for a directive at the end of October with rules that will apply to all member states.

Ana Milicevic Pezelj, executive secretary for social dialogue and public policies of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH), who participated in the consultation, expects the Commission to accept the proposal of European trade unions to link the minimum wage to the average (medial) wage.

"The unions demand that the minimum wage be at least 60 percent of the median, or 50 percent of the average wage in a particular country," Milicevic Pezelj revealed to tportal.

According to that criteria, the Croatian minimum would be between 3,400 and 3,500 kuna net, so 150 to 250 kuna higher than it currently stands. It's worth recalling that Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic himself promised that by the end of his term, his government would raise the Croatian minimum wage to 4,250 kuna.

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September 20, 2020 - Continuing our series on Zagreb’s international food offer and the stories behind these cuisines and businesses. This time, international food market Pekinška Patka

My name is Josip and I'm Croatian by birth. We opened Pekinška Patka in 2013. There was a real lack of stores like this in Croatia. My partner Andrea and I were sick of working for other people. Andrea has been a vegetarian for a long time and she likes cooking. I like travelling and trying new foods, so we both had an interest in international foods. We're also both big music fans.

The first places I started travelling to were Greece and Turkey. I must have returned to those countries 10 times now. They really aren't so far from here and, when you go, there's something really similar about them, yet at the same time the cultures are very different (from here). Croatia is a mix of cultures, we have influences from there. In Istanbul, you can even find ćevapčići. The food is often very fresh, lots of vegetable dishes. They take great care over their food. For instance, if a guy does gyros in Greece, he takes great pride in what he does. The ingredients are always the best. It's a job probably he will do his whole life. People who do that job in other places, they don't have that sense. For them, it's just work.

I visited Japan around 10 years ago for work. That was an excellent experience. I had plans for the first day I arrived, but they went out of the window. It was culture shock. I was there for around two weeks. I discovered ramen there. It was one of the easiest things for me to order. I ate sea urchins and onigiri. Everything was super tasty.

The stock in Pekinška Patka has been changing ever since we opened. We never used to have Mexican food. Now we have a whole shelf. And our Asian food range is now really big. We have foods and ingredients from India, the Middle East, Mexico, some from South America and also some West African basics like Egusi, Ogbono, Gari and Okra We try some things at home and if we want to promote them, we add them to the stock. Other new items come from customer requests.

It's difficult to say what are the most popular things we sell. Everyone comes for different things. Filipino customers like to pick up ingredients for their tamarind soup - Sinigang. Some Croatians only come for noodles and Asian food, others only for Mexican or to buy spices. Most of our customers are Croatian, after that, lots of Filipino people come here, Israeli students, ex-pats and members of different Asian communities here in Zagreb. We like it most when families come in with their kids and you see that a child of maybe 10 years old is crazy about Asian food. When we were kids, it was impossible for our parents to bring us to a shop like Pekinška Patka. They didn't exist here back then.

Right on cue, TCN's chat with Josip was halted by two delightful Filipino ladies coming into the store. Regular customers of Pekinška Patka, they were only too happy to tell TCN what they like about the shop

My name is Liezel and this is Marisol. We are from the Philippines. We discovered the shop on the internet maybe three months ago. We arrived in Croatia maybe one year ago. Life is much better since we discovered this store! We used to go to Metro, but it's far on the bus from where we live. They sell things here that we can't find in other supermarkets – good Oyster sauce, products we like from the Philippines, fish and snacks. The ingredients we buy here help us make some of our most famous national dishes, like pancit. You need special noodles to make it. Our Croatian friends are very curious about Filipino food. They love to try everything. And they like it, mostly.

Josip: Regular Croatian customers usually get more adventurous over time. They like trying new things. And they ask for recommendations, which I'm always happy to give. I've tried almost everything in the shop. In our house, we always have Lao Gan Ma chilli oils from China, Mexican salsa verde, Petjel peanut sauce from Indonesia, which is very aromatic and Japanese mayo, which I recommend to anyone who likes mayo. It's really special.

You can visit Pekinška Patka at Vlaška 78

All photos © Mateo Henec

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ZAGREB, September 20, 2020 - Police are still looking for 11-year-old Banin Hossein, a girl from Afghanistan who according to her asylum-seeking father Seyed Hossein Shah, separated from him and their migrant group in Brocanac, at an army training ground near Slunj on August 27, Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic has said.

"There are indications that the girl continued her journey with another group of migrants, but that has not been confirmed since that group has not been found," Bozinovic told Hina on Sunday.

Even though police and army forces have been looking for the group, their search has not yielded results and the investigation in the case continues, notably through international legal assistance, Bozinovic said, adding that so far there was no confirmation of the group's having been earlier registered in camps along the Balkan migration route but that not everything had been checked.

Speaking generally of the problem of illegal migration, Bozinovic said that it was a fact that there had been a number of false reports about migrant childen going missing. For example, in the case of a false report about the disappearance of a Syrian girl in 2018, "Croatian police were criticised for more than a year by various activist reporters," said Bozinovic.

"It was only more than a year later that we received confirmation from Jordan that the girl in question had never left the camp in Jordan where she had stayed as a refugee. Illegal migrants are aware that if they say that they are looking for a child, they will not be repatriated. I can understand that, they are trying to get hold of European countries at any cost, specifically Austria, Germany, Sweden or other countries which do not want or cannot take them in," he said.

This is a security issue, Bozinovic says, claiming that some media simply do not want to admit that or the fact that policies in European countries are changing, that rightist camps are growing stronger and that migration can no longer be treated just as a humanitarian issue.

He stresses that one's fleeing death and war is a humanitarian issue but that fleeing poor living conditions is not.

The minister believes that humanitarian problems will grow deeper due to the coronavirus pandemic because "it will double the number of hungry people globally."

The group of 13 illegal migrants, from whom Banin Hossein allegedly separated at a military training ground on August 27, are in a reception centre in Zagreb and they have all applied for asylum in Croatia.

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ZAGREB, September 20, 2020 - The 55th Vinkovacke Jeseni (Autumn in Vinkovci) folklore festival, held this year in line with measures introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, ended on Sunday in that eastern Croatian town with a parade of participants and horse-drawn carriages.

Members of 31 folklore troupes from Vukovar County and 25 horse-drawn carriages and 30 horse riders walked through the city centre.

There were no visiting folklore troupes from other parts of the country and the Croatian diaspora this year due to the coronavirus pandemic but their previously filmed performances were shown on a video wall.

The parade of folklore troupes was followed by numerous visitors.

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September 22, 2020 - Sometimes a simple idea changes the perspective entirely: a look at Zagreb tourism and the Great Outdoors. 

This has been the most challenging year ever for tourism globally, and the focus for many tourism officials has been on survival rather than innovation. 

A very notable exception to that, as I have written before, has been the Zagreb tourism strategy, which did much to promote all aspects of the city during lockdown and then in the wake of the devastating earthquake on March 22. 

But one idea, which was so simple and obvious, was launched as a joint effort by the city and county Zagreb tourism boards a couple of months ago - a new platform of discovery for guests called Around Zagreb. 

It is probably the most innovative - and simplest - official tourism ideas of the year, and one that is certainly timely in this increasingly socially distanced world. With the reality that we are going to have to learn to live with the virus, tourism activities away from crowds and confined spaces are now much more in demand. Such activities Zagreb has in abundance, especially when the tourism offer is combined with the rich experiences to be found on the city's doorstep, in surrounding Zagreb County. Promote the Zagreb Great Outdoors, both within the city itself and in the green lungs around it. Plenty of healthy fresh air away from the masses with plenty of activities to choose from. 

(Zagreb Tourist Board - D. Rostuhar)

The idea of looking at Zagreb as an outdoor destination is one that had never really occurred to me before. To me, city visits are about visits to museums, exhibitions, cathedrals, followed by exploring the vibrant nightlife.

But looking at Zagreb as an outdoor destination for a three-day visit, the experience is entirely different, and there is plenty to see and do to get the vibe of the Croatian capital. 

(Photo credit Zagreb Tourist Board)

Walking tours are an obvious way to discover a destination, and the selection on offer in Zagreb in recent years is exceptional. The historic Upper Town is undoubtedly the most charming part of the centre, small group and private tours are available to unlock its secrets. And there are also various quests now available to keep the interest of the younger generation. From an evening ghost or witches tour to sleeping dragons and other legends, centuries of the city's rich history are revealed. Head back in time to 19th-century Zagreb, to the Nikola Tesla generation of innovation, or learn about the badass historical women, whose incredible contributions in a male-dominated society helped shape the city. 

You will not be walking around long before you notice the relaxed nature of the way of life here. Indeed, Croatia truly is the lifestyle capital of Europe. And if there is one thing which symbolises the Croatian lifestyle the best, it has to be... 

Coffee. 

And the cafe lifestyle. 

Zagreb's cafes are legendary. Places for socialising, business meetings, curling up with a book, or simply people watching and watching the world go by, the Zagreb cafe experience is an essential part of any visit. And once you have sat down once, it will not be long before you get into the swing of this more gentle way of life. So try it and enjoy - you are on vacation after all!. 

(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

A great place to start if you are looking to find the heartbeat of the city is Dolac Market, just about the main Ban Jelacic square. Here you will find the freshest flavours available, a way of life which has existed for centuries, and rituals and socialising that go far beyond a simple food purchase transaction. 

Zagreb is a very green city, increasingly popular with cyclists, which is a great way to get around. The city's parks are divine at any time of year, but the falling leaves of autumn give them a special aura. Maksimir is a joy to escape the bustle of city life, with the botanical gardens are a natural deilght. Bundek and Lake Jarun are popular haunts to escape the crowds, and for those with less time in the centre, the Lenuci Horseshoe comprising 7 green spaces in the shape of a horseshoe, is an excellent way to explore the lungs of city life. 

You have heard of a treasure hunt, but have you ever been on a planet hunt? One of Zagreb's more unusual (and popular!) attractions is the Zagreb Solar System and its Grounded Sun and Nine Planets. The Grounded Sun installation has been a Zagreb feature for almost 40 years, but the sun got some galactic company back in 2004, when Denis Preis decided to install all the planets according to their relative size and distance from the Grounded Sun, all at different angles, to reflect them revolving around the sun. Even if we gave you the addresses of each, they are not all easy to find due to their size. Where else in the world can you discover the entire solar system without leaving a city?

A good first day exploring, now reward yourself with a terrace view in a cafe, wine bar of craft beer bar, sit back and enjoy that gorgeous lifestyle. The Zagreb region has excellent wines (the city itself has a small wine road), and the Croatian craft beer revolution is exploding. Your waiter will be more than happy to make the appropriate wine and craft beer recommendations. 

(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

Ask a Zagreb local where they go for the Great Outdoors, and they will point you to the north - Sljeme. The mountain offers some astonishing views over the city and is a cycling, hiking (and, in winter) skiing paradise. Escape the summer heat in those cooler climes, and if you really want to turn native, follow the locals into the forest and take part in a much-loved activity - mushroom hunting. There are some great restaurants on Sljeme with large terraces, the perfect place to recuperate after your physical exertions while trying the freshest local seasonal produce. 

This, perhaps, is as far out of Zagreb as tourists might have gone in pursuit of the Great Outdoors, but the new Around Zagreb website gives a wealth of new opportunities, some of which I was completely unaware of after writing about Croatian tourism for almost a decade.

(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

Truffle hunting just outside Zagreb? Seriously? 

Not only truffles. The Green Ring around Zagreb has a treasure trove of authentic experiences and insight into the traditional way of life of yesteryear. Never been to a pumpkin festival? Croatian communities like to celebrate what they grow, and food festivals creatively promoting the local speciality are common in Croatia.  Head to Ivanic Grad, for example, for the annual pumpkin festival in September, accompanied by the local grape variety, Srklet, which is considered a rising star in this land of 130 indigenous grape varieties. I never expected to be drinking a pint of pumpkin beer, for example, as I did on my last visit to the festival. It was delicious. 

Bird-watching, horse riding, nature parks, golf, wine-tasting, hiking, cycling - there is an activity and magical experience in the Green Ring to satisfy every visitor. And as you head back in the city for an inevitable cafe stop for a coffee, beer or glass of wine, stop by and pick up some roasted chestnuts to warm the soul and inhale the aroma of Zagreb in autumn and winter. 

(Zagreb Tourist Board - M. Gasparovic)

Wonderful flavours, experiences and sights. And we haven't been inside once!

To learn more about Zagreb, the Great Outdoors destination, learn more of what you can get up to in and around the capital on the official Around Zagreb website. 

(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

This article was sponsored by the Zagreb Tourist Board

September 20, 2020 – After a few minor earthquakes in the past few days, Croatia was hit by a stronger earthquake, this time in Dalmatia, near Gračac. As Index.hr reports, on Sunday, around 12:55 PM, Gračac was hit by an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, and it was felt throughout Dalmatia.

The EMSC's first report was that the earthquake was 4.2 magnitude, then 4.0. However, the Croatian Seismological Service reports that the earthquake was 4.2 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The earthquake was recorded 88 kilometers northwest of Split, 12 kilometers southwest of Gračac, and 51 kilometers east of Zadar. It was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers.

#potres (#earthquake) 20.09. u 12:55, kod Gračaca, M4.2. Ispričavamo se zbog poteškoća s radom internetske stranice.

— Seizmološka služba HR (@seizmo_hr) September 20, 2020

Felt throughout Dalmatia

One Gračac resident said that the earthquake was short-lived, but was quite noticeable. According to the comments on the EMSC application, the earthquake was felt all over Dalmatia, so the citizens of Zadar, Šibenik, Split, and other towns felt it.

“We felt the earthquake on Pag, it was quite strong,” readers from Pag report.

“Split, in the wider center, 7th floor in a skyscraper, 3 light hits, like banging. There was no shaking. Altogether it went on for 3-4 seconds,” said one reader from Split.

“It was quite well felt in Biograd. It lasted for 10-15 seconds and there was some rocking. In the end, it roared,” said one reader from Biograd.

“The earthquake was felt even in Drniš and it was not pleasant at all,” one reader informed.

Felt #earthquake (#potres) M4.2 strikes 51 km E of #Zadar (#Croatia) 6 min ago. Please report to: https://t.co/v0KHd5M27G pic.twitter.com/yItrXGxEjA

— EMSC (@LastQuake) September 20, 2020

Readers from Kaštela report they felt the earthquake too.

“At 1 PM an earthquake was felt in the area of Split. We felt it in Kaštela. It didn't last long, but it shook us well,” said one reader.

There is no official data on the strength of the earthquake and its epicenter on the website of the Croatian Seismological Service. In addition, it is not known whether there was any material damage.

Strong earthquake, but without material damage

Seismologist Krešimir Kuk said that the earthquake that hit the area around Gračac on Sunday was strong, but there were no reports of material damage. He also stressed that this earthquake should not be associated with earthquakes from the Zagreb epicentral area because they are not directly related.

“The earthquake was moderately strong to strong. Therefore, it was a strong earthquake that manifested itself and was felt significantly in the narrower epicentral area, which caused great concern among the citizens. It was felt in the wider area, all the way to Zadar, Biograd, Knin,” Kuk told N1 television.

He added that the area around Gračac, Knin, and the southern part of the coast is also very seismically active and earthquakes occur there.

"It was a strong earthquake, but not so strong that it should cause material damage, and we hope that it's normal seismic activity," concluded seismologist Krešimir Kuk.

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