March 26, 2020 - So how do the new measures and travel restrictions in Croatia look at a local level. A snapshot from Varazdin resident Paul Fischer or Rural Property Croatia.
All they need to do now is to cut the phone and the Internet and the television, and we would have no idea what is going on.
The new travel restrictions in Croatia have come into force, in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus,and it is clear that the authorities are taking this VERY seriously indeed.
The first inkling I had locally was last night here in Jelsa on Hvar. I have been here for about two weeks in self-isolation with my family, and I am yet to meet anybody from the island. I am chained to the laptop from 5 am until midnight, apart from meal breaks and one precious hour when I go for a walk alone by the sea or along the riva - there is absolutely nobody else about.
It is a walk I can take no longer. Two police cars were patrolling the town of Jelsa last night, and I was informed that the outside world is now only for food shopping, pharmacy visits and other essentials.
While inconvenient, I fully support these measures and I am very impressed at how seriously the Croatian authorities are taking this, after a slow start. It is a policy which will save lives.
But how is it elsewhere in the country? Now that we are not permitted to travel, it is hard to tell, but the Internet is a wonderful thing. My good friend Paul Fischer, a longterm resident of Varazdin, posted this on Facebook this morning, which gives a very nice snapshot of how things look on the neighbourhood level - at least where he is.
Do you have an interesting story with photos of the new measures where you are in Croatia? Send through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject New Measures.
And now, her is Paul Fischer on life in his hood.
Just to compare with how things are being done where you are.....
In Varaždin, new neighbourhood borders have been established where each has at least one groceries shop and chemist within it. Roadblocks have been established to prevent us from moving from neighbourhood to neighbourhood without reason. To get the necessary permission, you need to convince the local civil defence people of your reason/s and they will give you a code number. You must present your photo ID at any roadblock and quote your permission number, they will check that you look like you are doing what your permission allows and, if so, let you through. The pic is of the checkpoint near me.
Only one person may enter a shop (or be in a vehicle) and you must have gloves and mask before they let you in and spray you with ... whatever. Everyone else must wait outside until their turn comes.
I don't know what the Croatian is for "no messin'".... but that would sum it up nicely. Public disobedience is not strong here so people are playing the game properly. Time will tell if it will prove effective.
For the latest news about coronavirus in Croatia, check out the dedicated TCN section.
