March 23, 2020 - At 9 am, the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference, briefing the public on the latest about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, as well as the terrible earthquake that hit Zagreb on Sunday.
Index.hr reports that the Headquarters is dealing with two crises, Minister Bozinovic said. "Our records show that 27 were injured in the quake, 18 of which were more serious. Twelve were hospitalized. The 15-year-old girl is in critical condition," he added.
"The night passed peacefully; there were no incidents. The police are securing the affected part of the city. Electricity, water, gas was dealt with during the day, and now it works to the best of its ability. Everyone who couldn't sleep in their homes was taken care of. Fifty-nine of them spent the night in a dorm,” Bozinovic said. He announced that Bandic would hold a press conference today.
"According to the earthquake report, there were 37 earthquakes between 6 am Sunday and 6 am this morning, which is expected," Bozinovic added. He warned that citizens should be careful because Zagreb is now a seismologically active area. "The services have shown a high degree of organization and activity and I thank them all," Bozinovic concluded.
52 new cases in Croatia
Minister Beros said that as of Sunday at 4 pm, Croatia had 52 new cases, which is a total of 306 on Monday morning.
"A plane with a donation of masks from the United Arab Emirates has landed in Croatia," Beros said.
Capak said two of the three labs had suffered damage and, therefore, could not send diagnoses. "Laboratories have been opened in Rijeka and Osijek. We will know the epidemiological situation in the afternoon, the work of the service has not come into question even though building number 2 has been significantly damaged," said the head of the CES.
"The Headquarters have decided to raise the work of epidemiological services to the highest level. All epidemiologists are on standby," Capak added.
Minister Beros said that the health status of the patients had not deteriorated. Five people are on a respirator.
Citizens are prohibited from leaving their place of residence
Minister Bozinovic announced that he would sign a Decision to prohibit leaving the city of your place of residence or permanent residence. "The number of infected people is increasing; we expect further growth and these are necessary measures. It is important that the exceptions are those which are essential for the traffic and movement of goods and supplies - daily migrations in essential services, drug delivery, utilities, gas and electricity supply, journalists, emergency medical care,” Bozinovic said.
Every time we see a measure being violated, we will bring even more stringent measures, said Minister Bozinovic. "What is the goal? The spread of the infection can only be prevented by staying in the house. Therefore, the HZJZ issued a special recommendation on how people in households should behave in order not to spread the infection," Bozinovic concluded.
People of Zagreb should come back home
When asked if Zagreb residents who fled the earthquake may return, Bozinovic said the number of citizens is not that large. "It is a reflex reaction, there are more than we expected. These citizens will be able to return, the Decision may take effect immediately, but we will give time during the day to return home," Bozinovic said.
"My recommendation is that these people return to Zagreb, it is better for them and for the small communities they went to,” Bozinovic said. "I understand it was a reflex reaction, but it is better for them to return home, because if they need help they will not be given adequate medical help as if they were in Zagreb," he warned.
"Today is the last day that long-distance traffic can take place, both by car and every other way. I ask employers to be rational when they ask for permits for their workers. Be responsible and rational, let it be just the people who need to travel,” Bozinovic said.
For more about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, follow our dedicated COVID-19 page.
