March 21, 2020 - Croatia welcomed the spring season with sunny skies and short sleeves, but will it last? A long-term weather forecast. 

RTL meteorologist Dunja Mazzocco Drvar, however, announces that this taste of summer will only last two days, reports T.portal.

March will continue with some changes and chills, which we will experience in the next few days. Temperature drops and sudden changes in weather are typical for this time of year, and especially in April. But what kind of spring awaits us?

According to current calculations, it can be said with more than 80 percent certainty that the next quarterly period, April to June, will bring warmer weather than average. With the same probability, it can be said that there will be less precipitation at that time than is usual for this time of year, says Ana Bago Tomac, a meteorologist at Dnevnik Nova TV and Zagreb Airport.

Of course, we can expect precipitation, especially in May, the most unstable month of the year. Still, on average, the coming period, until summer, will be dry and warmer than the long-term average, says Bago Tomac.

This is a trend that continues year after year. Last year was the hottest year, and the effects of global warming will certainly be felt this year.

We had no real winter this year, and temperatures will continue to rise more than average in the spring, AccuWeather predicts. However, this does not mean that strong storms cannot be expected between March and May, alternating with droughts. Admittedly, storms will move north of the continent and will be of concern mainly to Ireland and the UK.

While temperatures above average are forecast across Europe, the most frequent and longest periods of heat will be felt in the Iberian Peninsula and Germany and the southern United Kingdom.

More warmth also means an earlier start to the allergy season that will come with flowering plants and increasing pollen in the air, warned AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys. At the same time, the benefits of warm and mostly dry weather could be of use to farmers as they will be able to plant faster than usual.

This spring heat could easily turn into unpleasant heat well before the calendar and meteorological start of summer. "I expect it to heat up in parts of Portugal and Spain as early as May in the middle of May," Roys predicts. "On land, temperatures could easily go above 30 degrees Celsius."

Moreover, forecast data show that temperatures could rise as high as 38 degrees in late May and early June, and up to 27 in London.

"High temperatures, above 30 degrees Celsius, can be expected in the second half of May from Paris to Berlin," announced AccuWeather meteorologist Alan Reppert.

At the same time, meteorologists warn, despite the warm weather, or because of that, humid air and spring storms can be expected across western and central Europe. The greatest danger is threatening residents from France, through Belgium and the Netherlands, to Germany and northwest Poland.

Devastating winds, hailstorms and torrential showers could cause concern for many residents of endangered areas, and tornadoes could be expected. All of this will cause traffic jams and power outages, AccuWeather warns. In particular, the area between Paris and Berlin will be endangered during April and May.

The positive side of occasional storms will be rainfall that will soak the soil and prevent the riverbeds from drying out. Thunderstorms, on the other hand, can damage crops, according to an AccuWeather report.

Meteo France also predicts temperatures higher than average for the time of year: temperatures in the British Isles should be 0.5 to one degree Celsius above average, while in most parts of northern and eastern Europe, temperatures are expected to be up to two degrees higher than usual.

Northern Europe will be slightly wetter than average, especially Norway and central parts of Scandinavia, while in western and southwestern Europe, the coming period should again be drier than average.

March to May will be marked by high pressure over much of northern and western Europe, again indicating a relatively dry and anticyclonic spring, while low pressure is expected at north latitudes, French meteorologists forecast, and with the arrival of summer in western Europe, the cooling that should come with the winds blowing from the Atlantic.

German DWD also predicts warmer weather than average, in southwestern Europe and by two degrees Celsius. Rainfall is predicted to be less in the west, southwest and southern parts of the continent, while the far northern Europe should be wetter than average.

And in Croatia, it will generally be drier and warmer, with expected showers, especially in May.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 20, 2020 - There are 130 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 31 new cases as of yesterday morning. One patient has died. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 124 active cases in Croatia.

• Playgrounds closed in Zagreb, Rijeka and other towns, cities.
• Croatian border closed yesterday for non-citizens/non-residents.
• Continued reports of self-isolation violations.
• First coronavirus case on Croatian island Hvar. 
• Croatian Army pitching tents in Zagreb for anticipated coronavirus patients.
• Public transport schedules reduced. Taxis unaffected.
• Croatian authorities called on all citizens and residents, who wish to return to Croatia, to do so as soon as possible due to flight disruptions, cancellations. 

Measures for Entry into the Republic of Croatia: UPDATED March 19, 2020

As of midnight yesterday, crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia is temporarily restricted. Croatian citizens and residents will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they may go to the country where they work and reside and must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) upon their return. These measures went into effect at 00:01 on March 19, 2020 and are valid for 30 days. More information and exceptions here.

Also as of yesterday, it is mandatory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

• Two (2) meters indoors
• One (1) meter outdoors

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, the gathering of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities EXCEPT:

• Food and hygiene items
• Markets and fish markets
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing (pharmacies)
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing veterinary medicinal products
• Agricultural pharmacies
• Gas stations
• Kiosks
• Bakeries
• Chemical laundry (dry cleaners)
• Specialized stores selling orthopaedic products and other aids
• Specialized baby equipment stores
• Specialized animal feed stores
• Dispensing of building materials on the basis of retail orders
• Logistic and distribution centers for food, beverages and hygiene products
• Wholesale drugstores

Suspension of the Following Activities and Services:

• Work of all cultural activities (museums, theaters, cinemas, libraries, reading rooms) and the suspension of exhibitions, shows and fairs
• Operation of catering establishments of all categories, with the exception of food preparation and delivery services, accommodation services and work of public and student kitchens
• Operation of service activities in which close contact with customers (eg hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicures, massage parlors, saunas, swimming pools)
• All sports competitions and organized trainings and shutdowns of gyms, sports centers, fitness and recreation centers
• Holding children's and other workshops and organized dance schools
• Work of driving schools and foreign language schools
• Religious gatherings

130 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 20, 2020; 130 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia (note that koronavirus.hr is now reporting cases by county instead of town/city) including: 60 in Grad Zagreb, 17 in Primorsko-Goranska, 16 in Istarska, 8 in Krapina-Zagorska, 7 in Osijecko-Baranjska, 8 in Varaždinska, 3 in Sisacko-Moslavacka, 4 in Karlovacka, 2 in Zagrebacka, 3 in Splitsko-Dalmatinska (including Hvar), 2 in Šibensko-Kninska, 2 in Zadarska, 2 in Dubrovacko-Neretvanska, and 1 in Brodsko-Posavska. Note that the man who died in Istra had tested positive for the coronavirus, but his cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

(Note that there are small discrepancies between sources regarding current coronavirus case count. And these numbers are changing more rapidly throughout the day. Total Croatia News will make every effort to provide updated case numbers and locations as we receive them.)

More than 11,300 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 272,056 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 191,089 cases outside of mainland China and 47,021 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 20, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 16:00 CET

• Three patients on respirators.
• People continue to violate self-isolation orders. Systems for tracking violators improving.
• Reducing public transport schedules. Taxis not affected yet.
• Marriages will take place without weddings, funerals without music and flowers, playgrounds closed.

National Civil Protection Headquarters Morning Press Conference: 9:00 CET

A summary of this morning's press conference can be found here.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:44 - Two more coronavirus-infected people were confirmed in Krapina-Zagorje County on Friday afternoon, and now there are ten in total, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

Two newly infected people are from the City of Pregrada and the Municipality of Hum na Sutli. The staff said they had mild symptoms and were isolated at home.

20:35 - The Croatian Tourism Association (HUT) welcomes the decision of the Croatian Employment Service (CES) authorizing the payment of HRK 3,250 per worker for a maximum of the next 3 months. But they urge the rapid adoption additional measures.

20:23 - There are no coronavirus patients in Virovitica-Podravina County, four samples sent for testing to the Infectious Diseases Clinic Fran Mihaljevic are negative, with results awaiting the fifth, said the director of the Venus County Institute of Public Health.

19:59 - Due to increased number of citizens who do not follow preventive measures of coronavirus-related behavior, the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacy tightens control of patients in pharmacies. They are allowed to check the epidemiological status of all patients with whom healthcare professionals are in contact.

19:37 - The head of the CESI Tomislav Capak told RTL Today that the playgrounds were closed because the children had social contact there. He explained that staying outdoors was recommended but that social contact should be avoided.

He also said that a common system has been established and that it is very easy to detect those who violate self-isolation, such as when they arrive at the pharmacy or when police stop someone, on the street or in a car.

19:23 - A priest from Sesvete Kraljevo and one parish priest were infected. The priest has served mass in recent days.

19:10 - The findings of the swab tests of 14 Dubrovnik General Hospital staff who were preventively tested for coronavirus because they were in contact with a first coronavirus case in Dubrovnik, a 54-year-old maid from Dubrovnik Airport, were reported as negative, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

19:05 - "It is important that in this situation the European Commission and the Member States regularly exchange all relevant information and coordinate measures at European and national level in order to more easily combat the further spread of COVID-19 and thus limit the negative impact on the EU economy," Minister Darko Horvat said after a video conference with EU ministers.

18:55 - Croatian authorities on Friday called on all their citizens abroad who intend to return to Croatia to do so as soon as possible because of possible air traffic disruptions caused by the global spread of coronaviruses.

18:10 - Two new cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Varazdin County, with eight of them now, according to County Civilian Protection Chief Robert Vugrin this afternoon.

The director of the Varazdin General Hospital Nenad Kudelic said it was a man and a woman of middle age who were living abroad. He added that they are both in good overall condition.

17:29 - Volunteers, members of the Novi Vinodolski City Red Cross, which includes volunteers from Vinodol municipality, reduce the shortage of protective masks, and by Friday at noon they have sealed about 500 reusable masks, which were washed at 95 degrees Celsius.

17:27 - The Zagreb City Administration has today adopted measures to mitigate the effects of the appearance of coronavirus on businessmen in Zagreb, which will extend lease terms and reduce some utility bills by 30 percent or completely.

17:13 - Zagreb police have reported that due to the epidemiological situation of March 20, they will not work with clients, except for issuing ID cards in justified and urgent cases and professional driving licenses.

17:09 - In the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, there are no newly infected coronaviruses, 12 of them in the last two days, nine of which are in a Rijeka hospital and three isolated in their apartments, a press conference at the county administration said Friday.

16:45 - Labor and Retirement System Minister Josip Aladrovic and the Croatian Employment Service (CES) said measures to safeguard jobs at risk of crisis could start from Monday.

16:30 - Interior Minister and Head of the National Civil Protection Headquarters Davor Bozinovic announced the possibility of abolishing public and intercity transport.

16:10 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters has warned a large number of citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures.

"We are not satisfied with the adherence to self-isolation measures. Only this morning, 18 people entered the Zagreb pharmacies, who violated self-isolation measures," said Grba Bujevic.

16:00 - Croatia has confirmed 15 new cases of coronavirus infection.

15:50 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the camp for coronavirus patients which was set up in front of Dubrava Clinical Hospital (KBC Dubrava), noting that Croatia has thus prepared what no other European country has.

15:37 - The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (CCE) has suspended the obligation to pay membership fees to companies that have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak for the next three months or as long as necessary, the CCE said on Friday.

15:00 - The director of Karlovac hospital is also in Self-isolation.

14:40 - The Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO) on Friday called on insured people and service users to temporarily delay their arrival at the HZZO's official premises in order to protect themselves, their family and employees, and have made it possible to file claims electronically.

14:29 - Zagreb's libraries, like many cultural institutions, offer a variety of online services to citizens when they are closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus Back in May 2019, an e-book loan service was launched through the ZakiBook app. Members of Zagreb City Libraries, with their membership number and pin, can read more than 600 eBook titles on four different devices - mobile, tablet, e-reader or computer, according to the Zagreb City Libraries.

14:24 - Kraš workers will take a collective holiday starting Wednesday.

"In the coming days, we will gradually reduce production volumes in line with the market needs for our products. Kraš has enough finished products to meet demand in the next two months, so there is no fear that there will be a shortage of products. We will do everything in our power to continue our normal work as soon as possible, according to the circumstances," said Damir Bulić, President of the Kraš Board of Directors.

14:09 - According to the instruction of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, the Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Rijeka is closing all children's playgrounds in the City of Rijeka as of today, March 20.

14:04 - Drivers who cannot avoid traveling on the Croatian Highway (HAC) at the time of the epidemic are urged to follow the prescribed preventative measures and plan for self-protection when planning their trips.

14:03 - The government has announced that it will not acquire masks for HRK 19 million because the Republic of Croatia has received a large donation.

13:45 - Minister Beroš answers questions on the koronavirus.hr Facebook page live. A translation of this session can be found here courtesy of Andy Obridge/COVID-19 INFO CROATIA. Check out their Facebook page here.

13:38 - A child was hospitalized with his parents in Rijeka. They are all positive, said the headquarters of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

13:25 - The epidemiological situation in Vukovar-Srijem County is stable and there are no new patients infected with the coronavirus. Thirty-one people have been tested so far in that county, one finding is pending, and 691 people are under self-isolation measures, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported on Friday in Vinkovci.

There are three people quarantined, and two of those people are truck drivers so far. Food and water are provided for everyone in the quarantine.

13:10 - Croatia's economy will suffer a severe blow from the coronavirus epidemic, analysts estimate, which is not surprising given the high dependency on tourism, which directly accounts for about 11 percent of GDP. Analysts at Raiffeisen Bank forecast a GDP drop of as much as five percent this year.

13:03 - The Bjelovar-Bilogorski Police Directorate has received 31 reports from residents yesterday about possible violations of self-isolation.

12:55 - Vehicle technical inspection stations have not been suspended and activities are being carried out with precautionary measures in line with the recommendations of the competent institutions, the Croatian Vehicle Center announced on Friday.

12:42 - The Croatian Association of Hospital Physicians (HUBOL) said on Friday that health care facilities are not equally prepared for the coronavirus epidemic, and reports and inquiries from HUBOL members indicate that hospitals lack the necessary protective and other equipment.

12:40 - The parliamentary opposition reiterated on Friday that measures taken by the government to save the economy are not enough and called for a moratorium on payment of obligations of entrepreneurs and citizens and a moratorium on enforcement proceedings.

12:37 - In Varaždin County: no new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection.

There are no new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the County of Varaždin, which means that from March 20 at 12:30, the number of infecttions is still 6. All cases are being monitored at the Varaždin General Hospital. In the last 24 hours, 22 tests were conducted, and the total number of completed tests is now above 100. At the same time, in the last 24 hours, 4 confirmed cases of violations of self-isolation and 3 minor violations of the decision on measures to limit social gatherings, work in commerce, services and maintenance sports and cultural events have been reported to the Civil Protection Staff of Croatia.

12:30 - The presence of coronavirus in the patient from Senj was confirmed in the County of Lika-Senj. This was confirmed by the Mayor of Lika-Senj, dr. Darko Milinovic, and reported online.

12:30 - There are three new cases in Zagorje, for a total of eight.

12:10 - A notice has just arrived from the City of Zagreb that all children's playgrounds are closing.

"We would like to inform you that in accordance with the order of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia, all children's playgrounds in the City of Zagreb, including all kindergartens and school playgrounds and yards, will be closed in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection," they confirmed.

11:58 - The PGZ Health Center in Rijeka reported that as of tomorrow Saturday March 21, 2020; they are moving the following outpatients from the Cambierieva site: Pediatric emergency office and blood sampling room for children are moving to a new location at 7 Cambierieva ulica.

• The new location is only 50 meters from the current location, and the work schedule remains unchanged: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 641-045 and 051 336-046.
• The dental office on duty is also moving from its current location (Cambierieva 7) to Studentska 1 in Rijeka and will also work according to current working hours: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The telephone number of the practice is 051 494 896.
• The family medicine duty office remains in the same place (Cambierieva 7) and operates according to the current schedule: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 335 588.

Also, given the new situation, all psychiatrists and psychologists at the PGZ Health Center in their regular working hours are available to provide psychological psychological assistance to all residents of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Psychiatrists and psychologists' contacts and more information on news related to precautionary measures and instructions for treatment can be found on the website of the PGZ Health Center.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacy, the Management Board of Jadran Pharmacy, in order to prevent the immediate inaccessibility of medicines and other products that patients buy at the pharmacies in this period with increased intensity, introduce restrictions on dispensing for one patient:

• up to two packs of disinfectants, antiseptics, alcohol, hand disinfection gels and other skin disinfection products, surface area
• one pack of gloves, masks and similar assortment
• a maximum of two packs of OTC medicines
• dispense the maximum amount of prescription drug in a month

They state that they are aware that such a restriction on dispensing may trigger negative reactions from patients but say that the current situation is such that responsibility must be taken to ensure the continuity of drug delivery to patients throughout the epidemic.

From Thallasotherapy, Opatija says they are delaying examinations, examinations and physical therapies (outpatient and inpatient) between March 23 and April 3.

The Rab Psychiatric Hospital has until now banned all visits as well people as bringing things to patients.

Thallasotherapy Crikvenica has introduced mandatory medical triage measures for all persons entering the hospital and urges all patients and service users not to visit the clinic if they have fever, acute respiratory symptoms, if they have been abroad for the last 14 days, have been in close contact with infected persons .

11:40 - Zagreb Bank (Zaba) reported that as of today, branch hours will be shortened, while some branches are temporarily closed, and recommended that clients visit branches only in case of emergency and to use internet banking and ATM services.

11:26 - Kampus igraliste (playground) is closed in Rijeka to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

11:22 - The Varaždin Civil Protection Headquarters decided on Friday to close all children's playgrounds in the city and remove the terraces of catering facilities, as citizens do not adhere to the ban on gathering as protection against coronavirus infection.

10:34 - The Army is pitching 28 tents for coronavirus patients in front of KBC Dubrava, see how they look on the inside. Video here courtesy of N1.

10:29 - The Zadar headquarters held a press conference. They still have two infected. Dr. Alan Medic said 14 samples have been tested and there are no new cases so far.

"We have a total of 408 people under self-isolation, of which 68 yesterday.

If someone has a temperature of 37.2 C and is middle-aged and has no severe symptoms, there is time: do not go to the doctor. Seniors with chronic illnesses take priority regarding coronavirus testing. Someone who is 20 or 30 years old can wait a day, but it is important that they be in self-isolation," said Medic. During the day, they are awaiting findings for several people.

10:15 - At 13:45, Minister Beroš answers questions on the koronavirus.hr Facebook page live.

10:00 - The Croatian Family Medicine Coordination Office (KoHOM) on Friday appealed to the media and the general public to respect the privacy and human dignity of all coronavirus patients, including doctors who have been infected who, due to incomplete and inaccurate information have been subjected to their own form of lynching.

10:07 - According to information Index has received unofficially, the new coronavirus case in the Split-Dalmatia County area is a 40-year-old from Vrboska, Hvar. He had been working in Austria.

10:06 - Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, tourism in Croatia is in an unenviable situation, without any traffic and income, which is why the most important dialogue now is for all stakeholders - domestic and foreign partners - to maintain cooperation, and survival measures for continuing work are as soon as possible are being planned according to Uniline and Atlas largest domestic agencies in Croatia.

9:53 - Minister Bozinovic says he is considering restricting purchases. "There are no shortages anywhere at the moment. It is not such a problem yet that we would need to act on this. There is no reason to worry and create irrational stockpiles. But there will always be unreasonable individuals," Bozinovic observed.

9:23 - 11 doctors have been infected.

9:17 - "There are three positive cases at KBC Dubrava. Three doctors are positive. It may be that some of the patients have been infected, some have stayed there because they cannot be discharged and have been in contact with the infected," said Krunoslav Capak.

8:46 - We're bringing pictures of Croatian cities from webcams around 8:30 this morning. Recall, epidemiologists recommend getting outside in fresh air, but not in large groups, and with a minimum of one-meter distance. See more here.

Split

8:26 - In an interview with N1 television, a military commander revealed that of the 28 tents rising in front of KB Dubrava, 20 would be for the reception of patients, while eight would be for other purposes, changing rooms, equipment ... tomorrow afternoon. The reporter at N1 also learned that a tent was being erected in front of the Zagreb Arena.

8:20 - Today Croatia has 113 coronavirus cases, including 11 of whom are doctors. One patient’s condition has worsened, and he was connected to a respirator.

Yesterday afternoon, it was also confirmed that the man in Istria who died was infected with the coronavirus. His wife and one son were also infected. Due to his death, Minister Beroš announced a health inspection at a hospital in Pula because the man’s family claimed that their doctor had not visited them for several days.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Croatia Travel Update March 20, 2020: Flights, Ferries, Borders, Self-Isolation - here.
• Coronavirus on Hvar: First Case Recorded on Croatian Islands in Vrboska - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia Morning Press Conference Update, March 20, 2020 - here.
• Life on Europe's Number 1 Island with All Bars, Restaurants Closed (VIDEO) - here.
• Can Delivery Service Only Really Keep Croatian Restaurants Afloat? - here.
• Croatian Entrepreneur Reactions to Government Coronavirus Measures - here.
• Need Croatian Government Aid in Coronavirus Era? The Criteria - here.
• Sisak Company Developing Superior Ozone Disinfectant Technology - here.
• Croatian Athletes in Corona Crisis: Olympics on Schedule, Nowhere to Train - here.
• Croatian Travel Agencies Introducing Vouchers for Paid Trips - here.
• Morning Poetry, Fairy Tales, Ballet: HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka Launches Online Program - here.
• Split Mayor: We Have a Sociological Issue - People, Stay Home! - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• COVID-19 & Slovenia, Night 20 March: Shorter Opening Hours, Power Prices Cut - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 14 cases, Epidemic Spreads, We Should Take It Seriously - here.

Live World Coronavirus Updates

• Live world updates from CNN here.
• Live world updates from The Guardian here.
• Live world updates from Al Jazeera here.

Live World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updated international map tracking spread of coronavirus from Johns Hopkins CSSE here.
• Live updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) here.

Live Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updates from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.
• Live updates from Croatian Government at their dedicated website koronavirus.hr here and their Facebook page here.

UPDATED: March 20, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 21 update click here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. 

March 20, 2020 - The Association of Croatian Travel Agencies has promised vouchers for travelers during the coronavirus crisis.

Domestic travelers and tourists who have paid for travel through travel agencies that cannot be realized because of the coronavirus pandemic can expect agency vouchers to pay for trips when it passes, UHPA President Tomislav Fain said Thursday for Jutarnji List.

"The money paid for travel is not lost. We plan to start issuing vouchers to travelers for paid arrangements that they will be able to use in the amount of money paid for another trip when all this passes," Fain explains.

He says that this is already done in many European countries, and that travelers need to know that their money has not been left in the account of the travel agency, but has been forwarded to the hotel, airline, carrier and others in the 'linked chain' of the travel offer.

"The working capital of an agency, which is mostly small or medium-sized enterprises, is limited, and the refund to the customer due to stagnating bookings and bans imposed would be fatal for many agencies. Therefore, we offer a solution that should satisfy both parties - enabling travelers to make trips, and to provide agencies with business continuity,” says Fain.

He estimates that the spread of the coronavirus has caused unprecedented disturbances in daily life, in many industries and the economy, including in the travel industry.

“The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to the recommendations of the competent institutions to temporarily delay travel until the suspension of regular routes, the closure of borders and the complete ban on travel of any kind," warned Fain.

The consequences are also felt by travelers - individual guests and groups, business people on trips and organized congresses, schoolchildren and their parents, and all others who duly paid for trips that will not be realized now due to force majeure and in extraordinary circumstances, and, understandably, they expect compensation.

"We believe that the time of travel will come again and that we will quickly overcome this crisis and keep our heads up, and until then, it remains for passengers and everyone to abide by the instructions recommended by the Civil Protection Staff," Fain concludes.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

March 20, 2020 - HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka reacts to the coronavirus crisis with an online program. 

The Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka won’t let the corona crisis take them down, and instead has reacted with an online program including morning poetry, ballet, and fairy tales at bedtime.

HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka writes in full:

"In the circumstances of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Rijeka Theater decided to act responsibly and in solidarity with its audience, citizens of Rijeka and the wider community, especially those most vulnerable, either because of their age or because they are on the front line of defense against the COVID-19.

As is well known, the theater is unimaginable without the public gathering of a large number of people, and in essence, theater is social contact and collective experience of a theater act, which is why we had to cancel our programs among the first.

Also, due to the specificity of the theater work, some of our ensembles cannot continue their regular and usual work, because their action and creation involve gathering more people(orchestra, choir) and physical contact (ballet ensemble).

Nevertheless, we decided, until all the work in public institutions was banned, to reorganize and harness all our creativity so that we could continue to work and act responsibly and in solidarity. Therefore, we announce that we are creating a program called “Zajc with You" that will be available through Youtube and social networks.

From Friday, March 20, as long as we are allowed to work, "Zajc" begins with its online program of the following content and schedule:

1. Morning selfie poetry

At 8 am every morning, one actor in Croatian or Italian drama will read poetry for you. One song every morning!

2. Aria at noon

Every day at noon, the soloist of our opera ensemble will perform one aria with personal dedication.

3. “Zajc with you" - fairy tales for bedtime

Actors of Croatian and Italian Drama will tell your children a bedtime story at 8 pm every night.

4. Ballet insomnia

In the evening, at 10 pm, the program “Zajc with you" will be concluded with a short dance video: ballet practice, solo, choreographic fragments ...

Of course, during our online presence, all non-at-risk Theater employees work from home or in the Theater building, respecting all security measures, and are preparing a program to start as soon as we are allowed to open our doors to our audience. All employees are ready to extend the duration of this and start the new theater season early, all in order to realize all of the planned program this year. "Zajc" is a theater that has always been and will be here because of the citizens of Rijeka. Because a city without Theater is like a city without identity. A city without a theater is not really a city.

All information about canceled performances that were on sale can be obtained at the box office (tel. 051 / 337-114, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). For most programs, we already offer replacement dates in May, June and July, and if the offered replacement terms do not match or do not exist, you can earn a refund for tickets purchased by April 14 at the box office.

Box office hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 3 pm, and Saturday 9 am - 1 pm."

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 19,  2020 - The City of Split announces measures to help citizens and entrepreneurs during the corona crisis. 

In line with national efforts to combat the economic damage caused by the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara is bringing a set of measures to help citizens and entrepreneurs affected by the National Civil Protection Headquarters’ decision to stop work. 

Under the Decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters on prohibiting certain economic activities from today, March 19, 2020, the following applies:

1. Suspension of all foreclosures in the form of halting forced collection within the next 90 days for business entities

2. Suspension of all enforcement by stopping forced collection in the next 90 days for citizens

3. Deferral of utility payments for 90 days for business entities

4. Deferral of utility payments for 90 days for citizens

5. Following the Ordinance on the operation of kindergartens, the price of kindergartens during their suspension is reduced by 50% for all categories

6. Following the Rulebook on Extended and Full-Day Residence in Primary Schools, parents will participate in a fixed amount of HRK 250 per month, and a participation fee of HRK 25 per day during the suspension will not be charged

7. Co-financing of interest costs on loans for craftspeople and small businesses for micro-liquidity loans and COVID-19 working capital loans for small and medium-sized enterprises, up to a maximum of 1% interest

8. City companies Čistoća Split d.o.o. and Vodovod and Sewage d.o.o. delay the payment of services to all natural and legal persons for 90 days. The invoices will be sent regularly, but due in 90 days.

Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara will propose the following measures, based on the Decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters on the prohibition of work on March 19, 2020, for certain economic activities:

9. Exemption from lease payments for public areas not in use per the Decision of the National Headquarters on prohibitions, i.e., in the sectors covered by the Decision on prohibiting labor

10. Exemption of lease payments for business premises owned by the City of Split and for premises owned by the City of Split, given to the management of Splitskoj obali d.o.o. and to the Public Institution Sports Facilities, when not in use per the Decision of the National Headquarters on prohibiting labor

According to current estimates, the effect of this package of measures is around HRK 150 million over the next three months.

Additional measures have been considered and are being prepared to assist vulnerable groups of the population, especially towards citizens over the age of 60, which will require an increase in the budget.

Even though the possibility of paying utility bills with a delay of three months has been introduced, the City asks citizens, given the burden on the expenditure side of the Budget and the number of initiated city projects, to fulfill their obligations following their capabilities by paying electronically.

For the stated liabilities for March, no refunds will be made, but an offset will be made with future payments for the period after the measures are abolished.

Also, depending on the development of the situation, Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara will make a timely decision on the duration of deferrals.

“Considering the economic importance of this health pandemic and in order to mitigate the negative effects of the crisis, we have prepared this set of measures on the delays and the exemptions we propose to the City Council, not wanting to wait for the pandemic to end, and already addressing the consequences that will be reflected in the tourism and the economy as a whole. We have to, and that's why we are acting now," emphasized Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara, and once again urged citizens to responsibly comply with all instructions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

To read more about business in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 19, 2020 - There are 110 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 29 new cases as of yesterday morning. One patient has died. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 104 active cases in Croatia.

Measures for Entry into the Republic of Croatia: UPDATED March 19, 2020

As of midnight, crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia is temporarily restricted. Croatian citizens and residents will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they may go to the country where they work and reside and must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) upon their return.

These measures went into effect at 00:01 on March 19, 2020 and are valid for 30 days.

Return to countries of origin will be granted to nationals of the EU Member States (Member States of the Schengen Area and Schengen countries and their families), and third-country nationals who are long-term residents under EU directives, national law or are holding national long-stay visas. Until the end of 2020, UK citizens will be treated the same way as EU citizens.

The instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) are compulsory for these returnees.

EXCEPTIONS to this Decision are:

• Health professionals, health researchers and associate professionals in the care of the elderly and persons requiring urgent medical treatment
• Cross-border workers
• Freight carriers and other transport personnel to the extent necessary
• Diplomats, police officers in the performance of their duties, civil protection services and teams, personnel of international organizations and international military personnel in the performance of their functions
• Passengers in transit

The above exceptions are subject to the instructions and measures adopted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. See those here.

Minister Davor Bozinovic said at a press conference today that a meeting of police administrations of Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro will be held to determine the routes along which trucks may move.

As of today, it is mandatory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

• Two (2) meters indoors
• One (1) meter outdoors

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, the gathering of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities EXCEPT:

• Food and hygiene items
• Markets and fish markets
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing (pharmacies)
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing veterinary medicinal products
• Agricultural pharmacies
• Gas stations
• Kiosks
• Bakeries
• Chemical laundry (dry cleaners)
• Specialized stores selling orthopaedic products and other aids
• Specialized baby equipment stores
• Specialized animal feed stores
• Dispensing of building materials on the basis of retail orders
• Logistic and distribution centers for food, beverages and hygiene products
• Wholesale drugstores

Suspension of the Following Activities and Services:

• Work of all cultural activities (museums, theaters, cinemas, libraries, reading rooms) and the suspension of exhibitions, shows and fairs
• Operation of catering establishments of all categories, with the exception of food preparation and delivery services, accommodation services and work of public and student kitchens
• Operation of service activities in which close contact with customers (eg hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicures, massage parlors, saunas, swimming pools)
• All sports competitions and organized trainings and shutdowns of gyms, sports centers, fitness and recreation centers
• Holding children's and other workshops and organized dance schools
• Work of driving schools and foreign language schools
• Religious gatherings

110 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 19, 2020; 110 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 49 in Zagreb, 13 in Rijeka, 16 in Pula, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Varaždin, 3 in Sisak, 4 in Krapina-Zagorje (County), 4 in Karlovac, 2 in Split, 2 in Šibenik, 2 in Zadar, 1 in Dubrovnik, and 1 in Slavonski Brod (map to be updated).

More than 9,991 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 242,017 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 161,089 cases outside of mainland China and 41,035 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 19, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 16:00 CET

"Today is the 24th day after the first patient. In those 24 days we have 105 positive patients. In the same period in Italy, the number of patients from days 1 to 24 was 27,747," Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros said.

National Civil Protection Headquarters Morning Press Conference: 9:00 CET

• 1264 test samples completed in Croatia.
• There are currently 12,519 people in self-isolation in Croatia and 769 contacts who are under close supervision. There are 79 people quarantined and 18 of those are truck drivers, according to Alemka Markotic, Head of the Dr. Fran Mihaljevic Clinic for Infectious Diseases.
• Most have mild symptoms, two have moderate symptoms, Markotic added.
• Istrian deceased patient had coronavirus: cause of death still unknown.

Line for pharmacy in Zagreb | Index

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:39 - In coordination with the Institute of Public Health of the County of Istria, and following the measures and instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters, workers of the municipal utility Pula Herculane will disinfect public areas by special chemical agents from Thursday evening, the City of Pula informed the public.

According to the plan, public areas will be chemically disinfected from the city center to the periphery, and the City of Pula is urging citizens to avoid being outdoors in the areas covered by the measure.

"Cleansing removes impurities by physical or physico-chemical means, and in addition to visible contamination, cleansing also removes a significant portion of microorganisms and creates conditions for effective disinfection. Disinfection is a process that destroys microorganisms to a level that is not harmful to health," The city of Pula also added that 80% of harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms are removed by quality surface cleaning."

20:25 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic addressed the public with a special response to the coronavirus crisis at 20:00 CET this evening.

He said this was the biggest crisis since the Homeland War, and that the days, weeks and months ahead would be difficult and that we need to prepare.

"We are managing the crisis, it is not not managing us. But we need everyone's participation. The coronavirus will have significant consequences on our economy. The economic situation is better than a few years ago, we are more prepared for shocks. But extraordinary measures are needed, which is why the government has enacted them. We will pay a net minimum wage for each worker. We go out to companies to meet payroll delays."

Don't shake hands, listen to the doctors, added Plenkovic. It calls on all citizens in self-isolation to adhere strictly to the rules.

19:39 - A fourth patient from Karlovac hospital isolation, who has been confirmed with the coronavirus, is a Karlovac doctor who has had no contact with patients for the last two weeks, the Civil Protection County Headquarters announced.

He is a hospital doctor who has not worked for the past two weeks because he was on vacation, Hospitals spokeswoman Ivana Rumenovic Novinic told Hina.

"Immediately after learning that another person from Karlovac had been confirmed with the coronavirus, the prescribed anti-epidemic measures were started to prevent the further spread of the disease. The processes of establishing their contacts are underway and all contacts will receive self-isolation measures," Rumenovic said. Novinić.

In addition to the hospital doctor, there are three other patients - a married couple from Karlovac and a man from Ogulin, all of whom are stable.

19:19 - Another five cases of infection have been reported in Istria, all linked to a couple who were at a funeral.

John Kernjus, son of the late Istrian Anton Kernjus, told Index that his mother and brother were positive for the coronavirus.

18:35 - Index learned today that as many as 23 Klaiceva employees traveled outside Croatia for two weeks, and we learned from one doctor that he had been skiing in Austria when a KBC Rebro doctor was infected. However, he was not in self-isolation, he was working, without a mask.

18:30 - Today a telephone session was held at which the Decision on Appropriation of the Budgetary Stock of the State Budget of Croatia for 2020 was approved for the purchase of protective masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

17:45 - The MUP issued a warning for coronavirus email fraud. They explained that they were phishing campaigns trying to exploit the coronavirus pandemic by sending e-mails to convince users to run a malicious code on their computer.

16:43 - There will be 270 beds in front of KB Dubrava in tents being assembled today.

16:41 - In Zagorje, five people were infected, the headquarters provided an update on the situation there.

16:30 - "Today is the 24th day after we reported the first patient. In those 24 days we have 105 positive patients. In the same period in Italy, the increase in the number of patients from days 1 to 24 was 27,747," Beros pointed out at the afternoon press conference.

16:15 - The Dean of the School of Medicine defends infected doctors, saying that they followed instructions.

15:40 - Important announcement regarding the Health Center of the County of Primorje-Gorski kotar.

"Regarding efforts for prevention of the spread of COVID-19, from Saturday March 21, 2020, the Health Center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is moving the locations of the following dispensaries:

The pediatric emergency office and the blood sampling room for children are being relocated to the new location at 7 Cambierieva Street (former pediatric ophthalmology area). The new location is only 50 meters from the current location, and the work schedule remains unchanged: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office numbers are 051 641-045 and 051 336-046.

The dental office on duty is also moving from its current location (Cambierieva 7) to Studentska 1 in Rijeka and will also work according to current working hours: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 494 896.

The Family Medicine Duty Office remains in the existing premises (Cambierieva 7) and operates according to the current schedule: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00to 20:00. The office number is 051 335 588.

Also, in view of the new situation, all psychiatrists and psychologists at the PGZ Health Center in their regular working hours are available to provide telephone psychological assistance to all citizens of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Psychiatrists and psychologists' contacts and more information on news regarding precautions and treatment instructions can be found on the website of the PGZ Health Center."

14:30 - A Bjelovar ambulance team is in isolation after intervening Thursday with a child whose parents are in isolation, but did not say when they called an ambulance, and the county appealed for responsible behavior and adherence to coronavirus prevention guidelines.

14:10 - Former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic is in self-isolation, Dnevnik Nova TV reports. According to sources, former President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic will be in self-isolation for two weeks.

14:09 - Concerning the current epidemiological situation caused by the coronavirus, experts of the Mental Health and Addiction Prevention Service of the Public Health Institute Andrija Štampar opened eight hotlines for psychological assistance to persons in self-isolation or quarantine.

Interviews with professionals are possible daily from 8:00 to 20:00 on the following telephone numbers:

01 2991 356
01 4696 276
01 4696 107
01 4696 297
01 6468 334
01 6468 335
01 6468 337
01 6468 338

The telephone numbers are intended for all persons who feel the need for psychological assistance regarding the coronavirus crisis. Expert advice on how to deal with this situation and how to reduce anxiety will be provided daily by psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists of the Public Health Institute “Dr. Andrija Štampar ".

Recommendations for People in Isolation:

• Stay connected and maintain your social networks, you can stay connected via email, social media, video conferencing and telephone. Try to keep as much of your personal daily routine as possible including regular exercise, cleaning, daily chores, singing, reading ...
• Do activities you enjoy and help you relax. Exercise regularly, maintain a regular sleep routine, and eat healthy foods.
• Follow up-to-date information and practical guidance at specific times during the day, once or twice, by official institutions, avoid listening to or monitoring rumors which have a negative impact on mood.

13:59 - Banks Explain: Here's what you need to know about postponing loan repayments.

• In order to preserve the financial stability and liquidity of economic factors in the Republic of Croatia, credit institutions shall adopt in their internal acts a decision not to take enforcement measures (foreclosure, activation of collateral) to collect debt from their debtors (natural and legal persons) for three consecutive months starting in April 2020, it will not settle its three installments/annuities on its credit obligations, provided that they are not put at a disadvantage as creditors in relation to other creditors.
• Credit institutions shall conscientiously and promptly consider and approve requests by clients (citizens and entrepreneurs) for a deferral of payment for at least three months, whose creditworthiness is severely impaired in the current circumstances by the loss or reduction of fixed sources of income, and for the benefit of undertakings whose the revenue was substantially reduced compared to the total income in the previous period.
• Credit institutions shall, at the time of the deferral of payment, only charge regularly agreed interest at no additional charge.
• For the success of the measures expected of credit institutions, it will be important to ensure the solidarity of other groups of creditors, in order to provide assistance to citizens and entrepreneurs who are truly economically affected in the current circumstances.

13:49 - As many as 23 employees, including 9 doctors from the Clinic for Pediatric Diseases in Klaićeva, who had been outside Croatia for the past 14 days, are going into self-isolation today.

13:48 - Croatia Airlines has sent an important message to its passengers.

13:46 - Headquarters Warning: "At least twice a day, clean all touch surfaces, smartphones and other phones, POS editing, keyboards, consoles, computers, and other touch surfaces used by several people."

13:35 - In front of KB Dubrava, the army erects tents for future coronavirus patients.

13:27 - All schools, kindergartens and colleges in Croatia will be closed until at least April 19 (one month).

13:27 - A second case of coronavirus infection was confirmed in Zadar County today, a young man who arrived in Austria two days ago by car to work in a hotel complex, which has since been closed down due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The County Civil Protection Headquarters announced this at a news conference, stating that the young man was suspected of having a coronavirus because of his weakness, and reported to a competent epidemiologist upon his arrival in Zadar. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Croatia now stands at 103.

13:16 - After the sixth coronavirus infection was confirmed on Wednesday, there are no new infections in Varazdin County on Thursday, and more than 500 people are under medical supervision.

13:00 - From Jadrolinija, passengers on ships are asked to stay in their vehicles during the voyage, if less than 60 minutes. In the event that they must get out of their vehicle, the Croatia-based ferry service recommends that passengers use protective masks.

12:40 - "Dubrovnik Airport Ltd. is closed for civil air traffic as of 12:00 today. We will provide you with all further information in a timely manner," read a statement from the Dubrovnik Airport. The airport will be open only for emergencies - medical, military and police flights.

12:01 - Loan repayments delayed for three months due to coronavirus.

The Ministry of Finance is agreeing with the banks a moratorium on repayment of loans to citizens who cannot repay them due to reduced revenues or job losses caused by the coronavirus epidemic. Unofficially, this has been confirmed to Index by the Ministry of Finance. Minister Zdravko Maric has been trying to make it easier for citizens to repay their loans since the start of the pandemic.

11:56 - Zagreb Holding has invited users of the Central Branch Office for Customer Relations and Subsidiaries to continue exclusively using their electronic services, which can be accessed through their website and on the e-gradani system.

11:45 - Miroslav Skoro is seeking a minimum wage for everyone.

11:34 - Update from Slavonia. No new cases. A total of 7 confirmed cases. Osijek Headquarters is demanding limits on purchases.

11:04 - A total of 12 people confirmed with the coronavirus in Istria, one of whom has died and 11 are currently in the hospital. Among the 5 newly ill are 2 people from Umag and one each from Rovinj, Pula and Vodnjan. According to Glas Istre, the famous winemaker Moreno Coronica and his wife were infected in Umag. However, the winemaker’s father died recently and was buried on March 7. There were a lot of people at the funeral, and everyone in attendance should report to 099-8105-672.

10:38 - Press conference from Split. Two elderly, an elderly married couple, have been confirmed to be coronavirus positive. The Hospital for Infectology confirms that 4 people have been hospitalized. Two cases have been confirmed, and they are waiting for the test results for two potential cases.

10:27 - The first case of coronavirus disease was recorded in Dubrovnik today. According to Dubrovacki dnevnik, this is a janitor who works at the airport.

10:18 - Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the beginning of the cabinet session that 102 people had been confirmed infected. Beros confirmed that the figure is now higher than it was at the 9:00 CET press conference.

9:55 - This afternoon it will be announced where the last 10 confirmed cases were infected. So far, one person is known to be from Dubrovnik.

9:30 - "The Civil Protection Headquarters of the National Defense Agency informs the public that one of the samples sent from Dubrovnik General Hospital for analysis to Zagreb is coronavirus positive. This is the first positive finding after 15 samples were sent. This is a middle-aged person who is hospitalized, and the medical condition of the patient is good. This knowledge only confirms the necessity of adhering to the measures prescribed by the National Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia " – a representative from Dubrovacko-neretvanske county reported.

9:20 - The Croatian Bishops' Conference adopted measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus which go into effect on Friday March 20.

8:24 - Employees of Vetropack Straze received a mail stating that one of their employees was infected with the coronavirus, was in the hospital and is in good general condition. Those who had close contact with him (less than 2 meters for more than 15 minutes) have to self-isolate beginning tomorrow according to Zagorje.com.

8:10 - In Split-dalmatinsko County, two people have tested positive for COVID-19. This is an older couple from Split (born 1934 and 1935). They were infected by the daughter of a Zagreb doctor who visited them over the weekend. She learned on Monday that she was infected, and her parents were not feeling well yesterday and were taken to hospital. During the evening, they were confirmed to be coronavirus positive.

8:00 - In Croatia, 99 people are infected with a coronavirus, said Krunoslav Capak, Director of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute, on the Croatian radio program "U mrezi Prvog.”

7:38 - HRT (Croatia Radio Television) has learned that the man who died in Istria was infected with the coronavirus. A formal confirmation is awaiting. However, HRT noted that experts believe that this is not the reason for his death.

7:19 - Croatia has temporarily banned or restricted the crossing of all border crossings. Croatian citizens will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they can go to the country where they work and reside. They must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

7:13 - You can read more about the measures here.

7:00 - Four doctors from KBC Zagreb, who were skiing in Austria at the time of the coronavirus crisis, made a statement to the Ministry of Health, the Civil Protection Headquarters and the KBC director, saying that they had not violated the recommendations of authorities.

Doctors deny accusations of failing to report their trip and point out that of the two positive doctors at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, one was not even on that trip, while the other doctor did not come to the hospital after the trip because she was on vacation.

The other two who were traveling in Austria were negative, so they did not pose a threat to KBC patients and staff. They also point out that in the meantime, all tested staff and patients of the Cardiovascular Disease Clinic were negative for COVID-19.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Robert Zuber, Rab Film Festival Launch R+, New Online Platform with Your Stories - here.
• Coronavirus in Dubrovnik: First Case Recorded, Symptoms Mild - here.
• First Coronavirus Death in Croatia, Restaurant Owner in Brtonigla, Istria - here.
• Lockdown in Croatia: Which Types of Store Will Remain Open? - here.
• Croatian Interior Minister Announces Limitation of Movement for Older Persons - here.
• Without Tourists, What Use is Croatian Sojourn Tax Payment Delay? - here.
• Free Croatian Crisis Communication Guide Available from Skolska Knjiga - here.
• Croatian Scientist Igor Rudan Talks Chinese Anti-Coronavirus Measures - here.
• COVID-19: City of Split Announces Measures to Mitigate Negative Effect on Economy - here.
• Minister Darko Horvat Presents First 10 Measures to Help Croatian Economy - here.
• Split Fish Market Continues to Operate Under Slightly Different Rules - here.
• HNS Confirms: Croatian Football League Must be Completed by June 28 - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Mid-Day 19 March, Shops, Italy, Army - here.
• Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Thursday, 19 March 2020 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 6 More COVID-19 Infections - here.

Live World Coronavirus Updates

• Live world updates from CNN here.
• Live world updates from The Guardian here.
• Live world updates from Al Jazeera here.

Live World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updated international map tracking spread of coronavirus from Johns Hopkins CSSE here.
• Live updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) here.

Live Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updates from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.
• Live updates from Croatian Government at their dedicated website koronavirus.hr here.

UPDATED: March 19, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 21 update click here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News.

March 19, 2020 - A look at the first ten measures proposed to help the Croatian economy during the corona crisis. 

Following the decision to prevent the rise in prices of critical products for supplying the Croatian market and exporting those products for which a shortage in Croatia could appear, Minister Darko Horvat presented the first ten measures from the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Crafts, which were proposed at a Government session on Tuesday, reports Vecernji List on March 16, 2020. 

These measures will be aimed primarily at entrepreneurs and craftspeople. 

“The meaning of all the measures we plan to take and which we have held very intensive discussions about so far is to preserve jobs and the domestic economy, and to provide the necessary liquidity to our entrepreneurs, through a moratorium or deferrals of loan obligations, the introduction of new credit lines for working capital funds and the like,” explained the minister. Horvat also stressed that changes in certain economic relations are expected in the coming period, both nationally and globally.

“At the moment, we are aware that carriers, traders and exporters suffer the most, but we must take into account all possible scenarios, considering all branches of the Croatian economy, from craftspeople, through micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to large companies,” said Horvat. 

You can find the suggested measures below:

1. Reprogram existing loans (with the introduction of a grace period in repayment of the loan principal) and introduce a moratorium on the credit obligations of HBOR clients and commercial banks on existing placements;

2. Approval of new liquidity loans to economic operators for financing salaries, overheads, and other basic operating expenses, in cooperation with commercial banks;

3. Approval of guarantees (insurance policy) to export commercial banks and HBOR within the framework of the guarantee fund for export insurance;

4. Increase the scope of the guarantee fund for export insurance by including the tourism sector, the indirect exporting entities or the suppliers of direct exporters in the eligible beneficiaries;

5. Provide for the possibility of introducing, through the Amendments to the Investment Promotion Act, the extension of deadlines for the implementation of investment projects and the introduction of an additional grace period of three years to preserve jobs;

6. Intervention in the purchase of surpluses in livestock and crop production, fruit and vegetables, and other products from potentially endangered industrial and agricultural producers;

7. Increasing the rate of the HAMAG-BICRO guarantee from 65% to 80% of the loan principal with a shortened processing procedure and an additional allocation of EUR 15 million for Micro working capital loans (up to EUR 25,000), with a maximum interest rate of 1%;

8. Moratorium on all installments of ESIF Micro and Small Loans by 31/12/2020;

9. Increasing the de minimis grant limit from EUR 200,000 to EUR 500,000;

10.The possibility to mobilize part of the budget as a contribution to sectoral intervention grants to entrepreneurs (national grant).

To read more about business in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 19, 2020 - Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported that 18 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed since yesterday morning. The total number of cases in Croatia is 99. Yesterday, Croatia reported the first death from the virus. Five patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET, the press conference of the National Headquarters of the Civil Protection began as reported by Index. At the same time, the Istrian headquarters had confirmed that a man infected with the coronavirus died in Istria. Here is what is known so far:

• 99 confirmed coronavirus cases
• 1 death
• 5 recovered

1264 Test Samples Completed in Croatia

"We have a total of 99 positive persons and 5 recovered. A total of 1264 test samples have been completed. The situation is epidemiologically very good," said Maja Grba Bujevic, asking citizens to comply with the prescribed measures.

"There are currently 12,519 people in self-isolation. We have 769 contacts who are being intensively monitored. There are 79 people quarantined and 18 truck drivers," she added.

"Most have mild symptoms, two have moderate symptoms," said Alemka Markotic.

Istrian Deceased Patient Had Coronavirus: Cause of Death Still Unknown

"The finding of the deceased confirmed that he had the coronavirus. During the day, all actions will be taken that will lead to information whether the death was caused by a virus or something else," she added.

"We are awaiting further findings to see the exact cause of death. When we receive them, we will release them all," she added.

"The gentleman belongs to the risk group. It is not unexpected that there will be deaths in the risk group, but let's wait for the autopsy results. Close contacts are being tested," Markotic says.

Locations of New Infections to be Announced

"We're still managing to contain the situation," Capak said. He said he would announce in the afternoon which sites were newly infected and where they were being treated.

"We have to minimize the spread of the virus to each other. That's the goal of the measures," Bozinovic said.

"Avoid close contacts and maintain good hygiene. In interiors, the distance from the other person must be at least 2 meters, outside at least 1 meter," Bozinovic reiterated.

"Some of these decisions can be altered by making them stricter, and they may be milder, all depending on how we as a community, as citizens, treat them," Bozinovic explained.

No More Foreign Nationals Entering Croatia, Except in Transit

"Since this morning, we have no more foreign nationals entering Croatia, except for those who heading to other countries. Everyone else has left the country already," he confirmed.

"Thank you to the media for doing the job responsibly to get our messages out to people. People should also reduce the number of times they leave their homes, except for those who go to work. They should respect rules we have made about going to the shops," Bozinovic added.

"Croatian citizens can return to the Republic of Croatia, with strict adherence to epidemiological measures," Bozinovic said.

Keep One Meter Distance Outside, Two Meters Inside

"It’s best that people stand in rows outside the shops. And keep an eye out, 1 meter, 2 meters inside. The operations headquarters will be checking on this. Everyone who follows these guidelines will reduce the risk of passing the virus from one to another. I think and hope that we have all showed a high level of responsibility. However, when we talked about violations of the self-isolation regime, punishment will not stop the spread of the virus if we do not adhere to all the prescribed measures. Maintain hygiene and keep a distance of 1 meter outside, and 2 inside,” he reiterated.

Follow our dedicated page on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and watch for our daily update at 14:00 CET. The Croatian Government has also launched a website for information on the coronavirus (with map of cases) here.

March 19, 2020 - Online schooling in Croatia has replaced regular school for an initial two weeks due to the coronavirus crisis. Some reflections from the viewpoint of a dedicated teacher. 

 When a letter arrived from the Ministry of Science and Education last week to start distance education in Istria from Monday, we knew what was waiting for us in other parts of Croatia.

We quickly decided on which platform to use for online teaching at our school, added students and teachers to virtual classes, lent tablets and mobile cards to students from low-income families so that everyone could successfully follow classes with the help of ICT.

Helping each other out, we prepared first-hand teaching materials and devised backup plans and strategies to work from home every day. New circumstances imposed new rules and made us turn into teachers on the other side of the screen overnight.

Unfortunately, many colleagues from other schools still need to be present at schools in their workplaces. These are still unbelievable instructions by competent ministry directors. Every presentation, departure, and commute to work increases the risk of infection, and someone above us just can't figure it out.

And while one education adviser says 150,000 students have forgotten their passwords and crashed virtual platforms that students cannot log in to, it is simply a well-known situation that we teachers relive year after year, for example, when printing student certificates. And while they boast that we do so much better than other wealthier countries, I have to admit that I'm not so sure about that. My colleagues in Norway tell me that they have no problems with logging in to the system all day. A colleague from Turkey is surprised that in this situation, we are still required to be at work. They, too, are tired just like us, but at least their education ministers do not tell them that they have to come to school to learn to work online and, in collaboration with colleagues, be better prepared to work from home.

In communication with students, I see how frustrated many are that they are unsuccessfully trying to login to a system that has never been designed to handle such traffic and workload. My cellphone rings and messages come from all over, and I just can't help the students and their parents with any login issues. I try to calm them down, as always, and as the days go by, we will already get used to these existing problems.

Fortunately, I work in two small schools where we continue to encourage each other and share experiences, just as we do in teaching groups on social networks where we are from all over Croatia. We are aware that online teaching will not be as good as teaching in normal circumstances, but we do our best.

Although behind-the-scenes, friendly, kind and willing to help, we're still here for our students who may miss a class (be it on TV or in a virtual classroom), but we're sure everyone will get more important life lessons not written down in school books.

The views expressed in this article are solely mine and do not represent the views of either of the two schools in which I work.

For the latest on the coronavirus crisis, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

March 19, 2020 - The Split fish market will continue to operate during the corona crisis, but under slightly different rules from Thursday. 

Since the beginning of December last year, a decision was made that fish could no longer be sold in the outdoor area of the Split fish market and could only be sold indoors, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

In the meantime, the coronavirus pandemic appeared, forcing Split fish market sellers to come together to send an appeal to those responsible for the concessionaire.

On Wednesday morning, they appealed to the following: ‘We are asking the State Inspectorate, the City of Split, the concessionaire Hippos and all those responsible for permitting the sale of fish in the times of crisis, for the benefit and health of customers, sellers, workers of the Split fish market and all citizens of Split, to work outdoors, part-time!

To restore us to our original state, because we think that in this current indoor space, the density of people is high, and therefore the possibility of infection is much higher. We hope that you see the situation and will make the right decision.”

Karoglan, the director of the Hippos company, which is a concessionaire of Split's Pazar and fish market, was categorical on Wednesday morning, saying they would not be able to move outdoors.

On Wednesday night, the following announcement was shared:

“Dear Customers and Colleagues,

The Split fish market will work tomorrow according to standard working hours from 6 am to 13 pm, but according to slightly different rules…

1. The Split fish market has 3 entrances. As of tomorrow, there will be only one entrance for customers, the one by Marmontova. The entrance from the spa and the entrance from the market will be closed to customers.

2. The Split fish market will have a person at the door who will be responsible for the number of people in the fish market itself. 

Because the fish market is 400 square meters, it was decided that 80 people is the maximum number that can be found inside at any given moment, i.e., if there are 35 sellers at one time, a maximum of 45 buyers will be able to enter.”

They also asked everyone to comply with the rules.

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