March 18, 2020 – Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported that 12 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 81. Details to follow later today. Five patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index. Among them are eight doctors from Zagreb, some of whom had recently been skiing in Austria and became infected. Five people have recovered.

Locations of New Croatia Cases Later Today

Minister Beros announced that more than 1,100 tests have been done. The situation is getting worse all over Europe, Beros said. For now, the HQ does not have information on which cities the newly infected are located.

Today, according to government announcements, stricter measures are being introduced and many facilities, cafes, cinemas, theaters, gyms are closing ...

Measures Limiting Movement of Elderly

Minister Davor Bozinovic announced yesterday that the additional measures would apply to the elderly, and it was clear that they would go about limiting their movement almost completely. He also announced the intensification of self-isolation control.

"When it comes to doctors, we are well organized spatially and temporally," Minister Beros said. "For all those who have other problems but are not suspected to have the coronavirus, other health care facilities will provide adequate assistance. Treating chronic conditions is not in question. I want to thank the private sector for being sensitive to this issue," Minister Beros said.

"Mental health professionals are available from 0-24. The ministry is rolling out a wide range of activities and we are doing everything we can to keep the situation under control," concluded Beros.

Markotic: Patients Have Mild Symptoms, No Respirators Needed

Alemka Markotic said that all patients have still mild symptoms and that there aren’t any patients with more severe conditions. "Our doctors who had been in contact with an infected doctor have tested negative," she said.

Minister Beros added that none of the infected people have needed a respirator. "It is certain that this will happen, and that some of the patients will have a more difficult clinical picture. It is very necessary for the older population to be mindful of these measures and the most important thing is to protect them," Beros added.

Capak: Call 113 Instead of 112 Regarding Coronavirus

Krunoslav Capak reminded everyone to call number 113 regarding coronavirus concerns.

“For everything coronavirus-related, please feel free to call with any questions. Eight doctors have been infected. The epidemiological situation is under control," Capak said.

"We are preparing instructions on how hospitals should behave. We will give additional power to the commissions for strict control of transitions from one ward to another, as well as for closing off areas if necessary," he said.

The staff urged the elderly to stay home. "The Red Cross will coordinate deliveries for older people," their representative explained.

"The Red Cross will assist everyone in need with the distribution of food. We are assisting people by a range of activities, both through equipment and logistics. Contact information can be accessed here. It is very important that the headquarters exempt blood donation from the ban on assembly," he emphasized.

Discussion Today on Closing Public Facilities

“Today, we will specifically discuss the closure of facilities. I would not speak about measures to close cafes yet. Today a law is under review which will give additional power to the National Civil Protection Headquarters so we can implement the necessary measures throughout Croatia," Capak said.

Beros also commented on how many people will be infected. According to the table provided by Beroš, it is expected that of the estimated 5 percent to be infected in Croatia, 140 of them will fall into the group of severely ill, while 80 percent (2261) will be in the group of mildly ill. Fifteen percent of the population, which is 425, would fall within the category of medium-severe symptoms. In Croatia, 2,826 people are expected to become infected during the coronavirus epidemic.

"That's an earlier estimate," Beros explained. When asked if new estimates for the infected were higher, he said "not significantly."

Seniors: Stay Home, Delivery Help Available

The Red Cross has issued instructions for seniors to share via email and to publish on their website. More information here.

"The approach is simple, that there will be direct contact between the delivery person and the elderly, that the contact is short, and that everyone will regularly wash their hands," it was noted. "We are open to anyone who wants to help. It's just important that you do it safely."

132 People Have Violated Self-Isolation

In 132 cases, citizens were caught violating a measure of self-isolation.

"Police and sanitary inspection are doing their job well regarding enforcement of self-isolation orders. We have received 779 reports and 132 people have been caught not complying with these measures,” Capak said.

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.

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 17, 2020 - There are 69 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 13 new cases. A fifth patient has recovered. There are currently 64 active cases in Croatia.

Foreign nationals entering Croatia from infection hotspots will be subject to a 14-day quarantine, while a 14-day self-isolation is required for Croatian citizens. Information on countries and areas under travel restrictions for passengers arriving in Croatia was updated on Sunday March 15:

All foreign nationals entering Croatia from the following countries/territories:

– People’s Republic of China: Hubei Province
– Italian Republic
– FR Germany: Heinsberg County in the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia
– Republic of Korea: Daegu City and Cheongdo Province
– Islamic Republic of Iran

will be informed about their compulsory 14-day quarantine, while all Croatian nationals will be issued a decision requiring them to go into a 14-day self-imposed isolation.

All foreign and Croatian nationals entering Croatia from the following countries/territories:

– People’s Republic of China (except the Hubei province)
– Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China)
– Republic of Korea (except Daegu City and the Cheongdo Province)
– Japan
– Republic of Singapore
– French Republic
– Federal Republic of Germany (except Heinsberg County in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia)
– Republic of Austria
– Swiss Confederation
– Kingdom of Spain
– Kingdom of the Netherlands
– Kingdom of Sweden
– United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
– Malaysia
– Republic of Slovenia
– Australia
– Republic of the Philippines
– Socialist Republic of Vietnam
– Kingdom of Cambodia
– New Zealand
– Kingdom of Denmark
– Kingdom of Norway
– Czech Republic
– Republic of Finland
– Hellenic Republic
– State of Israel
– Ireland
– Republic of San Marino
– Republic of Island
– Republic of Poland
– Romania
– Portuguese Republic
– Slovak Republic
– Hungary
– Republic of Belarus
– Republic of Bulgaria
– Republic of North Macedonia
– Kingdom of Thailand
– Republic of India
– Republic of Indonesia
– Republic of Maldives
– Kingdom of Bahrein
– United Arab Emirates
– Republic of Iraq
– Arab Republic of Egypt
– Lebanese Republic
– Islamic Republic of Pakistan
– Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
– United States of America
– Canada
– Federal Republic of Brasil
– Republic of Chile
– Republic of Costa Rica
– Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria
– Republic of Cameroon
– Republic of Peru
– Republic of Ecuador
– Principality of Andorra
– Republic of Albania
– Republic of Cyprus
– Montenegro
– Principality of Liechtenstein
– Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
– Republic of Malta
– Principality of Monaco
– Republic of Turkey
– Ukraine

will be issued a decision requiring them to go into a 14-day self-imposed isolation.

The list will be updated in accordance with recommendations and the epidemiological situation.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here. For some of the most commonly asked questions, check out our TCN FAQ Guide here.

Sixty-Nine Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 17, 2020; sixty-nine coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 30 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 3 in Sisak, 1 in Karlovac, 1 in Slavonski Brod, and 1 in Zabok (the location of the 5 other cases to be confirmed later, map to be updated).

More than 7,949 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 197,187 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 116,306 cases outside of mainland China and 31,506 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 17, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 18:00 CET

In Croatia, 4 more cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed this afternoon, with a total of 69 now infected. At their evening press conference, which began at 18:00 CET, the National Civil Protection Headquarters for tomorrow announced new measures that include limiting public gatherings and shutting down hospitality facilities and other service activities as reported by Index.

Six doctors are also infected. So far, 1109 samples have been tested and 50 are ongoing.

"More testing indicates that epidemiologists are treating all cases that you know of, and they are sending the closest contacts (of these cases) in for testing. The expected epidemiological situation will be different in the next few days," Beros said. Considering the number of patients in Europe, the situation in Croatia provides a certain level of optimism. It indicates that our measures are effective and that we have implemented them in a timely manner and that the situation is "even more than a controllable," Health Minister Vili Beros said at the press conference.

"We are entering the third phase of our defense, we are about halfway through, the healthcare system is mobilizing, extensive organizational and logistical prerequisites for establishing primary, secondary and tertiary centers are ongoing, this is not an easy task, there is a lot of manpower and material technical equipment that must be mobilized, "Beros said.

Sanctions for Doctors from KBC Zagreb

He also announced sanctions for doctors at KBC Zagreb who did not listen to the recommendations of the hospital administration not to go abroad, and said that the responsibility of doctors was far greater than that of other citizens and that he did not expect them to behave in this manner.

"They will bear legal responsibility and are likely to be sanctioned within professional organizations. I hope and believe that this is an exception and that it will not violate the confidence in the largest number of healthcare professionals who do their jobs responsibly."

The facility currently has 128 staff in isolation, including 28 doctors, but that will not disrupt the functioning of the system, Beroš said, once again urging colleagues to act responsibly.

Director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic “Dr. Fran Mihaljevic” Alemka Markotic said that most who were infected with coronavirus had mild symptoms, and only one patient in the clinic was in a medium to severe situation with no change in his status for better or worse.

No Epidemiological Changes Suggest Local Transmission

The director of the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ), Krunoslav Capak, said that after the four newly diagnosed patients, there were no significant changes in the epidemiological situation, and the infected were now detected in two other cities - Slavonski Brod and Zabok. He referred to patients who had returned to Croatia or had close contacts so that there were no epidemiological changes that would indicate local transmission.

Considering that there are more than 10,000 people in self-isolation and 670 contacts, he pointed to the hard work of epidemiologists to keep the spread of the coronavirus under control and urged citizens to stick to self-isolation measures, quarantines, avoid going out, and having contact with families and others.

Restaurants, Service Facilities and Public Gatherings Suspended 30 Days

The head of the National Headquarters, Davor Bozinovic, announced tomorrow the presentation of measures related to restriction of public gathering, temporary suspension of catering facilities and other service activities.

"We will implement these measures tomorrow. We will temporarily limit them to 30 days, hopefully we will not have to extend them, all with the primary objective of reducing the possibility of social contacts, minimizing situations where the virus may spread further among the population. Especially among the elderly citizens for whom we are preparing, it is not only advised that they not leave their homes, but a whole set of measures will be implemented to provide them with medical care, given the situation they might find themselves in," Bozinovic said.

Freight Transport Moving Smoothly Across Borders

He stressed that convoys which ensure the smooth flow of goods as one of the vital measures are currently doing well. "Today, 711 trucks have passed through Croatia. When the crisis broke out at the Italian-Slovenian border, there were 700 trucks. This is being done in a co-operation with neighboring countries."

"A common agreement has been reached with Slovenia to close 27 border crossings for traffic, while the main arteries will remain open for freight traffic, in order to cope more easily with the epidemiological situation in both countries," Bozinovic said.

He added that measures to limit the entry of third-country nationals into EU territory and topics related to the creation of certain stocks and production will be discussed at a meeting of EU Heads of state and government, which also includes the Croatian Prime Minister,. reserves of medical and protective equipment for member states, and we will also have some additional information on this.

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

Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported at that 9 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 65. Details to follow later today. Four patients have recovered. At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index.

Stricter Rules for Elderly and Chronically Ill

"Our concern is for the elderly and the chronic, and we urge them to stay in and only go out in an emergency. We will arrange to deliver whatever they need. The e-prescription system, it is possible to administer medications for a month. We will organize through organizations to have medications are delivered to the elderly and infirm. A health card will be required. Food delivery should be ensured - and that is what we are working on. We must look after the elderly and infirm," Beros said.

Borders with Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro Closed

Bozinovic also announced new border measures. "Cancel travel abroad, the same goes for entering Croatia. We are in contact with Slovenia and will soon close 27 border crossings with Slovenia," the minister said.

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK (Croatia Automobile Association) reports.

Details on Location of 5 New Patients Later

Alemka Markotic said there were no seriously ill patients among the infected. She says that she has no information about the details and that she only received the number of new patients. That information will be released throughout the day, she added. There are currently 17 people at the Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases, she note.

Stricter Self-Isolation Enforcement

We will strengthen our self-isolation controls. Ninety-three people have violated these orders and will be sanctioned.

"From day one, the headquarters has done everything according to the protocol. Every measure will be enacted at the appropriate time. We must organize the system in such a way that everything is accounted for and must function. Croatia can serve as an example here, there will certainly be problems and that is why we need legal adjustments," Bozinovic said when asked whether restricting the movement of the elderly would be a ban.

"It is not difficult to be smart now, but one has to determine when it’s necessary to move to the next phase," Bozinovic responded to Kalinic's allegations (about reacting to COVID-19 outbreak two weeks too late).

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:53 - The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has introduced special working hours.

"The Department of Radiology, Ultrasound Diagnosis and Physical Therapy is CLOSED to external patients.

Surgery, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology Clinic receives ALL patients under a special admission regimen.
Opening hours: MON - FRI 9:00-11:00 and 16:00-18:00, SAT 9:00-18:00, SUN 9:00-11:00

Patients are admitted under a special waiting room entry regime, so that up to five patients with owners can stay in the waiting room. Visits to inpatients are not allowed.
 
The Obstetrics Clinic and the Internal Medicine Clinic as well as the Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Poultry Disease Institute receive EMERGENCY ONLY.
Opening hours: MON - FRI 9:00-11:00 and 16:00-18:00, SAT 9:00-18:00, SUN 9:00-11:00

Until then, no specialist examinations are performed, except in individual cases at the discretion of the ordinarius. Triage of patients will be performed in front of the Clinic's outpatient clinic, and only one patient with the owner is admitted to the waiting room," the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine said.

21:15 - Plenkovic tested for coronavirus, finding negative. A government spokesman has released details.

21:00 - The EU closes its external borders tomorrow at noon. The decision was made by EU leaders at a video summit.

19:35 - Croatian Caritas has made the equipment for emergency and humanitarian care available to the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

"We have made available certain resources that we have," said Caritas Croatian director Fabijan Svalina, adding that - if there was a need for these resources - they would be mobilized and put into service for those who need them throughout Croatia.

We will make available everything the Civilian Headquarters tells us they need, said Msgr. Svalina. He emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of the most vulnerable and added that volunteers are always welcome.

18:21 - Beros also spoke to infected doctors at the Zagreb Clinical Hospital.

He said doctors who failed to report the trip and were then confirmed with a coronavirus infection would bear the consequences and would likely be punished by the professional organization. He added that health professionals are expected to be even more responsible than citizens are being asked to be.

18:13 - The number infected in Croatia has increased to 69. A total of 1109 people have been tested and 50 tests are in process.

"The contacts of the sick are still being tested. We are entering the third phase of defense, the health system is mobilizing," Health Minister Vili Beros said at the cross-section of the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic has announced that a special set of measures will be adopted tomorrow, lasting 30 days. The measures will primarily target senior citizens, Bozinovic added.

The director of the Clinic for Infectology, Dr. Alemka Markotić, reported that there were no changes in the clinical status of those infected with the coronavirus.

CES Director General Krunoslav Capak pointed out that a large number of people are in isolation, that epidemiologists are following their health status. He urged everyone to abide by the rules of self-isolation.

16:15 - Two more cases in Zabok.

"In the Krapina - Zagorje County area, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020; two more people tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. They are in isolation at Zabok General Hospital and the Croatian Veterans Hospital. The patient (born in 1939) and her son (born in 1967) were received today at OB Zabok, both are residents in the Krapina - Zagorje County," the KPZ press release said.

15:50 - The director of the Institute of Public Health of the County of Istria, Aleksandar Stojanovic, said today that Istria still officially has six people infected with coronavirus, and cited the return of more workers from winter resorts in Italy and other countries which have higher rates of contagion.

"These are people connected to Italy, but also to Austria and Germany, where they worked in catering. Now they are returning home," Stojanovic said at a news conference, adding that there was no free spread of the virus in Istria, or that is the vast majority of suspected cases related to foreign countries.

15:01 - There are still five people in Varaždin County infected with coronavirus - four with mild symptoms and one with no symptoms, according to the Civil Protection County Headquarters on Tuesday, adding that the National Headquarters has not yet responded to their request to tighten measures regarding yesterday labor restrictions.

15:00 - Manufacturing companies of the Forten Group are operating normally and are providing sufficient quantities of products, and Konzum has goods for several months of demand, the Forten Group announced on Tuesday.

14:50 - No one has been infected at the pediatric outpatient clinic at Ogulin Health Center, which a person from Ogulin had visited with a child last Friday, the day before his coronavirus infection was confirmed. The doctor and nurse are preventively self-isolating, and the children and parents who were there then are being epidemiologically monitored in the infirmary.

"So far, none of them have contracted the disease," said Zlata Kurelac, Director of the Ogulin Health Center to HINA. He added that the health center was disinfected and that ambulances were operational.

14:49 - Instead of 16:00 CET, the press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters will be held today at 18:00 CET.

14:24 - Finance Minister Zdravko Maric says that bridging the 'liquidity gap' will go to the state budget, and local self-government units will be left with the opportunity to make it easier for citizens and entrepreneurs.

14:10 - The biggest domestic passenger ship Jadrolinija on Tuesday called on all passengers to buy tickets online or through the 'mJadrolinija' mobile application in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"We urge travellers to buy tickets through online sales or the 'mJadrolinja’ mobile app to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Passengers who are unable to use digital channels of sale are asked to use cash payment agencies as little as possible and to use contactless card payment instead." read a statement from Jadrolinija.

14:00 - WHO does not recommend ibuprofen for the coronavirus. They say they recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen).

13:47 - From the Teaching Institute of Public Health, Dr. Andrija Štampar said that, apart from testing the causes that come from the epidemiological service, they are also taking swabs from patients suspected of coronavirus infection, while the closure of the city is still pending thinking.

 "The Institute of Public Health, Dr. Andrija Štampar, has been testing the samples forwarded to him from the epidemiological service or from the Infectious Diseases Clinic by Dr. Fran Mihaljevic for three days, and from today he has been taking samples from patients who have been sent as indicated by the epidemiologist," Jasmina Vraneš, Head of the Department of Clinical Microbiology of the Institute.

13:45 - The epidemiological situation in Vukovar-Srijem County is stable and there are no coronavirus infected persons, and there are about 300 people in self-isolation, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported, urging citizens to act responsibly and comply with the prescribed measures.

"The epidemiological situation in the county is stable, and in order for them to remain, we all need to adhere to the measures that have been adopted and to be implemented. It is crucial that our population remains calm, listens to recommendations and adheres to the maximum," the county director said. Public Health Institute Kata Krešić adding that in the current situation, the citizen as an individual is no longer responsible not only to himself but also to others.

13:43 - No cases of coronavirus infection have been reported so far in Imotski Krajina, but currently 47 people are in home isolation, confirmed the Mayor of Imotski Ivan Budalic.

Budalic told Hina that they were persons who came from abroad, but he could not specify from which countries, noting that such data were taken by epidemiologists.

13:40 - Tourism Minister Gary Capelli has commented on the measures taken by the government. He also said that some hotels were still in operation, but that most were closed.

13:31 - Relocation of Križina hospital is in progress. The entire hospital will be relocated to the nearby Firule Hospital. Krizina will become the regional center for the fight against coronavirus.

13:30 - Minister Beros sent a letter to all hospitals to return all employees who have been abroad for the last 14 days as soon as possible, and no later than 15:00 CET today.

13:10 - Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Marko Pavic said that HAMAG-BICRO will immediately double the funds for small business lending at very low interest rates, and so-called corona loans at favorable interest rates.

13:09 - Relocation of patients from the Križine site has begun to the hospital in Firule, which is preparing to become the central health care facility for coronavirus infected patients for four Dalmatian counties.

13:07 - The head of KBC Rebro clinic Ante Corusic says some of the doctors that he had been skiing in Austria for the weekend are infected with the coronavirus.

"They will be punished. So far, three are infected, another is suspected. Three percent of the KBC Rebro employees are in isolation, that's 140 people. It happened because of irresponsibility," Corusic said.

12:50 - There are currently 506 confirmed patient contacts in Zagreb, and four are quarantined under 24-hour surveillance. This was reported at a press conference in front of the Public Health Teaching Institute, Dr. Andrija Štampar.

Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic defended Pavel Kalinic, for whom the opposition is seeking resignation.

12:30 - Another person in Rijeka has recovered. It is the fifth overall, and the second in Rijeka. In Rijeka hospital, 4 people are infected with coronavirus, and 5 are in home isolation.

12:19 - Opening hours of all post offices will be adjusted according to the location, and in all of Croatia they will work no longer than 18:00 CET, the Hrvatska Posta (Croatian Post) confirmed today.

11:53 - Index has unofficially confirmed that three doctors are among 9 newly infected, two from Rebra and one from Vrapce.

11:51 - "The Ministries of Construction and Physical Planning are at the forefront of human health, and we are aware that it is not easy to adapt to this new situation. On the other hand, we have young people who call us every day and fear that they will suffer financially, because many of them have signed agreements. We will monitor the situation, are in constant communication with the Civil Protection Headquarters and we will adhere to their instructions," the Ministry said.

11:27 - In Varaždin, there is an agreement with restaurateurs and artisans who continue to work.

 At the City Hall of Varaždin, Mayor Čehok and his deputy Zlatan Avar, Chief of the City Staff of the Civil Protection, held an emergency meeting with representatives of the Association of Croatian Craftsmen and the Association of Catering and Tourism Workers of Varaždin. The topic of the meeting was the organization of hospitality and service activities during the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection

11:24 - City of Zagreb on payment for kindergarten and school meals:

"Due to the implementation of preventive protective activities against the spread of the coronavirus infection since Monday March 16, 2020; education in kindergartens and elementary schools in Zagreb has been suspended. We are informing you that parents will not have to pay school expenses for the entire year. "The amount of payment will be reduced for those days that children will not spend in kindergarten or school. The same provision applies to the payment of school meals," reported the City of Zagreb.

11:07 - Two more doctors have been infected with coronavirus, Minister Beros confirmed. One infected doctor works at KBC Zagreb and another is from the Vrapče Psychiatric Hospital.

10:56 - One of the 9 newly infected is from Slavonski Brod. On Sunday, a person who came from Austria with fever responded to the local ebrod portal at the Institute for Public Health.

"Before that, she was in isolation from Thursday to Sunday, after which she was admitted to the hospital where findings were confirmed the coronavirus. She is in good health. It is good that she was isolated, and she is between 45 and 50. She had contact with another person in Austria who had similar symptoms. The other family members were contacted, and all were healthy without any symptoms, "said Dr. Ante Cvitković, Director of the Teaching Institute.

10:55 - There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the Split-Dalmatia County. There are 51 people quarantined, none of whom show any symptoms of infection and feel well. There are 530 people in self-isolation.

10:50 - Scientist prof. dr. Ph.D. Ivan Djikic appeared on the HRT program Dobro jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia) today. He shared a video link from Germany and commented on the work on the coronavirus vaccine, among others subjects.

10:45 - The rules of what you can and shouldn't do while you are in self-isolation are clear, and the most important point is that "you are not allowed to leave the house." Moreover, a fine will be imposed for those who choose to do so. Even if you are in self-isolation and those in your household are not; the rules are clear.

10:22 - There are currently 12 patients suspected of being infected with the coronavirus in Istria. Two more patient samples from Istria were sent for coronavirus testing in Zagreb yesterday evening and overnight. Along with the 7 samples sent earlier, that's a total of 9 suspected Istria patients who were discovered yesterday. If they are added to the three from the day before, the findings of which are not yet known, this is a total of 12 suspected cases.

10:15 - The online school still has problems with cyber attacks.

"Due to cyber-attacks on central AAI @ EduHr systems, access to computers from non-ISP networks in the Republic of Croatia to those systems under the jurisdiction of Srci and CARNET that rely on AAI @ EduHr system has been further disabled," the Srce web site reported.

9:45 - Minister Bozinovic also revealed that the civil protection staff will soon introduce restrictions on movement for the elderly.

9:18 - The head of the Croatian Employment Service announced that we should stick to the measures now more than ever.

9:00 - One of the newly infected is a young man from Zagorje who became infected in Austria.

8:36 - The number of coronavirus patients in Croatia has increased. Minister Vili Beros confirmed on N1 this morning that 9 new cases have been confirmed and so the number infected in Croatia is 65.

8:13 - There are still 7 confirmed infected in the Osijek-Baranja County. 16 samples were sent for testing yesterday and all are negative, the Osijek hospital director told HRT this morning.

8:09 - Government Session at 15:00 CET

A government session is scheduled for 15:00 CET. The agenda will be announced by the government throughout the day. The Ministry of Economy has announced that rescheduling and moratoriums on loans, the granting of new liquidity loans and a guarantee under the Export Guarantee Fund are some of the top ten measures to help the economy fight coronavirus damage. These measures from the Ministry of the Economy are to be established at a Government session, and they come after a decision preventing the rise in prices of key products for supplying the Croatian market and exporting those products for which there is a possibility of shortages in Croatia. You will be able to follow the government session on Index.

8:08 - Closed border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK reports.

"In view of the numerous inquiries regarding travel to neighboring countries, especially Italy, we advise drivers and passengers to be well informed on the website of the Civil Protection Directorate and Croatian traffic updates with the Croatian Automobile Association before traveling. All current information related to the coronavirus epidemic as well as traffic related information will be published there. Also try to delay your trips to risky areas. More information can be found at the Slovenian Information Center," HAK Reports.

7:30 - "If we stick very closely to the prescribed measures, we might be able to get through this without severe consequences," added the head of the Emergency Department.

7:20 - "It is hard to believe that we’ll be so lucky that something similar won’t happen to us as has happened in other countries. I think we have sensitized everyone enough and see that the level of awareness has changed significantly since we have started talking about this. When the virus was far away in China, we seriously prepared for everything. I am very glad to see that a lot of life habits have changed in these few days, we don’t see everyone shaking hands, hugging...I admire these people who are in self-isolation, it is not easy to be stuck at home for 14 days. Maintaining hygienic conditions in these conditions is vital," Emergency Room Director Grba Bujevic said this morning on Dobro jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia).

"We already have partially closed borders. No longer are the borders as open as they would otherwise be," she added when asked about border closures.

7:00 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters will receive new, greater powers, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced last night, announcing a package of 20 changes to legislation that the government would send to parliament as a matter of urgency Tuesday to minimize the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

6:30 - The director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, Krunoslav Capak, appeared on Dnevnik Nova TV. Regarding the question whether cities and counties could make decisions without the consent of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, he said that at such times everyone should follow the decisions of the National Headquarters. He said that the epidemiological situation is such that cafes should not be closed, but if this situation continues, it will be their turn.

“Closing the cafe seems to me to be a rather mild measure of what is yet to come," he added.

6:20 - The County of Krapina-Zagorje has joined several counties with requests to close cafes and other facilities related to people's direct contact.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Toilet Paper, Toilet Paper, My Kingdom for Some Toilet Paper - here.
• Jadrolinija Kindly Asks Passengers to Book Tickets Online or Via App - here.
• Free Dubrovnik Libertas Public Transport for Next Fifteen Days - here.
• CNB Governor Boris Vujcic Explains Croatian Banking System Stability - here.
• Croatian Coronavirus Self-Isolation: Countries on List, Measures Explained - here.
• CNB Governor Boris Vujcic Explains Croatian Banking System Stability - here.
• UEFA Euro 2020 Officially Postponed until 2021 - here.
• Split's Hotel Park Carries On in Corona Crisis: "We Worked in All Wars" - here.
• (VIDEO) Hajduk Fan Group Torcida Split Steps Up in Time of Need - here.
• Saving Split Tourism: Mayor Opara Creating Measures to Rescue Sector - here.
• Promet Split Announces New Timetable with Reduced Lines - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Night 17 March: Behaviour, Police, Taxes - here.
• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Mid-day 17 March: Border Crossings Close - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: First 2 Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: COVID-19 FAQs, Health & Travel Update - 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 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 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 17, 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. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

March 17, 2020 - Hajduk fan group Torcida Split steps up to fight the coronavirus crisis.

It was announced earlier this week that all the institutes, clinics and departments from Split’s Križine Hospital will make its first-ever move to Firule Hospital, as Križine prepares to accommodate those with respiratory problems caused by the coronavirus.

Hajduk fan group Torcida Split has thus stepped up in this time of need. 

After announcing a call on Monday, Torcida members showed up to Križine Hospital in numbers on Tuesday to get the job done as soon as possible, moving the equipment necessary for a seamless move. They even took protective measures in the process and wore masks and gloves.

About 60 Torcida members were at the scene on Tuesday morning, and were said to be joined by members of KK Split who made available all their first-team players and coaches of all categories. Torcida was welcomed by the Head of the Internal Medicine Clinic, Dr. Daniela Marasović Krstulović and Head Nurse of the Clinic, Dolores Poljak.

This isn't the first time Torcida stepped up to help those in need. Recall, when the wildfires broke out in Dalmatia in 2017, Hajduk’s biggest fans were on the front line.

The hospital complex on Križine will thus be intended for the needs of patients with the coronavirus who, fortunately, are not yet present in Split or Split-Dalmatia County. Firule Hospital will only receive emergency and acute cases.

“Their Clinical Department of Hemodialysis Nephrology can be hermetically sealed so they have absolutely no contact with the outside world. There would be guards at the entrance to the ward to control who was entering. There are also hematologic patients at Križine who are staying at the Clinical Department of Hematology and who need complete isolation. Fortunately, we do not have severe hematologic patients now. If necessary, hematologic patients will be sent home and more difficult cases transferred to Firule, and there is a possibility of transporting them to Zagreb,” reported Slobodna Dalmacija. 

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section.

March 17, 2020 – Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported at that 9 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 65. Details to follow later today. Four patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index.

• Yesterday, 7 new cases were confirmed - one from Rijeka, one from Karlovac, one from Sisak and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from KBC Zagreb who returned from abroad. He is housed at the Zagreb Infectious Diseases Clinic Dr. Fran Mihaljević.
• Stricter rules for elderly and chronic patients are being introduced and the borders with Slovenia has been closed.
• Minister Beros stated that they have conducted have 1014 tests. 630 people are under health surveillane.
• More information on 9 new cases to follow later today.

"The epidemiological picture is still very good, but it is certain that the number of patients can grow. We have made sure we have an adequate number of people tested. We have opened new centres with testing capabilities. The profession has made it clear who we need to test. All this time, we are overseeing isolations and quarantines. Be responsible," Beroš warned. 

Warning to Senior Citizens

"Our concern is for the elderly and the chronic, and we urge them to stay in and only go out in an emergency. We will arrange to deliver whatever they need. The e-prescription system, it is possible to administer medications for a month. We will organize through organizations to have medications are delivered to the elderly and infirm. A health card will be required. Food delivery should be ensured - and that is what we are working on. We must look after the elderly and infirm," Beros said.

Details on New Patients to Follow Later

Alemka Markotic said there were no seriously ill patients among the infected. She says that she has no information about the details and that she only received the number of new patients. That information will be released throughout the day, she said. There are currently 17 people at the Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases, she said.

Croatia Headquarters Granted More Power

The head of the HZJZ said that more than ever we need to adhere to hygiene instructions - wash hands, avoid physical contacts and disinfect public spaces.

"WHO was not thinking of Croatia in their criticism. According to the data, we are testing more than the necessary number of patients," Beros said. "As we announced yesterday; we have no clear signs of local transmission," he added.

Minister Bozinovic said the government would adopt a change in the law today which would give the headquarters greater powers.

"Our decisions will be implemented across all lines of work. This means that today we will activate all civil protection headquarters so that decisions can be implemented immediately. The first decision will to try to limit the movement of the elderly; to do everything so that they do not need to leave their apartments and homes unless they have urgent needs.

Stronger Self-Isolation Controls

We will strengthen our self-isolation controls. Ninety-three people have violated these orders and will be sanctioned.

"From day one, the headquarters has done everything according to the protocol. Every measure will be enacted at the appropriate time. We must organize the system in such a way that everything is accounted for and must function. Croatia can serve as an example here, there will certainly be problems and that is why we need legal adjustments," Bozinovic said when asked whether restricting the movement of the elderly would be a ban.

"It is not difficult to be smart now, but one always has to determine when it’s necessary to move to the next phase," Bozinovic responded to Kalinic's allegations (about reacting to coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak two weeks too late).

Closing Borders with Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro

Bozinovic also announced new border measures. "Cancel travel abroad, the same goes for entering Croatia. We are in contact with Slovenia and will soon close 27 border crossings with Slovenia," the minister said.

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK (Croatia Automobile Association) reports.

Follow our dedicated page on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and watch for our daily update at 14:00 CET.

March 17, 2020 - Hotels all over Croatia have started closing their doors, many of them small establishments. But one hotel in Split has decided to carry on during the coronavirus crisis - Hotel Park. 

Slobodna Dalmacija reported that Hotel Katarina in Dugopolje is no longer receiving guests, and when searching for offers on Booking.com, they were not the only ones.

Slobodna added that Heritage Hotel Life Palace in Šibenik said that it is also locking its doors this week. The situation is similar in Zagreb, where Art Hotel explained that they usually have a capacity of twenty-five rooms, but are not currently open.

However, a slightly different story comes from the Split’s Hotel Park, which said that closing is not an option.

“Hotel Park has not closed in a hundred years of its existence, and it will not close now. We worked during all the wars, and we will continue to work. Concerning the coronavirus, we are fully equipped,” said the famous Split hotel, whose occupancy is currently at less than ten percent, with cancellations until the middle of May.

“If the situation continues like this, it is certain that the whole season will be questionable. We have sent a proposal for measures to assist the relevant tourism associations treated through the Government. We have come up with concrete proposals that are enforceable immediately,” emphasized Director Silvia Jelavic about the seriousness of the situation they are currently in, and explained the measures they have taken to continue receiving guests.

“We bought the suits on time while they were still cheap and while they were on the market. We also have masks, gloves, and shoe covers. We held an exercise that explained what to do in a crisis. A quarantine is ready. All equipment is ready, we have disposable utensils, procedures are in place, and the staff is trained. We are ready for the coronavirus. Our staff is mostly young, and those who are older will be sent on vacation so that we can protect them,” Jelavic added, emphasizing that the people of Split have recognized the gravity of the situation.

“People visit us for coffee, but they enter the terrace only from the outside,” Jelavic concluded. 

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section.

March 16, 2020 - Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara presided over a session of the Tourist Board of the City of Split on Monday.

In addition to the members of the Council and the Tourist Board Director Alijana Vukšić, the President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Split County Chamber Jozo Tomaš participated, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

Following the findings and projections of the coronavirus on tourism in Split in the coming months, it was decided that the mayor would send a set of measures to the City Council to mitigate the negative effect.

The need to preserve jobs in the tourism, hospitality and economy sectors as a whole was also discussed, and it was stressed that incentive measures would only make sense if employers did not lay off existing staff.

“This emergency has not only health but also economic significance. Of course, our priority is health, but at the same time, we are monitoring and addressing the economic segment to mitigate the negative effects of the crisis that will follow after this first phase. That is why we are not waiting for the epidemic to end to start dealing with the consequences that will affect the tourism and the economy as a whole, but we must act immediately,” said Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

They also discussed the period after the end of the crisis, the need for enhanced promotion of the tourism product, and the measures and incentives for the recovery of the hospitality, tourism and economic sector in the Split area.

“The Tourism Council and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce are monitoring the development of the situation and are constantly looking at the effects that the spread of the virus has on the local economy. By working together and acting and taking certain measures, the aim is to support the Split economy, tourism and hospitality industry to start and continue its growth and development trend as soon as the crisis is over.”

Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said that the Government would travel the tourism sector with a measure of delayed payment under the "3 + 3" model.

“It is important for us to have a delay, such as a deferral of payment of the tourist tax, tourist membership fees, hoteliers paying concessions in camps on tourist land - that all go for delays through the 3 + 3 model. In this direction, we are going to postpone it depending on the events for three months. That way, both personal income and everything we can deal with immediately and urgently is likely to be addressed. So we're sure we can cover that for the next six months. Workforce protection and liquidity come first," Cappelli said.

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section.

March 16, 2020 - Taking public transport in Split? New timetables have been released by Promet Split with reduced lines during the coronavirus crisis.

Due to the unique situation in Croatia caused by the coronavirus, and to act preventatively, from March 18, 2020 (Wednesday), the timetable for Promet Split bus lines has been altered so that on working days (Monday - Friday) the Saturday timetable will be applied for the following lines:

Lines number 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10,11,12,16,17,18, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,  37 and 60; with the following additions:

- on line 7, an additional departure at 15:10 from the West Coast,

- on line 28, additional departures are introduced at 06:20 from Dubrava and at 16:00 from Split,

- on line 31, 32, 33 departures at 15:30 from Split,

- on line 35, departure starts at 16:15 from Split

Lines number 67, 68, 69, 71, 73, 76, 77, 80, 81, 86, 91, 93 operate according to the usual timetable, without changes, except departures on line 80 (no departures at 10:00 from Split and 10:00 from Drnis)

Night lines 23, 39 and 40 will not operate until further notice.

Trogir:

Promet lines operating in the wider area of Trogir on weekdays (Monday - Friday), will run on the Saturday timetable, with the following additional departures introduced:

- on line 49 Vinisce-Trogir 17:50

- on line 51 Trogir-Ljubitovica 15:30

- on line 52 Trogir-Vinovac 15:30 

- on line 47 Trogir-Dograde 15:30

- on line 49 Trogir-Vinisce 15:30

- on line 52 Trogir-Vinovac 22:25

Direct lines departing at 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00 from Trogir to Split are also canceled.

This timetable will be in force until further notice, following the development of the situation. In coordination with the Civil Protection Staff of Split-Dalmatia County and the City of Split, additional changes to the timetable will be introduced, which will be announced promptly.

Recall, Promet disinfected the interiors of all 160 city buses in its fleet last week.

"In agreement with the City Civil Protection Headquarters, our goal is to increase safety for our passengers and drivers," said Transport Director Miroslav Delić, adding that in addition to disinfecting buses, disposable gloves for all drivers, hand disinfection gels and protective masks that drivers can use at their discretion are also available.

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

March 16, 2020 - Because more people are staying home these days either by choice or order due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; here is a list of free online classes where everyone can gain useful knowledge without having to pay for expensive instruction or courses. 

So, while waiting for the coronavirus outbreak to pass, you can learn a foreign language without any invested money, and gain knowledge in programming, marketing, analytics, history, philosophy, mathematics and many other subjects as compiled by Index.

Learn a Foreign Language

Duolingo - On this website you can learn many world languages ​​from English, German, Italian, French, Spanish to Polish, Russian, Chinese and many more. Research has shown that with 34 hours of study on this site, you can achieve the same level of knowledge to a full semester language course at a foreign language school.

Busuu - Each Busuu course is developed using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an internationally recognized standard for creating foreign language lessons. By learning a foreign language through this website, you can gain a level of knowledge from the A1 to B2 level.

Memrise - Users who have learned a language through this website write about how the site helped them learn the language and have fun. They also won the Google Play Awards for Best App.

Linguist - Through this website you can learn foreign languages ​​or things you need. You can progress quickly because you can skip material that you do not need to study or practice, and the app is available over the web as well as Android and iOS.

HelloTalk - This website offers you free courses in over 150 languages ​​and has over 15 million users and learn the language in contact with native speakers. You can talk to them via SMS, voice messaging and calls or video calls.

Study History

edX - This website offers you a range of courses in a number of areas, one of which is history. Through it, you can learn world history and topics include everything from ancient Greece to recent history, European art history, the history of religions and more.

Class Central - Learn history with free online courses from Wesleyan University, Tel Aviv University, the University of Virginia and other top universities around the world.

Coursera - This site also offers a variety of courses, with history courses exploring ancient and modern events and social trends. Explore topics like war, imperialism, and globalization, or explore the history of particular groups or periods through numerous courses.

Open Culture - This website offers free history courses from leading universities in the world. You can download audio and video contests directly to your computer, mobile phone or mp3 player.

Acadoceo - Many universities and colleges offer their online history courses. There are 110 free online history courses on this page for you to go through.

Study Mathematics

SchoolYourself - Learning math online doesn't have to be boring - this site offers free interactive lessons from award-winning Harvard professors.

Math Playground - This website is designed for fun maths for elementary school kids, grades 1-6. There are a number of math games on the page so that children can learn without being bored.

Khan Academy - Students practice at their own pace on this website, first learning material they have not yet mastered, and then accelerating their learning. The is intended for both students and professors.

Math Pickle - On this website, math is approached by students through games, puzzles and puzzles. Games and puzzles last from 45 to 60 minutes and are designed by class.

Alison - The website offers courses in a wide range of math subjects. Beginners can start with basic level courses, but everyone can find lessons based on their own level of knowledge.

Learn to Program and Create Websites

Codecademy - An interactive free programming course used by 45 million people in seven years. Through this course you can learn how to create a website or learn how to analyze data.

Udacity - Users can find a mentor to guide them through learning on this website. They also answer questions and motivate. In addition, users are offered to create their own customized learning plan.

Platzi - Professional courses with live lectures and expert lecturers in the fields of programming, marketing, design and business.

Bit Degree - Bit Degree offers a bunch of free courses that range from programming to game development. There are several programming languages, but the most popular are HTML, PHP, Javascript and SQL.

Coursera - Offers courses and programming tutorials taught by professors from leading universities. Cousrea offers hundreds of different courses related to programming.

FreeCodeCamp - The website offers courses and the opportunity to learn programming by participating in a variety of challenges. Some of the programming languages ​​you can learn are HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, Node.js, React.js.

Dash - A fun and free online course that teaches the basics of web development through projects you can do in your web browser.

Odin project - This website has collected the best educational resources available on the web. You can learn a number of programming languages ​​such as HTML5, CSS3, Javascript ...

Codeasy - This is a website for those who don't know anything about programming. It offers a very unique and fun way to learn programming. The basic course is free of charge.

Learn How to Work with Data

Data Camp - Provides tutorials and courses on working with data. These skills are very useful in many fields of work.

Dataquest - Learn Python, R, SQL, Data Visualization, Data Analysis. The website offers 60 free lessons.

Metis - This course serves as an introduction to knowing how to work with data. You can learn all about data collection, cleaning and consolidation, exploratory analysis and data visualization.

Caltech - The Distinguished University of California offers free online courses on working with data.

Data Science Masters - This website provides basic training needed to work with data usage.

Learn How to Work in Photoshop

GCF LearnFree - A free guide offers access to 10 basic lessons and five extras, including a quiz that lets you test your skills. These modules are designed for beginners and make it easy to learn Photoshop from the beginning.

Photoshop Essentials - You can find a Photoshop guide on their website or their YouTube channel. Some lessons are basic, while others focus on modifying images, such as changing the eye color or hairstyle of the person in the photo.

Photoshop Cafe - Another in a series of websites offering free video tutorial through Photoshop. With their teaching content, you can learn to do popular things like "cutting" trees, putting text in various shapes, and converting photos to pencil sketches.

Design Stacks - Provides tutorials that help you learn Photoshop from start to finish. You can start with the basics to help you understand the basic concepts, and then learn more complex things, such as adding special effects.

Tuts + - A website that goes beyond basic things and lets you learn Photoshop techniques to help you with your various tasks. So you can learn how to make flyers, business cards, posters and more.

Gain Knowledge in Biology

Class Central - Learn biology through the free online courses offered by this website. It has courses from the world's most famous universities such as the University of Cape Town, the University of Alberta, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago and other top universities around the world.

Alison - With a wide range of free online biology courses on this site, you can explore and learn a variety of materials. A variety of courses are offered with topics such as human anatomy, genetics and DNA, inheritance and more.

Academic Earth - Offers a range of free biology courses. Students can thus learn about the life cycle, the conversion of food into energy, reproduction, death, viruses, bacteria ...

EdX - Take free online biology courses in genetics, biotechnology, biochemistry, neurobiology and other disciplines. Courses include the basics of neuroscience from Harvard University, molecular biology from MIT, and this way you can study for free from prestigious US universities.

OpenLearn - The website offers a variety of free biology courses and materials. So you can learn about germs, vitamins and minerals, water and human health and many other topics.

Expand Your Knowledge of Art History

Open Arts Archive - In the course you will explore contemporary art, from the 1980s onwards. The learning outcomes of the course are recognition of the effects of works of art, understanding of a range of artistic techniques, such as the use of colors, composition and media, recognizing the relationship between effects and techniques in a range of works of art, etc.

Learning Path - Here you can take free courses at the renowned American University MIT, which offers several art history classes. So you can learn about modern art and mass culture, while art has been exploring the art world since 1940 to the present day, and necessarily examining the relationship between art and politics.

Coursera - The course is for anyone who wants to learn more about modern and contemporary art. The course lasts 5 weeks and begins each week with a video that links artwork from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. You will hear audio interviews with artists, designers and curators and learn more about selected works.

ArtGallery Yale - This series of lectures on the site of the renowned American Yale University traces art through the 19th century to the 21st century. 12 video lectures have been set up for easy learning.

Highbrow - This unique online learning platform sends you classes via email instead of going to their site. You get one lesson each day for a 10-day course.

Gain Knowledge in the Social Sciences

Learn out Loud - The website offers a variety of free lectures. You can renew or expand your knowledge in sociology, philosophy, psychology, and lectures are available on audio and video.

Online Courses - Whether you're studying or just curious, these courses will broaden your knowledge. You will find free material from a variety of subjects, from foreign policy, civics, children's rights and many more long lessons.

Future Learn - In the course you will learn the basics of sociology and discover sociological theories. You will explore a variety of topics, including social inequality, globalization and the media. You will also learn how to do your own sociological research and present your findings.

Courses - The website offers 7 courses in various topics in the field of political science. These are courses from prestigious US universities such as Stanford, Yale, and Princeton.

Coronavirus Updates and Education - Here are several more links to learn more about the origins and spread of the coronavirus.

• Follow our dedicated coronavirus page for updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia. 
• Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.
• Learn more about the symptoms of the coronavirus here.
• A general history and overview of the coronavirus can be found here.
• Monitor coronavirus statistics here.

March 16, 2020 - Given the development of the COVID-19 virus spreading, following the instruction of the Civil Protection Staff of Split-Dalmatia County and the conclusions of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Trogir on March 12, 2020, the Mayor of Trogir Ante Bilić passed a decision, which we are transmitting in its entirety.

1.) It is recommended that all citizens of the City of Trogir make the least possible use of the services of the Health Center - Trogir Branch to preserve the integrity of the medical system and to unnecessarily expose themselves and other risks of transmission of the infection. In case of symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, sneezing, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath), consult a doctor of your choice. In case of emergency, call 112 or epidemiologist for the City of Trogir on 0911512021.

2.) Institutions owned by the City of Trogir, the Tourist Board of the City of Trogir will not organize direct work until further notice.

Temporary closure of the permanent exhibition area of the Museum of the City of Trogir for visitors, libraries and reading rooms of the City Library of Trogir is ordered, followed by the space of civil society organizations, associations and communities of associations, as well as spaces used by these associations for regular activities.

3.) The work of the Trogir kindergarten is interrupted, except the kindergarten "Maslačak" at Kneza Trpimira 41, which will be on duty for the duration of the ordered measures.

4.) All sports facilities, gymnasiums, sports fields and playgrounds of the City of Trogir will be closed.

5.) The City Administration of the City of Trogir will cancel receptions, and contact will be possible only by phone, mail or e-mail. Receptions of foreign delegations as well as travel of employees from outside the Republic of Croatia are postponed. 

6.) Officers and employees of the city government, institutions and city companies are obliged to adhere to the recommended hygiene and precautionary measures, to avoid close contact with persons with respiratory symptoms, to maintain the hygiene of the environment and the workplace in terms of cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces and objects, ventilating the workspace and recommend the same to citizens/parties with whom they are in communication.

This decision can also be read on the web pages and bulletin board of the City of Trogir, as well as city institutions and companies.

Source: Trogirski Portal

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section. 

March 16, 2020 - In Croatia, 7 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported today, which is a total of 56 since the outbreak of the epidemic, among them two doctors from KB Dubrava and one doctor from KBC Rebro. Three people have recovered.

At 9:00 CET, a press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters was held at which new information on the coronavirus in Croatia was published, as reported by Index.

Yesterday, the Croatian authorities extended to almost all of Europe the range of countries from which they will have to self-isolate for 14 days after entering Croatia.

It is recommended to further postpone all rallies and organized gatherings attended by more than 100 people. It is recommended that public events of sports or entertainment are not held (night clubs, concerts, etc.) and competitions without spectators.

There are seven more people infected, Minister Beros confirmed. Thus, the number of cases increased to 56. Three people have recovered, which means that 53 active cases of infection are in Croatia.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Case Breakdown

25 – Zagreb
10 – Rijeka
7 – Osijek
6 – Pula
5 – Varazdin
2 – Sisak
1 – Karlovac

56 – Total Cases
0 – Deaths
3 – Recovered

"We are entering the third phase," Beros said. "The headquarters is carefully considering all the measures it adopts. They are based on expert and scientific input. We have the broadest picture. Thanks also to everyone who is adhering to the measures," Beros said.

"For the sake of our credibility, we ask everyone not to take hasty action. It is important that we fight the threat together. We listen to everyone who has an opinion, but the profession must lead the way," Beros said.

Capak: 9,000 in Self Isolation in Croatia

Krunoslav Capak said it was important to maintain a balance between a good epidemiological situation and the severity and breadth of the measures. "It would not be a good idea to close everything, life would stop, and things could not function. We epidemiologists have to propose to the Headquarters and the Government two measures that we think are prioritized," Capak said. We have 9,000 people in self-isolation, he added.

"The coronavirus problem is a widespread and social problem, and we are working not only within Croatia, but in close contact with colleagues in the environment and at EU level to create a framework where everything can flow as little as possible. We have worked intensively on this. Truck transport of goods, goods, medicines, food works in the way that we have established nine convoys, seven of them have gone to Serbia, one is in Novska," said Minister Bozinovic.

"The EU has banned the export of certain medical supplies, masks beyond borders, to allow circulation of what is necessarily maintained within the member states," Bozinovic added.

Bozinovic: 174 Self Isolation Violations

"I have to commend the emergency services, the border police officers who are preventing illegal migration and who are working under the new system," he said. 174 reports of violations of self-isolation were detected. 40 people were reported, Bozinovic reported.

New Cases: 5 Zagreb, 1 Rijeka and 1 Karlovac

Beros revealed that one of the new cases was one from Rijeka, one from Karlovac and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from Rebra. The Rebra doctor became infected with having people back from skiing, Beroš said, praising his quick reaction and the quick reaction of the Rebra staff.

"He was interviewed in self-isolation yesterday, and it was done in detail and we learned all his contacts. It is very important that KBC Rebro is extraordinarily organized. Epidemiologists find an organized and controlled situation. We talk to everyone who has been in contact, epidemiologists will each contact to contact and check," Capak said.

"A small problem with the evacuation of KB Dubrava has arisen, more contacts of people who have been infected have been detected. So, we will not make a total evacuation. 100 patients will remain in KB Dubrava," Beros said.

"The clinical picture of all patients is milder, there are no patients with significant complications. We will probably have someone more severely ill in the near future. We can expect it to be 3 to 5 percent infected," Beros said.

Capak: Focus Shift to Healthcare System Preparation

"Our initial strategy, to discover contacts and follow up, is now changing. It is important now that we prepare the healthcare system to accommodate more cases and more serious cases," Capak said.

"We have to carefully balance between stricter and what is needed. We have to avoid the Italian scenario; all our measures have proven to be right. Our health system is ready," concluded Beros.

Finally, it was noted that the measures recommended by the Headquarters should be adhered to.

Follow our dedicated page for running updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.