For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 16, 2020 - There are 56 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 7 new cases, including a doctor from KBC Rebro. Two doctors from KBC Dubrava tested positive yesterday. A fourth patient has recovered. There are currently 52 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.

Fifty-Six Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 16, 2020; fifty-six coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 25 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 2 in Sisak and 1 in Karlovac.

More than 7,131 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 181,686 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 100,806 cases outside of mainland China and 27,980 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 16, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Morning Press Conference

The National Civil Protection Headquarters reported 7 new cases of coronavirus infection at their daily 9:00 CET press conference today as reported by Index. There are currently 56 confirmed cases since the outbreak, among them two doctors from KB Dubrava and one doctor from KBC Rebro. Three people had recovered.

Seven New Cases: 5 Zagreb, 1 Rijeka and 1 Karlovac

Health Minister Vili Beros revealed that one new case is from Rijeka, one from Karlovac and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from KBC Rebra. The Rebra doctor became infected after having contact with people who returned from a ski trip, Beroš said, praising his quick reaction and the quick reaction of the KBC Rebra staff.

Bozinovic: 174 Self Isolation Violations

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

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:56 - Minister Darko Horvat also presented the first 10 measures from the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, which will be proposed at tomorrow's government session.

21:30 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters will receive new, greater powers, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced on Monday, announcing a package of 20 changes to the law that the government would send to parliament as a matter of urgency Tuesday to minimize the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

"There are delays in paying taxes and contributions, enabling liquidity, rescheduling loans. Everyone is paying close attention to this crisis. I think we will be able to overcome this crisis without too much financial expense," Plenkovic said during a guest appearance on Dnevnik Nova TV and added that there is a proposal on the table for the state to provide the minimum wage and the employer the remainder, but that the suspension of overhead is not being considered at this time.

19:59 - The new financial measures were announced by the Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric on RTL Danas, explaining exactly what they entail.

"An integral part of these measures is liquidity. On the one hand, there are public benefits - income tax, income tax and contributions. According to the working version, we will agree on the details throughout the day and night until the session, we are talking about a three-month payment delay with a possible additional three months of extensions. On the other hand, there are credit lines and lines in cooperation with HBOR, CNB and HUB, all aimed in some way to focus similarly on credit arrangements," said Maric.

It may also be possible to delay the payment of loans for citizens.

"We have also included citizens' loans. The banks have shown constructive cooperation here, and I believe that we will succeed in achieving that part, especially in the sectors affected by the coronavirus, although I think that few will go untouched by this crisis. We are talking about a period of about three months." said Maric.

19:56 - Minister of Labor and Pension System Josip Aladrovic announces new measures for employers while a guest on N1 Dnevnik.

"The top priority is safeguarding domestic jobs," Aladrovic said, noting that employers will be provided with funding from the state budget and the European Social Fund, which will stimulate employers to retain labor to co-finance wage costs.

19:54 - A new case of violation of self-isolation occurred in Vrgorac. The man, according to Dalmacija danas, walked around for two days on his return from Italy, instead of being in isolation. He was caught by police.

19:40 - The City of Split has paid 400,000 HRK (52,758 EUR) to the Clinical Hospital Center (KBC Split) from its budget supply to co-finance the costs of renovating and equipping hospital facilities for the isolation of coronavirus infected patients, the city administration announced on Monday night.

19:35 - The onslaught of shoppers into stores has not stopped as they stock up on supplies in fear of movement restrictions and supply disruptions due to the coronavirus epidemic. According to Finance Minister Zdravko Maric, turnover has increased about 40 percent over the same period last year. In terms of supply, Croatia may be ahead of other countries because manufacturers and shops were waiting for the tourist season anyway, in which traffic increased, so they are used to oscillations.

19:10 - The first potential case of the coronavirus infection appeared in the Virovitica-Podravina County. The patient was isolated in the Virovitica General Hospital, and that was confirmed by Miroslav Venus, epidemiologist and director of the County Public Health Institute Sveti rok.

19:00 - The Zadar Civil Protection Headquarters adopted similar measures proposed by Zagreb but did not seek permission from the National Headquarters. At today's press conference in Zagreb, Health Minister Vili Beros emphasized that they do not approve of the recommendations issued by the Zadar County Civil Protection Headquarters at this time.

18:50 - Nela Srsen, a Croatian doctor working in Italy, told us about the situation there. She says the virus was not taken seriously in the beginning. The people, he says, were casual and the wrong messages were being sent. She is skeptical that the virus will disappear when it warms up.

17:54 - Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic called on all members of the Croatian Army to be a personal example of responsible behavior within the circumstances of the coronavirus epidemic, to be an example of health care and be prepared to help us get out of this epidemic as soon as possible.

"This government is doing everything it can to manage the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic, which is not easy at all," Krsticic said, adding that it was precisely through these situations that he has prepared the homeland security system which was not even mentioned during this crisis, though it was often emphasized by Krsticevic.

17:50 - Bozinovic was also asked by journalists how he commented on the information that there were a number of Italian citizens on the Croatian coast, in their facilities and in private accommodation.

"When they arrived - I do not know, but that does not mean that these people should be stigmatized now. They have been good neighbors all these years. All the same epidemiological instructions apply for them, and our services will do their job regardless of nationality," Bozinovic said.

In addition to Bozinovic, the same question was asked to Inspector General Andrija Mikulic, but he declined to answer, saying that it was a question "for those who were the first to welcome these people, that is, the border police," after which he left the press conference.

17:44 - The chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic made a new statement and answered the question whether and when new, more rigorous measures would be adopted in Croatia.

"Now that would be prejudice, what I can say is that there is always a level of professionalism behind these decisions, in this case the epidemiology profession. You see that states make decisions that are often similar to one another. It is likely that our decisions will be on that track as well, and at the appropriate time.” said Bozinovic.

17:10 - The City of Zagreb has issued recommendations on conduct.

16:50 - Tourism Minister Gary Capelli has revealed what measures will be taken to save jobs in the tourist sector.

"It is important for us that there be delays, such as deferrals of tourist tax, tourist membership fees, hotel owners paying concessions in camps on tourist property, that along with all these go 'three plus three' delays, which delays payment for three months,” the tourism minister noted.

That way, Cappelli adds, wages are also likely to be dealt with, "anything that can be dealt with immediately and we are confident that we can cover these expenses for the next six months."

16:29 - The director of the Zagreb KBC Sestre milosrdnice (KBC Sisters of Mercy) Mario Zovak, announced on Monday that, along with KB Dubrava, as the primary respiratory-intensive center for the most severe coronavirus patients, other hospital facilities must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios and treat the sick.

16:10 - Instructions for going to banks and using ATMs issued due to coronavirus.

To reduce the number of people indoors, HUB (Croatian Association of Banks) advises citizens to make the most of digital banking services (mobile and internet banking) and ATM networks. The ATM network and branch offices will be provided with sufficient cash at all times, and citizens are advised to use digital banking and card payment services, HUB said.

If they have to come to the office, the HUB urges citizens to act in accordance with the recommendations of the health services.

16:06 - Minister Beros said 880 tests are in progress. Over 9000 people are under supervision. Another person has recovered for a total of 4 recovered.

15:53 ​ - One person with possible coronavirus symptoms was admitted to Zadar General Hospital today and kept in hospital isolation. The samples were sent to the Infectious Diseases Clinic “Dr. Fran Mihaljević” and findings are expected soon.

15:51 - The Croatian Parliament tomorrow will introduce special protection measures against the spread of coronavirus, and besides the already introduced measures of disinfection and suspension of group visits and international activities; it will suspend all private visits, introduce safeguards in the canteen as well as a special way of monitoring the work of the parliament.

15:32 - Ministers Unveil Measures to Help Economy: Postponement of Paying Credit, Tax ...

15:29 - The County of Karlovac held a dramatic cut on a coronavirus, on which he gave orders to journalists and threatened prisoners with doctors.

15:18 - The next package of measures to be implemented in the County of Istria aimed at suppressing coronavirus will be targeted at the economy, said the Chief of Staff for Civil Protection of the County of Istria, Dino Kozlevac, at a press conference today.

15:15 - By March 16, 2020; the Epidemiology Service of the Institute for Public Health of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County received a total of 455 people from border sanitary inspectors. Of those, 205 completed health surveillance and all had no symptoms of coronavirus infection. There are currently 86 people undergoing home health surveillance. Two people are still quarantined.

At the moment, one male, a Croatian national, who was sampled for COVID-19 infection, was hospitalized and isolated in Dubrovnik General Hospital.

14:51 - The mayor of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel, on Monday reported on new measures of the city administration in the fight against coronavirus and stressed that among other things, care should be taken not to jeopardize the liquidity of the city budget.

Obersnel noted that they are aware that entrepreneurs will suffer financial losses and that measures to ease the situation and help are being prepared locally, but he added that they depend on measures taken by the government.

"We have to take care that the liquidity of the city budget is not jeopardized because some obligations have to be fulfilled, and the measure of deferred income tax, which was already introduced, will significantly affect the liquidity," he said.

14:50 - In an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus , the Osijek Civilian Protection Headquarters today recommended limiting the working hours of catering establishments to 22:00 CET, while night clubs in the city will not operate after next weekend.

14:34 - As a part of measures to help entrepreneurs, Bjelovar will abolish the surtax, due to the emergence of coronavirus, and delay the payment of utility fees for companies and craftsmen, said Bjelovar Mayor Dario Hrebak on Monday.

The decision to abolish surtax should come into force in early May, since it has to be approved by the City Council, while the decision to defer the utility bills for all businesses and craftsmen for a month or longer and without interest, applies from the beginning March.

14:33 - Multiple people have violated the self-isolation rule. In Podravina, police received more than 20 reports of people violating self-isolation orders. Of the 23 people, police said ePodravina found that five of them had violated the rules of self-isolation.

14:30 - SDP President Davor Bernardic says it is necessary to move to more rigorous measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and called on the National Civil Protection Headquarters to not endanger the lives of citizens.

14:20 - Zagreb City Cemeteries, operating at Zagreb Holding, issued recommendations regarding funerals during a coronavirus pandemic.

14:16 - Labor and Pension Minister Josip Aladrovic has announced that the government will also financially stimulate employers to retain workers. He says they are working on measures which they will present to the government tomorrow.

14:05 - Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said today that internal meetings are underway to determine how the deferral of income taxes, contributions, contributions and loan rescheduling will be implemented.

13:55 - The Croatian Chamber of Pharmacies has issued recommendations on the responsible behavior of patients in pharmacies during the coronavirus epidemic, which urge them to keep a distance from pharmacists and people waiting in line, and restrictions have been imposed on dispensing products per patient.

13:43 - As the decision of the Government of Croatia of March 13, 2020 states that elementary school employees are obliged to ensure the admission of students attending class in cases when both parents are employed and there is no other possibility of childcare. The Union of Croatian Teachers provided an analysis conducted at 627 elementary schools regarding the number of students arriving in grades 1-4, as of March 16, 2020. According to a statement, this provides a more realistic picture of student arrivals by county, and so that principals can reconsider their decisions about the necessity of all staff to attend schools.

According to the analysis of received data received from 627 elementary schools as of 13:00 CET; here is a list of students (1st through 4th grade students) who have arrived in schools:

Zagreb County - 6 students (of which 2 extended stays)
Krapina-Zagorje County - 0 students
Sisak-Moslavina County - 41 students (of which 1 extended stay)
Karlovac County - 0 students
Varaždin County - 1 student
Koprivnica-Križevci County - 0 students
Bjelovar-Bilogora County - 0 students
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - 7 students (all extended stays)
Lika-Senj County - 0 students
Virovitica-Podravina County - 2 students
Požega-Slavonia County - 2 students (both extended stay)
Brod-Posavina County - 2 students
Zadar County - 2 students
Osijek-Baranja County - 1 student
Šibenik-Knin County - 0 students
Vukovar-Srijem County - 0 students
Split-Dalmatia County - 20 students (of which 11 extended stay)
County of Istria - 1 pupil
Dubrovnik-Neretva County 3 students (of which 2 are extended stay)
Međimurje County - 0 students
City of Zagreb - 21 students (9 of which extended stay)

TOTAL: 109 students (of which 34 extended stays)

13:40 - The Croatian Employers Association (HUP) Trade Association points out that there is enough food and hygiene supplies and urges customers not to overdo quantities and to look after the health and safety of the shop employees when buying.

13:15 - The first coronavirus infected patient in Karlovac County is in Ogulin, who became infected in Rijeka in contact with an acquaintance without knowing it, was in the pediatric outpatient clinic of Ogulin Health Center on Friday, Mayor Damir Jelic said on Monday.

13:07 - The City of Zagreb sent a statement today informing them of the delay in conducting the procedure for enrolling children in the first grade of primary school.

13:05 – Press conference in Split is underway. "There is still no positive finding in the County and that is good news. However, this situation cannot be defeated by any institution, it can be only be overcome together. This is the only guarantee of success," said Mayor Blazenko Boban.

13:01 - Crikvenica Introduces Citizens Assistance Service

From today, March 16, 2020; the citizens of Crikvenica will be provided with a free telephone number 0800 2999, which will receive calls from 0 to 24 hours. The Crikvenica City Emergency Service will be available via phone. An on-duty service was set up to minimize leaving the home and personal contact of people, based on the recommendation of the Civil Protection Staff. It will be available to the citizens of the City of Crikvenica, who are at risk, the elderly and the disabled.

12:30 - "None of the patients are positive. I am not afraid. We are taught about all kinds of risks, and I have nothing to fear because the disease is not severe," the minister said.

12:04 - According to instructions from the Ministry of Justice, visits to prisoners in the Zagreb Prison are restricted until April 1, which includes prisoners held in the investigative prison.

12:02 - The residents of Zagreb seem to have taken the instructions of the National Headquarters seriously. As you can see in the photos taken today, the City Center is almost completely empty, and the residents who took to the streets are wearing masks. Markets are empty, cafes are closed, terraces are empty, trams are empty.

11:47 - Minister Beros just came to KB Dubrava. A press release is expected after he comes out.

11:45 - The residents of Bjelovar decided early this morning to rush to the stores and replenish their supplies because of the coronavirus. The photos and shots that come from that city are amazing. More here.

11:37 - Zagreb Zoo Closed to Visitors

"The Zagreb Zoo cares for the animals daily, and in order to provide them with adequate care during the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the zoo is closed to visitors.

The decision takes effect immediately, and by which time this mode of operation of the Garden will last depends on the information and instructions that the Garden will receive from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zagreb and Civil Protection," read a statement signed by Damir Skok, Director of the Zagreb Zoo.

11:36 - Additional Protection Measures for Spar Employees

"In order to further protect our employees who are in close contact with customers, we have enabled protective masks, gloves and disinfectants.

Also, for our customers in all branches of SPAR and INTERSPAR we have provided visual markings that show one meter, and the carts, baskets and all surfaces in the shops are regularly disinfected.

To ensure unhindered supply, all our branches will operate on regular business hours. Even in malls which work part-time or are closed, SPAR and INTERSPAR stores will operate normally. In determining working hours, we follow all Crisis Staff instructions.

Also, if necessary and following the instructions of the National Headquarters, we are ready to introduce regulation of entry into shops.

We urge our customers to comply with all the protection measures prescribed by the competent services. This is how you protect yourself, our employees and the entire country," Spar reported today.

11:26 - 8500 people in Croatia are in self-isolation. We have learned that the police are tracking down violators.

There are about 8500 people in mandatory self-isolation, according to a press conference this morning by the National Civil Protection Headquarters. However, not everyone is adhering to the measures they have been given. Despite being potential spreaders of the infection are not staying home but are going outside. Police received 174 reports, and 40 violations of self-isolation have been identified. These cases were handed over to the State Inspectorate for further action, including the imposition of fines.

11:15 - "It is not a good thing that there are irresponsible individuals here, specifically individuals who are literally creating problems with deviant and idiotic behaviour, there is an ongoing cyber-attack on Srce and Carnet," Divjak said.

11:03 – More About the First Case in Karlovac:

The Civil Protection Headquarters of Karlovac held a press conference and reported that the first infected person from the Karlovac area is from Ogulin and became infected in Rijeka as reported by Radio Mrežnica. He reported to the Ogulin Health centre on Saturday after he experienced symptoms. The day before he had been with the child at the Health Centre. All his contacts under supervision, Radio Mreznica reports.

11:01 - Emmezeta announced truncated working hours: 10:00 to 18:00, and their store in Pula is closed.

10:54 - In accordance with the recommendations of the National Civil Protection Headquarters and the precautionary measures during the course of the Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) of the Croatian Institute of Public Health; the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery informs the public to further postpone all upcoming public gatherings and programs. (exhibitions, workshops, lectures and similar). Individual and group visits to the Lotrščak Tower were suspended until the precautionary measures were abolished, the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery reported.

10:30 - "Phase 3 has been activated. As of today, we are in an emergency facility, we only inspect and operate on emergency cases. KBC Osijek will treat potential patients who need respirators.

Positive patients with mild symptoms will be treated in all Slavonian hospitals. We have everything, protective equipment, the crisis headquarters is supplying us daily with the quantities we need. If KBC does not have enough resources for the respiratory centre, we will be able to take staff and equipment from other hospitals. We have 7 confirmed cases, 6 of them are symptomless and one has a temperature. Today we send 13 more samples and we will know the results in the late evening," said Dr. Zubcic.

10:25 - "Care should be taken and caution, but it does not make sense to close everything. The economy is important, and it must not stop. The fact that the health centres are on duty does not mean that they are testing," said Ivanovic from the Osijek Civil Protection Headquarters. "I warn everyone who sees this situation as an opportunity to make money, I warn them not to do this. I think we are all equally responsible, involved, and we can all do the right thing. By 13:00 CET we will prepare a package of measures for local government units and a package of measures for businessmen. Everyone can count on us,” he added.

10:23 - The market in Rijeka is half empty.

10:13 - Zagreb City Emergency Management Office Mayor Pavle Kalinic, was a guest on N1 Television, and commented on a document urging the Zagreb to urgently introduce rigorous measures - limiting the operation of shops and shutting down catering establishments, services, gyms, sports and recreational centres and clubs.

"I signed it and I take full responsibility for it. It is a shame that the document was leaked, but I immediately confirmed its authenticity because there is no reason to hide it," he says.

"These measures are the bare minimum the National Headquarters can accept. China implemented rigorous measures, and Germany has begun to close borders. Everyone is doing something, and we have a situation where a truck can enter Croatia but cannot leave. For the protection of residents it is now essential that the national headquarters to take action," Kalinic said.

He said that Croatia had undertaken stringent measures too late.

"We were late in decision-making by two weeks. Italy is too late, yesterday they were almost 360 dead because they postponed necessary measures. I am afraid that exponential growth (of new cases) will commence. The government will have to accept that sooner or later," Pavle Kalinic said on Novi dan and added that Zagreb public transport is disinfected three times a day.

9:27 - In Osijek-Baranja County seven people are infected with a coronavirus. The patients were placed in the Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, and this morning they came forward with a statement announcing the hospital's further work. “In accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Initiation of the third phase of the fight against the epidemic; non-urgent examinations and the elective surgery program are postponed until further notice,” the hospital said.

8:20 - Health Minister Vili Beros confirmed this morning to N1 that doctor from KBC Rebro is positive for the coronavirus. He was treated epidemiologically, the minister added.

8:10 - Border crossings with Serbia-Montenegro are closed due to the coronavirus for all but their nationals and truck drivers, border checks have been intensified on all border crossings of Croatia with Slovenia, Hungary and Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reported on Monday.

Therefore, longer waiting times for passenger and especially freight vehicles are possible.

7:41 - All Bosnia and Hercegovina citizens coming from abroad are going into isolation today, Klix reports. The decision was made on Friday and is effective as of 6:00 this morning.

7:33 - The chief of the Osijek Civil Protection Headquarters said that the remaining findings from Zagreb showed that there were no new infected in the Osijek-Baranja County. "There are still 7 positives. About 440 people are in self-isolation, and that number is increasing," Ivanovic said.

7:29 - Capak said a patient in Rijeka was also discharged. It is the third recovery in Croatia. "We can't avoid the doctor's contact with the infected. We're doing everything we can to stop it. Epidemiologists have done everything at Dubrava KB, it was like Rebro. Everything was checked, contacts were excluded ... This is one extremely organized hospital. We didn’t need to introduce any measures. People who have symptoms are wearing masks," Capak said.

7:27 - After Westgate announced yesterday that their hours would be shortened, the same announcement was made on the Supernova page.

"The health and well-being of our customers, employees, partners and our entire community is always our top priority. We want to inform you that in accordance with more stringent preventative measures, new working hours are being applied to prevent the possibility of coronavirus spreading.

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
Sunday: Closed

Retail Food Stores / Pharmacies / Drug Stores / Post Offices / Small Animal Stores Are the Exception and will keep same working hours! Thanks for your understanding," Supernova reported.

7:20 - "It is not realistic to expect that the situation will be resolved in 2 weeks. We will see the development of the situation, the government meets every day, it is not a problem to make a decision in an instant," said HZJZ chief Krunoslav Capak in a guest appearance on Dobro Jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia).

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• City of Zagreb to Allow Bill Paying Delay to Citizens Over 65 - here.
• Croatian Government to Pay Companies to Keep Hold of Staff - here.
• Rovinj Feeling Coronavirus Consequences as Tourist Numbers Plummet - here.
• How Much is Coronavirus Really Making Croatian Hotel Industry Suffer? - here.
• City of Trogir Announces Guidelines and Recommendations for Coronavirus Crisis - here.
• Croatian Hotels in Coronavirus Crisis: Cancellations, Temporary Closures, and More - here.
• Self-Isolating in Split? Your Guide to Online Delivery Services - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Night 16 March: 253 Cases, Flights Suspended - 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.

UPDATED: March 16, 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 16, 2020 - A look at how Croatian hotels are handling the coronavirus crisis in the country.

HRTurizam writes that there is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the tourism sector most. The borders are closed, all events are canceled, there is a ban on gatherings over 100 people, schools, colleges and kindergartens are closed, and the recommendation is not to travel, or to keep people in self-isolation. 

Everyone in the tourist chain is under attack, from travel agencies and renters to hotels, many of which have had to close their facilities temporarily. As we can see from the reports on the Zagreb Stock Exchange, hotels are registering cancellations of bookings and various gatherings in March, April and May, and a fall in stock prices. Still, so far, there are no significant cancellations from June onwards, which is good news.

Although the current annual reservation status is better than last year, Valamar Riviera reports that the number of new bookings has slowed significantly since the coronavirus escalated. The current cancellations of bookings recorded primarily relate to the period from March to May this year and only to a lesser extent to the rest of the main season, which accounts for over 85% of annual operating revenues, says the Zagreb Stock Exchange.

Hotel Medora Auri 4* started operating on February 4, 2020, but will be closed from March 14 to March 30, 2020, respectively, subject to harsh travel conditions from the major markets, until the above circumstances change. Other facilities at Medora hotels and resorts do not anticipate a change in the schedule of operational work.

According to Maistra and Adris Group, business operations were in line with expectations by early March, but after adopting emergency measures and recommendations in the Republic of Croatia and other neighboring countries, cancellations of bookings for accommodation and meetings for March, April and May 2020 began, mainly in the MICE segment. There are currently no significant cancellations for reservations from June onwards.

Liburnia Riviera Hotels say the coronavirus has a negative impact in terms of reservation cancellations and reduced capacity occupancy. According to current data, 19% of total confirmed bookings were canceled in February, 64% in March and 62% in April. Cancellations in May and June are slightly lower at 31% and 21% respectively. Liburnia Riviera hotels say that the continued duration of the disease will continue to affect their business adversely, and its effects will depend on the length of its exposure in Croatia and the countries of origin of its clients.

The Imperial Riviera said that the current state of bookings is at the level of last year, but the entry of new bookings has slowed significantly. Cancellations are mainly for April and May.

Plava Laguna states that from the end of February, the Company recorded cancellations in the amount of 25% for March and April, while there are no cancellations in the high season periods.

Given the current situation at Maestral Hotels, it is estimated that the opening of the hotel for this tourist season will not be achieved at the planned pace, and only one hotel is currently open. Bookings from focal states for group arrangements for March and April were canceled, and new bookings for the rest of the year slowed down by 50% compared to last year.

A large number of canceled reservations in the preseason and early summer season are also recorded in Vodice Hotels, which is why the official opening has moved towards the middle of April.

According to the first indicators, Jadran Hotels expected a successful tourist year, but in the last two weeks, numerous reservations for April and May were canceled, and sales for the rest of the season were stopped. Furthermore, the inflow of funds was halted by agencies seeking price reductions and more flexible cancellation and deposit terms.

Palace Hotel Zagreb reports that after adopting extraordinary measures and recommendations, cancellations of reservations and meetings for March, April and May 2020 began.

FTB Tourism plans to open their hotels in Cavtat on April 1 and 19, however, they cannot say for sure given the slow entry of new bookings and the cancellation of existing bookings. The high risk to the business, they say, is undoubtedly the legal restrictions on the movement of citizens of certain countries, especially the main markets, Great Britain and France.

At a meeting of the Presidents of the Board of Directors of the members of the Croatian Tourism Association, the leading hotel companies decided to suspend the operation of most hotels for two weeks. HUT points out that in each coastal destination, one hotel accommodation will be provided, while several hotels will be provided in Zagreb.

As the main tourist season brings more than 85 percent of the annual operating income to hotels, as well as to everyone, we hope that the whole situation will settle down as soon as possible and that the tourism sector can still count on turnover in the main tourist season. It is difficult to predict how much this situation will affect travel in general, i.e., how long it will take to activate the tourism market. 

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section. 

March 16, 2020 - McDonald's restaurants in Croatia will close on Tuesday, March 17, for visiting guests. The decision to close the restaurants was taken as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to protect the health and safety of McDonald's employees and guests.

McDonald's restaurants in shopping malls will run according to the instructions of the malls themselves and will remain open for now, reports Vecernji List.

Guests will be able to pick up their orders at McDrive and through delivery, following a decision by the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

“Just as we are responsible for serving our guests safe food, we are also responsible for our employees who need to be ensured a safe working environment. Their safety and health are our priority. With strict adherence to the quality, hygiene and cleanliness procedures that we carry out, we believe that closing our restaurants is one of the measures we will take to ensure this safety and help prevent the spread of the pandemic,” said Pavel Pavlicek, McDonald's Croatia director.

As an additional precautionary measure, employees are measured by digital contactless thermometers on arrival. In the event of a fever, the staff will be removed from work with instructions to contact their physician.

All employees working with cash are required to wear disposable protective gloves, and card payment devices in the McDrive line are regularly disinfected.

From Monday, March 16, delivery zones will also be expanded to cover the entire city area of Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, Osijek and Pula, and delivery will be opened in Karlovac.

The big news is that delivery will be open earlier, already at 9 am, instead of at 11 am, and customers can order until 11 pm by using the Glovo app or Pauza.

In non-delivery cities, guests are invited to pick up their orders through McDrive.

In line with more stringent preventative measures, all 14 Supernova centers in Croatia will work shortened hours from Monday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. They will be open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and will be closed on Sundays, the Supernova group said. On Sundays, only grocery, pharmacy, post office, drugstore and pet food stores will operate.

The administration of Westgate Shopping City has decided to shorten the opening hours temporarily. The Center's new opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm (daily), which will take effect from Monday, March 16, 2020.

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

March 15, 2020 - The Split Bus Station reacts to the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the border regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro has changed since Saturday night. Thus, the director of the Split Bus Station, Mate Jujnovic, said that even before the border decision, he decided to take precautionary measures, which is why he abolished all international lines, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

In Croatia, all lines are still driving as normal, but probably not for long.

“All lines outside Croatia have been stopped. On Thursday and Friday, the lines to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Montenegro were discontinued, and the line to Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially discontinued as of today. The last tour for BiH waited 12 hours at the border. Anyone who has purchased a ticket in advance for any of the canceled lines will receive a refund at the counter where the ticket was purchased,” says Mate Jujnovic, who also noted that on Monday, all Croatian carriers have a meeting at the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

“So far, everything is running as usual within the country, but I suppose it will be reduced soon. There are no passengers and there is no need to drive so many lines. It is the same for everyone. Tomorrow, all carriers have a meeting at the competent ministry and we will ask everyone to reduce the number of lines within Croatia. It makes no sense that 40 buses run, for example, from Split to Zagreb without any passengers.

We will seek to reduce the number of lines and departures, and again that connections still exist and that the traffic runs as usual,” says Jujnovic.

He also notes that passengers can find all the necessary information on bus routes on their website ak-split.hr.

As the telephone line at the station was always busy, many passengers were probably unable to contact the operator to ask for individual lines. Thus, Jujnovic adds that passengers should search for the line of interest on its website. If they release the timetable, the line is still active. If there is no timetable, that route is no longer departing.

Data is updated continuously so that the web is currently the best and fastest means of information.

For those looking for more comprehensive information about different aspects of coronavirus and Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 15, 2020 - There are 49 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) 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.

"It is only through joint efforts that we can contribute to maintaining this relatively peaceful epidemiological situation that we now have in Croatia," the Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters reported at this morning's press conference and repeated the following instructions:

1. People who have cold symptoms and have not been in areas that are more affected by the new coronavirus within the last 14 days should not report to epidemiologists but may contact their family physician by telephone.

2. People who have been in areas which are more affected by the coronavirus within the last 14 days, but are not coughing, who do not have a fever or other signs of a cold over must contact a competent epidemiologist, whose number can be obtained through county centers 112.

3. People who have been in areas more affected by the coronavirus within the last 14 days, who have coughs fever and other cold symptoms, are obliged to contact their family physician by phone for further instructions.

Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. | Use a tissue for coughing or sneezing. | Avoid touching your face. | Index

For some of the most commonly asked questions about coronavirus in Croatia, check out the TCN FAQ Guide 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.

Forty-Nine Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 15, 2020; forty-nine coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 16 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 2 in Sisak and 9 in Osijek and 1 TBD, who returned from New York (Numbers on map updated).

• The first patient from Zagreb became infected during his stay in Italy. The two other patients are close contacts. The fourth patient recently returned from a ski trip in Austria. The fifth patient recently came back from a conference in Munich. Five new cases were confirmed Wednesday and Thursday and the patients returned from trips to Austria and Germany. Three more cases were confirmed on Friday: a child, a soldier and a contact of the soldier. Another case, confirmed Saturday, returned from Spain. Two more cases work at the KBC Dubrava (clinic in Zagreb) for a total of sixteen.
• A patient from Rijeka became infected during his stay in Italy. Several other patients had contact with the first patient. The total number of cases is now ten.
• The first patient from Varaždin spent time in Italy. The second case is a truck driver who had been in Italy and was in preventative self-isolation. The third and fourth cases are close contacts of the driver. A fifth case returned from the United States, via Europe. Another patient was confirmed today.
• Six patients in Pula had returned from Italy.
• The first confirmed patient from Sisak returned from Italy. The second returned from Spain.
• Two new cases from Osijek were in contact with an infected person from Zagreb. As of today, seven more cases for a total of nine.
• Another case returned to Croatia from New York. Updates on this case to follow.

More than 6,455 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 167,291 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 86,442 cases outside of mainland China and 24,747 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 15, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters Updates

The National Civil Protection Headquarters held their daily afternoon press conference at 16:00 CET as reported by Index.

In Croatia, there are 49 cases of coronavirus infection recorded, including two doctors from KB KBC Dubrava.

"We will mobilize the entire healthcare system, staff and equipment. This is not unexpected; it is important that we have resisted this scenario for such a long time, it has allowed us to do the necessary preparatory work," Vili Beros said.

Capak has revealed that the new case is one returnee from New York. Contacts of people from Osijek are also among the new cases. Two people worked at a ski resort in Austria.

Most Cases Returnees or Contacts of Returnees

"As you can see, the situation shows that we have either returnees from countries or their contacts," he said. The minister indicated that Dubrava had previously been selected as the site of the respiratory center.

"Our exact plan was to activate Dubrava. These developments have accelerated our plans. Evacuation of patients to other hospitals is ongoing. This Zagreb scenario is ready for all regional centers. We have primary, secondary and tertiary care options in all our centers," Beros added.

"By WHO definition, as soon as the first non-imported case occurs, they consider it to be local transmission. We believe that the spread of the disease to the population has not yet taken place," Capak said.

Bozinovic Announced More Rigorous Measures, Starting Tomorrow

"What you are follow in the foreign media, we will also introduce. Our lives will change drastically, all for the purpose of protecting the population and our loved ones. We must take responsibility for ourselves and others. The measures will be implemented tomorrow, including the whole package of economic measures and closing borders is another measure," Bozinovic said.

Capak found that about 8,000 people are in self-isolation. Waiting for 15 findings. The health status of the current patients is good.

"Over 80 percent, and by some accounts, 85 percent of patients have mild symptoms. Elderly people are especially advised to adjust their activities to the new circumstances. They should avoid public transport and doctor visits," Beros repeated.

Highlights from Morning Press Conference

Seven new cases were diagnosed yesterday. At the press conference yesterday morning, the headquarters reported five new cases, in the afternoon another infected person was reported, and another case was discovered late in the evening. In total, 39 people were infected in Croatia as of yesterday (10 more infections by end-of-day March 15).

Government Will Cap Prices on Foods and Drugs

In addition, late last night the government decided to limit the prices of several foods and drugs with maximum prices remaining as they were on January 30.

57 Citizens Confirmed Violating Self Isolation Orders

Minister Bozinovic praised the computer scientists who created a system that helps identify persons who violate self-isolation measures.

"We do not act only on reports from citizens, but also on the regular treatment of the police, if someone is stopped in traffic and should be in self-isolation, they will be sanctioned," he said. 

"In the past 24 hours, controls have been carried out on 57 citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures. 17 have been reported to the sanitary inspection and will be sanctioned," Bozinovic added.

Capak: Traffic at Border Back to Normal

Krunoslav Capak spoke about new measures at the borders, saying that the citizens of Bosnia and Hercegovina and Serbia will not need to go into self-isolation and that the regime will not change.

Minister Bozinovic said that truck traffic at the borders has returned to normal.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:30 - The director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic "Dr. Fran Mihaljevic" and one of the key persons from the first line of defense against coronavirus, Dr. Alemka Markotic, said in an interview for Dnevnik Nova TV that there was another suspected coronavirus case in the hospital system. She also explained how everyone should behave and what is most important now.

19:00 - The ministry has announced rules for people in self-isolation:

1. Leaving home is prohibited.
2. Contact the appropriate epidemiological center every day.
3. Take your temperature in the morning and evening.
4. Pay attention to the appearance of symptoms of a respiratory infection (high temperature, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing).
5. Wash your hands regularly with soap or use sanitary hand cleaner.
6. Regularly clean and disinfect objects and areas where you reside.
7. Regularly ventilate spaces.
8. Use your own sheets, towels and eating utensils
9. Secure a separate room and use a separate bathroom.
10. If you need to go to a health care facility, contact your family doctor beforehand.

18:00 - McDonald's closes for guests. They have released a statement.

"Just as we are responsible for serving guests safe food, we are also responsible to employees for whom we need to ensure a safe working environment. Their safety and health are our priority. With strict adherence to the quality, hygiene and cleanliness; we consider closure of our restaurants to guests one of the critical measures we will take to ensure safety and help prevent the spread of the epidemic," said Pavel Pavlicek, McDonald's Croatia director.

17:50 - Zagreb opens offices for the examination of suspected coronavirus cases. Here they are.

17:30 - A man who violated the decision to self-isolate will be punished.

16:30 - At the end of the afternoon press conference, Ministers Božinović and Beroš made a special appeal to the elderly. They were urged not to leave the house unless they had to. They were also told to avoid rallies and going to the grocery store.

16:05 - A new press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters took place. There are currently 49 cases of coronavirus recorded in Croatia. There are still 15 more cases to be confirmed. Minister Bozinovic said the measures being introduced would be increasingly rigorous.

15:30 - Mass was held at the cathedral. There weren't many attendees.

15:10 - Penalties for violation of self-isolation have been announced. The first fine is eight thousand HRK (1052 EUR). But if someone continues to violate self-isolation, the penalties are drastically higher.

14:21 - Plenkovic said a total of 49 were infected at the very beginning of the press conference.

13:00 - Index confirmed that two doctors of KB Dubrava were infected with the coronavirus.

12:05 - Andrej Plenkovic has stated that they are taking all measures against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic that are appropriate at the moment, and if more stringent measures are needed, they will surely take them, but will ensure the normal functioning of life.

The prime minister said this after a vote in HDZ's inter-party elections, questioned whether the closure measures taken by restaurants in Istria would apply to the rest of Croatia.

11:45 - There is no cure for COVID-19, that is, therapy is only symptomatic and supportive. Although most infected people have only mild symptoms, it is still extremely important to try to avoid the infection in every way. Here's how you can do it.

11:16 - The press conference of the Headquarters of Osijek-Baranja County is underway. They said that the five cases from Osijek are contacts of the married couple from Ernestinovo. Still waiting for results for 5 people.

11:05 - From the Rehabilitation Center in Zagreb, a coronavirus case was announced on their site. They reported a virus was detected in one user.

10:50 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia has decided that train drivers and the necessary accompanying railway staff may cross the border with Slovenia, Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina without restrictions. They will be issued a 14-day self-isolation decision. At the invitation of the employer, they will be able to get out of self-isolation for the purpose of carrying out railway transport operations, and upon completion they shall be obliged to return to self-isolation. The employer is obliged to provide the driver and the necessary accompanying train crew with all the protective equipment they are required to use when performing the business process.

10:45 - Mate Rimac reported on Facebook that he was closing down his business Monday because of the coronavirus.

10:00 - As of yesterday, a quarantine was established in each county with a parking space for trucks to house domestic truck drivers after unloading cargo. Drivers will no longer have to be in self-isolation as before but will leave quarantine to go on route as needed and return to quarantine once their goods have been unloaded. All employers with more than five employees are required to provide quarantine/self-isolation within their business premises in accordance with the prescribed self-isolation measures.

9:45 - Archbishop of Rijeka Msgr. Dr. Ivan Devcic sent a letter yesterday to the priests with new provisions regarding the coronavirus, and at the request of the Chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the PGZ, who asks the local Church to suspend all liturgical rites until April 3, 2020. Churches in the Archdiocese of Rijeka must cancel masses at which would have more than 100 people and where people cannot sit with a meter of distance between them.

9:20 - The Diocese of Dubrovnik will broadcast mass over the Internet.

9:30 - Bozinovic: We found 18 people who did not adhere to self-isolation orders and they will be punished.

9:00 - Last night, truck traffic started moving through Croatia to Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirmed the Minister of the Interior and the Director of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, Davor Bozinovic.

The convoy of lorries, which was detained at the Italian-Slovenian and Slovenian-Croatian borders due to the coronavirus epidemic, departed yesterday evening.

(Updates provided by Index)

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.

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Croatia Travel Update, March 15, 2020: What You Need to Know - here.
• 10 Things Which Await You in Croatia After Corona Crisis - here.
• Mate Rimac Closing Company on Monday, Employee Health Top Priority - here.
• Croatian Government Introducing Price Controls for Certain Items - here.
• Punishments for Breaking Coronavirus Self-Isolation Rules Published - here.
• Two Dubrava Zagreb Hospital Doctors Have Coronavirus, Minister Reveals Details - here.
• Split Bus Station Stops All Lines Outside Croatia, Reduction in Domestic Lines Likely - here.
• Croatian Athletes and Staff Talk About Unexpected Time at Home - here.
• Mayor Stipe Petrina Chooses Prevention, Closes All Cafes and Restaurants in Primosten - here.
• Covid19 Emergency: Solidarity from STIP, Association of Court Interpreters & Translators - here.

UPDATED: March 15, 2020 19:00 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 15, 2020 - At this morning’s press conference held by the Civil Protection Staff they announced that the number of coronavirus infected in Croatia had increased. Seven more people were infected, and a total of 46 people were infected in Croatia.

Seven new cases were diagnosed yesterday. In the morning the headquarters reported five new cases, in the afternoon another infected person was reported, and another case was discovered late in the evening. In total, 39 people were infected in Croatia as of yesterday as reported by Index.

In addition, late last night the government decided to limit the prices of several foods and drugs with maximum prices remaining as they were on January 30.

09:17 - When asked if crowds at the borders should be expected, the minister said he should not. "We said yesterday, this is not the time to travel and we ask everyone to refrain from doing so," the minister said.

09:15 - Minister Bozinovic said that there were 52 people quarantined, in Split and Dubrovnik. "You can see for yourself that the situation in the EU is getting worse, we are not ruling it out either. I urge that the messages of the headquarters and the government be monitored because only if we follow what the profession says will we help ourselves, our loved ones and the country," he said.

09:13 - Alemka Markotic added that in self-isolation all persons were assessed as being at high risk, regardless of whether they had symptoms or not.

"The epidemic here can be made worse by irresponsible behavior. This is one of the critical aspects and it is important for people to adhere to the prescribed measures. It is for the benefit of them and their loved ones," she said.

She also commented on the decision to withdraw the decision to self-isolate people from Bosnia and Hercecogovina and Serbia. She said it was not yet about local transmission.

"These are all close contacts or infected out there. Failure to comply with the measures may result in local transmission," she added.

09:12 - Minister Bozinovic praised the computer scientists who created a system that helps identify persons who violate self-isolation measures.

"We do not act only on reports from citizens, but also on the regular treatment of the police, if someone is stopped in traffic and should be in self-isolation, they will be sanctioned," he said.

09:10 - There was a question about the use of ibuprofen, which the French minister said was not being given to the sick.

Alemka Markotic replied that it was not scientifically based. "It is not usually given to patients who are bleeding, and all of our patients receive paracetamol," she said.

Minister Beros added that the advice should be dominated by the opinion of professionals.

09:09 - Minister Beros was asked about mobilization. He said Croatia was ready for anything and how it would adapt.

09:07 - Krunoslav Capak spoke about new measures at the borders, saying that the citizens of Bosnia and Hercegovina and Serbia will not need to go into self-isolation and that the regime will not change.

Asked about the number of people in self-isolation, he said he would announce the exact number at the press conference in the afternoon (16:00 CET).

9:06 - The Minister revealed that four convoys of trucks were taken over and that over 60 trucks were moving to Bajakov and 40 to Stara Gradiška.

Minister Bozinovic said that truck traffic at the borders was normalized.

"In the past 24 hours, controls have been carried out on 57 citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures. 17 have been reported to the sanitary inspection and will be sanctioned," Bozinovic said.

9:05 - Krunoslav Capak said that information is being collected on the new seven patients and their contacts and that more will be known at 16:00 CET at the next press conference.

09:04 - Alemka Markotic said that there is not much information about the new cases so far, but added that they do not appear to have a serious form of the virus

09:02 - There are 46 people infected in Croatia, Minister Beros said.

A full update will follow in our daily briefing, which will include details from the afternoon press conference, which will be held at 16:00 CET.

Follow this page for running Total Croatia News updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia.

March 15, 2020 - There are already several Croatian athletes and sports professionals who, due to various contacts, have been forced to spend two weeks at home because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Croatian sailors Sime and Mihovil Fantela arrived back in Zadar from Palma de Mallorca where the Princess Sofia Trophy was to be held. The World Champion sailors are safe, but self-isolating. 

Sime told HRT more:

“I must be with my wife and kid for two weeks at home. We will be careful; we will be careful not to go outside and simply wait for the news ahead. It is a little difficult, we are preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, which is our most important goal, and now we are practically without training for 15 days. It's not easy, but we will try to be patient and simply respond to the current situation.” You can see the video on HRT here.

The coronavirus also calmed down tennis for six weeks. Marin Cilic, like most of his colleagues, will enjoy an atypical March at home with family, reports Gol.hr.

"We are aware of the situation and it is certainly better to beware than to take the possible risks so here - now I have more time at home. It was the perfect time for me to be with my family, enjoy and have a little more time to rest, and hang out."

A month and a half ago, Cilic welcomed his first child, Baldo.

“I will definitely be more awake overnight, which will make Kristina’s life much easier.“

However, family rewards are the reason why the world's 37th best tennis player in the world takes the prevention of coronavirus as seriously as possible.

"Of course I'm afraid most of all because of Baldo, because he's still very small. I am even avoiding going to the gym, where there are bigger gatherings, and maybe I'll even do more outdoor workouts."

A few days ago, Cilic met with the Sinkovic brothers on Jarun Lake for an outdoor training session. He said he is in contact with other Croatian athletes, too.

"I heard from the NBA guys; they told me that this is unique and everything is under alarm. They do not know what is going to happen, or if they will return home or stay there, so we are still on the edge of our seats, waiting for what will develop, but most importantly, we are all healthy and this is under control. "

But Cilic does not doubt that the world of sports will certainly feel the consequences.

"Who knows what the Olympics will be like, but luckily for tennis, the positive is that our season is so long, it lasts until the end of November. The problem is that the points will be affected, with other tournaments being canceled - but these are less of a concern."

Several prominent HNS members, including President Davor Suker and coach Zlatko Dalic, are also in self-isolation, reports T.portal.

They all attended the UEFA Congress and the Nations League draw in  Amsterdam on March 2, which included the president of the Serbian Football Association Slavisa Kokeza, who was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The Croatian delegation was not in close contact with Kokeza, but out of precaution, they are in self-isolation, and so far, no one is showing any symptoms.

“They were in the same place he was 12 days ago. We checked, none of them had close contact with him, if any. However, because of the precautionary measures and because they are responsible people, they are behaving responsibly in this situation, so we agreed to reduce contacts for 14 days, that is, if you want to call it that, they will be in self-isolation,” Croatian Football Federation doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic told RTL.

“Of everyone who was there, no one has symptoms. The likelihood of being infected is extremely low, but it is not good enough for us. We act responsibly and, as a last resort, send everyone a message to act responsibly,” said Bahtijarević.

Although the initial information was that Kokeza contracted the coronavirus in Amsterdam at the UEFA Congress, he had contracted it in Milan.

“Slavisa Kokeza is holding up well, feeling good. Everything happened in Milan, there are a lot of viruses from that city,” said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at a press conference.

After the anticipated Doha friendly tournament was canceled due to the global pandemic, where Croatia was to play against Switzerland and Portugal, the Federation’s leadership and coach Dalic agreed that there would be no national team meeting this month. HNS informed the clubs of all the invited national team about this decision.

The decision was made keeping in mind the current situation in Croatia and Europe, that is, the global pandemic of the new coronavirus, to protect the health of the national team.

"It is the position of the Federation and the professional staff, headed by coach Dalic, that it is safest for national team members to stay in the cities where they reside, in quarantines or under other measures in force in certain countries," HNS said.

“Something that has never happened in the history of sports has happened. We need to be concerned about the health of athletes, fans and all other actors in football, but also in sports in general. This is an emergency that no one could have foreseen, but we have to deal with it. We have approached this problem with maximum responsibility, and it is not easy. This is a disaster for sports and the economy, but all human lives must come first,” Suker said in an interview, noting that his stance on Tuesday's UEFA video conference would be that the EURO does not take place this year.

"In any case, we will know more after Tuesday, human lives are paramount," Suker concluded.

The European Football Federation (UEFA) announced a major video conference next Tuesday with the leaderships of all 55 Member States and representatives of ECA, FIFPro and European leagues to discuss further steps European football will take in the context of a pandemic the coronavirus, with regard to both domestic and European club competitions, as well as EURO 2020.

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

March 15, 2020 - All catering objects in the municipality of Primosten are forbidden to continue work, all to effectively implement measures for protecting citizens' health during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Mayor of Primosten Stipe Petrina has decided to close down all the catering facilities in his municipality to prevent any citizens from contracting the coronavirus.

Although there are no cases of the coronavirus in Dalmatia yet, meaning there are none in Primosten, Petrina is guided by the principle of prevention rather than treatment, and has made the following decision, which is fully transmitted in English below:

“Article 1.

Due to the risk of the spread of the coronavirus in the territory of the Municipality of Primosten and in general because of the threat to the health of the population of the Republic of Croatia, all catering establishments (cafes, etc.) located in the territory of the Municipality of Primosten are prohibited from working indoors (business premises) and outdoors (terraces - public area), all to effectively implement citizen health protection measures.

Article 2

The urgent implementation of this Decision is required.

Article 3

The municipality of Primosten will regulate the mutual relations with legal and natural persons regarding the lease of public land.

Article 4

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption and shall be valid from 15 March 2020 until revocation, and shall be published on the web pages of the Municipality of Primosten and the notice board and shall be notified to the media, (portals, etc.).

On Friday, Petrina was one of the first to respond to the further spread of contagion in Croatia, and suspended the work of municipal administration and local public businesses."

This news comes after Istria decided to close all cafes and restaurants in the region for one month starting 15 March 2020. Many other Croatian cities and counties are taking preventative measures, like Karlovac County, which announced that cafes can only work until 6 am to 6 pm. Bjelovar-Bilogora County has postponed all gatherings until further notice, and Rijeka will not implement the European Capital of Culture program, to name a few. 

Source: T.portal

For those looking for more comprehensive information about different aspects of coronavirus and Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

March 14, 2020 - Experts say that panic surrounding coronavirus can be more dangerous than the virus itself. Amid news of panic Croatian supermarket buying, TCN visits supermarkets in Split to see the realities on the ground.  

After Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that schools would close for two weeks from Monday and that citizens should strictly follow the measures in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Croatians kicked into self-isolation gear all over the country.

With this comes the obvious hysteria, which resulted in stories of panic buying around the country. While Croatia didn’t exactly follow the route of Australia, where toilet paper became nearly impossible to find, it was interesting to see how Croatian shoppers chose to prepare for a few weeks in solitude.

After we had a look into how the citizens of Varazdin equipped themselves on Friday, I thought I’d set out for my big shop on Saturday to my neighborhood supermarkets in the Firule area of Split. 

I began at Tommy up the street, primarily to stock up on cat food for my furry friends at home. 

There had been speculation that the meat shelves would run dry this weekend, and based on this Tommy supermarket, it was true.

Toilet paper, however, was fully stocked. 

In the United States, pasta shelves emptied quickly. The selection of Barilla was only a bit thinner than usual at this Split Tommy.

Frozen goods also took a small hit, with fish products the most popular items missing.

Tommy had a sign at the register asking all customers to stand one meter apart.

Next up was DM, where toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues were mostly lacking.

And you'd be lucky to find soap and antibacterial sanitizer near the checkout.

Spar was my final stop, where clerks actively resupplied the aisles with food items.

Red apples and lemons were on the low side, however.

But toilet paper was on sale!

And there was still plenty available.

Some bottled water and milk brands could use a refill.

So, how was my self-isolation shopping Saturday in Split? Fortunately, I was able to acquire everything I needed, and shoppers out and about didn't seem panicked, nor did they buy in bulk. It was no busier than a typical Saturday morning shop in the Dalmatian capital.

What have you had trouble finding in Split? Send over your self-isolation shopping photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

March 14, 2020 - As the coronavirus craze takes over Europe, it is good to remember that Split was once one of Europe’s leading quarantine cities.

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that it all started on the Lazaret Coast, where the Tourist Palace and taxi stand sit south of the Green Market (Pazar) today. It was here, at the end of the Middle Ages, that one of the most important commercial and health buildings on the Adriatic was built - the famous Split Lazaret.

During the periods of peace between Venice and the Ottoman Empire, with interruptions during the war years, Dalmatian cities were essential import and export ports of the Venetian-Ottoman trade: business flourished in the Republic of Dubrovnik, the Turkish Neum, but the liveliest was often in Split.

The European standard was clear - large ports had lazarets (named after St. Lazarus, the patron saint of the sick), where not only the loading and unloading of goods took place, but also the disinfection in times of frequent plagues. Namely, a strict and mandatory 40 days of quarantine were put in place in order to detect and prevent possible contagion.

The city's port, the busiest of all on the eastern Adriatic coast, lacked adequate space for these jobs. The goods were stored in the cellars of Diocletian's Palace, but the isolation of citizens from infrequently infected Eastern goods was poor.

Therefore, in the 16th century, a plan was developed to build a spacious and important lazaret for the citizens.

The draft was made by Daniel Rodriguez (Rodrigo), a Venetian Jew of Portuguese descent.

Seeing that the Turks wanted to establish its own lazaret at the mouth of the Neretva, as did the people of Dubrovnik, the Venetian Republic accepted his plan. In 1580, Rodrigo began with his own means of building a quarantine, a lazaret, and then the state continued, but under his supervision.

But everything has its price. According to art historian Dr. Dusko Keckemet, as compensation for his plan and expense, Rodrigo demanded that the Venetian Republic receive a colony of Jews exiled from Spain to Marjan, according to which its laws were much more lenient than other European countries that did not favor them.

The settled Sephardic Jews were given a part of the settlement within the walls of the Palace, an area whose name we have inherited through the informal toponym 'Get', and their successors over the centuries have left a large mark. The Lazaret of Split attracted abundant goods, not only from the Middle East but also from the Far East. Therefore, Split bore the prestigious title - 'the golden ring between the East and Venice'.

The space was rebuilt several times, and relatively quickly became one of the best-equipped lazarets in Europe at the time.

Dr. Kecskemet states that it exceeded the length of the facade of Diocletian's Palace in size.

It was about 200 meters long and about 100 meters wide.

Protective health regulations were stringent, but they did not always prevent infectious diseases. Before the quarantine was built, epidemics of "black death" were more frequent in Split, in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, but after the lazaret was built, they were less frequent. They were recorded in 1607, 1731, 1763 and last in 1784. The extent of the tragedy is evidenced by the fact that between March 29 and July 30, 1784, 1264 people died and the city had only a few thousand inhabitants at that time.

The lazaret had several courtyards with wells running sulfuric water for rinsing goods, health workers, security guards, caravan barns and warehouses for goods. It also included the church of Sv. Roko, which was affected by epidemics, especially plague, and a special room for conversations of isolated people with the outside world.

According to Professor Snjezana Perojevic from the Department of Construction Heritage at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, goods suitable for the transmission of infection were subjected to a rigorous disinfection process, which was carried out in three primary ways: aeration, immersion, and boiling.

Washing was performed in water with vinegar or in the sea. The animals were also washed with vinegar water and had to go through the pools before entering the village. All textile raw materials, leather, fur, woven and knitted fabrics, carpets, bedspreads and even tobacco were ventilated.

The job of a disinfectant is also fascinating, as they had to spend the prescribed quarantine time with the goods and inspect it with their bare hands. After all, their good health was considered a guarantee that the goods were not infected.

Travelers arriving from the East had to spend forty days in quarantine.

Caravan traffic declined drastically in the nineteenth century, with the development of steamboats and the construction of the first modern roads to the hinterland, which was then bounded by the current border with BiH, then between the Austrian and Ottoman Empire.

Lazaret thus was transformed for the military, customs and financial purposes, and the wooden Veseljković theater was built in one of the courtyards.

Part of the space was later converted into city prisons where citizens were imprisoned until the capitulation of fascist Italy.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the citizens of Split intended to demolish the old lazaret and thus release a better view of the Diocletian's Palace from the sea.

Neither citizens nor conservationists considered it a cultural monument; such status was reserved for church and residential buildings.

As Professor Perojevic pointed out in her work, the importance of the lazaret exceeded the economic benefit, which was modest for the city. Its meaning was more social, because while the lazaret was active in Split, it was where different civilizations came together. 

The first city hospital in Split was founded in 1783 by the will of the Ergovac brothers and was housed inside the Cornaro bastion.

It bore the name of St. Lazar, and was later renamed Civil Hospital. Due to significant needs, the construction of a new hospital on the outskirts of the city was sought, for which plans were made as early as 1905 but were not realized due to World War I.

With the interest of Dr. Jaksa Racic, director and then mayor, the construction of a new hospital complex at Firule began in 1931. According to scientist Livia Brisky, his first pavilion was intended to treat infectious patients.

On the hill we today call Lazarica, an infectious ward was opened in 1933.

From April 1941 data, the much larger pavilion at Firule, demolished 15 years ago to build a new maternity ward, had 62 beds and 15 cradles. As early as 1942, it was said that the infectious ward needed urgent reconstruction, and at that time, three doctors, two nurses, one analyst and six nurses worked there. On June 3, 1944, the Firule building was bombed and needed immediate rehabilitation.

The relocation of the General Hospital began in 1975 in a new complex at Firule, whose first facilities were built in 1939.

You can read more about the 16th-century Split Lazaret on TCN.

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