ZAGREB, November 6, 2020 - Croatian scientist Ivica Djikic has responded to Croatian Public Health Institute head Krunoslav Capak's claim that Djikic's estimate that about 1,500 people will die of COVID-19 by the end of November is exaggerated, noting that his estimates are based on facts and calling for additional measures.

"What is your estimate of the number of fatalities by the end of November - is it 1,000 or 1,300?" Djakic asked Capak on Friday, stressing that his estimate about 1,500 fatalities was based on data.

In the February-June period 108 people in Croatia died of COVID-19, in the July-November period the number of fatalities was 575, which together gives 683 fatalities, he said.

The reason why the number of fatalities increased 5.3 times are the measures that were applied, Djikic said, noting that the number of fatalities would continue to grow in November if measures to curb the growth of new infections were not adopted.

According to estimates, the average number of deaths per day in November is 32, times 31 days plus 546 fatalities by November, which by the end of the month will result in 1,538 deaths, Djikic said.

"I am calling on you to introduce additional efficient measures as of Monday, not a full lockdown, not a curfew, because you have a whole set of other available measures, so as to reduce the mortality rate," Djikic said, calling on Capak to listen to appeals by six professional associations, bringing together different experts, from physicians to epidemiologists, who have requested fast action and appropriate measures as well.

He points to an estimate by the World Health Organisation under which the wearing of face masks and strict control of gatherings can help save more than 261,000 lives in Europe by February 2021.

Djikic notes that during the summer he called on Capak and the government to provide additional capacity for antigen testing, to which they turned a deaf ear.

"A few weeks ago you even said publicly that fast antigen tests are not good enough for Croatia. Now you are saying the opposite," Djikic said, noting that he could accept Capak's having changed his mind but that he was not sure fast antigen testing could be introduced in a professional and useful way.

As for the planned antigen testing, Djikic said he was not certain that the approximately 37,500 tests the government planned to purchase would be sufficient if one wished to test around 10,000 or more people daily at the current stage of the epidemic.

The reason of Croatia's success in the spring stage of the epidemic was the timely adoption of restrictions and compliance by citizens, Djikic said, adding that he was confident the same could be achieved now if one relied on expert data and stopped confusing the public with incorrect statements.

ZAGREB, November 6, 2020 - In the past 24 hours, Croatia registered a record 2,890 new coronavirus cases and 34 deaths, the national COVID response team said on Friday.

The number of active cases is 15,567, including 1,307 hospitalised patients, of whom 135 are on ventilators.

Since February 25, when the new virus was first registered in Croatia, 62,305 persons have been infected, of whom 717 have died and 46,021 recovered, including 2,645 in the past 24 hours.

Currently 33,467 persons are self-isolating.

To date 541,605 persons have been tested, including 9,317 in the past 24 hours.

November 5, 2020 - Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic with the latest on COVID-19 in Croatia.

Slobodna DalmacijaSlobodna Dalmacija reports that Davor Bozinovic said on Thursday that the number of newly infected had risen every week on Wednesday, which could be attributed to weekend behavior, and called for private gatherings to be reduced.

"Weekend days are approaching when people usually relax in the company of relatives and friends. Unfortunately, the data show that the number of newly infected grows every week from Wednesday onwards, which can be partly attributed to weekend behavior," Bozinovic said at a government session.

He warned that it is especially important in those days to reduce, as much as possible, social activities, private celebrations, gatherings from which the infection most often spreads within the household and family, and then in the workplace.

Since the last session of the Government, a decision has been made to extend the existing rule of crossing the Croatian border until November 19. Decisions were also made on necessary epidemiological measures for Brod-Posavina, Zadar, Karlovac counties, and the City of Zagreb, he reminded.

On Wednesday, given the complex epidemiological situation in Varazdin County, and at the county headquarters' suggestion, they intensified measures related to limiting public gatherings to 30 people, religious gatherings, cultural and sports activities to 50 and limiting the work of restaurants until 10 pm.

Inspectors of the Directorate of Civil Protection, in cooperation with inspectors of the State Inspectorate and police officers, inspected 23,221 business entities, catering facilities, and public gatherings, Bozinovic reported.

They issued 1,137 warnings and 25 misdemeanor warrants in the total amount of HRK 630,000 for exceeding midnight, not pointing out the notice of observance of hygienic measures and not maintaining physical distance, and wearing face masks.

Members of the State Civil Protection Intervention Unit continued to equip health and other facilities with containers and tents.

Since the last session of the Government, 1.12 million items of protective equipment have been issued, which is about 58 tons, of which 26 tons were delivered to the Arena sports hall.

There are about 13.6 million different items or 1350 tons of protective equipment in the Directorate of Civil Protection in Jastrebarsko and regional warehouses. Bozinovic emphasized that the protective equipment and means issued to the users are being promptly renewed.

The directorate also mobilized a home for the elderly in Novi Marof as an outpatient facility for the treatment of the sick in the Varazdin County, which currently houses users of the Home for the Elderly and the Infirm Zavojna from Varazdin.

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

ZAGREB, Nov 4, 2020 - Head of the Croatian Institute of Public Health Krunoslav Capak on Wednesday said that more stringent epidemiological measures, like a lockdown or a curfew that have been introduced in neighbouring countries, have proved to be ineffective and that the current measures in Croatia are good.

"We think that our measures are good. We appeal to citizens to adhere to them and if they do, we are certain that we will curb these numbers," Capak told reporters.

Despite doctors calling for more stringent measures, Capak claimed that the curfews and lockdowns that have been introduced in other EU countries are not bringing any results one week after they were introduced as the numbers in those countries are continuing to grow.

"We think that those measures are not effective," he underlined.

Six doctors' associations today called on the government to urgently introduce more stringent epidemiological measures, otherwise the health system could collapse, seeing that hospitals are already at the "breaking point."

Capak claimed that the problem of a possible lack of equipment or shortage of staff can be resolved with redistribution to those areas where they are more needed.

"We have a sufficient number of ventilators, there are more than 70,000 people working in the health system. I am certain that we will protect the health of our citizens," said Capak.

ZAGREB, Nov 4, 2020 - In the last 24 hours, 2,480 new coronavirus cases and 26 related fatalities have been confirmed, the national COVID-19 crisis management team said on Wednesday.

There are currently 14,843 active cases, including 1,221 patients who are receiving hospital treatment and of whom 118 are on ventilators.

Since February 25, when the first case of coronavirus infection was confirmed in Croatia, 56,567 people have been infected, of whom 654 have died and 41,070 have recovered, including 1,690 in the last 24 hours.

Currently, 29,404 persons are in self-isolation.

To date, 523,382 people have been tested, including 9,206 in the last 24 hours.

November 4, 2020 - The Arena Zagreb operating headquarters are ready to receive 100 COVID-19 patients with a mild to initial moderate clinical picture. They will be cared for by 60 nurses and technicians and 18 doctors.

Jutarnji List reports that the Arena will house patients with a milder form of the infection who need rehabilitation before being discharged home, head nurse Snjezana Krpeta told reporters on Tuesday after the presentation of the COVID hospital.

In the beginning, the Arena will be able to accommodate one hundred patients. Still, there is a possibility of expanding the capacity to 290, and it will cover the area of Zagreb and parts of the county.

Krpeta explained that only agreed patients will come to the COVID hospital, which means that the institution that transfers such a patient must arrange the transfer.

Patients will be admitted to the hospital according to a pre-established protocol. Thus, the ambulance that brings the patient to the counter will show their documentation; they will then receive a bar code bracelet, after which they will be picked up at the hospital by a doctor and a nurse who will triage them and place them in a hospital bed.

The center currently has 33 oxygen bottles, two bottles in the intensive care unit, and one in the admission clinic, and in the event of an expansion of the hospital, new staff and equipment are planned.

Krpeta said that KBC Sisters of Charity has currently provided 60 nurses and technicians, logistics that will change oxygen bottles, bring food and water and take away dirty laundry, and all other ancillary activities needed for a functioning COVID hospital.

She explained that people with milder forms of the infection would be accommodated in the hospital, and these are people who are not yet for discharge home but are not for KBC Dubrava either.

"These are mostly older people who still have other comorbidities, internist and surgical patients who have a harder time recovering and then they have extended care and treatment," Krpeta said, adding that these are people who will need basic health care and basic needs, like food and changing because they sweat a lot.

In the ambulance for patients, all needs were taken into account, and the civil protection provided enough disposable bottles of water for each patient. Showering places were provided for people who will not be unwashed or malnourished. Food will be packed in disposable boxes so that it can go to waste after use.

However, before the center opens, the chief sanitary inspector has yet to take a water and air sample.

Krpeta, who will lead the nursing section, claimed that they are fully medically and technically equipped, have enough workforce and necessary materials, including a handy laboratory and a pharmacy, and have 24-hour communication with the parent KBC Sisters of Charity.

The coordinator of the organizational headquarters for the construction of Arena Zagreb, Davor Vagić, said that 18 doctors would work on one hundred beds. Three doctors would be provided by the HV, seven by KBC Sisters of Charity. In comparison, the minister would appoint eight doctors.

Colonel and neurologist Berislav Dalic, who has completed four missions in Afghanistan, said the HV was happy to respond after receiving calls from the Sisters of Charity because they saw they could help with their experiences.

Igor Milić from the Directorate of Civil Protection said that everything needed by health professionals from the non-medical work is provided with colleagues from the Armed Forces. 

Minister of Health Vili Beroš said that the Arena would not be a health facility but an auxiliary health institution that will relieve the health system.

He thought about the idea and role of the Arena as a tertiary center, he said, with comparative analyzes of what was happening in the surrounding countries and reflections on what could happen in Croatia.

He explained that they are trying to think ahead and be a step, if possible, in front of this threat, and expressed hope that the Arena will not be operational, although now the numbers are much more serious, and it may be filled with patients.

He also pointed out that each of us can contribute to the Arena's capacity to be filled as little as possible.

The coordinator of the organizational headquarters for the construction of Arena Zagreb, Davor Vagić, thanked his team for making it possible in an incredibly short time, the civil protection and the Croatian Army, which participates logistically and with the work of medical staff.

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

ZAGREB, November 2, 2020 - Croatia on Monday reported 1,165 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours and 32 related deaths, the largest number of fatalities in a single day.

The number of active cases in the country is 14,734. Of them, 1,127 are hospitalised, including 94 who are on ventilators, the national coronavirus response team said in a regular morning report.

Since February 25, when the first case was confirmed in Croatia, 52,660 people have been infected with the novel virus, of whom 594 have died and 37,332 have recovered, including 2,293 in the last 24 hours.

Currently, 25,925 are in self-isolation. To date, 507,163 people have been tested, including 5,115 in the last 24 hours.

ZAGREB, November 1, 2020 - In the last 24 hours, of 8,026 coronavirus tests conducted in Croatia, 27% , that is 2,179, have returned positive, the country's COVID-19 crisis management team stated on Sunday.

In the last 24 hours, there have been 16 COVID-related fatalities, bringing the death toll to 562.

Currently, there are 15,894 active cases, including 1,097 patients who are being treated in hospitals. Of them, 81 are placed on ventilators.

Since February 25, when the first case of the coronavirus infection was confirmed in the country, 51,495  people have tested positive for the novel virus and  35,039  of them have recovered, including 2,221 in the last 24 hours.

Currently, 29,338  people are self-isolating.

To date, 502,048 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Croatia.

October 31, 2020 - The Mayor of Vis town and the Head of the Vis Civil Protection, Ivo Radica, addresses his fellow citizens after the first COVID-19 cases recorded on Vis. 

"Unfortunately, the coronavirus happened to us too. So far, we have two positive cases, and there are more tests. The Vis Civil Protection Headquarters closed the kindergarten today for preventive reasons. In elementary school, first, fourth, and fifth grade had no classes on Friday, and as you know, Monday and Tuesday are holidays, so we’ll see what happens in the next few days. High school students have to wear protective masks. Also, in the High School, a conversation was held with the principal to stick to epidemiological measures a little more," said Radica for Morski.hr.

"We know that the All Saints celebration is ahead of us, that we will visit cemeteries in the town of Vis, that many people who are dearest will come here and I would ask us to try to adhere to all these epidemiological measures, to try to visit the graves of our loved ones throughout the day, and we have a couple of days. And if there are crowds there, that there is not much socializing in the cemetery or gathering. I would appeal to all catering facilities to pay attention to epidemiological measures these days, i.e., to all those conditions that should be respected in the work of catering facilities. As the Chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters, based on the Law on the Work of Catering Facilities, which has so far been allowed to work until midnight, I would not like to have it shortened to 10 pm. It will also depend on all of us whether we tighten measures.

I want to emphasize that testing for the elderly and infirm is in process. Please don’t put pressure on nursing homes because we know our most vulnerable group of people are there. In my last address, I said I would not like to address anyone this way. Unfortunately, the coronavirus has come to us; we have the opportunity, if we are all responsible and if we all adhere to the prescribed epidemiological measures, to stop it and not spread it further. Figuratively, it's like when one small fire happens, and you take a tire and a bucket of water and put it out. Let’s make sure Canadairs don't have to put out that fire.

Let's be patient for a week to see what will happen, and please, let's all be responsible," concluded the mayor of Vis, Ivo Radica.

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

ZAGREB, October 31, 2020  - In the last 24 hours, 2,769 new coronavirus cases and 15 related fatalities have been confirmed, the country's COVID-19 crisis management team said on Saturday.

There are now 15,952 active cases, including 1,049 patients who are receiving hospital treatment, of whom 82 are on ventilators.

With the 15 latest fatalities, the death toll has climbed to 546.

Since February 25, when the first case of the coronavirus infection was confirmed in the country, 49,316 people have tested positive for the novel virus and 32,818 of them have recovered, including 1,908 in the last 24 hours.

Currently, 27,940 people are self-isolating.

Since the onset of the epidemic, Croatia has conducted 494,022 tests.