March 26, 2020 - The second coronavirus death confirmed in Croatia.

Index reports:

At the Infectious Disease Clinic Fran Mihaljević, a 74-year-old Zagreb resident who has been on a respirator for the last few days due to the coronavirus has passed away.

Hospital director Alemka Markotic said at the National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference that one of the respiratory patients was in critical condition.

His wife is also in serious condition.

The 74-year-old is the second victim of coronavirus in Croatia. Yesterday it was confirmed that a caterer from Istria died of the coronavirus.

At a press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, 39 newly diagnosed coronaviruses were confirmed this morning. In Croatia, a total of 481 people have been confirmed so far, and 22 have recovered. The first two cases in the police were recorded.

A total of 3958 samples were tested and 566 were tested yesterday. There are 13 people on respirators - 7 in Zagreb, 3 in Osijek, 1 in Rijeka, 1 in Split and 1 in Dubrovnik.

Epidemiologists have said that we are in an upward trajectory and that this number will grow. 

Two towns were placed in quarantine in Croatia yesterday. They are Murter and Betina, and the police even put spikes on the roads to drill tires so no one would leave.

Morning data from Croatian counties:

County of Istria - 3 new. Total: 41 cases
Osijek-Baranja - Total: 32 cases
Split-Dalmatia - 5 new. Total: 36 cases
Zadar: Total: 9 cases
Varaždin: 3 new. Total: 17 cases
Dubrovnik: 2 new. Total: 26 cases

More soon...

Follow our live updates on the coronavirus crisis in Croatia.

March 26, 2020 - To preserve jobs and business continuity in conditions where tourist traffic is completely suspended, Valamar has decided to launch the ‘Pause, Restart’ program, which will apply from April 1 for a minimum of 30 to 90 days, the length of the Government's measure for preserving jobs.

HRTurizam reports that the Pause, Restart program will cover all Valamar employees for 30 to 90 days, which means that there will be no layoffs in Valamar. Also, about 2,800 workers employed by Valamar and Imperial Rab will benefit from Government measures.

All employees who cannot work due to the coronavirus crisis will be referred to the Pause, Restart program from April 1

During the Pause, employees will be provided a salary compensation of at least 60% of the regular salary, but not less than HRK 4,250 net. This measure will apply equally to employees and management, including seasonal and permanent seasonal workers.

During the Pause, the staff and management in charge of crisis management and administration, the maintenance, conservation and facility security staff, as well as the employees who perform communications with guests and partners, will work primarily, emphasized Valamar, adding that the part of management that has to work will be paid up to 30% until all employees return to work. Other full-time employees will be paid regular full pay.

"COVID-19 has triggered a global crisis and at the moment, tourism and hospitality are growing. Temporarily, until the situation calms down, we cannot operate regularly. We are proud of our employees and our goal is that no employee will lose their jobs because of this crisis. Valamar will do its best to get all of our people on a break back to their jobs as soon as possible. The situation is temporary; the business will start again and then we all need to be ready to Restart business. Valamar is a strong and stable company and I believe that with the support of the public sector, our shareholders, investors, partners and employees, we will survive this period and prepare for a quality business continuation,” said Valamar CEO Željko Kukurin.

Following the tightening of general prevention measures by the competent authorities, all hotels and restaurants in Valamar were closed in March.

The Management Board also canceled the General Assembly and, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, revoked the proposal for a dividend payment decision and, upon convening the General Assembly, will propose to retain the 2019 profit in order to increase liquidity and support the measure of preserving all jobs.

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

March 25, 2020 - Are you a tourist in Croatia wondering if you’ll be sanctioned for overstaying your allowed 90 days? The Ministry of Interior’s (MUP) Office has an answer for all of you unsure of what to do during the coronavirus crisis. 

If you’re on a 90-day tourist visa in Croatia that is soon to run out, chances are, you’re a bit worried, especially considering you have nowhere to go with the coronavirus pandemic currently ruling the world. 

Fortunately, we have some answers, thanks to a TCN’s readers exchange with the Ministry of Interior’s office in Zagreb. 

You can find the conversation below:

TCN reader: 

“To Whom It May Concern, 

Considering the spread of COVID-19, I am interested in the current status of third-country nationals who are on a tourist visa in the Republic of Croatia and also those who are currently in the process of applying for a residence and work permit, using tourist days.

The day before yesterday, 03/23/2020, I called the Division for Administrative Affairs and Citizenship on the phone number: 00 385 1 3788 193 whose contact is listed on your site and a kind woman told me that the status of the persons concerned was frozen at the moment, i.e., that their tourist days are not currently added up until a different solution is reached.

However, today an article was posted on www.expatincroatia.com which reads:

"We spoke to the ministries that handled immigration and they confirmed that no one was allowed to stay past their tourist visas, despite COVID-19. Staying past your tourist visa could result in fines ranging from 500 kuna 7,000 kuna, depending on the circumstances. Another risk is that you may get kicked out with nowhere to go, as they are doing in other countries. "

(source: Original article)

I would like to kindly ask you to send me an official reply on the current status of the people concerned, as well as instructions on the procedure and anything they are obliged to submit to MUP, if any, to avoid further misinformation and possible panic.”

The MUP Office replied:

“Dear,

If a foreigner on a short stay (up to 90 days for a period of 180 days) cannot leave the Republic of Croatia promptly due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the short term residence time is exceeded, the foreigner will therefore not be sanctioned by the Foreigners Act.

We advise that the foreigner report to the police station according to the address of his / her accommodation, where the police officer will take down information about the accommodation address and contact information and instruct him / her to contact the police station before leaving the address of accommodation or leaving the Republic of Croatia so that he / she will not have any problems at the border crossing when leaving the Republic of Croatia.

Also, under Article 48, paragraph 4 of the Foreigners Act, third-country nationals who applied for a temporary residence permit or residence and work permit before the expiry of their short-term stay may remain in the Republic of Croatia until the decision on the application has been enforced.”

We hope this clears anything up for those of you currently stuck here during the corona era. 

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

March 25, 2020 - One Split University student is using 3D technology to help doctors and nurses in the fight against the coronavirus in Croatia.

While this has been a trying time for all of us, there is quite a bit of good that is finding its place in the spotlight during the corona crisis; good in the form of creative ideas that will help health care professionals go through their daily struggles.

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that one shining example is a protective plastic "visor" made in a 3D printer by Slaven Damjanovic, a 23-year-old fifth-year student at FESB in Split. In just a few days, Damjanovic perfected a plastic visor with 3D technology, which, thanks to a thick strap that tightens around the head, allows medical staff to protect themselves from transmitting an infection from a patient that is coronavirus positive.

KBC Split

From the two 3D printers at the Student Center in Split, ten visors have already emerged, immediately handed over to the employees of the KBC staff in Split. At his initiative, another 200 printers, currently 24 Croatian cities, have joined the campaign. 

“I first heard an appeal from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in which individuals and companies were asked for help with various materials, masks, gloves, disinfectants, equipment. On the other hand, it is more than clear that we are missing out on the front line in the battle against the coronavirus. As I already have start-ups and E-agrar, I started thinking about how to help. Because each of us has to help. I first thought of making a respirator tube, which a 3D printer can make. But the idea was dropped because it does not provide 100% health security. And then I came up with a visor,” Damjanovic said.

The visor design was already available on the internet, the work of a Czech company that manufactures 3D printers. He inserted a file with an existing model into his printer. While the design of the visor began, he already had the support of the Croatian Student Union and the University of Split. They distributed his call to action to social networks across the country - and they created another beautiful chain of solidarity, imported 200 printers from Croatia, from Osijek, through Zagreb, Pula, Split to Dubrovnik. As you read this, they are continually making new visors.

"The visor is about 25 centimeters long, weighs 60 grams, and consists of a carrier that we build in a 3D printer. Plastic film is placed and fastened on it, which is purchased finished and adjusted to the carrier. And then the elastic band that goes around the head is fastened on. Let's say it is most similar to a visor used when mowing grass. It provides tremendous security to doctors and other medical staff. In fact, it prevents drip contact between the patient and the healthcare professional. It keeps the mouth, nose, eyes free of the virus. It takes a maximum of three hours to construct one mask, after which it immediately goes to its users,” Slaven says, arguing that this is an example that shows the strength of our students and the future of Croatia.

A special plastic material is needed to make the visor, which is between 150 and 200 kuna. Of this amount, 20 visors can be made. He has so far paid out of pocket, just like all those around Croatia that have 3D printers on hand. But it will take a lot to arm the army of our healthcare professionals.

That is why Damjanovic, as well as the students who have become involved in this immensely important project, are asking people of goodwill to donate work materials and include their printers in the chain. 

“Since the initiative came from us in Split, we have become a kind of logistics center for other cities as well, coordination that distributes visors to other Croatian areas. It was agreed that individuals from each city that joined us would initially start making visors for their hospital centers. As the number of printers increases, we will agree on a wider distribution. And yes, we are missing printers and more materials to work with. Get involved, donate, help, because what we do, we do for all of us. By helping our healthcare staff in their work, we protect our entire community,” said Slaven Damjanovic, as well as everyone else involved in this action.

Follow our live updates on the coronavirus crisis in Croatia 

March 23, 2020 - The Croatia national team members and coach Zlatko Dalic recorded a video with instructions on how Croatian citizens should behave during the coronavirus pandemic, with a final message that is as important as it is simple - stay home!

Captain Luka Modric, vice-captain Ivan Rakitic and the rest of the Croatia national team were supposed to travel to Doha today for a friendly tournament, but instead, they're spending time at home with their loved ones because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Considering the gravity of the situation, the 2018 World Cup finalists made a video, and in cooperation with the Croatian Institute of Public Health, sent instructions on how you should protect yourself during this pandemic. The video ends with a clear message, in the end, sent by the captain of the national team and the best player in the world in 2018, Luka Modric: "Stay home!"

HNS has already shown an understanding of the gravity of the situation by reacting early and postponing the Croatian football competitions. The Federation delegation led by president Davor Suker and coach Zlatko Dalic opted for voluntary self-isolation after attending the same event with the coronavirus-positive Serbian football federation president in Amsterdam. 

The Croatian Football Federation calls on all citizens and organizations to take the maximum responsibility, seriousness and compliance with all measures prescribed by the competent state institutions in order to overcome this crisis together as soon as possible.

For live updates, follow our COVID-19 dedicated page. 

March 23, 2020 - At 9 am, the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference, briefing the public on the latest about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, as well as the terrible earthquake that hit Zagreb on Sunday.

Index.hr reports that the Headquarters is dealing with two crises, Minister Bozinovic said. "Our records show that 27 were injured in the quake, 18 of which were more serious. Twelve were hospitalized. The 15-year-old girl is in critical condition," he added.

"The night passed peacefully; there were no incidents. The police are securing the affected part of the city. Electricity, water, gas was dealt with during the day, and now it works to the best of its ability. Everyone who couldn't sleep in their homes was taken care of. Fifty-nine of them spent the night in a dorm,” Bozinovic said. He announced that Bandic would hold a press conference today.

"According to the earthquake report, there were 37 earthquakes between 6 am Sunday and 6 am this morning, which is expected," Bozinovic added. He warned that citizens should be careful because Zagreb is now a seismologically active area. "The services have shown a high degree of organization and activity and I thank them all," Bozinovic concluded.

52 new cases in Croatia

Minister Beros said that as of Sunday at 4 pm, Croatia had 52 new cases, which is a total of 306 on Monday morning. 

"A plane with a donation of masks from the United Arab Emirates has landed in Croatia," Beros said.

Capak said two of the three labs had suffered damage and, therefore, could not send diagnoses. "Laboratories have been opened in Rijeka and Osijek. We will know the epidemiological situation in the afternoon, the work of the service has not come into question even though building number 2 has been significantly damaged," said the head of the CES.

"The Headquarters have decided to raise the work of epidemiological services to the highest level. All epidemiologists are on standby," Capak added.

Minister Beros said that the health status of the patients had not deteriorated. Five people are on a respirator.

Citizens are prohibited from leaving their place of residence

Minister Bozinovic announced that he would sign a Decision to prohibit leaving the city of your place of residence or permanent residence. "The number of infected people is increasing; we expect further growth and these are necessary measures. It is important that the exceptions are those which are essential for the traffic and movement of goods and supplies - daily migrations in essential services, drug delivery, utilities, gas and electricity supply, journalists, emergency medical care,” Bozinovic said.

Every time we see a measure being violated, we will bring even more stringent measures, said Minister Bozinovic. "What is the goal? The spread of the infection can only be prevented by staying in the house. Therefore, the HZJZ issued a special recommendation on how people in households should behave in order not to spread the infection," Bozinovic concluded.

People of Zagreb should come back home

When asked if Zagreb residents who fled the earthquake may return, Bozinovic said the number of citizens is not that large. "It is a reflex reaction, there are more than we expected. These citizens will be able to return, the Decision may take effect immediately, but we will give time during the day to return home," Bozinovic said.

"My recommendation is that these people return to Zagreb, it is better for them and for the small communities they went to,” Bozinovic said. "I understand it was a reflex reaction, but it is better for them to return home, because if they need help they will not be given adequate medical help as if they were in Zagreb," he warned.

"Today is the last day that long-distance traffic can take place, both by car and every other way. I ask employers to be rational when they ask for permits for their workers. Be responsible and rational, let it be just the people who need to travel,” Bozinovic said.

For more about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, follow our dedicated COVID-19 page.

March 22, 2020 - A press conference was held at the National and University Library in Zagreb on Sunday afternoon about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia and the Zagreb earthquake.

Index.hr reports that the state summit met on Sunday at 3 pm at the National and University Library in Zagreb. After the meeting, they addressed the public with more information on the effects of the severe earthquake Sunday morning, as well as on the state of the coronavirus pandemic in Croatia.

The number of coronaviruses increased to 254 on Sunday, and Zagreb was hit by about 30 earthquakes during the day.

"We held a meeting after the earthquake," Prime Minister Plenkovic said. "I thank everyone for the quality, fast reporting," he said.

"We have a combination of two crises. We have 254 infected," Plenkovic said. "The Sava home is ready to accommodate anyone whose apartments have been damaged. Everyone who cannot sleep in their homes should call the hotline for help,” the prime minister added.

"We will provide the city center with security clearance from the buildings. You will see that the weather will be bad, there will also be a strong wind. We will record the complete situation with the drones. Walk as far away from the buildings as possible so that the tiles and parts of the facades do not fall on you," the prime minister warned.

There had been thirty earthquakes since morning, and another was felt around 4 pm: "I urge you to be careful, the cold weather is coming, it is not realistic for people to be on the streets. Be extremely careful. We have no guarantees of what will happen next. Be careful, stay in your homes if you can. Let's not forget the coronavirus pandemic - it is dangerous, let's not allow ourselves to have a scenario like Italy,” Plenkovic urged.

The seismologist reported there were thirty earthquakes. "It's common and it can happen from a few days to a few months. We can't predict if there will be another big one. Let's all stay calm. With each earthquake, do what you would do with the first earthquake, don't go up the stairs, stand against a solid wall, be careful not to go near the glass,” she warned.

Vili Beros said there was no major damage to hospitals. "We have provided adequate care. All patients and outpatients are slowly returning. The Infectious Diseases Clinic is in good health. The situation is under control. We have two newborns. All newborns were cared for. There were no casualties apart from a severe injure in the center. She is still in treatment,” Minister Beros reported.

Minister Bozinovic expressed his gratitude to all the services. "The system has hired about 2,500 people, all of whom immediately took to the field in very complex conditions. We are fighting two crises, one is invisible, the other is unpredictable. We hope earthquakes will be less intense than the first. We will all, the military and the police and civil protection, be on the top of every task as we were before,” Bozinovic said.

There are 19 new coronavirus cases since this morning, reported Beros. "We need to keep our distance from each other," he noted again.

"We need to help everyone who needs it. In order to do this, we need to reduce the spread of the virus. Although it may seem simple, you can see now that it is not so simple because people do not feel that they may be transmitting the virus. Therefore, more stringent measures are taken,” Minister Bozinovic said.

"Everyone who spreads fake news must be punished. The police are conducting investigations," Bozinovic said. "We are fighting, you see the police have solved murder cases, all the lines are working and I am sure there is no police officer who is not protecting citizens at this time," he concluded.

He added that more than 150 structural engineers are in the field and that 67 facilities have been damaged.

"It is already felt that people are leaving less, which is a consequence of the earthquake. They realize that non-adherence to decisions creates additional pressure on the services," Bozinovic said. He adds that people should not leave Zagreb.

Plenkovic said officials across Europe were responding and expressed support. "Bozinovic has been in contact with the Slovenian commissioner, we are constantly in contact with Suica, tomorrow Grlic will have a video conference with the ministers, and the Minister of Finance will do the same. We will seek help when we better analyze the extent of the damage," Plenkovic said, adding that financial assistance is likely to be sought.

Make sure to stay up to date with our dedicated section for all you need to know about COVID-19 in Croatia.

March 21, 2020 - Split police are busy patrolling the city's most frequented areas on Saturday and are pleading for citizens to stay home during the coronavirus crisis. 

Despite numerous recommendations from experts who have sent messages to stay home for days, many citizens have taken advantage of the crisis to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

On Saturday, 168 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Croatia, and according to scientist Igor Rudan, the real number may be ten times higher, reports Dalmacija Danas.

As of Wednesday, only grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and those deemed necessary are allowed to work, and all children's playgrounds are closed as of Saturday. Saturday morning, the Crisis Headquarters decided on a new regime for maritime transport, while bus transport between cities was suspended entirely.

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said there was a “some kind of ban on movement in public areas". Citizens will not be physically removed, but police will warn and act in the event of disobedience. It is forbidden to move and hang out in groups in all public areas, and the police are strictly patrolling.

Marjan Forest Park was also closed and police visited Žnjan, Bačvice and the Riva and warned about the ban on movement in groups in public areas.

“Bene has been closed, and we have been instructed by the police to close Marjan as well, and to warn all passers-by that movement in this area is forbidden,” said the Marjan Primary School.

A spokeswoman for the Split police further explained the situation.

“We must all respect the decision of the National Headquarters who issued a recommendation not to hold public gatherings, including in public places. People should not gather in groups and police officers are patrolling and alerting citizens to return to their homes. We urge citizens to respect these decisions for your public health. Police will tour all frequently visited locations: Žnjan, Riva, Bačvice and other promenades. We appeal that only people who need it and who do the most urgent work go out in public. The police are doing this to protect all of us and public health. Let's stay home,” spokeswoman Antonela Lolic said.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for rolling information in English about COVID-19 in Croatia.

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

March 21, 2020 - The coronavirus crisis could see many Croatian clubs fold if they don't get the support they need.

The coronavirus pandemic is posing a serious threat to Croatian sport, reports Gol.hr.

There are alarming situations in many Federations that have already sought help from the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Central Sports Office. They are asking to establish some model of support so that the worst-case scenario does not happen - that clubs fold.

Sports around the world are particularly in danger because of the coronavirus crisis, as everything has come to a halt. Croatian federations and clubs have sounded the alarm, because if they don’t see support, we could easily see many Croatian clubs crumble. The Croatian Swimming Federation has already appealed to the Croatian Olympic Committee.

The appeal urges the HOO to try to find some model of co-financing for the clubs so that they are not extinguished. There are 57 swimming clubs in the Federation, and now they are left without the only source of income - membership fees.

Tomislav Družak, the head of the Central State Office for Sport, is aware that some of the funds that have been earmarked for competitions will not be spent, so they will be converted.

"As budget funds come in, we will we sort them out by federations while not being rigorous when it comes to controlling the justification of those funds," he said.

Taekwondo is also in big trouble. The European Championship, which was supposed to be held in Zagreb in May, has already been postponed, and only three Olympians are training due to the pandemic.

Football clubs are also having problems, and how the Croatian Football Federation will help them should be clearer next week.

"We will also ask for help from the state. Next week is a meeting with the Secretary of State, so we will see how we can help," said Executive Director of the Croatian Football Federation Marijan Kustić.

Of course, the health of every athlete is paramount, but we must look to the future, because if the state and umbrella sports institutions do not get involved, many clubs could crumble.

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

March 21, 2020 - There are 206 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 78 new cases as of yesterday. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 201 active cases in Croatia.

• Message to General Public: STAY HOME. Do not leave your house unless you have to go to work, store or hospital. That means not going for walks, bike rides, trips to the mountains, family gatherings, barbecues and similar gatherings.
• Self-Isolation Violators: Over 100 people left self-isolation to go to pharmacies. Movement can be tracked by use of HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance) card. 
• Children's parks and playgrounds closed.
• Bus and Train Stations Closed: All intercity transport lines abolished.
• Ferry Passenger Traffic: Forbidden except for permanent residents. High-speed ferry service stopped. Ferries will deliver necessary supplies. More here.
• Public Transportation to Shut Down Tomorrow: Local Buses, Trams, Rail and Cable cars etc.
• New Funeral Guidelines: Only immediate family and religious community representatives may attend.
• United Arab Emirates Donates Face Masks to Croatia: 11 million HRK (1.44 million EUR) donation.

Suspension of public transportation for 30 days. | Railway and bus stations closed. | Restrictions on public transport on ferry lines. | Restrictions on social interaction on streets.

Entry into Republic of Croatia

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

Social Distancing Measures Implemented

Also as of March 19, 2020; it is compulsory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

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

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, gatherings of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities. EXCEPTIONS and details can be found here. These measures were strengthened today March 21, 2020. Residents are being ordered not to leave home except to get food or medicine. 

206 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 21, 2020; 206 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia.

Note that koronavirus.hr is now mapping cases by county instead of town/city. Index continues to map coronavirus cases by city/town. Total Croatia News will share maps from both sources, and include the date/time of last map update. Koronavirus.hr will update their map after the 9:00 and 16:00 CET daily press conferences. Index map updates occur on a regular basis.

A man in Istra who died was infected with the coronavirus, but his cause of death has not been confirmed (earlier maps showed his death as the first coronavirus casualty).

koronvirus.hr | Updated 16:00 CET

Index | Updated 17:00 CET

More than 12,964 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China. Over 303,443 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 222,435 cases outside of mainland China. Italy has reported 53,578 cases and 4,825 deaths.

UPDATED: March 21, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

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

• Total of 206 patients, which is 78 more than yesterday.
• Number of patients increasing in very short time period.
• Crisis can be stopped by following guidelines of Civil Protection Staff.
• OK to be outside if you must for food or medication, but not in close contact with others.
• Trams suspended. Buses to be disinfected.
• Inspectors had to close eight cafes today (after cafes were already ordered closed). This is unheard of, according to Minister Bozinovic.
• Hundreds have violated self-isolation orders. They will be punished.
• Police warning residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

A translation of the press conference can be found here.

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

• Main Problem: People not adhering to HQ guidelines. More rigorous measures will be introduced and enforced.
• Message to General Public: Stay home. Do not leave your house unless you have to go to work, store or hospital (applies to those not in self-isolation/quarantine). 
• Keep Social Distance: One meter outdoors. Two meters indoors. Don't walk around in pairs or groups. Croatian police will enforce.
• Bus and Train Stations Closed: All intercity transport lines abolished. 
• Alemka Markotic: "This morning I saw senior citizens walking in public squares. If we want a Corona party, we'll have it. What does a Corona party look like? More people will become seriously ill, on respirators, or worse..."
• Do not go to clinic/hospital if you have mild symptoms.
• Over 100 people left self-isolation to go to pharmacies. Movement can be tracked by use of HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance) card. 
• 29 more cases as of this morning (now 40).

A translation of the press conference can be found here.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:27 - Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman told Dnevnik Nova TV that he urged all Croatian citizens who are in EU member states to plan a return to Croatia as soon as possible, as the situation is deteriorating, and border and airport closures can be expected.

21:25 - Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic, together with his closest associates, is establishing the Zagreb Solidarity Foundation, a group which will allocate 20 percent of their salary to equipment needed to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

21:00 - ZET's public transportation including trams, buses and funiculars will be suspended at midnight on Sunday March 22, in Zagreb.

There is a special bus service for public employees and other services, which will operate from 5:00 to 23:00 hours. During this emergency, special transport by ZET buses will be organized for the employees of public and other services under the responsibility of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Zagreb.

20:46 - The Croatian Pharmacists' Chamber (HLJK) is working with the Red Cross of the Republic of Croatia on a project to deliver medicines to anyone who is unable to do it on their own, and this program should be up and running in the next few days.

20:37 - Epidemiologic treatment is underway at the KBC Sestre milosrdnice (Sisters of Mercy) in Zagreb because of a patient who came for emergency surgery two days ago and later turned out to be infected with coronavirus because he was in close contact with another infected person. This is a person who has concealed a potential infection after being in contact with a relative from Germany who was previously confirmed to have the coronavirus.

19:49 - Minister Bozinovic made a guest appearance in Dnevnik Nova TV, where he explained in more detail about new rigorous measures to combat coronavirus:

What will happen to the City of Zagreb and its public transportation tomorrow?

"The real challenge in the Zagreb has to do with public urban transport. It will operate a Sunday timetable and will be used only by those licensed by the National Civil Protection Headquarters who have cards. Residents will not be able to use public city translation indefinitely. It will only be available for use by healthcare professionals, hospital staff, police and people who work in facilities in which it will function."

What about those people who want to travel on long distance routes?

"We have already eliminated long-distance lines. Let's understand, it's important to isolate ourselves from each other. We need to keep all contacts to a minimum. Going outside must be restricted to purchasing food or medicine. This is especially true for older people. In the upcoming days, we will control this more rigorously. "

What about the people on the islands?

"We have introduced a new regime. The islanders must have a regular supply of food and medicine and we will ensure that. Those who must go to the hospital ashore can leave. Those who are not from an island but want to leave it – will be allowed to. Those who are from an island and want to go to the mainland - may not. We will not deport foreigners, but they will be encouraged to leave the island. "

How will the measures be implemented further?

"We will pay close attention to the infection hotspots, and will implement measures accordingly, which means reducing the number of people on streets. Please do not go out of your house. Only go out when you must: for food and medication. Do not leave the house for any other reason," Minister Bozinovic emphasized.

19:14 - Maja Grba Bujevic, Chief of the Crisis Staff of the Ministry of Health, told Dnevnik HRT that no new information was available. More testing is pending. The measures that have been put in place are in place for good reason, and will be strengthened as needed, she said. All centers are ready to accept patients, adds Grba Bujevic, and confirmed that new donations are arriving tomorrow. "Please stay home," she said at the end of the interview.

19:08 - "We are still far from a quarantine, but that depends upon how much we will follow the measures, and that will be seen by the increase in the number of patients in the upcoming days. The number of infected will increase depend on how this plays out," Alemka Markotic told RTL.

18:40 - In less than 72 hours, 200 Croatian soldiers set up a self-sustaining expeditionary camp in front of Zagreb's KBC Dubrava (Clinical Hospital) to receive patients with the coronavirus disease. There are 25 tents with a capacity of 220 beds.

18:26 - "If necessary, we will be ready to implement a quarantine. If the time comes, we will introduce that level of isolation," Minister Beros said in an interview with Dnevnik N1.

18:07 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia today issued a decision on the measure of strict restriction of detention on streets and other public places, so the police are warning citizens to comply with these measures.

"We urge all citizens to obey the instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters and not to leave their homes unnecessarily, not to go for walks, bike rides, trips to the mountains, larger family gatherings, barbecues and similar gatherings," the police said in a statement.

The police will tightly monitor all gatherings and unnecessary movements of citizens in public places related to streets, squares, parks and the like.

17:51 - Police today warned citizens at several town gatherings to abide by the decisions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters to ban gatherings in public spaces and the need for social distance between people, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

17:21 - On Sunday March 22, 2020 after midnight, all railway traffic will be suspended for 30 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, Croatian Railways (HZ) reported on Saturday on its official website.

15:35 - Police departments from all parts of Croatia are warning citizens that new measures have been introduced and that it is strictly forbidden to linger on streets, squares and public areas.

15:34 - Police have closed Marjan (park and forest in Split).

15:21 - Police are patrolling Riva Split in a van and warning people to go to their homes.

15:11 - Among the 12 newly infected in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County; there are seven Dubrovnik Airport employees who were in contact with the janitor, who was the first confirmed patient. One hospital doctor has been infected, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters. In addition, two of the newly infected were contacts of a second Dubrovnik skipper who was skiing in Bulgaria, and a seafarer from Korcula and foreign national were infected. In total, 14 people were infected in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, of which four are hospitalized in Dubrovnik.

15:00 - A man who went for surgery did not report having been in contact with a relative who had a coronavirus. "The irresponsible patient contaminated the heart of the hospital, the intensive care unit and the emergency room. He put at risk intensive care patients, doctors and nurses," Vinogradski’s (Zagreb hospital) director told Jutarnji List.

14:45 - New stricter measures introduced! Police are warning citizens to get off the streets.

14:30 - All public urban transport is suspended on the basis of a decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters in Rijeka, and since part of the citizens still have to come to the city center, during this ban all parking places of the Rijeka Plus city company will be free, it was announced on Saturday. City of Rijeka.

Arena Center Zagreb

14:05 - Health Minister Vili Beros visited the Zagreb Arena today, where volunteers of the Croatian Red Cross, Civil Protection and Scouts are preparing a secondary center for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. "We repeat once again, obey the rules and, and except when absolutely necessary, stay home!" the Ministry of Health reports. Arena currently has 274 beds, but the capacity of the space can house to a thousand beds.

14:03 - There are currently no patients at Dubrava Clinical Hospital (KBC Dubrava), which has become a national center for the care of patients with more severe forms of coronavirus infection, which will require intensive treatment, said the director of that hospital, Srecko Marusic, on Saturday.

13:45 - "In the last 24 hours, we have 4 new cases of coronavirus infection. Yesterday afternoon, we announced that we had two new positive cases, and two more were confirmed overnight, so there are currently ten infected people in the county," Vugrin said and added that all patients are in the General Hospital of Varazdin and have mild clinical symptoms. 

13:30 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Zagreb invites ALL citizens of the City of Zagreb to comply without exception with the decisions of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia.

See the following decisions below:

• Decision to suspend public transport (March 21, 2020) - This Decision suspends all types of public transport in domestic and international road and rail transport and public urban transport. Taxis are excluded from the decision.
• Decision to Decommission Children's Playgrounds and Outdoor Playgrounds (March 19, 2020)
• Decision on the manner of holding the funeral and the last deliveries (March 20, 2020) - Pursuant to the decision, funerals, last rites and the laying of an urn may be held exclusively within the narrowest circle of families and representatives of the religious community, with the prohibition of posting information on obituaries about the place and time of the last apostasy. Music and flowers and candle delivery services are also suspended.
• Decision on marriage and life partnership measures (March 20, 2020) - Marriage in a religious or civil form, as well as a life partnership, is possible only in the narrowest circle of the family with the presence of an official or religious person. During marriages, the instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health must be followed, and those present should not have fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

We urge all residents of the City of Zagreb to show uncompromising respect for these decisions.

13:10 - In Koprivnicko-Krizevci County the first case of a coronavirus infection was confirmed: a 46-year-old woman from Koprivnica who returned from Germany a week ago and is in isolation protection.

12:45 - All public transport in the country will stop. 

12:04 - The first coronavirus case in Dubrovnik was reported at the airport a few days ago. She is a janitor who works at the airport. Another employee of the airport announced via Facebook today that he is positive, although he had not been in contact with her. This is a high-level airport employee.

11:47 - There was a short press conference in Pula, in Istria there are now 25 coronavirus cases.

11:16 - The Zupanje County Crisis Headquarters has announced that 12 new cases of coronavirus disease in that county. There are now 14 patients in the county, according to reports by local media.

11:13 - There are still no coronavirus infections in Međimurje County, the civil protection headquarters reported on Saturday morning.

11:00 - Headquarters in Osijek takes reported that they purchase five respirators for the hospital.

10:37 - Trg Bana Jelacic (main city square) in Zagreb is being disinfected.

10:20 - "For the purpose of additional protection for all our employees who are in close contact with customers, starting today we are installing Plexiglas barriers to provide an additional level of employee protection to interact with customers at all SPAR and INTERSPAR stores. The first Plexiglass barriers are being installed at INTERSPAR stores in Zagreb at Arena Center, Garden Mall and City Center One East," SPAR reported.

10:06 – Four new infections in Split.

10:03 - Emergency Press Release of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia dated March 21, 2020 at 10:00 CET. Today, 40 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed. In Croatia, a total of 168 patients were confirmed.

9:46 - As of Friday night, the number of coronavirus infected in the County of Krapina-Zagorje has increased and now there are five more in that county, bringing the number of infected to 15.

According to the County Civil Protection Headquarters on Saturday morning, the new confirmed infections include two people each from Krapina and Pregrada and one from the Zabok area. The new cases have mild symptoms and are in isolation at home, according to a staff statement.

9:40 - Health Minister Beros told the press this morning that he no longer sends appeals to the public. He is demaning compliance (regarding the implemented public safety measures).

9:30 - Alemka Markotic: If we want a Corona party, we'll have one. More here.

9:20 - Due to the increased surveillance of interstate traffic related to the coronavirus epidemic in Europe, there is congestion this morning at Slovenia's largest border crossings, Slovenian transport services reported.

At the Gruškovje/Macelj border crossing, traffic on the motorway has been brought to a standstill and the columns of vehicles on the Slovenian side are three kilometers long, and at the Obrežje/Bregana crossing it is five kilometers long.

The Slovenian Traffic Information Center for National Roads also warns drivers about restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic, which is why the transit traffic of freight vehicles through Slovenia to other destinations is conducted in organized convoys to Croatia and Hungary.

9:02 - In Croatia, 157 patients were reported infected with the coronavirus, 27 more than yesterday, the Civil Protection Headquarters announced at their 9:00 CET press conference.

"I no longer appeal to residents, but demand that they adhere to the instructions we have provided, because this is the only way (we can control the spread of the coronavirus)," said Health Minister Willi Beros.

8:12 - One of the leading IT companies in Croatia and the region, Vodnjan Infobip donated four medical devices to the hospital in Pula, valued at around HRK 600,000 (78,622 EUR).

7:50 - Minister Vili Beros shared with journalists a message which is being spread on social networks. He says that the numbers in the message may not be correct, of course, but the message is clear: if we do not adhere to the measures, we will face a threat like the Italian scenario.

7:40 - The Civil Protection Headquarters established new guidelines regarding funerals yesterday. The funeral, the last farewell and the laying of the urn are to be held exclusively for the immediate family and representatives of the religious community, according to the instructions and measures adopted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. These guidelines will be in effect for at least the next month.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Ryanair in Croatia: Almost Total Zadar 2020 Flight Cancellations But Split, Dubrovnik OK? - here.
• Croatia Travel Update March 21, 2020: Flights, Ferries, Borders, Buses, Trains - here.
• Coronavirus in Croatia Morning Press Conference Update March 21, 2020 - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia: New Zagreb Travel Restrictions Explained - here.
• VIDEO: Strict Coronavirus Measures: Police Ask Zagreb Citizens to Leave Streets - here.
• Croatian Chamber of Commerce Cancelling Fees for Struggling Businesses - here.
• Infobip Generously Donates Medical Equipment to Pula General Hospital - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia: Bus and Train Stations Closing, Intercity Lines to be Suspended - here.
• Coronavirus in Croatia: Will Ultra Europe Go On in Split? - here.
• Split Police Patrolling Riva and Beaches, Marjan Closed: "Only Go Out If You Must" - here.
• Croatian Clubs in Corona Crisis: Will They Survive? - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• COVID-19 & Slovenia, Mid-Day 21 March: Ban on Leaving Municipality - here.
• Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Saturday, 21 March 2020 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 12 Tested Negative, Number of COVID19 Infections 14 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 14 cases, Epidemic Spreads, We Should Take It Seriously - here.

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

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

Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

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

Other Croatia Resources for Updates, Information and Assistance

• COVID-19 INFO CROATIA - A Facebook group with updates and information in English here.
• Jedni za druge - A Facebook group of volunteers who do deliveries in several cities here.

UPDATED: March 21, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

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