November 28, 2020 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic addressed Croatian citizens on Friday night before the new COVID-19 measures in Croatia came into force.

Just before the new and stricter epidemiological measures took effect in Croatia, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic addressed the citizens.

"The coronavirus pandemic that has affected the whole world has changed our way of life. With the arrival of autumn, the pandemic has accelerated. As elsewhere in Europe, we have gradually tightened measures. We are fighting against the virus on the basis of trust between the citizens and the state. With the measures taken so far, we have tried to avoid a complete closure and curfew," the Prime Minister said.

"As of midnight new, stricter measures will take effect. They aim to protect health, save lives, and reduce the burden on the health system. We need to be re-aware of the dangers posed by this virus. One in nine hospitalized is sadly dying. New measures will be effective until December 21, and perhaps longer.

I understand the dissatisfaction of all those who will suspend their business due to the epidemiological situation. I remind you that we have so far adopted measures to save jobs and many companies. The new measures will ensure that the livelihoods of many are not endangered. During the suspension of work, in addition to the exemption from paying contributions, we will also provide new Covid loans.

We will also adopt new measures for all those who have a temporary suspension. In the years ahead, we will use European funds to accelerate the recovery of our economy.

We are reluctantly changing the law so that we can punish violations of measures. We must do this to protect those responsible from irresponsible individuals. If even a small number of those gathered do not adhere to the measures, the infection will continue to spread.

Dear fellow citizens, I am sure you are following the progress in vaccines. The government has taken all steps to ensure a sufficient number of doses for Croats. A vaccination plan has already been made. I would like to once again express my gratitude to all health professionals who are at the forefront of virus protection and who are up to the task. We must show solidarity with them through responsible behavior. 

This year we will not be able to celebrate Christmas as before. Let’s show that we can give up old habits and socializing that is unnecessary. In these times of sacrifice, our priorities are health, jobs, production, and education. By protecting each other, we will win together," said Plenkovic.

Translated from Slobodna Dalmacija 

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ZAGREB, Nov 27, 2020 - The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) said on Friday that it would suspend collecting membership fees from the companies whose business activities are restricted by the latest anti-COVID measures.

The decision on the suspension of the fees concerns the period from 1 November to 31 December, the HGK said in a press release.

Thus, the Chamber waives the membership fees for restaurants and bars, transport services, gyms, and businesses providing education and training courses in sports and entertainment.

HGK has proposed to the authorities to introduce a moratorium on enforcement actions conducted by the Tax Administration and moratoriums on the payment of loan installments to commercial banks.

ZAGREB, Nov 27, 2020 - Health Minister Vili Beros said on Friday the medical staff "on the front line of the fight against coronavirus" would soon be financially rewarded and that a decree was being drawn up to that effect.

"The medical staff are our front line of the fight against coronavirus. We are aware of their importance and highly appreciate their hard work during the pandemic. We are actively thinking about rewarding them and we believe that we will soon be able to thank them in the form of financial support," he told Hina.

Speaking for N1 television earlier, Beros said 1,160 medical staff were currently positive for the virus and that 1,121 were self-isolating. To date, 5,595 have recovered from this infection.

"The question is for how much longer we will all have to work hard. Therefore the time has come to think about rewarding the medical staff. Some amendments are being defined so that the medical staff could be rewarded already in their salaries for December," he said.

ZAGREB, Nov 27, 2020 - Compensation measures for businesses affected by the new lockdown are expected to be discussed over the weekend and presented to employer organisations early next week and then to the public, Labour Minister Josip Aladrovic said after a meeting on Friday.

The meeting involved ministers from economy-related departments and representatives of the Croatian Employers Association (HUP), the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK), the Voice of Entrepreneurs association and associations of bar and restaurant owners.

The associations are seeking compensation for losses to be incurred during the lockdown.

"We have taken note of all the proposals and are taking a time out over the weekend to come up with concrete proposals," Aladrovic said.

The job keeping measures in the form of between HRK 2,000 and 4,000 for workers' wages remain in force, but will cover more people, and additional funds will also be provided, he added.

He said that Economy Minister Tomislav Coric and the SMEs agency HAMAG-BICRO had agreed an additional allocation of funds for "COVID loans" to help maintain short-term and medium-term liquidity.

Aladrovic said that two models of compensation were presented at today's meeting, which had already been presented to the media, and that they would be examined in light of budget constraints. He added that he expected that some room would be found in the budget and that the government would be able to help the affected sectors.

However, he said it was hard to believe that either model would be accepted in its entirety, but he was confident that a consensus would be reached.

Aladrovic said that all the participants in the meeting had shown understanding for the government's position, adding that measures would be defined over the next few days.

"The measures adopted so far have been timely and adequate and will be so in the future. Any raising of tensions is neither necessary nor acceptable," Aladrovic said when asked by the press whether it wasn't strange that these measures were not already in place.

Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said that dialogue would be much easier if it was known how long the coronavirus pandemic would last. He reiterated that the state budget must be strong and flexible enough to respond to all the challenges ahead.

Maric said that the measures for businesses affected by the latest restrictions and their fiscal effect would be presented next week. He said that the latest measures would be in force until December 21 and were narrower in scope than the spring lockdown.

The head of the national association of bar and restaurant owners, Marin Medak, said that everyone at the meeting had realised that the situation could not be resolved "with a snap of one's fingers" and that no agreement could be reached today. He expressed hope that agreement would be reached next week to the satisfaction of both the government and bar and restaurant owners. 

Two models of compensation

Bar and restaurant owners on Thursday proposed two sets of measures to help them survive the new lockdown, saying that otherwise many of them would go bankrupt.

The first model envisages long-term compensation by slashing VAT to 5% for three years and to 13% over a longer term, and providing job-retention aid until April 2021, i.e. HRK 4,000 per employee and writing off taxes and contributions until 1 May 2021.

They also proposed compensation of €10 per square metre of their establishment, COVID loans to ensure liquidity for three years and a moratorium on loan payments for businesses which are not allowed to work.

The second model envisages ensuring revenue for entrepreneurs in the amount of 50% of their turnover at the same time last year as a direct grant which would also be used for salaries, including a contribution write-off.

This model also envisages exemption from all fixed liabilities for the duration of the lockdown, including rent and utilities. Exemption from parafiscal levies was also proposed.

November 27, 2020 - Chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters Davor Bozinovic announced that they are currently discussing penalties for violating COVID-19 measures in Croatia.

Index.hr reports that the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a regular press conference on the coronavirus in Croatia. In the last 24 hours, 4,080 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection were recorded, and the number of active cases in Croatia today is a total of 22,408. Forty-eight people died.

Since February 25, 2020, when the first case was recorded in Croatia, a total of 119,706 people infected with the coronavirus have been recorded to date, 1,600 have died and a total of 95,698 have recovered, of which 3,349 in the last 24 hours. There are currently 51,514 people in self-isolation. To date, a total of 724,820 people have been tested, of which 11,091 in the last 24 hours.

"Today we have 4080 cases. We calculate weekly averages. In the last week, the increase is 15 percent. Our incidence is in the 24th place on the list of European countries, only three countries have a higher incidence," said Krunoslav Capak. "Only Bulgaria has a higher share of positives among those tested than us. We are somewhere in the middle in terms of mortality," adds Capak.

"The trend is important. If we have a downward trend, we can talk about easing the measures," he added.

Markotic says that it is possible for the coronavirus to become a seasonal disease.

"Now we see a much more difficult clinical picture, we have a lot of deaths. We will see what the vaccine will do. The problem is how many people will be vaccinated. If people get vaccinated and are responsible, we will eradicate the virus. Otherwise, it could occur seasonally," said Alemka Markotić.

Minister Bozinovic commented on the measures.

"The decision on sports centers was made based on talks with all departments. We must reduce the number of people in contact for longer. Private gatherings can only remain at the level of recommendations, although it would be best not to have private contacts at all," Bozinovic said. "Measures are adopted so that where people stay indoors longer, they socialize less and are less in close contact, except for what is necessary for the functioning of the economy," Bozinovic added.

"I am asking you to point out the risk of socializing indoors, talking, singing and other activities of that kind, where the virus spreads much faster than in summer," Bozinovic added. “The main problem is family gatherings, and we can only solve that problem by appealing,” he says.

Penalties are introduced for anyone that violates measures

"We have been addressing the public for 9 months so that everyone accepts these simple measures - masks, hygiene and distance. Inspections and police will be much more visible than before; we meet daily, they can't act on new measures until midnight. After midnight, the emphasis will be on facilities where more people are expected - shopping malls and centers. I'm sure this phase will be marked by a little stricter actions of inspectors and police," Bozinovic said.

"Today we are holding a working group to amend the Law on the Spread of Infectious Diseases. The topic is penalties for violating measures. We will soon change part of the Law and introduce penalties," Bozinovic said.

"These would be penalties which, in my opinion, should be mandatory, to be imposed on the spot. It will also concern wearing masks. There will be sanctions. I cannot be exact now and have the working group correct me tomorrow. The proposal will be made and will be sent to the government for urgent consideration. It is certain that there will be more serious penalties," Bozinovic explained.

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ZAGREB, Nov 27, 2020 - In the past 24 hours Croatia has registered a record number of 4,080 new coronavirus cases while 48 people have died, the national COVID response team reported on Friday.

There are a total of 22,408 active cases in the country, including 2,240 in hospital treatment of whom, 266 are on ventilators.

Since 25 February, when the first case was registered in Croatia, a total of 119,706 people have contracted the virus, 1,600 have died and 95,698 have recovered, including 3,349 in the past 24 hours. There are currently 51,514 in self-isolation.

A total of 724,820 tests have been conducted to date, with 11,091 taken in the past 24 hours.

November the 27th, 2020 - With the announcement of new, stricter measures in Croatia, PM Plenkovic has stated that there will also be far more attention paid to those refusing to wear masks and not respecting the measures put in place by the National Civil Protection Headquarters to try to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

With bars, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms and more set to close their doors, harsher punishments for those failing to respect the anti-epidemiological measures are on their way.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, PM Plenkovic explained that we are now in a position in which we've been forced to try to suppress the ongoing epidemic by the employment of additional restrictions on people's social life and on economic activities. He added that the further dynamics of protection against SARS-CoV-2 depended on all of us once again, because if the infection continues to spread, these measures may not be enough.

The above was pointed out by PM Plenkovic when he was discussing the new measures, which can be read in detail in the link provided in the first sentence, and as part of some of the answers he provided in response to journalists' questions. He finally clearly announced the possibility of punishments for those refusing to do their bit to prevent the spread.

"We are also thinking about penalties for people not wearing masks and for non-compliance with measures. We're doing that reluctantly. If some of us decide to continue to behave recklessly and endanger other people, we must also resort to sanctions against such people. That's a problem for me, we're reluctant to do it, but that is the next step,'' warned PM Plenkovic.

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ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - Croatian Public Health Institute director Krunoslav Capak said on Thursday that the latest restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak would be combined with the wide use of rapid antigen tests and that this was expected to result in a fall in new coronavirus cases over the next four weeks.

"Right now our epidemiological situation is concerning. Epidemiologists have made their suggestions about individual measures and their effectiveness. The most important thing is to reduce the intensity of social contacts and keep the mobility of people as low as possible," Capak said at the presentation of the latest package of measures.

Croatia's incidence rate among highest in Europe

Capak said he believed the latest measures, combined with rapid antigen tests and self-isolation, would help reverse the present trend over the next four weeks and ensure that the number of new infections started falling.

"Our incidence rate is currently among the highest in Europe, above 900 cases per 100,000 people over the last 14 days. We have the 13th highest mortality rate in the European Union. The number of hospitalisations and the number of people on ventilators are also rising, and we also have a large number of deaths," Capak said.

Asked why the number of new cases detected by rapid antigen tests was not included in daily statistics, he said that the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention did not recognise the antigen test but only the PCR test. He added that Slovakia had not reported the results of its massive antigen testing campaign to the WHO. 

"At this point, we are not including these figures. We are tracking them separately and will release them separately," Capak said.

No exemptions from measures

Capak said it was not possible for individual counties to be exempt from the latest restrictions because they were all colour-coded red.

"The incidence rate is so high that there is no need to consider any exemptions. In certain area the measures can only be tightened and not eased," he said.

Asked why the government had not at the same time presented a plan for easing the measures so that people could better organise their lives and work obligations, Capak said that Croatia had opted for a strategy of monitoring the epidemic on a daily basis.

"Some countries plan in advance the steps they will take when new cases reach a certain number, but Croatia is not among them. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis, and we will discuss the easing of the measures in due course," Capak said.

ZAGREB, November 26, 2020 - Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Thursday that the Arena Zagreb sports hall has been activated and equipped for the accommodation of COVID-19 patients.

"The Arena has been activated, mobilised and equipped. When it will become operational will be decided by medical professionals and the Health Ministry. It is intended for patients who have passed the worst stage of the disease. We will see when this will be, but it can be soon," Bozinovic told a press conference at which new measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic were presented.

He added that the Arena would accommodate hospital patients who had not fully recovered and who needed to spend some more time under medical observation.

Bozinovic said that regional government units could adopt additional measures provided that they were tighter than those adopted by the national coronavirus response team.

The Defence Ministry said on Thursday that army personnel were on standby to assist the public healthcare system in case of opening of the medical unit at the Arena Zagreb.

November 26, 2020 –  From Saturday, November 28, 2020, catering facilities and gyms close in Croatia due to the introduction of new epidemiological measures. Here's a look at all new measures which will be in force until December 21, 2020.

Today at the press conference at 2 p.m., Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented new, strict measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic. These measures will be in force at least until December 21, and according to Hina, Plenković announced a change in the law, which will enable the punishment of persons who do not adhere to the prescribed measures.

The measures suggest that all public events and gatherings with more than 25 people are prohibited, and a maximum of 10 people are allowed to participate in private gatherings.

Masks are obligatory in the outdoors when it is not possible to keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters. All public events should last until 10 p.m.

As we reported earlier, the work of all catering facilities is suspended, except for hotels and camps, who can only serve their guests, but the restaurants and bars are allowed to prepare and deliver food during their working hours.

Sports competitions and trainings are suspended, except for the highest levels of competition, all without spectators and with the adherence to the epidemiological measures. The work of gyms, fitness centers, and sports and recreation centers are suspended as well.

Wedding ceremonies are suspended, and a maximum of 25 people are allowed to attend funerals where condolences must not be expressed through close contact.

Public transport must not exceed 40 percent occupancy, while drivers and passengers are required to have face masks. The control will be carried out by inspectors.

Stores, shops, and shopping malls remain open but should have displayed information about the largest possible number of customers who can be in the space at the same time, and they need to enhance hygiene measures (cleaning, disinfecting, ventilating).

Working hours of bakeries are limited to 10 p.m. Prohibition of alcohol sales stays from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Casinos and bookmakers, as well as fairs and other forms of economic and tourist events, are suspended.

All amateur cultural and artistic performances, programs, and events, including choirs, are suspended, as well as composite musical stage performances involving orchestras and choirs. There are no rehearsals of amateur choirs, which also applies to church choirs.

Anti-epidemic measures restricting 25 people and completion by 10 p.m. do not apply to professional art performances and programs that do not include the performance of complex music and stage works that include orchestras and choirs, cinema screenings, and exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces.

There is also no food consumption in the cinema. Also, the work of children's playrooms and dance schools is suspended. Foreign language schools can only operate online, as well as driving schools. While driving, instructor and trainees should wear masks.

It is recommended that masses are online, via radio and TV programs, without coming to religious facilities. There may be a maximum of 25 believers in the church at mass.

People who have any symptoms are prohibited from coming to work. Working from home is recommended, as well as sliding working hours, working in shifts and groups, fewer meetings, and regular ventilation of working space.

Plenković emphasized the fact that they are against complete closure and curfew, but they are introducing these measures in order to protect our health and limit certain activities that they believe will help reduce the infection. And they will also take care of the economy.

"Our goal is to ensure the sustainability of the health system in which our doctors, nurses, and health professionals make superhuman efforts to cure the sick and save every life. In parallel, testing capacity will be strengthened because we need to isolate every infected person," said Plenković.

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