Could a shortened working week instead of laying off staff save more money and help the economy get back on its feet in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis? As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc with the global economy, here's an interesting look at the maths, which doesn't support the laying off of employees at all.

As Novac writes on the 13th of May, 2020, Vladimir Benic, an economist and director of the Zagreb company CareerCentar, gave a concrete calculation pointng to the idea that a shortened working week, in which we work three to four days a week only, could save jobs not only the coronavirus era, but in other crises, too. The text he wrote was first published on his LinkedIn profile.

A similar solution was introduced by the Germans, the text says, not as a result of coronavirus-induced economic issues but following the 2008 financial crisis. In order to slow down the growth of the number of unemployed people in Germany, they introduced a measure of subsidised part-time work, better known as ''kurzarbeit''. They thus retained a larger number of part-time employees, instead of laying off 20 percent of the entire German workforce.

We are translating and transmitting his text in its entirety below:

"Figuratively speaking, laying off 200,000 workers would save a company 19 billion kuna a year due to not needing to pay out for those wages. However, once a company reaches pre-crisis levels, it's necessary to restart the recruitment process. Given the cost of hiring people and running the business in the range of 50 percent to 200 percent of the annual salary of workers, companies will thus spend a minimum of 10 billion kuna by re-employing workers. So, the net effect of the company's savings is 9 billion kuna (minus the amount of severance pay the company needed to pay out to those laid off workers).

On the other hand, if companies keep hold of all of those 200,000 workers and reduce their working hours from 40 down to 25 hours per week, that would be save 75,000 workers according to those working hours. Add a 10 percent pay cut to that, and the company would save up to 8.4 billion kuna. In this case, a company would save on the cost that needs to be invested in the re-employment process, and in addition would retain the knowledge and acquired skills of its [retained] employees.

In addition, if we look again at the German scenario, the state could, in the case of retaining workers, help business owners with certain measures to preserve those jobs. If we take into account the positive effect on the state budget in the form of reduced state expenditures for unemployment benefits, the total positive effect of the second business model is greater than 10 billion kuna.

When this image is viewed from the worker’s perspective, the calculation also goes in favour of the second model. For example, the previously mentioned 200,000 workers in a period of one year, with a reduced number of working hours, will see around 6.5 billion kuna left at their disposal.

In this way, they will continue to remain creditworthy, and will change their consumer habits to a lesser extent, which will continue to encourage the development of the economy. On the other hand, if the same number of workers lose their jobs, they will have around 5.5 billion kuna at their disposal, or one billion kuna less for consumption, which will lead to the slower recovery of the [economy of] the country.''

Make sure to follow our lifestyle page for more. Stay up to date with our dedicated section for all you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic in relation to Croatia.

May 13, 2020 — Here’s another analysis of the situation in Croatia in relation to other EU member states as of May 11.

The central place for all information about coronavirus in Croatia is koronavirus.hr.

You can find some good visualizations of the pandemic in Croatia on the visualization of the coronavirus pandemic in Croatia Mireo and the visualization of the coronavirus pandemic in Croatia Velebit.ai.

A graphical representation of the number of deaths from or with SARS-CoV-2 virus per million inhabitants per country places Croatia among the five best-positioned countries, with the lowest proportional number of victims (the source is the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus database). Along with Croatia, there are Greece, Poland, Bulgaria and — according to available data, the most successful — Slovakia. The next group with a lower mortality rate is the Czech Republic, Norway, Hungary, Estonia, Finland, Slovenia and Romania. The worst has hit Belgium, Spain, Italy, and the UK. Compared to Croatia, due to its approach to measures to combat the epidemic, the often mentioned Sweden has about 15 times the number of victims per million inhabitants. Belgium has as many as 34 times more victims per million inhabitants.

Mentioning only the absolute numbers of registered infected persons or persons who have died from or in the presence of a new coronavirus by country does not give a true picture of the situation, given that there are huge differences in the population of individual countries. For example, Belgium with its 11.5 million inhabitants has 8,707 victims so far, while Italy with 60.5 million inhabitants has 30,739 victims, but Belgium has as many as 48% more victims per million inhabitants than Italy. 

It can also seem that Germany with 7,569 deaths has a lot more victims than Sweden with 3,256, and in fact, the per million population Germany has 72% fewer victims than Sweden.

If we look at the state of the number of registered infected people on the same date, regardless of the onset of the epidemic in each country, as shown in the following figure, it is difficult to compare the development of the epidemic by country in parallel. 

Mentioning only the absolute numbers of registered infected persons or persons who have died from or in the presence of a new coronavirus by country does not give a true picture of the situation, given that there are huge differences in the population of individual countries. 

For example, Belgium with its 11.5 million inhabitants has 8,707 victims so far, while Italy with 60.5 million inhabitants has 30,739 victims, but Belgium has as many as 48% more victims per million inhabitants than Italy. It can also seem that Germany with 7,569 deaths has a lot more victims than Sweden with 3,256. In fact, per million Germany has 72% fewer victims than Sweden.

If we look at the state of the number of registered infected people on the same date, regardless of the onset of the epidemic in each country, as shown in the following figure, it is difficult to compare the development of the epidemic by country in parallel. The slope of an individual curve in a period speaks of the speed of the spread of the epidemic, as far as can be determined from confirmed infections. We do not know the number of unregistered infected people.

It can be seen that among the observed countries the epidemic first broke out in Italy. However, the growth in the number of patients in Spain (about a week later) was much faster than in Italy. 

The number of patients in Italy grew to one million on March 30. Spain has the highest number of cases per million inhabitants among the observed countries, and the curve is just beginning to show a significant reduction in the epidemic.

The second fastest-spreading epidemic is Belgium, with a slightly lower growth rate than Spain, also with more significant signs of calming just begun last week. Italy, the third-largest country in terms of population per million inhabitants, has shown signs of calming down in the past three weeks.

The next two countries that currently have linear curves with no signs of calming down are the United Kingdom and Sweden. Sweden surpassed the number of registered cases per million inhabitants in Germany in early May, and will soon reach the number registered in Italy. Their own research indicates the likelihood of a large proportion of the population being infected but confirmed.

Slovakia and Croatia have had excellent control of the epidemic from the outset, and Austria, Norway, and Germany have successfully calmed the rapid growth that occurred in the week of March 23.

In the following chart, we offer an overview that begins for each country with the date when the infected person was first confirmed in that country. In this way, it is possible to compare the development and effects of epidemic control both in dynamics and in relative numbers per million inhabitants.

At first glance, two groups stand out among the observed countries. The left group is the one in which the epidemic developed relatively quickly after the first registered infected person in relation to the population: Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Croatia, and Slovakia. These are countries with a smaller population. The right group is the one in which more time has passed since the first registration of the infected person and these are countries with a larger population.

The first group shows a sharp increase in the number of infected in Austria, but also a very rapid reaction that reversed the course of the epidemic around the 32nd day, and even without "leveling" immediately achieved a consistent reduction in the number of newly infected. The epidemic has calmed down after about 50 days in Austria which, of course, has a big impact on deciding on further measures. The growth rate of the number of infected people from the 51st week is actually the same as in Croatia, except that in Croatia there is a significantly smaller number of patients.

The epidemic in Norway had a similar course with an even more abrupt start, but apparently with a quick reaction of the authorities, who reversed the trend also around the 32nd day and achieved a calming of the epidemic around the 45th day.

In Denmark, the epidemic began very similarly to Norway, the first calming occurred even faster, but after that, the linear growth continued at a rate higher than in Austria and Norway, and on the 70th day Denmark exceeded the number of registered cases per million inhabitants in Austria.

The same group is followed by Sweden, which initially did not have a sharp increase, but on the 55th day, it outgrew Denmark, Norway, and Austria in the number of registered infected persons. On the 66th day, it caught up with Germany, roughly following the development of the epidemic in Italy.

Seen in this chart, Croatia and Slovakia have maintained a very low slope curve almost from the beginning and have the lowest number of registered infected persons per million inhabitants.

In the group of larger countries, it is evident that the most difficult situation is in Spain, which after exponential growth until the 56th day of the epidemic on its territory managed to achieve linear growth first with a stronger slope, and then from about 62 days with a slightly milder but still large slope. Signs of calming the epidemic the week before last were somewhat disrupted last week.

It is similar in Belgium, which straightened the curve around day 54, but has since maintained a uniform but high (relative) increase in new infections with signs of calming the week before last, but a re-emergence of the epidemic last week.

Italy, whose exponential curve started about a week before the one in Spain, achieved a more moderate slope of the linear part of the curve around day 49 and shows a slight but continuous calming of the epidemic after about 81 days.

With a certain time lag relative to the first registered infected person, Germany achieved a curve similar to Austria with a change of trend around the 68th day, but its growth rate of the number of infected in the last part of the curve is still higher than in Austria.

The United Kingdom managed to straighten the curve after exponential growth around the 70th day, but to this day without any sign of calming down. With this increase in new cases, they will quickly catch up with Italy.

If we take a closer look at Sweden we can see a form of exponential growth in the number of infected that has turned into a linear one in the last three weeks.

The following graphs will compare the dynamics of the epidemic by individual countries.

The curve shows in a different way a sharp daily increase in the number of newly registered patients until about the 50th day and then a very uniform and controlled calming.

Spain, after an incredibly rapid spread of the epidemic, which reached as many as 15,400 newly infected on the 56th day, is very slowly lowering that number, and in the last week, this trend has been reversed.

As can be seen in previous charts on the epidemic, Germany has very successfully reduced the number of new infections after reaching a peak between days 61 and 68, with the trend deteriorating slightly last week.

And this chart shows that Austria managed to stop and calm the epidemic very quickly.

This chart contributes to the understanding of the UK curve as shown in the previous summary charts. After the exponential growth has stopped, the daily number of confirmed new infections is practically the same, about 5,000 per day, and there are no indications of a decrease.

Similarly, the curve of the daily number of newly infected in Sweden otherwise shows the linear growth as shown in Figures 2 and 3, with the caveat that in this case an interesting approximately weekly periodicity is recognized.

Although the following graphs do not show exactly R0 (an epidemiological statistical indicator that indicates how much one infected person infects other people in a given period), very similar information can be read from them. The last three weeks are shown. The situation is all the more favorable because the daily value is no more than 1, and all the more unfavorable because this value is higher than 1. Accordingly, the trend indicators are colored in green (a favorable period when the epidemic subsides), yellow (threatening period around 1), and red (an unfavorable period when the epidemic spreads). The longer the red period compared to the green, the more unfavorable the situation.

It can be seen that in Italy most of the time the curve is in the green area, which corresponds to the behavior of the curve in Figures 2 and 3, ie the trend of the epidemic subsiding.

In Spain, this curve goes into the red area a lot, reaching over 1.5, which means that at that moment, two infected people infect three others.

As German officials themselves have warned, the situation in Germany has deteriorated somewhat in the last week, as can be seen in this chart.

The situation in the UK is not good. The indicator generally ranges around 1, goes very weakly into the green, and more strongly into the red area. Therefore, the curve on the comparison charts for the UK is dire.

Sweden also shows variations in this presentation, and it can be seen that the indicator "spends" approximately the same amount of time in the green and yellow areas, which means that on average it is around 1.

This graph also indicates that a major epidemic breakthrough has taken place in Belgium in the last week, and the previous two weeks are not particularly optimistic either, as the indicator was mostly around 1.

If we take a closer look at Croatia, we will see that the linear growth was already achieved around 22.3. (immediately after the earthquake in Zagreb), that an even better slope was achieved after 1.4., and that from 16.4. achieves a very successful calming of the epidemic. It could also be statistically concluded that the average recovery time of registered patients is between 3 and 3.5 weeks.

On the blue curve, it is easy to see how the high daily increment shown in the red columns after May 8, when the breakthrough on Brač was determined, is reflected.

An excellent general result of Croatia can also be seen in the graph showing the movement of the number of patients. This curve significantly reduces the pressure for health facilities, so it can slowly return the entire health system to normal when it performs all its functions.

In these topics, the question often arises as to what is a good measure in testing and whether we test enough. An excellent graphical representation of the ratio of testing per million inhabitants to the percentage of positives shows who tests optimally and who does not at all. If you are around and below 10% positive, you have found a good measure - Croatia is.

When you look at the overall picture and compare it with other countries, you can clearly see that Croatian epidemiologists have excellent control of the epidemic. It is now up to other experts to make the best use of this favorable situation for the benefit of Croatian citizens.

Others rightly rank Croatia among the countries that have successfully defeated the coronavirus.

Given that decisions on crisis management, especially in the phase of easing anti-epidemiological measures, are not only health but also political, further careful monitoring of the situation and comparison with political decisions and health outcomes in other countries is needed.

Of course, every country can ask itself what its long-term perspective is in these new circumstances that will not disappear. States, which have curbed the epidemic in the sense that they have ensured that their health system can control the situation, develop further strategy than those who still have to make every effort to maintain the functionality of the health system.

In all this, it is necessary to take care of the economic consequences of the crisis - lower estimates of the fall in GDP by EU member states. Due to excessive exposure to tourism, Croatia is unfortunately at the very top.

May 13, 2020 - Politics 1 Health 0. With the tourist season due to start and elections approaching, the surprising realities on the ground in Croatia in the battle against COVID-19. 

As we have reported since late January, Croatia has done an excellent job containing the coronavirus, both in terms of effective measures, and in clear and transparent communication. We are all grateful for the extraordinary efforts of Vili and Alemka and the rest of the team. Heroes all. 

The initial focus of dealing with the disease was health, health, health. It did not take long, however, for the sheer enormity of the economic consequences to come into the equation. The debate shifted from health protection to one with two camps - one advocating lockdown and health protection at all costs, the other advocating a relaxing of measures to allow the economy to breathe, people to earn a living and avert economic catastrophe. 

And this being Croatia, it did not take long for a third factor to come into the equation - one which could well be s bigger deciding factor than the economy and health combined - politics. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July.

I am not a health expert, and my wife will confirm I am certainly no economic expert, and I have no politics. My opinion doesn't matter, and I long ago wrote that the only two corona voices I listen to are Jurgen Klopp and Igor Rudan. 

That is my choice, and I am happy with my choice, and as I don't speak with any authority, I see no reason to foist my opinions on corona on the world, in the same way that I feel I DO have something to contribute to the Croatian tourism and digital nomad debate with my opinions, for example. 

What I can do, however, and I think TCN has done a great job, is report on the corona story in Croatia. Especially things that are happening under the radar that people should be aware of. 

Croatia relaxed its measures for the third consecutive week on Monday, a move which allowed much more freedom of travel, visits to cafes etc. This is the background and context to my story. 

A couple of days ago, we reported on the story of a Belgian called Didier, who managed to drive from Belgium to Gromin Dolac on Hvar during the height of the pandemic. With a residence, business and registered car on Hvar, he was able to get all the permits, on condition that he went into 14-day self-isolation on arrival. My wife's family first started hosting Didier's family almost 50 years ago, and so I know him quite well. He is extremely responsible and also had one of the best self-isolation spots in Europe - his gorgeous Castaway Hvar complex in a remote part of southern Hvar. 

Didier wrote a really detailed and fascinating account of his journey from Belgium to Hvar, including details on getting permits, border crossings etc. He arrived on Hvar on May 8, 5 days ago, and he immediately went into self-isolation in his Castaway paradise. The very efficient Hvar police came to check on him the next day to make sure he was in fact observing the self-isolation. All good so far. You can read his account here.

That was five days ago. So it was something of a surprise to see Didier, the responsible Belgian, walking through Jelsa's main square today on his way to the bank. Belgium, remember, has the highest death rate per million in the entire world. And here he was, five days into his 14-day self-isolation. WTF? I know how responsible he is. 

He greeted me warmly from distance, informing me that he had received an SMS at 19:29 last night from the Ministry of the Interior informing him that he was no longer required to self-isolate. The SMS is above, the translation below.  

Dear Sir, We would like to inform you that the measure of self-isolation given to you by the border police of the Republic of Croatia has been suspended.

If you have been/given the fact that you have been outside of the Republic of Croatia for the last 14 days, you are obliged to follow the recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, which were delivered to you at the border crossing, for 14 days after entering Croatia.

You can find additional messages regarding the recommendations on the official website of the CNIPH.

Perhaps the epidemiological advice has changed in the last 4 days, and an arrivee from a country with the highest death rate per capita in the world no longer needs to self-isolate for 14 days.

When it comes to corona knowledge, I am more Jurgen Klopp than Igor Rudan.  

And all I can do is report what I see.

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

As Index writes on the 13th of May, 2020, today, the European Commission will make recommendations on the relative re-opening of national borders within the territory of the European Union. Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli in the A sada Vlada (And now the Government) segment on HRT said that all tourism ministers agreed that there should be a protocol at the EU level, but that one should be aware that not everyone is equal when it comes to respective epidemiological situations.

The border with Slovenia should be opened within a few days.

"We expect a good result to come of the bilateral talks we've been holding with Slovenia over recent days because our epidemiological pictures are similar. With this agreement, Slovenes will no longer have to be quarantined for 14 days when they return to the country," Minister Gari Cappelli stated, adding that Croatia is talking to some other countries about opening borders back up, too.

A significant number of Slovenes are expected.

Minister Gari Cappelli also said that when the protocol with Slovenia is resolved, he expects a large number of Slovenian tourists to arrive in Croatia, especially because 110,000 of them have houses in Croatia.

"I'm sure, if the epidemiological situation is in order, that we'll have the arrival of tourists from Germany on June the 15th, at least those coming by road," the minister said.

He emphasised the fact that Croatia had provoked the EU to hurry up with their recommendations on the most important things, and that was, among other things, movement within the EU's borders.

"At the EU level, we've agreed that borders for third countries will not be opened until June the 15th," he said.
 
"By the end of the month, we'll have a flow with two or three countries, and by June the 15th, we're planning on having that with Germany and some other countries," he said.

Minister Gari Cappelli said there will be discounts for domestic guests this season.

"In this respect, we've also reduced ticket prices for entry into national parks and many domestic tourists visited them. I hereby invite those who decide on the ticket price for the Dubrovnik walls to reduce those prices, because I think a ticket price of 200 kuna in this situation is just absurd,'' he said, adding that this reduction in prices will spill over to accommodation capacities and further.

He emphasised that the Croatian Government has also started with the CRO card, which may not be in full function this year, but that it remains a long-term project.

"Over recent days, we've been talking about additional things we could put on the CRO card, so if we can agree on all of that with employers, hoteliers and agencies so that whoever has this card gets an extra discount, then it will bring the first results," he said, adding that he hopes to there will be understanding for that.

On the topic of Croatia Airlines...

Minister Gari Cappelli pointed out that it had been agreed that Croatia would build air bridges using Croatia Airlines because the south of Croatia has now been completely cut off without air travel.

"We'll use our own airline, and we can now see just how important it is to us because we can dictate the opening of certain routes ourselves," he said, adding that Croatia Airlines would be "worth its weight in gold".

The minister said that he is aware that the new measures have brought new investments and rules for those in hospitality, as well as hoteliers, but that this is something necessary and, as he says, this is a new normal and a new era has come for all of us.

"As for vouchers, Croatia was among the first in the EU to react to the idea. We gave vouchers for travel agencies that are valid for 180 days and can be used for another destination or if you want to go to the same destination but next year, the value of the vouchers is extended, or, if after 180 days you want a refund, then that refund must be completed within 14 days,'' the minister stressed, adding that this is true for agencies, but work is being done to make this the case for hoteliers and for airlines as well.

Minister Gari Cappelli also said that about 10 percent of the usual workforce had been laid off in tourism. He stressed that this season, Croatia intends to work with the domestic workforce to the maximum.

''We'll make a greater effort to retain domestic workers through various measures because they're one of our greatest values,” Minister Cappelli concluded.

For more, follow our travel page.

May 13, 2020 - Bad news for those depending on the Ryanair Zadar connection from the UK and Ireland, explains CEO Eddie Wilson in a podcast interview.

It was the route which started budget airline travel back in 2007, with the Ryanair Zadar to London Stansted route. The Ryanair Zadar love affair continued for over a decade, and at one point the Irish airline opened its 54th base in the Dalmatian coastal destination. 

And then something happened, and perhaps the story will come out at some point. 

I have lost count of the number of emails I have received from tourists asking about Ryanair Zadar flights from the UK and Ireland. When the flight ban came in initially, all flights from the UK and Ireland for 2020 disappeared, apart from flights around the Hideout Festival. 

And as we reported yesterday, when Ryanair announced yesterday that it planned to resume 40% of its schedule, that included services to all its Croatian partner airports. 

Except in the case of Zadar, the only reinstated connections were to mainland European cities such as Milan and Berlin. Nothing at all from the UK and Ireland. 

A regular TCN reader sent me a link to a podcast from Ireland, which interviewed Eddie Wilson. The 12-minute interview, which you can listen to here is a wide-ranging and open overview of Ryanair's plans to fly again. At the end, among the questions, was this:

Alan from Wicklow - What about flights to Zadar? They seem to have completely vanished for 2020 and 2021. Is the Ryanair Zadar connection finished? We now have to fly to Split instead.

I think what happened was the Zadar flights were operated by another airline in the Ryanair group, Lauda Air. My understanding is that that base is not going ahead.

We will bring you more news on this story as we get it after contacting Zadar Airport. 

For the latest information about flights to Croatia, check out the dedicated TCN section. 

May 13, 2020 - Confusion reigns. Are Croatian borders open for all? Has tourism begun? A look at what we know, and a plan to find out the rest. 

One of the great things about living in Croatia is just how surreal life here is, with no two days being the same. Just when you think the country is finally moving forward with cohesion and direction (10/10 to those handling the health aspects of the corona crisis - both in terms of effective measures and communication), you get a reminder that this is The Beautiful Croatia, a country I am beginning to think was the original inspiration for Monty Python. 

It is also election season, so the focus is now shifting. Health, health, health was how we started. Then health, health, economy. And now we are health, economy, politics. Time will tell which of those three will determine the decision-making. But a decision has been made that tourism must begin, totally understandable as it is 20% of GDP and the livelihood for many people in Croatia. 

There are strong arguments for both sides - yes and no to tourism this year - and my opinion doesn't matter either way. A decision has been made, and now Croatian tourism enters the dogfight to battle for those still planning a holiday this summer. And now that the decision has been made, the next logical step - and something that the Ministry of Health has excelled at - is to communicate the message loudly and clearly. 

I have been genuinely swamped with messages asking for advice on who can travel, what is the procedure, are borders open etc. There is unbelievably confusion out there, at a time when Croatian tourism needs to be clear, concise and welcoming. Take, for example, the How to get to Croatia by air page on the Croatian National Tourist Board website. Yes, reallly, check it out yourself.

So what is the official info we have? To their credit, the national tourist board has finally moved away from quoting obscure article numbers from the Official Gazette and actually providing some useful information on its COVID-19 page, even if it took an article from Index.hr to get them to do anything. 

The Ministry of Tourism website also has a new feature since Index highlighted the issues - you can find official corona info from the Ministry here.

Minister Cappelli gave an interview recently where he provided some more info, as well as the tourism metaphor of the year in the corona era - Croatia Breathes Tourism.

And Minister of the Interior Bozinovic also gave an interview explaining a lot more.

The information is all over the place, something I decided to point out to the most approachable official in the Ministry of Tourism, State Secretary Tonci Glavina. A man from Klis educated in California, Tonci is bilingual in both language and mindset, and you can see the public exchange yesterday of my request for a platform for more clarify for all our potential guests. 

As requested, here are the questions I sent. As soon as I get the answers, I will publish them in a structured article on TCN, and I hope that the ministry and other official bodies will as well. 

Croatia had to act decisively to contain the virus, which it did. It now needs to act decisively to salvage what it can of the tourist season. Currently, it is doing anything but. 

1. Who can enter Croatia at the moment?

2. New measures have been announced which state that people can come if they have a holiday home here, a residence, some economic reason. It is all a bit vague. Can you explain exactly what the new rules are and when they come into effect? 

3. Will borders be open to nationals from every country?

4. Will borders be opened at the same time? There was talk of the Slovenian border opening first for Slovenians only, then Austrians. A definitive list of which borders when and for whom would clear up a lot of confusion.

5. What is the procedure regarding testing and self-isolation? Are tourists required to take a test? If yes, who pays and how much?

6. Do you have arrangements about 14-day isolation with your EU partners returning to their home country after the holiday, or will tourists be required to do this?

7. Are UK nationals still covered by the EU health cover until the end of 2020?

8. Does 'borders open to EU citizens' include people from the UK?

9. What about tourists already in Croatia, whose visas have expired?

10. Which businesses will be allowed to operate on a Sunday during the tourist season?

11. Is there any news on when flights from outside the EU (apart from UK) are scheduled to resume?

12. What are the procedures for people sailing and arriving in Croatia from other countries on the Adriatic?

13. What if I or someone I'm travelling with develops symptoms while on holiday in Croatia?

14. The situation can change rapidly. Do travellers have to worry a spike in new infections in their home country means Croatia prevent them from entering?

For the latest on coronavirus in Croatia, check out the dedicated TCN section. 

May 13, 2020 - Leading German tour operators, including TUI, are interested in achieving part of the season in Croatia, which is among the destinations that could be booked for the summer, with airline arrangements, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board.

Noting that the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and its German representative offices are constantly and proactively communicating with the German market and partners about the possibilities of cooperation and the arrival of German tourists in Croatia this summer, HTZ Director Kristjan Staničić said that Croatia was mentioned in communication with the leading media in that market as a possible destination for summer vacation, primarily because of the excellent results in preventing the spread of coronavirus and as a destination that can be reached relatively quickly by car.

Apart from these trips, there is interest in "air bridges", i.e., the arrival of tourists by tour operators and airlines, however, for any travel from Germany, warnings for travel abroad will first need to be lifted in that country. This is expected in mid-June, and according to some information for some destinations, planes could be ready around June 10. Still, it will all depend on the epidemiological picture in Germany and the countries where tourists would travel.

According to Staničić, the President of the Management Board of TUI, Fritz Joussen, believes that it is necessary to distinguish destinations with conditions for receiving guests from those that are still out of reach, marking Croatia as a destination that meets the requirements.

"Assumptions and interest of TUI and other German tour operators for the arrival of German tourists in Croatia certainly exist, as well as to realize part of the season and minimize their own losses. Interest is also present among individual German tourists, with whom we also constantly communicate through networks and offices," says Staničić.

However, how, when and with which transport these trips will be realized is still being negotiated. As specific destinations will undoubtedly be out of the reach of organized tourist traffic through agencies and tour operators, Staničić believes that there will be enough air capacity to provide charter flights or regular airlines to individual destinations. Without presenting plans to invest in that market in the new circumstances, Staničić reminds that for years HTZ has been cooperating with leading German tour operators and airlines (TUI, FTI, ID Riva, RSD, Eurowings, Condor and others), and believes that some projects can be achieved.

"These companies use our communication messages all the time, as well as the new #CroatiaLongDistanceLove concept, and as soon as adequate conditions are created in the German market, we will conduct a targeted online campaign for certain groups of tourists and residents of the southern German provinces, which start at the end of June and the end of July, depending on the individual German province," reveals Staničić.

He adds that in Germany, as well as in other markets where they plan to carry out promotional activities, they will certainly use the current image of Croatia as a safe and 'corona free' country.

Asked about estimates and expectations from the most important market for Croatian tourism, the HTZ director believes that we could achieve up to 30 percent of last year's record turnover, when Germans could travel abroad again after June 14.

TUI and other major German tour operators are currently showing similar interests for Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Spain and Austria, whose governments, according to information from German tourist circles, are negotiating with the German government on the possibility of establishing air tourist bridges after the Germans are allowed to travel.

These circles also claim that this should be agreed or negotiated at the government level, and Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli said earlier this week that Croatia had begun negotiations with Germany on tourism.

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

May 13,  2020 - The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has published recommendations for the operation of hotels and rentals in Croatia. 

HRTurizam reports that in accordance with reactivating certain activities based on looser measures, it is recommended that hotels and rental activities act per the following recommendations.

1. General rules and conditions for hotel premises
- Physical distance. During their stay in the hotel, visitors must adhere to a measure of physical distance of 1.5 meters concerning other visitors, unless they are members of the same family or group.

- Disinfectant. At the entrances of hotel premises (lobby, reception, sports, and recreational facilities, counters for payment of services) and in the work area of ​​employees it is necessary to install dispensers with disinfectant (based on alcohol in a concentration of not less than 70% or other means suitable for use on the skin with declared virucidal action).

- Visible notices and informing guests. At the entrances of the hotel premises in a visible place, it is necessary to place information on hygienic procedures or place information with guidelines on proper behavior and protection measures in the rooms where guests stay, or give this information to guests upon check-in or put an information leaflet in the accommodation unit. The telephone number of the responsible person in the hotel is available in the accommodation unit, who then takes contact with the health care institutions in case of COVID-19 suspicion. 

- Maximum number of people on the premises. Observe the rules of the maximum number of persons allowed in certain areas following the defined criteria of physical distance of 1.5 meters to other visitors, unless they are members of the same family or group.

- Paper towels and disposable material. It is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of paper towels and other disposable materials, means and equipment for cleaning, washing and disinfection.

- Waste disposal. It is recommended to place a rubbish bin with appropriate lids in all public areas inside the hotel.

- Protective equipment. It is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of protective masks and gloves for employees entering the guest accommodation units (eg maintenance staff, cleaners, etc.).

- Adhere to all general and hygienic measures. Instructions for cleaning and disinfection are available at the following link:

Persons suspected or suffering from COVID-19: HERE

2. Reception, lobby and other public spaces

- Ventilation. Ventilate all areas regularly.

- Reception hygiene. Disinfection of reception areas at regular intervals (eg every hour), and disinfect the area of reception and check-out of guests (contact areas) with a higher frequency than other reception areas.

- Physical distance at the reception. Ensure sufficient distance between reception staff and guest and staff, reduce check-in / check-out time below 15 minutes (which is the definition of close contact) or, if this is not possible, place partitions (made of Plexiglas or similar material that provides the required sanitary distance). The maximum number of people in the reception area is regulated and limited in accordance with the measures of physical distance of 1.5 meters.

- Informing guests and staff. Reception staff should be sufficiently informed about COVID-19 to be able to carry out the assigned tasks without difficulty and to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 within the institution. They should be able to inform guests inquiring about the hotel's policy regarding the implementation of preventive measures or other services that guests may request (for example, medical and pharmacy services available in the area or in the facility itself, telephone numbers of emergency epidemiologists, etc.).

- Application of technology. Emphasizing online / booking check-in and check-in from home (the option is to find the technical possibility of direct guest registration on the e-visitor), contactless payment, payment by proforma invoice, self-scanning of documents, etc. (where applicable and possible).

- Check out. Advise guests to announce their check-out plans in advance so that bills can be prepared on time and avoid being delayed at reception.

- Currency exchange and ATMs. Prefer where it is possible to change and withdraw money at ATMs located on the outside / outside the reception. ATMs are located in public areas that are covered with a disinfectant dispenser.

- Elevators. Set up safety instructions, including the maximum number of guests allowed at one time, in front of and inside the elevator. Elevators are located in public spaces with disinfectants, and the distance from the max. number of users of each elevator should be made unless the users are part of a family or share a common accommodation unit.

- Conditions for maintaining the hygiene of sanitary facilities. Increased cleaning, disinfection and ventilation of public sanitary facilities every two hours (and more often if necessary), increase the number of employees for daily cleaning in each sanitary facility. Limit the simultaneous use of sanitary facilities in accordance with the size and prescribed sanitary conditions.

- Business centers/conference rooms. Mandatory disinfection of tables and all equipment after use. Respect for the physical distance of 1.5 meters between individual groups of guests.

- Children's facilities. Ensure work in the manner prescribed by the operation of kindergartens and playgrounds in cities. Recommendations are available on the HZJZ website.

- Equipment availability. If necessary, provide guests with available thermometers and protective masks and gloves (on request).

3. Food and beverage service areas and commercial facilities

Shops and catering facilities in the hotel should operate in accordance with the decisions of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the existing recommendations for these activities outside the hotel.

Instructions for catering facilities available HERE

4. Accommodation units

Cleaning frequency of accommodation units. Cleaning and change of bed linen and towels will be done in accordance with existing standards, informing guests that if they want, the rules of cleaning and change of bed linen and towels can be arranged differently, or adjusted to guest requirements (eg only on arrival/departure room is cleaned and changed towels and bed linen and to eliminate the principle of changing towels and bed linen and cleaning during the stay of guests).

- Cleaning of surfaces and sanitary facilities. All surfaces that have come in contact with the guest (nightstand, table, chair, coffee table, any furniture, amenities, telephone, remote control, etc.) must be cleaned with a suitable detergent and disinfectant. Cleaning of all bathroom surfaces must be given special attention when changing guests.

- Bed linen and towels. Used bedding (bedding and towels in the bathroom) must be stored in a closed container separate from the cart with clean bedding; dirty and clean bedding must always be separated and must not come into contact.

- Informing guests. Ensure that information/instructions on new room cleaning and linen change procedures are clearly visible and accessible to guests.

5. Recommendations for hotel staff

General protective measures. Avoid close contact with people who show symptoms of fever, cough and / or difficulty breathing. Avoid touching the face, mouth, nose and eyes, shaking hands and close conversation, and maintain social distance. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with an elbow or tissue to be immediately thrown in the trash and wash your hands. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and / or use an alcohol-based or other skin-friendly disinfectant with virucidal effects according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- Maximum protection of customers and hotel staff. If possible, install a protective barrier at the serving point and at the cash register, which will physically separate the cashier from the customer. Contactless credit card payments should be encouraged. During their stay in the hotel, visitors must adhere to a measure of physical distance of 1.5 meters in relation to other visitors, unless they are members of the same family or group.

- Daily body temperature measurement. Staff should take their body temperature before arriving on the morning shift. If the body temperature is higher than 37.2 ° C in the morning, if the person feels sick or has any signs of illness (applies to all symptoms and signs of illness, not just respiratory diseases), they should contact their superior and not come to work until the competent family doctor is called.

- Two-shift operation. If possible, organize the work twice, so that there is at least an hour between the first and second shifts, which will be used to clean and disinfect the surfaces during routine cleaning. The surfaces shall be disinfected by wiping with an alcohol-based disinfectant in a concentration of not less than 70% or another agent suitable for use on the skin with declared virucidal action according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- Staff awareness. Before starting work / opening, educate staff about all measures that are being implemented.

6. Technical service and maintenance

- Water use and chlorination. Maintaining the hygienic conditions of the pool water (bathing water) and ensuring the smooth operation of the water treatment device is carried out in the usual way. Concerning pool water, it is possible to use the maximum permitted concentrations of chlorine.

- Textile washing and dishwashing equipment. It is necessary to check the proper functioning of the equipment for washing dishes and laundry, especially the working temperature, as well as the correct dose of chemicals for cleaning and disinfection.

- Air conditioners, heating and ventilation devices (HVAC). Pay special attention to monitoring the condition of the filter and maintaining the correct condition of the air exchange rate indoors. The proper functioning of equipment for ventilation, air exchange and dehumidification of indoor pools should be checked. Increased ventilation of hotel spaces is recommended, for example, by increasing the number of ventilations, by increasing the percentage of outside air circulating in the system.

- Dispensers and other devices for disinfectants. Regular inspections should be carried out to ensure the proper functioning of the soap and disinfectant device. It is recommended to put the hand dryers out of order and replace them with disposable paper hand towels. Defective units should be repaired or replaced quickly.

7. Pools, beaches and sports - recreational and other service activities

- Pools and beaches. Separate deck chairs in such a way as to ensure physical distance from in relation to other visitors unless they are members of the same family or group. The hotel staff must disinfect the deckchairs several times a day, and certainly after guests leave the deckchair and another guest wants to use it.

- Recreational sports. In the spaces provided for recreational sports indoors, the instructions "Recommendation for training and sports-recreational activities in indoor sports facilities during the COVID-19 epidemic" published on the HZJZ website are applied.

Cosmetic services. Instructions available HERE
Massage services. Instructions available HERE

- Wellness and saunas. Limit the number of people, especially in closed facilities (eg wellness) and spaces, in accordance with the available space. It is recommended to put all wet saunas out of function. Dry saunas, such as the Finnish sauna, can continue to operate. Ventilate, clean and disinfect all surfaces in hallways and toilets more frequently.

8. Receiving associates and unannounced guests

- Associates. The arrival of other persons (eg couriers) should be organized in such a way that before the arrival of that person, the phone is announced and the temperature is measured.

- If the body temperature is higher than 37.2 ° C in the morning, if the person feels sick or has any signs of illness (applies to all symptoms and signs of illness, not just respiratory diseases), they should contact their superior and not come to the hotel until the competent family doctor has been contacted by telephone.

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

As Novac/Viktor Vresnik writes on the 12th of May, 2020, if Croatia had introduced the euro, it would have been much easier for us to cope with the coronavirus crisis, according to Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Has Croatia been able to adopt the euro so far? No, it hasn't, so any further discussion of the matter is therefore unnecessary.

The second question, of course, is whether Croatia needs the euro today, or perhaps it is better to be more precise and say, does it need it in three years? When it can join the Eurozone at the earliest, provided the euro survives, which it probably will, and will the kuna really enter the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) in July, as was announced on Thursday?

This discussion and these questions are educational only, because Croatia has already committed itself to the introduction of the common European currency in the Treaty of Accession to the European Union. The euro has to be adopted by Croatia in this case, but it hasn't been defined when it has to happen.

The coronavirus crisis that arrived this year has clearly showcased the clear benefits of Eurozone membership. The European Central Bank's assistance to Eurozone member states reaches a staggering 750 billion euros (through several types of financial instruments). This makes countries using the common European currency much more resilient to many things, including the coronavirus crisis, than countries that have decided to delay the adoption of the euro because, with the ECB in the background, they are equipped with powerful financial tools to defend them against the economic crisis which has ensued as a result of the pandemic.

Because it is not in the Eurozone, Croatia cannot get a cent of fresh money directly from the ECB. Brussels' direct aid of 1.16 billion euros (which were in fact redirected funds, previously intended for pre-financing projects from European Structural and Investment Funds) that arrived at the beginning of the coronavirus-induced "lockdown" were mere crumbs that was thrown down from the table. If nothing else, this provides Croatia with a good incentive to think about its own need to ''grow up'', in the political, social and economic senses.

The exchange rate of the kuna, until the moment Croatia joins the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, is subject to changes on the foreign exchange market. Some will say that this is good for exporters and, conditionally speaking, they're right if the export product doesn't contain import components that the manufacturer pays for in euros, and such components are built into almost everything Croatia exports, from tourism as the strongest export service sector to parts for cars made by AD Plastika, Končar's transformers, Podravka's peas or fabrics from which suits are sewn by Varteks.

Any significant change in the value of the kuna downwards would be a difficult verdict for all debtors paying in euros, which is, in addition to the state itself, most Croatian businesses. The Croatian National Bank, with the help of agreed currency exchanges with the ECB, has so far managed to stop the kuna from slipping too far. Such an arrangement with the ECB has been agreed upon, however, only until the end of the year, and it's simply illusory to expect the CNB to receive the usual infusion of various currencies earned from tourism over the summer. It will be good if it gets any at all.

The action plan for joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism and the European Banking Union has been fulfilled on time and in full, the prime minister said on Thursday, the day the Croatian Government also unveiled a crisis budget revision. It is this document, because the rebalance, like the budget itself, has the force of law behind it, that makes the Croatian path to the Eurozone even more difficult and complicated.

To get the Eurozone countries out of the coronavirus pandemic crisis faster, the European Central Bank has decided to flood their financial system with euros. As the presented budget revision shows, Croatia is returning to quite another policy indeed after providing a wave of abundant financial aid to those struggling under current burdens. "It will be difficult," said Zdravko Maric, the finance minister. And inded it will, but could things have been different?

If Croatia really wants to enter the ERM II in July, this kind of budget policy is the only possible one, because it follows the prescribed set parameters. In this way, the government will show the ECB and Brussels that, despite the high share of debt in Croatia's GDP (which returned to 86.7 percent) it has not given up on the gradual reduction of that same indebtedness and that the budget deficit is also being kept under control despite the coronavirus pandemic, while price stability and the exchange rate remain intact.

To quickly go back to something that has already been mentioned: had Croatia had Eurozone membership, things would be easier, said Plenkovic. That's right, but it doesn't have membership. The CNB may step up its game in regard to the kuna, at least until July and until ERM II entry (if that even happens), but the Croatian National Bank's capacity, while sufficient to support the government's policy for some time to come, is nowhere near the ECB's tightly controlled yet impressive capabilities in such situations.

Order growth is the best generator of employment, and consequently wage growth, and it fills the budget in the best way. All of this can only happen if the coronavirus doesn’t return with a vengeance in autumn, or, if it does return, its influence is so weak that everyone in the EU concludes that a new shutdown of the economy is totally unnecessary.

An additional question is who will lead Croatia's financial and economic policy after the elections take place, as mistakes can be dangerous.

Make sure to follow our business page for more.

May 12, 2020 — With the debate over relaxed measures against coronavirus spreading around the world, it may be worthwhile to see how Croatia’s neighbors and larger countries on the continent have handled the pandemic.

Here is another detailed overview of coronavirus measures in the EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland, and the Western Balkans.

You can also follow the measures taken in the fight against coronavirus and compare it with other countries here. The interactive government austerity index graph is based on responses that include travel bans, school and job closures, measured in values ​​from 0 to 100 (100 = most stringent measures). This index simply records the number and severity of policy measures adopted and should not be construed as “scoring” the appropriateness or effectiveness of a country's political response.

[Important: all these planned measures are valid provided that the epidemiological situation does not worsen.]

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a session on April 30 that all religious services have been re-enabled. As of Sunday, May 3, some churches have already opened their doors after more than a month of isolation, and in order for believers to guard against infection, it is mandatory to maintain social distance and wear masks. 

Singing and physical contact, such as handshakes, are currently prohibited. In addition to religious buildings, children's playgrounds, individual schools, museums, exhibitions, galleries, zoos and botanical gardens have been reopened. Hairdressing salons have been operating since May 4, but under strict epidemiological rules. 

Also, a slightly larger portion of hospital capacity should be vacated again due to scheduled surgeries as most of them have been delayed in recent weeks. 

Merkel has confirmed that large, public events will not be allowed until August 31. This applies to all major sporting events, local celebrations, concerts, festivals and entertainment events. 

In addition, she said the federal and state governments would not make a decision on catering at the next meeting on May 6, but would focus on further easing measures for all schools, children’s centers and sports facilities, assuming the pandemic allows it. 

Finally, politicians discussed labor market data where the profound impact of the pandemic will have on the German economy. They concluded the topic by stating they firmly believe that it is now most important for the economic and social interest to take a step forward. Although there is growing pressure from business groups and some regional governments that want to start economic life faster, Merkel warned that opening up too quickly would risk triggering a second wave of infection. Therefore, caution remains a key imperative while adhering to prescribed hygiene measures.

The Robert Koch Epidemiological Institute believes Germany is well on its way to controlling the coronavirus epidemic and urged citizens on April 28 to continue to adhere to rules to combat the spread of the infection to keep the country in a relatively good position. Chancellor Angela Merkel called the current fight against the pandemic a "fragile temporary success.” 

Smaller bicycle shops, bookstores and shops opened on April 20. Also, on April 23, a measure was introduced to wear protective masks across the country. Cities report that citizens respect this obligation. Wearing masks was initially recommended by the federal government, but the provincial authorities turned them into an obligation.

EU citizens, as well as citizens of the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are allowed to travel through Germany to reach their home country if no other connection is possible. Border controls between Germany and Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark have been introduced and extended until 15 May. All German citizens, EU citizens, citizens of countries that have signed Schengen agreements or individuals living in Germany must undergo a two-week mandatory quarantine upon return to residence in Germany, after a few days abroad, with certain exceptions.

NOT CLOSED in Germany:

• retail sale of food products, weekly markets pick-up, delivery and delivery services, markets, pharmacies, drug stores, drugstores, petrol stations, banks and savings banks, post offices and other central facilities such as dry cleaning, laundry, newspaper sales, construction, gardening and pet and pet markets, and wholesale. For those areas, Sunday sales bans should be lifted until further notice.
• Following the April 15 decision, all stores with up to 800 square meters of retail space, as well as - regardless of retail space - car, bicycle and bookstore dealers, may reopen.
• The opening of these facilities is subject to hygiene, access control and queuing. Service providers and craftsmen can continue to work. All health facilities remain open, taking into account the increased hygiene needs.
• Among service companies where physical proximity is necessary, hairdressers should first prepare for this by undergoing hygiene, access control and queuing, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. From May 4, I can continue working.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

• Catering companies, where it is still possible to pick up food and take it home or deliver it.
• Personal care service companies such as hair salons, beauty studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and similar companies because physical proximity is crucial in this area. Medically necessary treatments remain possible.
• Cafes, clubs, discos, pubs and similar establishments.
• Theaters, operas, concert halls, museums and similar institutions.
• Fairs, exhibitions, cinemas, leisure parks and animals and leisure providers (outdoor and outdoor), special markets, arcades, casinos, bookmakers and similar facilities
• Prostitution centers, brothels and similar establishments.
• Sports on and in all public and private sports facilities, swimming pools and entertainment pools, gyms and similar facilities.
• All other retail outlets not mentioned elsewhere in this document, especially outlets.

BANNED

• Big events at least until August 31, 2020.
• Meetings in clubs and other sports and entertainment facilities as well as taking advantage of offers in adult education centers, music schools and other public and private educational institutions outside the school as well as bus travel.
• Group celebrations in public places, in apartments and private facilities.
• Visualization of coronavirus data in Germany

Switzerland

Switzerland opens in three phases. Service activities, such as hairdressers and physiotherapists, began operations on April 27th. Elementary schools opened their doors on May 11, and from June 8, high school, vocational and university classes will be reintroduced. The Federal Council will make a final decision on May 27, 2020. Restaurants and bars will remain closed until June 8.

Switzerland in an agreement with the FDFA, (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) the FDHA (Federal Department of Home Affairs) defines high-risk countries or areas. As of March 25, all countries are currently considered high-risk countries or territories, with the exception of the Principality of Liechtenstein. People from high-risk countries and regions will be denied entry to Switzerland, but exceptions are possible, for example for people living or working in Switzerland.

The Federal Council gradually eased the following measures on April 27:

• Hospitals will be able to perform all surgeries and medical studies again, hairdressers, massage parlors, beauty centers, relaxation shops, shops or garden centers and flower shops will be able to continue their activities.
• Restrictions on the entry of all persons into Switzerland except those of the Principality of Liechtenstein
• The Federal Council is taking steps to restrict entry into Switzerland. The Federal Department of the Interior (FDHA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), defines countries and regions that are designated as at risk. Currently, all countries and regions except the Principality of Liechtenstein are considered risky. This regulation shall apply for a maximum of six months.

Gathering in a public space

On March 21, 2020, the Federal Council banned the gathering of more than five people in a public space. Based on data on mobile phones, we can check whether the population meets this provision.

Education system

• Lectures in schools, universities and other training centers are still banned. If the situation allows, compulsory schools will reopen on 11 May 2020. From 8 June 2020, secondary, vocational and university schools will be reintroduced. The Federal Council will make a final decision on May 27, 2020.
• Until the reopening of the compulsory school, the cantons will have to create care services for children who cannot be cared for privately. For this purpose, they cannot resort to persons who are particularly at risk.

Expected mitigation of measures in the area of ​​services, retail trade and social activities

• In the retail and services sector from April 27, 2020, but under strict conditions.
• trading and home craft and gardening centers, garden shops, structures that offer body contact services such as hairdressers, massage parlors, tattoo studios, and beauty centers will be able to continue the activity.
• Healthcare professionals will again be able to perform all outpatient interventions, even those that are not emergency. This applies, for example, to doctors and dentists who practice studies, physiotherapists or medical masseurs.
• Hospitals will again be able to perform all interventions and reopen their outpatient offerings.

The following will be banned or closed:

escort or prostitution services and erotic places

For the social and family environment, on April 27, 2020, mitigation occurred:

The implementation will no longer be limited to the family circle

From 11 May 2020, the Federal Council also plans to relax the provisions relating to the inpatient medical sector.

Events and structures

The Federal Council continues to ban public or private events, including sporting events and corporate activities. All publicly available facilities remain closed, especially: restaurants, camping, bars, discos, nightclubs and erotica. Recreational and entertainment facilities, especially museums, libraries, cinemas, concert halls, theaters, playrooms, sports centers, gyms, swimming pools, spas, wellness centers, ski resorts, zoos, botanical gardens and wildlife parks

As planned, on June 8, museums, zoos and libraries, for example, will be able to reopen. By that date, the ban on gatherings must also be eased. The Federal Council will decide on these shortcomings on May 27, 2020.

However, the Federal Council believes that large demonstrations are unlikely to take place before the end of July 2020.

So far, the following structures and events have been excluded from the ban: grocery stores and other shops, if they offer groceries and items for everyday use (eg kiosks, gas station shops), self-service shops, dining rooms, meal delivery services and catering facilities for hotel guests, pharmacies, pharmacies and medical supplies stores (eg glasses, hearing aids), offices and post offices, points of sale of telecommunications service operators, banks, petrol stations, railway stations and other public transport facilities, workshops for means of transport, public administration ( including deprivation of liberty), social facilities (eg counseling centers), health facilities such as hospitals, clinics and medical offices, as well as studies and facilities of health workers under federal and cantonal law, hotels and accommodation, caravan and camper rest areas for long-term rental or nomads

These facilities must also continue to comply with the recommendations on hygiene and behavior. This may mean, for example, that the number of people present must be limited in order to maintain the required distance.

For deprivation of liberty (prisons), it is recommended to adapt measures to reduce the risk of transmission and fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) to the recommendations of international organizations, especially those of the World Organization. Health (WHO) and the Council of Europe.

In certain situations, the cantons may allow restrictive derogations from this prohibition. These deviations require an overriding public interest (eg for training grounds and in case of supply problems) and extensive preventive measures must be followed.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Switzerland

Austria

Larger shops and hairdressing salons started operating on May 2, since when it is allowed to gather up to ten people in one place, as well as to open shopping centers whose owners at this time the authorities sent requests for work on Sundays. Austria plans to allow the reopening of churches and restaurants by May 15. Austrian Tourism Minister Elizabeth Koestinger said Austrian hotels and swimming pools would open on May 29th. Museums should start operating in mid-May, and major public events, such as concerts, only at the end of August. Although they relaxed their measures, at the same time they introduced the obligatory wearing of masks when going to the pharmacy and supermarkets at the beginning of April. After two weeks, the same measure was extended to wearing masks in public transport and in all shops that have been allowed to work again since April 14. Recall that Austria was one of the first countries in Europe to start easing its preventive isolation measures.

Entry into Austria is only allowed at certain border crossings and under certain conditions. Anyone entering Austria from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia or Switzerland, or anyone who has been in an area for which the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued travel warnings in the last 14 days due to COVID-19 (including the UK), must present a medical certificate with the results of microbiological tests in English, French, German or Italian not older than 4 days. Have Please note that ski resorts and accommodation in the provinces of Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg are closed.

Traffic restrictions

Going to public places is strictly forbidden.

Quarantine measures in certain areas

In Tyrol, the valley of Paznaun, st. Anton am Arlberg and Sölden are in quarantine. No one is allowed to enter or leave the parishes. Exceptions are when it comes to covering basic services, providing basic services or a job.

Restrictions in trade, services and catering

The entry ban applies to retail and service companies, leisure and sports companies and all catering companies.

The exceptions are grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, post offices and banks. Food supply is guaranteed through supermarkets and delivery services.

Small shops selling goods and craft businesses

From April 14, small goods stores and craft businesses may reopen.

Restrictions in school, colleges, and universities

Classes exist in schools from 16.3. Primary and lower secondary schools are open only to those students whose parents have to work outside the home and whose children are not cared for at home or those students whose parents are unable to provide home care for other personal reasons.

Universities and colleges have shifted their teaching operations to virtual teaching, distance learning and home learning.

Restrictions in kindergartens

Kindergartens will continue to care for children whose parents are urgently engaged in professional activities and for whom no other childcare options can be found.

Restrictions on hospital visits

Relatives of people who are hospitalized are asked to refrain from visiting patients or to keep them to a minimum. Telephone contact is also recommended here.

Travel restrictions

Internal border controls have been introduced to curb the spread of Corona virus. Entry into Austria is only allowed at certain border crossings and under certain conditions (eg medical certificate).

Visualization of coronavirus data in Austria

Slovenia

On April 30, the Slovenian government passed a new decree lifting the ban on moving outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence for services or goods. She also informed the public on April 29 that she would gradually release measures for kindergartens and education on May 18. So kindergartens, primary schools for the first three grades and secondary schools last year will open their doors first. Then the students of the 9th grade of primary school will come to the schools, and everyone else will finish their education from home. Mass events with large numbers of people are unlikely to be possible until a vaccine or drug for COVID-19 is discovered and started. Government spokesman for the corona crisis Jelko Kacin told Slovenian Television on April 27th that the government would make its next major decision on easing restrictions during the epidemic around May 12th. Also, on Sunday, April 26, President Pahor said that the coalition government of Janez Janša and the parliament performed excellently during the pandemic, and praised the citizens for adhering to protection measures. Thus, from Saturday, April 25, the services of insurance companies are available again, laundries, mechanics and vulcanization services are open, and from Tuesday, April 28, weddings are possible, but with a limited number of people, mostly in the presence of newlyweds and godparents. In Slovenia, the ban on leaving home municipalities is still in force, the abolition of which is being considered only as an option for May. It is especially emphasized that mass gatherings are still banned. On April 23, the government decided to continue the ban on air traffic - it is forbidden to perform international air transport of passengers from all countries to Slovenia, including within the European Union.

All passengers crossing the border with Slovenia will be notified by SMS about the protection measures in force in the country regarding coronavirus. Borders with neighboring countries are, with some exceptions, closed. As of April 12, a seven-day quarantine has been introduced for all persons entering Slovenia, with certain exceptions.

Currently banned activities

The temporary ban on public gatherings at public gatherings and public events and other events in public places in the Republic of Slovenia has been in force since 20 March.

Most public institutions are closed (libraries, museums, cinemas, galleries, etc.).

The ban on movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence applies from 30 March

Public bus and rail transport, gondolas and cable cars have been suspended since 16 March

The delivery and sale of goods and services directly to consumers in the Republic of Slovenia has been temporarily banned since 16 March. These include: accommodation, catering, wellness, sports and recreational, cinematographic, cultural, hairdressing, cosmetic and pedicure services, games of chance and other similar activities.

temporary bans exclude the sale of goods and services to consumers, pharmacies and shops predominantly by food, including the sale of agricultural products on farms.

From March 30, 2020. k only vulnerable groups (eg people with disabilities, pregnant women) can commit. Retirees can only shop at that time

Disinfection of multi-apartment buildings is mandatory from March 29

The maximum allowable prices of protective and other medical equipment were set in March

Education measures

As of Monday, March 16, all educational institutions in Slovenia are closed (except for institutions that work with adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders).

Organized group care for children is prohibited.

Measures in work environments

The Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has published clarifications and recommendations to employers regarding the assignment of work from home and other work in exceptional circumstances when the lives and health of people or property of employers are endangered.

Measures in administrative units and judiciary

Until further notice, the operations of administrative units are limited to performing urgent tasks.

Measures in retirement homes

A complete ban on visits to retirement homes was introduced due to the growing number of coronavirus patients in Slovenia and to protect the health of residents.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Slovenia

Czechia

As of May 11, the government has opened museums, galleries, cinemas and theaters by easing gradual measures. For these, but also sports, religious and other public events, as well as for weddings or training of athletes, the number of participants is limited to a maximum of one hundred people. In addition, as of May 11, clear rules have been established for the work of hairdressers, pedicurists, masseurs and other similar trades, as well as the work of large shopping centers, which opened their doors that day, while primary, secondary and art schools can be partially opened. . From May 11, elementary school graduates can return to schools along with high school and conservatory graduates. Class participation will not be mandatory and can be held in a group of up to 15 people. From Tuesday, May 5, it is mandatory to wear protective masks for kindergarten teachers, children, students, pupils and teaching staff during school lectures. On April 14, immediately after Easter, the Czech government approved a plan to open smaller stores on April 20. Restaurants and shopping malls will start operating on June 8. As of April 24, religious ceremonies involving a maximum of 15 people are allowed. Also, as of March 19, 2020, all persons are prohibited from staying in public areas without masks. Also, entrance exams for colleges will be held in June, and all exams in final grades (such as graduation) will be held after June 1st.

As of May 1, the government orders a ban on entry for all foreigners who do not have a temporary stay longer than 90 days or residence in the Czech Republic, as long as the state of emergency lasts, with exceptions. Earlier, as part of mitigating measures against the spread of coronavirus, the government expanded the range of foreign nationals who can enter the Czech Republic to EU citizens who come to do economic activities and students from EU countries. Also, Czech citizens and foreign nationals with an entry permit can avoid a 14-day quarantine when entering the country, if they enclose a certificate that they are negative for coronavirus no older than four days, and the decision takes effect on April 27.

April 20

Universities (scientific and academic institutions) - individual activities within university studies for students in the last year of study always have a maximum of 5 students.

Individual consultations; individual examinations, especially state final or rigorous examinations that complete studies properly; individual presence in laboratory, experimental, artistic and practical activities and practices or clinical and practical instruction, required for the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctoral studies, or the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctoral thesis); individual visits to libraries and study rooms for all years for the purpose of receiving or handing over only study literature.

Crafts with business premises.

Markets and markets for farmers, other markets and markets.

Outdoor training activities for professional athletes.

Wedding for up to 10 people in specific hygienic conditions.

April 27

Facilities up to 200 m2, unless they are in shopping centers above 5000 m2 with the exception of facilities with a separate entrance from the outside (this does not apply to facilities that will be opened at later stages)

The license does not apply:

For spaces located in shopping malls above 5000 m 2 unless they have a separate entrance from the outside.

For establishments where the service provider contacts the customer's body surface, barber shop, hairdresser, pedicure, manicure, solarium, cosmetics, massage, regeneration or refurbishment, which conducts trade in which the integrity of the skin is compromised.

Cafes, delicacies, wine shops, pubs, except sales without consumption in the store and sales with consumption through the window.

Restaurants, pubs, buffets with the exception of sales through the window for rent.

Catering employees with food for the public.

May 11

Students of high schools, conservators and universities - exclusively for graduation, final exam and graduation.

Individual classes in primary art schools and language schools with the right to state language exams.

Regular classes in schools in children's homes with schools, educational and diagnostic institutions.

Facilities up to 1000 m2, unless they are in shopping centers higher than 5 000 m2 with the exception of facilities with a separate entrance from the outside (this does not apply to facilities that will be opened in the following stages).

Operation of a driving school (theory and other forms of teaching up to 5 people).

Fitness centers and gyms without the use of facilities (showers, locker rooms) under precisely defined conditions.

May 25

Possibility of personal presence of primary school students and their organized and free activities of an elective nature in the form of school groups - 15 children in a group (one child on a bench) are recommended, without the possibility of changing the group, mandatory, and then curtains in common school areas.

Teaching and education in primary art schools, language schools with the right to state language exams, courses in entertainment centers and homes for children and youth - a maximum of 5 children.

Restaurants, pubs, cafeterias, cafes, wine shops, pubs for sale through windows and outdoor (summer) gardens.

Hairdressing services, hairdressing services, pedicures, manicures, solarium, beautification, massage, regeneration or remodeling.

Museums, galleries and exhibition halls in accordance with certain conditions.

Zoos (outdoor areas only).

June 1 (maybe)

Possibility of graduation and final exams and matura at conservatories and faculties.

Limited ability to conduct practical classes (vocational training) in secondary and tertiary vocational schools - conditions similar to those of school groups.

June 8

All shopping malls

Facilities larger than 1000 m2

Restaurants, pubs, cafeterias, cafes, wine shops, pubs - indoor (according to defined conditions)

Hotels and other accommodation facilities (including their restaurants and cafes)

Taxis (not yet approved)

Theaters, castles, castles and other cultural activities under precisely defined conditions.

Cultural, social, sports events (up to 50 people)

Weddings in specific hygienic conditions

Zoos (including indoor)

June 2020 (depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation)

Possibility of conducting unique entrance and school entrance exams in high schools.

Conducting counseling or occasional educational activities in small groups of students in the second phase of primary and secondary schools, in the form of teaching.

Visualization of coronavirus data in the Czech Republic

Slovakia

Like the Czech Republic, since May 11, the government has opened museums, galleries and only restaurants with outdoor seating, which must adhere to strict hygiene measures. A distance of 2 meters must be placed between the tables, and the number of people sitting at one table is limited to two people or one family consisting of parents and children, and after the departure of each guest or guests, the table must be disinfected. Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic and his team of epidemiologists presented a plan to ease measures against coronavirus in four phases. As of April 27, it has been possible to open bars where people are in close contact; such as hairdressers and beauty salons, taxi services, church services for up to 15 and weddings for up to 10 people. Schools, kindergartens, shopping malls, swimming pools, sports halls, cinemas and theaters will only open in the fourth phase, for which an official date has not yet been confirmed. Also, on March 25, 2020, the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic issued an order on the mandatory wearing of masks when entering public spaces.

Slovakia has closed all borders and airports to foreign nationals who cannot prove they reside in the country. There are certain quarantine rules, and the most recent are in effect from May 1st.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Slovakia

Poland

In Poland, all retail outlets with a sales area of ​​more than 2,000 m2 have been open since May 4. All schools and colleges in Poland are closed until May 24. Children whose parents work can return to nurseries and kindergartens from Wednesday, May 6, taking into account the guidelines of the General Sanitary Inspectorate, as well as the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy. On April 20, Poland presented its security concessions rules, which it divided into four phases of opening. As of April 20, only a limited number of people can attend Mass or other religious ceremonies at one time. This means one participant per 15 m2 of the building, excluding people performing the service. The cemetery may not have more than 50 participants in one funeral, other than those performing the service, as well as persons responsible for burial or employees of a funeral home or institution.

Poland has extended border closures to foreigners until May 13. Polish citizen and, diplomats, persons entitled to permanent and temporary residence in Poland or a work permit and other certain exceptions, may cross the border. International rail connections have been suspended until further notice, but freight transport is functioning. The air traffic restriction applicable to domestic and international passenger flights is in effect until 9 May.

From May 4, the following sports activities with open infrastructure are available under certain conditions:

Maximum 6 people and 1 coach:

· Sports stadiums (football, athletics)

· School and multipurpose playgrounds

· External infrastructure for motorsport and aviation

· Equestrian centers and outdoor facilities such as: shooting ranges, archery, karting tracks and rollerblading

Maximum 6 people:

· Golf courses

Maximum 4 people and 1 coach on one field:

· Tennis courts: open and semi-open

Maximum 2 people:

· Outdoor infrastructure for water sports: kayak and boat

First phase - from April 20, 2020

Stores with an area of ​​less than 100 m2 will be entered by a maximum of as many people as the total number of all cash registers multiplied by the number four.

In stores with an area of ​​more than 100 m2 there must be at least 15 m2 of space per person

Opening of forests and parks for recreation, with the obligatory wearing of a mask and keeping a distance of 2 meters

Religious worship - one person on 15 m2

The Ministry of Health will conduct a weekly evaluation of changes in safety principles. The transition to further phasing out of restrictions will depend on:

increase in the number of cases (including the number of people in serious condition)

efficiency of health care

implementation of sanitary guidelines by responsible persons

Second phase

Opening of construction stores on weekends

Opening of hotels, libraries, museums and art galleries

Third phase

Opening trades of hairdressers and beauticians

Opening of stores in shopping malls with significant restrictions

Gastronomy - enabling stationary activity with limitations

Sports events for up to 50 people (outdoors, without audience participation)

Organization of child care in kindergartens and schools

Fourth phase

Opening of a massage parlor and solarium

Opening activities in gyms and fitness clubs

Theaters and cinemas will operate under the new sanitary regime

The next stages of returning to normal life will be introduced by the government over time if the increase in the number of patients is low enough.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Poland

Denmark

Denmark opened colleges and restaurants on May 11, while the day before, on May 10, it allowed the church to open. There can be a maximum of 10 people at Holy Mass, but only for funerals there is an exception, where a larger number is allowed, provided that only one person per 4 square meters is in the church. Baptisms and weddings are postponed if possible. Danish hairdressers, dentists, physiotherapists and driving schools opened their doors on April 20, after a month-long quarantine in that country due to the coronavirus epidemic, after the Prime Minister announced on March 30, 2020 that a cautious, gradual and controlled reopening of society occurs after Easter. The deal was backed by all parties supporting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's Social Democratic government, as well as major opposition parties, including the center-right Liberals and the Danish People's Party. From April 20, the opening of nurseries, kindergartens and the return of students up to the 5th grade to schools is allowed. As of March 13, 2020, all public cultural institutions, church buildings and activities in parishes have been closed, the closure of which will be extended until May 10, 2020.

The Danish government is in contact with Denmark’s neighboring countries and will decide on a temporary border control and travel ban until 1 June 2020. Foreigners arriving at the Danish border will be denied entry at all internal and external borders, unless they have a worthy purpose of entering Denmark.

Phase One: The bans will be lifted from Monday, April 20, 2020, allowing retailers to reopen customer space as well as practical lessons in school vehicles.

A sectoral partnership is being established in which the competent authorities, together with industry, trade unions and relevant organizations, agree on guidelines for responsible reopening.

Companies that are closed may find it inappropriate to close. In this situation, a company that was previously banned and therefore closed, can decide whether to continue to close and will then receive compensation of up to 80 percent under the current fixed cost scheme.

Liberal professions, which may reopen on April 20, 2020: hairdressers, beauty, massage and body care clinics, tattoo and piercing salons, physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, psychologists, osteopaths, dentists, private hospitals and clinics , driving schools, solariums, opticians.

Reopening of courts, penal services, research institutions, production of media content, etc.

Phase Two: The parties will resume in the 17th week before talk about phase 2 of the reopening and further phases with a view to a plan for Denmark’s overall exit from the crisis.

Elementary School

Schools are reopening as soon as possible from Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

In relation to examinations and examinations, the points of final grades given at the latest during the school year are raised to test grades.

Higher education and higher education

Youth education institutions remain physically closed.

However, high school programs are opening for ASF students (autism spectrum disorders) and students who will graduate this summer.

The government will discuss with the parties how students can complete the exam. Solutions have already been established regarding the passing of final exams in vocational education. All students with vulnerable family members from the at-risk group can stay at home if parents choose to do so. General recommendations of health authorities apply to employees.

Higher education institutions remain physically closed. However, selected community-critical health education programs (including SOSU) for students in the second part of the program will be reopened.

Private labor market

All private employers were invited on March 13 to ensure that as many people as possible work from home, etc. in the workplace.

Authorities will enter into a dialogue with relevant business organizations and employees on how employees who have worked from home since Tuesday, April 14, 2020, can physically meet at work again, if fully justified, including retaining other measures taken. and follow general guidelines for appropriate behavior, ensuring distance, etc. In this regard, jobs should continue to focus on flexibility, for example. homework, use of digital solutions for meetings, gradual working hours and meetings, etc.

Public transport

A controlled reopening of the community will cause the number of passengers to increase again. In order not to create too high a density of passengers, a large increase in public transport will be implemented especially in the metropolitan area from Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Users, schools and workplaces should also help spread traffic through flexible planning.

A significant increase in cleaning efforts is maintained at common contact areas in public transportation and at stations.

Extension of measures

On 14 March 2020, temporary border controls with a ban on entry were introduced at all Danish borders.

Border control, which as a rule does not include freight transport, is extended until May 10, 2020.

Citizens returning from overseas travel are strongly encouraged to stay at home for 14 days, and any unnecessary travel around the world is advised by May 10, 2020.

Closure of schools, educational institutions, cultural institutions, national churches, religious communities and leisure institutions.

All schools have been closed since March 16, 2020. The closure has been extended - with the exceptions mentioned above - to last until May 10, 2020. for all 6-10. classes, primary schools, free vocational schools and other dietary offers.

Pupils and students in all public youth education, adult education and higher education, etc. were sent home on March 13, 2020. Repatriation has been extended - with the exceptions above - to last until May 10, 2020.

As of March 13, 2020, all closed public cultural institutions, church buildings and activities in parishes, etc., premises of religious communities, libraries, leisure facilities and similar closed activities are closed. The closure will be extended to last until May 10, 2020. Public service providers are exempt for dissemination and news readiness.

As of March 13, 2020, all civil servants who did not perform critical functions were sent home. The return has been extended to last until May 10, 2020. In the future, some exceptions may occur in which employees may make physical visits to solve very specific necessary tasks.

As of March 18, 2020, a temporary ban was issued on holding or participating in events, happenings, activities and the like where more than 10 people gather. The ban is extended to last until May 10, 2020. As for major events, happenings, etc., the government will extend the enforcement ban until August 31, 2020.

Closure of nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and cafes, etc. On March 18, 2020, a temporary ban on nightclubs, discos, bars, cafes, hookahs, etc. was introduced. The ban is extended to last until May 10, 2020. On March 18, 2020, a temporary ban on welcoming guests in restaurants and cafes was introduced, etc. The ban is extended to last until May 10, 2020.

As of March 18, 2020, a temporary ban was imposed on large shopping malls, department stores, covered arcades, etc., where a large number of people moved indoors. The ban is extended until May 10 2 020. year.

As of March 18, 2020, a temporary ban on indoor sports and entertainment facilities, etc., was introduced, including swimming and playgrounds, cinemas, theaters, fitness centers and sunbathing areas. The ban is extended to last until May 10, 2020.

Over the coming weeks, health authorities will launch an application that will partially strengthen the database for continuous epidemiological surveillance of health authorities over the spread of the infection and thus support decisions to gradually open society, and will partially support appropriate behavior among citizens that can reduce the spread of the infection.

Meet the mathematical model according to which the Danes go to the opening for the coronavirus.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Denmark

Norway

On April 7, Norway announced a gradual easing of restrictions on measures due to the crown, and opened its kindergartens on April 20, and schools opened their doors on April 27. The ban on cultural, sporting and other events that do not meet the basic requirements for infection control will apply until June 15, 2020, and among them are church services due to the ban on all gatherings with more than 50 people.

April 20, 2020

Kindergartens are officially allowed to open, but those kindergartens that need more preparation for the official opening can start working on April 27.

April 27, 2020

Schools are open for the 1st to 4th grades of primary school

A school leisure program is also opening

High schools are open

Universities, colleges and vocational schools are open to some students and staff

Students and employees in employment positions who are in the final stages of studies and projects and who are completely dependent on the equipment in the educational institution, can return to universities, colleges and vocational schools from April 27.

Other measures

Parents who cross state borders for contact with minor children should not be quarantined in the usual way. This is implemented quickly.

The ban on cultural and sporting and other events that do not meet the basic requirements for infection control will apply until June 15.

Hospitals must prepare for normal work after Easter

Schools from 5th to 10th grade will continue to be closed and students will be given homes

High schools and colleges will continue to close, with exceptions announced for April 7th

A maximum of five people can be together, except for people who live together every day

Avoiding the use of public transport and avoiding unnecessary leisure travel are encouraged

Visits to nursing homes and other institutions for vulnerable groups are not allowed

Most dining areas will be closed, with the exception of those serving food and may adhere to the rules of a distance of at least two meters between guests and those serving and meet other basic infection control requirements.

Numerous public services have been closed, such as passports, police public services, libraries, etc.

Stricter border control - foreigners without a residence permit in Norway will be expelled from the border

Visualization of coronavirus data in Norway

Sweden

Sweden has adopted milder measures to combat the spread of coronavirus than most other European countries. It has not closed restaurants and bars, churches, primary schools or kindergartens, and secondary schools and colleges hold distance teaching. All public gatherings with more than 50 people are prohibited, remote work and measures of physical distance everywhere are recommended.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Sweden

Netherlands

The Dutch government has eased its coronavirus protection measures by allowing all primary and preschool children to return to schools and kindergartens on May 11th. Class size and school hours are halved, and students spend the remaining 50 percent of their time through "distance learning." High schools can start preparing for reopening only from June 2, if there is no epidemic in primary schools and kindergartens during the intervention period. The Dutch government has decided to extend most of its preventive measures. Currently, all public gatherings are prohibited, except for weddings, funerals and religious gatherings where there can be a maximum of 30 people, at an individual distance of 1.5 meters. From April 29, children and young people have more space for organized sports and outdoor games (without official competitions). Children up to the age of 12 can exercise together under supervision. All bars, cafes, restaurants and casinos are closed until May 20th. Below is an overview of what remains closed:

From May 11, 2020, classes will be split in half to limit the size of the class, accordingly, children will continue to physically attend school for approximately 50% of regular hours.

All high schools, universities and other educational institutions should be closed by May 20, 2020.

All bars, cafes, restaurants and casinos were closed until April 28, 2020.

Sports clubs should be closed by May 20, 2020, although they are allowed to continue sports training for children and youth. Official matches and competitions will not be resumed.

Gyms, saunas, sex clubs and cafes should be closed until May 20, although cafes are allowed to remain open to collect orders.

All hairdressing salons, nail salons, driving schools and other companies that provide services where close contact between individuals is unavoidable should be closed by May 20, 2020. The exception applies to some paramedical services (e.g. physiotherapy, dental care).

All events (regardless of the number of participants) must be canceled by September 1, 2020. Certain exceptions apply, including funerals and church weddings.

From April 29, people over the age of 70 and older people living independently can be regularly visited by one or two permanent residents.

Visualization of coronavirus data in the Netherlands

Hungary

The second phase of easing epidemic control began on May 4th. Schools remain closed until the end of May, and gatherings with more than 500 people will be banned until August 15. Lt. Col. Róbert Kiss drew attention to the fact that curfew provisions remain in force in Budapest and Pest County. In other counties there may be open shops, restaurant gardens, terraces, beaches, open-air museums and zoos. The rules on the limited working hours of shops do not apply to the services of hairdressers and beauticians, but providers and recipients of services are required to comply with hygiene rules. Also, everyone is required to wear a scarf or medical mask that covers their mouth and nose in stores and public transportation. As for the safety distance to be observed in restaurants, the lieutenant colonel said that a government decree prescribes a safety distance of one and a half meters between two people as a general measure of protection. All church celebrations and public gatherings are currently banned until further notice.

Croatia and Hungary have agreed to ease the measures of crossing the common border, which apply to those citizens of the two countries who reside in the border area at a depth of 30 km from the border or are employed by a company based in the area. They are allowed to cross the border every day, ie when there is a need to cross, with mandatory self-isolation in their own home upon return. As of March 31, it is applied at all road border crossings between Croatia and Hungary. Mitigation of the introduced health measures applies only to those citizens of the two countries who have a justifiable reason to cross the border for work considered important for the economy, as well as to those who can prove that they have agricultural land in the territory of another country to perform agricultural work. As of March 17, foreign nationals cannot enter Hungary while Hungarian citizens are allowed to enter. Restriction applies to all boundaries.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Hungary

Italy

Italy, one of the worst-hit countries in the pandemic with nearly 29,000 dead and more than 210,000 infected, began easing its measures as of Monday, May 4th. The construction and manufacturing sector continues to operate, and bars and restaurants can reopen. People are allowed to exercise outdoors and visit loved ones. Parks and cemeteries are also reopening, and funerals can be held with a small number of people. Also, the government promised further openings this month if the contagion curve remains low, and on April 25 announced that all organized events are suspended across state territory as well as events in public or private places, including those of cultural, recreational, sports, religious and fair nature, even if held indoors but open to the public (such as cinemas, theaters, pubs, dance schools, playrooms, bookmakers and bingo halls, discos and similar venues). Further concessions are not expected until mid-May, including the opening of shops, restaurants and hair salons.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Italy

France

The first children to return to school on May 11 are children in the first and fifth grades of elementary school. Kindergartens and shops were also opened on the same date. The rest of the elementary school class will return on May 18, and as for the high schools, it will be decided whether to reopen or not at the end of May, depending on the situation at the time. France declared quarantine on March 17, and restaurants, cafes, hotels and cinemas will remain closed. Until further notice, arrivals from European countries are prohibited. Although Catholics are becoming impatient, the government believes religious services must remain suspended until June at the earliest.

It closes the French borders and restricts the mobility of its citizens. They are allowed out of their homes only for basic needs. The army will transport the sick to hospitals. EU citizens can leave France by land and pass through France as transit. Individual, smaller border crossings are closed.

Visualization of coronavirus data in France

Spain

Although the number of new coronavirus cases rose to 0.6 percent in Spain on Tuesday, the lowest daily rate since the outbreak of the pandemic, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the extension of the state of emergency until May 25 and said the country would not return to normal until late June. , despite partially easing its isolation measures on 13 April. The government intends to implement the complete abolition of measures in four phases, each lasting about two weeks. Measures are currently being eased for some economic activities, including construction and manufacturing, as they sink deeper into the economic crisis as they seek to address the health crisis. On Sunday, April 26, children were allowed to walk and play outside for the first time since mid-March.

Spain has closed its borders to all citizens who do not have citizenship or a residential address in that country.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Spain

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday (April 27th) that it was too early to ease restrictions on coronavirus measures because a second wave would be catastrophic. Meanwhile, Scotland will have to learn to “live together” with the coronavirus, with some social distancing measures in place next year. Churches are closed until further notice for public worship, private prayer and all other church activities. The UK could maintain social distance by the end of 2020.

Number of coronavirus deaths in the UK

Vizualization of coronavirus data in the UK

Ireland

Ireland decided on 10 April to extend until 5 May a measure restricting the movement of residents as part of the fight against covid-19. Ireland closed schools on March 12, and as of March 27, residents were ordered not to leave their homes. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he would monitor how the easing of measures was reflected in Denmark, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Visualization of coronavirus data in Ireland

Croatia

In accordance with the decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, as of 11 May, Croatia entered the third phase of easing measures. This phase enabled the opening of primary schools for children from the first to the fourth grade, as well as kindergartens. Whether preschoolers and students from first to fourth grade will return to schools and kindergartens depends solely on the parents. Currently, the number of children per class is not prescribed, but the obligation to keep a physical distance in a classroom of two meters is prescribed. In addition to schools and kindergartens, it is possible to gather up to 40 people instead of five, as well as the work of shopping centers, restaurants (restaurants and cafes), national parks and nature parks and rehearsals of artists and cultural workers, individually and in small groups. The decision to ban leaving the place of residence and permanent residence, the so-called e-passes, is repealed. There are also changes in public transport where intercity road public transport of passengers, intercity transport of persons in railway transport, as well as bus and railway stations for intercity transport are re-established.

Regarding border crossing, the intention is primarily to enable cross-border economic activity, business meetings and investment in Croatia, and the Croatian Institute of Public Health has issued detailed recommendations for Croatian and foreign nationals regarding border crossing. Citizens will also be able to enter for some necessary private activities, such as attending the funeral of a family member.

From May 4, the second phase of easing measures began, which envisages the gradual reactivation of the health system and the start of work in activities in which close contact is established, such as hairdressers, barbers and pedicurists. The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has issued detailed recommendations aimed at preventing and combating the epidemic, which regulate their work in detail.

As part of the gradual reactivation of the health system, operative programs and diagnostic-therapeutic procedures were resumed, which were postponed since mid-March. Minister of Health Vili Beroš announced that the waiting lists will be updated, and all patients will be informed about the new appointments. Coordination with primary care physicians will be strengthened to ensure that preoperative preparation of patients is as short as possible. It will also strengthen services through day hospitals and one-day surgeries and organize outpatient work by ordering patients at specific times, to reduce time spent in waiting rooms. The work will be done in two shifts, from 8 am to 8 pm, and on weekends if necessary, the minister announced.

Believers can go to Mass again from May 2, and a non-working Sunday has been temporarily introduced with the exception of on-duty small shops.

Recall that the first phase of easing measures against coronavirus began on April 27, where all stores started operating, except those within shopping centers and all service activities, except those that involve close contact with customers. Urban and suburban transport lines and lines with islands not connected by ferries have been reintroduced. Cultural institutions such as libraries are being opened, and top athletes are starting to train again, while it is possible to conduct state professional exams for priority students.

Also, on April 24, a new version of the instructions for catering facilities was issued, which allows work for: pubs, buffets, taverns and taverns in compliance with all anti-epidemic measures and strict measures.

Some good visualizations of the pandemic in Croatia