April 24, 2020 - Croatian athletes of the first two individual categories and the senior teams competing in the highest rank can start training again from Monday, April 27.

24 Sata writes that Croatian athletes and clubs have finally received the go-ahead from the Croatian Government that their sporting activities can begin again.

Croatian athletes of the first two individual categories and senior teams competing in the highest rank can start training again from April 27, concluded Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after the session of the Croatian Government on Thursday.

Thus, on Monday, the top football teams in the country could start preparations for the season to continue. As the first calendar option failed, two more calendar options remain. One is to start the championship on May 30, while the other is to continue the championship on June 13.

Croatian champion Dinamo welcomed the news, though little is known about the club's plan for training. It is only certain that there will be some activities on Monday (April 27) at Maksimir. The club is still awaiting a letter of all measures (or its publication on the official site), so the players and new staff will act in accordance with these provisions.

The situation will involve discussions with doctors and epidemiologists, as Dinamo does not know whether they will train in smaller or larger groups and maybe work individually. 

New coach Igor Jovicevic will start his adventure on the Dinamo bench in odd conditions, and the schedule and manner of training will depend on the instructions of the Government, doctors, and epidemiologists. In any case, everything will be much clearer by Monday.

On the other hand, Hajduk has been in good shape for a week already. The first-team players have been individually training at Poljud, each in their own term, with tasks assigned to them by the fitness trainers. As the situation with the virus stabilized, Hajduk was granted permission to train with multiple players in one group. So, as of Friday, Hajduk will train in a group of four players with coach Igor Tudor.

The four-member groups will alternate throughout the day at Poljud, but still with all the measures prescribed by the Civil Protection Headquarters. Players will always train in the same groups. The whole team could train together only once the coronavirus is fully under control.

Rijeka has been training at Rujevica for several days. The training is organized in several groups, followed from the stands by trainer Simon Rozman who returned from Slovenia several days ago and has to quarantine. The club, therefore, provided him and his assistant with accommodation in President Mišković's office.

This news has undoubtedly pleased Croatian athletes, including the Sinkovic brothers and the best Croatian gymnast Tin Srbic. Martin and Valent had been rowing on the ergometer on their balconies for more than five weeks, awaiting permission to train. While the citizens of Zagreb were walking around Jarun in peace, the Civil Protection Headquarters did not allow the Sinkovic brothers to train. 

"We'll switch to Jarun now. I can't wait to get in the boat. We haven't rowed for five weeks, so we'll have to get a feel for the pairs," said Martin Sinkovic, and Valent added:

"It feels like I haven't rowed for a year. I’m waiting for Monday to get into a normal training rhythm. A few days ago, we received the news that we would have the European Championship, and now we will be able to prepare."

Gymnast Tin Srbic has been improvising and maintaining form for weeks, but from Monday, he can finally go back to his favorite place - the gym! 

"I am glad that the decision was made and that we will be able to train normally. To me, the gym is everything, so I hope there will be new competitions at the end of the year to represent your country," Srbic told RTL.

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

22. travanj, 2020 - 500 godina stara procesija Za Križen na Hvaru, koju je zaštitio i UNESCO, jedan je od rijetkih događaja koji su se ovoga mjeseca održali u Hrvatskoj. Pročitajte intervju s križonošom iz Vrbnja, Matteom Bratanićem i zavirite iza kulisa ovog događaja.

1943. godine talijanski fašisti ograničili su procesiju na samo 12 osoba po mjestu, a 1944. ona je održana u izbjegličkom kampu u pustinji Sinai u Egiptu. Procesija Za Križen koja se održava na Hvaru od 1510. godine 2009. je godine uvrštena na popis nematerijalne baštine UNESCO-a sastoji se od šest istovremenih procesija iz Jelse, Pitvi, Vrisnika, Vrbnika, Svirča, Vrbnja i Vrboske koje prate bosonogog križonošu dok kroz noć hoda preko 25 kilometara na hodošašću u molitvi. I dok je većina drugih događanja u Hrvatskoj ovoga mjeseca otkazana, Za Križen je kontroverznom odlukom dopušteno da se održi, iako u ograničenim okolnostima. Dok svake godine stotine ili čak tisuće ljudi sudjeluju u procesijama, Za Križen 2020 je bila ograničena na samo 15 osoba po procesiji.

TCN je bio jedan od rijetkih svjedoka procesije Za Križen 2020. Detaljan opis događanja možete pročitati u našem članku  an see our detailed account in Jelsa Za Križen, Hrvatska nije Wuhan, i osjećaj kabinske groznice.

Pa, kako je bilo nositi križ tijekom najčudnije godine procesije Za Križen, i kako je to sve izgledalo iza kulisa? Zahvalan sam križonoši iz Vrbnja Matteu Brataniću na ovom fascinantnom i detaljnom izvještaju o procesiji, pripremama za nju i onome što je nakon nje slijedilo, iz perspektive jednoga od šest muškaraca koji su nosili križ. 

Za početak nam recite, kada ste se prijavili  da budete križonoša za Vrbanj? Prije koliko vremena?

Zapravo, nisam se sam prijavio da budem križonoša. To je učinio moj pokojni djed 2000. godine, kada je moj stric, dr. Andre Bratanić nosio križ. Tada sam imao 14 mjeseci. Nažalost, moj djed koji me prijavio preminuo je u rujnu prošle godine, tako da nije dobio prigodu vidjeti kako sam mu ispunio želju.

Kako bi pripreme za procesiju izgledale normalne godine?

Kako se mentalno i fizički pripremiti za takvo nešto?

Kako su izgledale rasprave o tome kako nastaviti, koliko je blizu bila odluka da se sve otkaže?

Drugdje u Hrvatskoj bilo je mnogo ljutnje što je dozvoljeno da se održi procesija Za Križen. Što kažete na to?

Kako je izgledala procesija kada je konačno krenula?

Vaša obitelj i stanovnici Vrbnja učinili su krasnu gestu za žrtve potresa u Zagrebu. Ispričajte nam više o akciji 'Varbonj za Zagreb'.

I kako se sad osjećate, kada je proteklo dva tjedna od procesije? Sigurno je to za vas bilo posebno emocionalno vrijeme.

(Fascinantan prilog Hvar TV-a s križonošom iz Pitvi 2012)

ZAGREB, April 23, 2020 - The Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) on Thursday welcomed the government's plan to relax restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak, saying that clear guidelines were needed from epidemiologists and that solutions should be devised to boost the economy.

"Today's decision by the government provides a clear direction for intensifying business activities and for a return to work as a precondition for generating revenues and providing funds for workers' wages," the HUP said in a statement.

HUP director-general Davor Majetić appealed for clear and unequivocal instructions on safe work procedures to be given to employers as soon as possible.

"Businesses need precise instructions so that they can do all that is necessary to be able to operate in new conditions and in accordance with guidelines from epidemiologists," Majetić said, adding that this would enable resumption of business activity without a threat of penalties and business closures over unclear interpretations of guidelines.

"We think it is important that together with the government we ensure that the required measures are applicable and practicable," Majetić said.

He also mentioned the need to create conditions and solutions that would boost the economy next year. Citing conservative estimates according to which 300,000 people would be out of work by the end of the year, Majetić said: "That's why solutions need to be urgently devised to provide a stronger boost to the economy."

The HUP proposed nine measures to revive the economy: maintain liquidity for businesses, carry out an urgent analysis of parafiscal levies to reduce the highest ones at least for a specific period of time, reorganise public administration and the territorial structure of the country, digitise government services, reform labour legislation, resume public procurement procedures, increase private sector investment, improve cooperation between local businesses and local government, ensure that VAT is charged on settlement, and increase self-sufficiency in food and medicines.

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) also welcomed the government's decision to gradually relax the measures imposed over the coronavirus epidemic, saying that this would slowly bring the economy back to life.

"We need to be very careful because everything we have done can quickly go down the drain. I believe that with responsible behaviour we can show that the economy and public health can go hand in hand," HGK president Luka Burilović said.

The HGK said it was pleased that its proposal had been accepted and that all retail shops would reopen as of Monday, but added that shopping malls should have been allowed to reopen too. It also mentioned the acceptance of its suggestion that public transport be restored so that workers could travel to work.

Burilović said that the government should consider allowing all hospitality businesses to resume work under strict conditions as of May 11 so that they would not have to lay off people. "Their reopening could save at least a bit of the tourist season, although we are aware that (the tourism industry) will take a long time to recover," he said.

More economy news can be found in the Business section.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 23rd of April, 2020, the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) welcomes the government's plan to relax the current anti-epidemic measures and allow for the opening of more extensive business activities, as this is an important step on the road to the country's economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, which is still being carefully monitored.

''Today's decision from the government provides a clear direction for the intensification of business activities and people's return to their jobs, which is a prerequisite for generating income and securing funds for workers' wages. Additionally, an important dimension is this psychological moment for all of us, in which we've been given a clear indication that the situation is getting better,'' they said in a statement.

"We urge employers to receive clear and unambiguous instructions on how to engage in their work safely, and as soon as possible. Precise instructions are needed for companies to be able to do whatever is necessary to operate in these new conditions, in accordance with the instructions of the epidemiologists. In this way, the conditions that guarantee the safety of employees, as well as of clients, customers and consumers, and the continuation of economic activity without the threat of fines and closures due to possible unclear interpretations, will be ensured quickly. We think that it's important for us, together with the government, to ensure that the measures that are being sought are applicable and practicable,'' said HUP's Davor Majetic.

HUP also urged the Croatian Government to draw up, as soon as possible, criteria according to which epidemiological indicators will allow for the re-opening of prohibited sectors. Based on this criteria, businesses will be able to monitor the situation and prepare for a possible re-start. In addition, when the government publishes such sector-specific guidance, business owners will be able to assess whether it is possible for them to operate profitably or sustainably at all under such conditions.

Autumn will more than likely be met with a large number of unemployed people across Croatia, we need urgent measures to address this.

With this anti-coronavirus measure relaxation phase, the strong focus of HUP's efforts are focused on measures to stimulate the economy again and launch a new economic cycle as Croatia now needs to create the preconditions and solutions for economic momentum in the coming year. Conservative estimates predict that by the end of the year, there will be 300,000 unemployed people in Croatia, so solutions to boost the economy are urgently required.

Here are nine essential prerequisites that HUP proposes to revitalise the domestic economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:

The maintaining of company liquidity

The urgent analysis of all para-fiscal levies - reducing the fees for who pay the most, urgently, and for at least a fixed amount of time, and then permanently reducing and eliminating fees where it is possible when further analysis is carried out

The reorganisation of public administration and territorial organisation of the state

The digitisation of the state

A change to Croatia's labour legislation

Continued procurement and public investment processes

The strengthening of private sector investment and better cooperation between local entrepreneurs/businesses and local government units

The payment of VAT upon realisation

The issue of self-sufficiency to be taken as a national security issue, primarily in regard to food and medicine

The strategic development of the food and medicine industry in Croatia to achieve a higher level of self-sufficiency in general

As a result, HUP will continue to talk intensively with the Croatian Government in order to prepare everyone together to re-start the Croatian economy

For more on coronavirus in Croatia, follow our dedicated section.

April 23, 2020 - The Croatian Government presented a three-phase plan to loosen coronavirus measures in Croatia. 

Index.hr reports that at 13:15 on Thursday, the Croatian Government session began.

In his opening statement, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic mentioned this morning's earthquake in Zagreb. He says the government is working on a law to help anyone who has suffered from the earthquake. He also recalled yesterday's commemoration in Jasenovac.

"We have once again condemned these crimes,” he said.

He then spoke about the coronavirus. He recalled that it had been almost two months since it was first found in Croatia.

"Today it has spread to the whole world, half the population is living in reduced movement. The number of infected people has jumped from 80,000 to over two and a half million," Plenkovic said.

"2800 people died in the US yesterday, more than in the World Trade Center attack. By the end of next week, the death toll of Americans could exceed the death toll in the Vietnam War," Plenkovic said.

"Europe is the worst hit," he added, saying that 60 percent of all deaths are in Europe.

"In our country, the epidemiological situation is under control. Despite minor fluctuations, the trend has been declining for the past two weeks," he said. He says at no point was the number of new cases over 100.

"The coefficient that measures how much one person infects others has fallen below one. Today, it is below 0.8 and was 2.5. Therefore, we can gradually launch a range of social and economic activities. But that does not mean that we can immediately return to our old ways,” he said.

"This virus requires the vigilance of all of us," he added.

Plenkovic presented loosening measures in three phases:

"What we are going to present today must come with strict measures.

Phase 1 begins on Monday, April 27: [The ability to] work will be provided to all entities engaged in trade activities except those operating within shopping centers.

We will make work possible for anyone engaging in service activities, except for those who have close contact with people.

Public city and suburban lines will be introduced. Libraries and museums will open. The training of athletes in the highest rank of competitions is allowed. Only priority groups of students will have the ability to take the state graduation exam.

Phase 2, May 4: The health system will be fully operational except for exceptions decided by epidemiologists. The private healthcare system will operate.

Work will be provided to the businesses of related industries where close contact is established. These are beauticians, hairdressers, pedicurists...

Phase 3, May 11: Meetings of up to ten people will be allowed, shopping centers will be open, preschools will be open, classes from grades 1-4 will be provided and children with disabilities who have a teaching assistant will be able to undergo their education.

Laboratory training will be allowed. Inter-county lines will be introduced. Catering facilities will open exclusively on terraces. Catering facilities in accommodation units will be provided for accommodation users," he said.

"The state graduation will be June 8-29," Plenkovic added.

IN DETAIL:

PHASE 1 - April 27, 2020

- Ability to work for all business entities engaged in trade, except those operating within shopping centers

- Continuation of work to all business entities engaged in service activities, except those in which close contact with customers is observed, respecting physical distance measures (for example, carpenter, tailor, locksmith, travel agencies, photo studio)

- Introduction of public city and suburban transport lines and express lines for islands not connected by ferry

- Libraries, museums, galleries, antiques and bookstores to open

- Facilitating training of athletes I and II. categories in individual sports and senior sports teams competing in the highest level of competition

- Facilitating the state professional exam for priority groups of students

PHASE 2 - May 4, 2020

- Enabling the full operation of the public health system, with the exception of exceptions in line with the Ministry of Health measures

- Enabling the full operation of the private health system, with due regard for specific epidemiological measures

- Ability to work for all business entities engaged in service activities in which close contact with clients is observed, with respect to specific epidemiological measures (for example, hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicurists)

PHASE 3 - May 11, 2020

- Gatherings of up to 10 people in one place allowed, while respecting physical distance measures

- Facilitating the operation of shopping malls while respecting specific epidemiological measures

- Facilitating the work of preschools and elementary classes from grades 1-4 and special classes and working with children with disabilities who have a teaching assistant

- Laboratory, artistic and clinical exercises and practical work allowed in small groups in higher education

- Introduction of inter-county and domestic air services

- Allowing catering facilities to work exclusively in outdoor areas and terraces

- Allowing catering facilities to work in accommodation facilities only for users of accommodation services

- Operation of national and nature parks allowed

- Expanding opportunities for issuing e-passes

Mass from May 2

"We have decided to allow religious gatherings from May 2," he said.

"Religious gatherings will be allowed from May 2, for which precise recommendations and instructions from epidemiologists will be made," Plenkovic said.

"In the end, I want to say that we have shown that our priority is protecting life and health. It is also our job to make the economy work. We've made it possible to retain jobs. From next week on, many will reactivate their businesses," he said.

About opening borders

"I believe we will learn to live with this virus. We will find solutions with our partners in Europe. So we'll be in a position to move towards opening the borders as well. We'll find solutions in the coming weeks that will be mutually agreed upon and which will be safe," he said.

About tourism

Plenkovic also spoke about the tourist season:

"This morning and throughout this week, I interviewed colleagues whose citizens love Croatia. All colleagues would like us to find a model in the coming weeks on how to allow borders to open and allow people to come," Plenkovic said. He talked to Kurz, Janša, and Orban. He added that Angela Merkel also supports this.

"It's a government obligation," he said.

"If two countries are in a similar epidemiological situation, if they're fighting equally well, we will find a solution so you can travel. So that Slovenians can go to Croatia and Croats can go to Slovenia. Others have the same desires. We will look for a solution and then the season can be worked out. Clearly, it can't be a record season like the last three," Plenkovic said.

About e-passes

"The reasons why they can be issued will be expanded. They will remain in function, but the scope will be increased with the epidemiological picture. As far as trade is concerned, HZJZ will make recommendations."

He explained that if someone from Krapina goes to the sea, they will get a pass. So, he said, they will remain, but they will be easier to issue.

"We're not running. We are loosening the measures as much as we can with the utmost caution," he said.

The measures were unanimously adopted.

More soon...

Follow our live updates on the corona crisis in Croatia 

ZAGREB, April 23, 2020 - The opposition Civil and Liberal Alliance (GLAS) has called for the payment of full wages for people in self-isolation rather than HRK 4,250 (€560) a month as is now the case.

The party has put forward amendments to the Compulsory Health Insurance Act proposing that people ordered into self-isolation because of the current coronavirus pandemic be paid the full amount of their wages. It also suggested that organ donors on sick leave also be paid their full pay.

"We don't expect the government to accept our proposal. The coronavirus has brought about many changes, but it hasn't brought about one change and that is that the opposition's proposals are accepted," GLAS leader Anka Mrak Taritaš told a press conference in Parliament on Thursday.

GLAS MP Goran Beus Richembergh said that "the call by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for us to weather this crisis together is hypocritical and a pack of lies because the ruling parties haven't considered or accepted any of the proposals put forward by opposition parties."

"All the ruling parties are doing and saying is geared towards the forthcoming elections," Richembergh said.

A similar proposal was recently made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as well.

Mrak Taritaš also commented on the consequences of a strong earthquake that struck Zagreb and its environs on March 22, saying that nothing had been done.

"The prime minister can't keep his eyes firmly shut while going around the town and not see that, and Mayor Milan Bandić, instead of handing out building material, could at least have had the streets swept and washed and the rubble taken away," she said.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

April 23, 2020 - Maslina Resort is a five-star boutique hotel, slated to open this year in Maslinica Bay on the island of Hvar, just minutes away from the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad.

While health and safety should always be at the forefront of the hospitality industry, in the corona era, this has never been more true. 

Thus, a new luxury resort on Hvar Island is getting ahead of the game by introducing a Health & Safety Leader to their team just in time for its opening this year. 

TCN caught up with the Communication Specialist of Maslina Resort, Matko Kovacevic, to learn more.

UPDATES HAVE MOVED TO THIS LINK DUE TO THE SIZE OF THIS ARTICLE

April 27, 2021 - A Croatia COVID-19 overview of the latest health, travel and stats news on the coronavirus crisis, with live updates in English, powered by Index.hr.

There are currently 2039 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 9 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 1166 patients have recovered. Fifty-nine people have died. 21 patients are on ventilators. There are 814 active cases.

You can now track the progress of the curve of cases and recoveries on the official koronvirus.hr homepage. (You can also follow it into the English version here, which has less content but covers the essential information).

Note that koronavirus.hr is now mapping cases by county instead of town/city. Koronavirus.hr will update their map after the 14:00 CET daily press conference.

Index also has a very useful breakdown of cases by town and city. Please note that these numbers may not correspondent to the total number, as the locations of some cases are usually confirmed later. We will update this information as we get it. 

Index has now added two more stat counters - unemployment numbers and a more detailed look at the curve with new cases by day. 

You can see many more detailed charts regarding COVID-19 in Croatia on the Velebit.ai website.

More than 207,000 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China. Over 3,000,000  cases have been confirmed globally. USA has the highest number of recorded cases (987,322) and has now overtaken Italy the highest number of deaths (55,415) deaths.

UPDATED: April 27, 2020 - 08:00 CET - With apologies in advance if the translations are not perfect. With very limited resources and plenty of pressure, we are trying to get the updates done as quickly as possible, so a little help from Google Translate is necessary. We thank you for your understanding. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to lack of resources, rather than the live feed service so far, we will be updating this page in the morning by 08:30, then again at 11:30, then real-time updates of the press conference at 14:00, then again at 18:00. We thank you for your understanding.

18:05: Why does "our friend Vili" assure us there is no culprit for the 12 dead in a nursing home? More on Index

17:30: Merchants have been adding losses instead of earnings and deducting one business day for a month and a half, with the additional costs and reduced number of customers they may have in their stores at one time, it will be hard to hit.

"To be polite, I am very skeptical of convincing this measure to have an epidemiological footing," Slobodan Skolnik, CEO of Emmezeta, told Index. His business dropped more than 85 percent, regardless of all the goods they sold through the online store. 

16:20: Istria is working on a plan to open borders. More on Index

15:40: Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said that at the EU level there must be a common plan to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which would include, among other things, the adoption of a common travel protocol and a kind of "Covid-19 passport".

Cappelli said this at the National and University Library after a video conference of EU member states' tourism ministers on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, held at the initiative of the Croatian minister of tourism, as part of Croatia's EU presidency. 

15:20: "As epidemiologists do not know how long the panemic will last, whether there will be a second wave if there is one, when it will be, neither can economists give a relevant forecast of exactly what will happen to the economy. We know it will be quite dramatic," economist analyst and director of Archivalytics Velimir Sonja told HRT's program Together for Health on HRT 4. 

14:50: Trade union representatives have announced sharp opposition to employers' demand for urgent changes to the Labor Law (ZOR), for which they are seeking government support, while the HUP points out that the changes are necessary because of the "gray zone".

Ahead of a meeting of the Economic and Social Council (GSV) convened for trade unions, President of the Independent Croatian Trade Unions Kresimir Sever told reporters at the National University Library building that the topic of the meeting was relaxinng coronavirus protection measures.

But, he says, it is quite certain that, given the barrage of employers' fire, the topic of ZOR changes will also be opened. He announced, the unions will "shut it down immediately."

"Of course there is no chance for them to pass what they are looking for, because they have already asked for it and agreed with the government when preparing a bill that would repeal ZOR, as well as collective agreements, rules of employment, contracts of employment."

14:26: Entrepreneur replies to Ribic: He must be grateful that we give him a comfortable and warm armchair. 

14:25: Bozinovic spoke about allegations of politicization of the headquarters. More on Index

14:30: Archbishop of Split-Makarska Msgr. Marin Barisic reported today that due to the coronavirus pandemic, on the feast of the patron saint of Split and the Split-Dalmatia County, on May 7, there will be no traditional procession and mass celebration on the waterfront.

14:20: HDZ claims that Alemka Markotic's video was never removed from Kolinda TV. 

14:00: National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference: 

"We have 9 new cases, a total of 2039 cases in Croatia. We tested 32817 in the last 24 hours.

As of yesterday, four patients have died, in Koprivnica, in Zagreb, and two in Split. Everyone suffered from serious illnesses, one person was breathing on a ventilator."

Božinović on the first day

"Civil protection inspections are touring the premises and all our initial information says that generally measures are respected and if something is identified as a deficiency it is immediately addressed."

What about festivals? What about the Jakuševac fair, the opening of Hrelić, and the like?

"October Fest is a huge festival with millions of visitors from all over the world coming to Europe. We can't confirm or deny it at the moment, it depends on the epidemiological situation, but whoever wants to plan something in the long run, it's better not to plan something like that, if something is short-term it can wait. I would recommend not planning if something is maintained for six months, it is impossible to know."

"About Hrelc, for the time being we will not discount the measures relating to such events. It will be somewhere near the end of loosening the measures if the situation allows."

About the election

"For 2 months we have been communicating the situation with new infections, a new virus that has spread to the whole world, we have been giving very precise information on how to organize life all for the purpose of protecting health and life, and now we have entered a new phase, a phase of relinquishing in which this headquarters has a more delicate role as well. We will be monitoring day by day how the situation is evolving, to no longer returning to those restrictive solutions."

About recreational sports

"We take care of the recreationalists and I assure you that they will be back very soon. We will prescribe everything for them too, we have to do it in phases and slowly. We can discuss a lot, is tennis a contactless sport? If you sneeze at the ball, throw it opponent and he takes it in his hand ... Whoever thinks they can help can send us an email."

What about masks?

"Surgical masks are disposable, and surgeons change them every two hours. We had a spare variant to sterilize the masks but luckily we were able to procure additional quantities. As for cotton, they can be reused. They do not provide 100% protection, but these masks prevent the drops from spreading and are useful not to spread droplets, but it does not stop the virus," Capak replied.

About the second wave

"There are different scenarios. You know that the older brother of the corona suddenly disappeared, but he had different symptoms. He only spread when there were symptoms, this is a more vicious virus, spreading without symptoms. If the virus returns with the same characteristics after the summer, it is very likely that there will be another wave. But then we will already know some things maybe. If something doesn't change with the virus we can expect a second wave," Capak said.

About schools

"We make recommendations, we have a finished version, we have not yet communicated with the Ministry, when we do that, then we will say something more. I will give it tomorrow. The recommendations will not elaborate on all the details and all the possibilities that exist."

About the nursing home in Split

"I doubt I can comment on the activities of the Split headquarters. I think they should do a little retrospection. Last week, the WHO said that more than half of the deaths were related to homes. I really don't know. We have to be ready for anything. Everything we've done so far has been thoughtful and we wanted to get the best possible result. We were doing what we knew best," Beroš commented.

About working hours

"Those who work more than ten hours must have 2 shifts so that everything can be disinfected. We have made a decision about how it should work and that's it."

About sanitary certificates

"The sanitary cards will work. As for the so-called hygiene minimum, for those who can do it online, they can."

What about the BiH students who study and have to come to class?

"According to the current recommendations, they have to self-isolate after entering the Republic of Croatia, this can be addressed in other ways."

About corona passports for tourism

"We heard about the initiative and we discussed it. A positive blood antibody test means that a person has been in contact with the virus, but there is no guarantee that the person cannot get the infection. We are introducing serology tests and they will be able to be done very soon.

My thinking is that there is no scientific proof that the person who has the antibodies is not the spreader. We have people who are more than 30, 40 days positive, and we do not know if they are contagious. We don't even know why they have been so positive for so long, so we would ask you for a little more time," Capak replied.

13:43: According to the KBC Split report, received after the press release sent in the morning 27.4.2020, two older women died (one 89 years old and the other 97 years old). The deceased were residents of the Nursing Home on Vukovarska Street. In addition to several chronic diseases, they were also positive for COVID infection.

13:28: In the last 24 hours in Varaždin County, there are no new cases of the coronavirus infection. The total number of patients so far is 46, and the total number of recoveries is 30. There are 13 people undergoing treatment at the Varaždin General Hospital, and one patient was transferred to the Infectious Diseases Clinic "Dr. Fran Mihaljević ”to Zagreb. Statistically, there are 4 more people in Varazdin County who have only their registered place of residence here.

13:27: There are no new coronavirus patients in Brod-Posavina County, the county headquarters announced. So far, a total of 20 positive cases have been reported in the county, three have recovered and one has died.

13:23: In the last 24 hours there are no new cases in the County of Vukovar-Srijem, and two more have recovered, the Civil Protection HQ of that county announced. So far, 39 people have been infected and 10 have been cured.

13:14: In Karlovac County, there is one new case, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters. This is a person who has been placed in self-isolation before and is feeling well.

13:13: There are no new cases in the Sisak-Moslavina County area, county headquarters announced.

The isolation unit of General Hospital "Dr. Ivo Pedisic" in Sisak accommodates three patients and the rest are undergoing home treatment. Out of a total of 32 confirmed cases of infection to date, there are another 15 in the county with the coronavirus.

12:50: Vilim Ribic appeared on N1 Television. He reiterated that there was not really a single reason for the reduction of salaries in the public and state sectors. He argued that there was neither economic justification nor solidarity and that wage cuts were detrimental to the private sector and the entrepreneurs behind them. Ministers who meet with union representatives say that everyone except Maric is grinding the empty straw. More on Index

12:47: There are no coronavirus patients in Međimurje County and a favorable epidemiological situation is continuing, the County Civil Protection Headquarters said.

12:35: The Croatian Employers Association (HUP) believes that in order to pay salaries during the coronavirus pandemic and minimal business activity, the Labor Law urgently needs to introduce a provision on the state of emergency and simplify the substantive rights of workers in the conditions of reduced business activity. 

12:30: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Mayor Zlatko Komadina said at a news conference in Rijeka on Monday that the county was "optimistic about the relaxed measures this week" because there were no new coronavirus patients, and the number of cured and infected equaled.

12:15: Bandic holds a press conference, there were no new cases in Zagreb over the weekend. 

12:00: In the Osijek-Baranja County, there is one new case, and 116 people have been infected since the outbreak of the pandemic, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported Monday.

11:48: The County Civil Protection Headquarters announces a new coronavirus case in the County of Koprivnica-Križevci. According to epodravine, one person died at the hospital and is the first person to die of coronavirus in the county. Two new patients were infected and one has healed, said Chief Ratimir Ljubić. "Today, in the early morning, an 82-year-old woman with a number of illnesses and the coronavirus infection passed away. She had a number of comorbidities. She was not a nursing. home user," the director Devčić said.

11:40: According to currently available data, there are no new cases in Dubrovnik-Neretva County for the ninth day, and all 23 samples sent for analysis on Sunday are negative. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 1633 samples have been sent to Zagreb for analysis. As of today, 18 positive patients have been hospitalized, 11 are at the Infectious ward of the OB Dubrovnik Hospital, five are in a secondary facility or Student dormitory, and two are in the Intensive Care Unit. Of these, one patient was intubated. A total of 330 citizens are in self-isolation and no violations of the self-isolation have been identified in the last 24 hours. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a total of 22 cases of violations of self-isolation have been identified.

The Civil Protection Headquarters urges fellow citizens to continue to adhere to the prescribed measures in order to maintain a relatively favorable epidemiological picture.

11:32: According to the HZJZ Split-Dalmatia County, out of a total of 93 tests performed in the Split-Dalmatia County area, 4 new people were infected with the coronavirus, from Split 3 and Podstrana 1. In comparison to yesterday, another 27 recovered. So far, a total of 177 people have been cured.

None of the new cases are residents or staff members of nursing homes. Among the new infections, 3 are health professionals.

"112 people were hospitalized.

9 people are on ventilators, 7 from Split-Dalmatia County, and 2 from Šibenik-Knin County.

93 healthcare professionals are in self-isolation.

6 people are quarantined at the Hotel Zagreb in Duilovo.

So far, 471 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Split-Dalmatia County," Split-Dalmatia County reported.

10:46: Video in which Alemka Markotic praises Kolinda disappears from Kolinda TV. But Index has it 

10:44: Zadar County has no new cases.

10:32: On Kozari put VII, in Zagreb, a 61-year-old woman was silent about having the coronavirus and hung out with neighbors. More on Index

10:28: Bjelovar-Bilogora County has no new cases.

10:13: No new cases in Istria County.

10:12: A complete list of store opening hours. More on Index

9:50: ZET spokesman Domagoj Zeba said passengers were being held at regular intervals, most were wearing masks, and ZET was providing disinfectants. He added that there were enough lines for now, there were increased departures in the morning and afternoon when people were going to and from work, and he would monitor the situation, so if necessary he would increase the number of departures.

"At the entrance to the buses, except for the tickets, ZET employees also check that the citizens are adhering to the measures. There must be a distance, and a maximum of 50 people on the bus, and hands must be disinfected before boarding," Zeba explained.

Asked when tram traffic could be expected, he said they were working on it.

"All the professional services are on the field, the safety of the tracks and the level of vibration are checked. When the experts approve, then we will leave," he said. He added that the buses currently replacing the trams bypass Ban Jelacic Square.

9:30: It is the 27th day in Požega-Slavonia County with no new patients, and as of April 22nd, there is no confirmed positive person in the county. There are currently 264 people in self-isolation and a total of 313 people have been tested.

9:15: Virovitica-Podravina County has no new cases.

8:20: All libraries in the City of Zagreb, which are estimated to be safe after an earthquake, start working today during summer hours, and for now will only be possible to borrow and recover library materials. For more information on the opening hours of individual libraries, the online enrollment service, as well as all the news from Zagreb City Libraries, visit www.kgz.hr.

7:57: "An epidemiological framework can be prescribed and created for any event. For example, there can be a concert in the Arena with 100 visitors. The decision on whether and at what point to return students to schools and what students the Ministry of Education will make, and epidemiologists will take action as it has to. My personal opinion is that e-school is doing well," Capak reiterated.

7:52: "It is very clear at this point that the second phase will come. The situation with nursing homes and transmission in the general population is calming down, but I urge that the virus is still there and that we must comply with the measures," Capak warned.

"It is very difficult to define what must happen in order for measures to be lifted, we will discuss it every day, think about what to do. Maybe a new focal point will not be associated with loosening the measures ...," Capak said of eventually loosening measures.

7:48: A quarantine for the Udbina area has been lifted since midnight. The headquarters of Lika-Senj County have concluded that epidemiological conditions are now favorable but will continue to monitor the situation. There are currently no coronavirus infections in Lika-Senj.

7:46: About the masks

"There is an obligation on the health care system for masks. Masks are recommended for public transportation. We do not have a culture of wearing masks, and we consider the imposition of an obligation too strict at this point. We strongly recommend that masks be worn indoors," said Capak.

"We could not make recommendations earlier because we were waiting for the government to make a decision. As soon as the government made the decision, we finished all day by midnight, the next morning it went for review, and in the afternoon everything was uploaded to the web. We have everything for future measures in the drafts, people need to give their comments and after that, we will publish them," Capak said.

7:42: About trying out clothes

"If you touch an object or cough above it, or speak above it for a while, it could contain viral drops. It may be possible for someone, if it touches the hand and transmits it to the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes, to transmit the virus. We are talking about this theoretically because it is not written anywhere to be so. In addition, this coronavirus does not have specific tests for how long it can stand on some objects. We can say that between 48 and 72 hours the virus dies, that's for sure. If anyone has an innovative idea, let us know."

7:41: "We didn't invent the measures, they are there to protect us. We just had to prevent contact and movement of people," Trut said.

7:38: "It seems to me that ZET is well organized. All we need to do is continue: Appeal to citizens: we did not separate when anyone would travel, but those who don't go to work shouldn't travel on public transport during rush hour. If they have to do something, they should go after 8.30, 9. But it is still a recommendation - stay home," Capak said.

7:30: Krunoslav Capak, Damir Trut and Ljubica Romcevic-Zgela were guests on HRT4.

"I believe there will be no problem, because the citizens have been adhering to the measures so far. I think everyone will stick to the measures regardless of the greater mobility," Trut said.

"It is very difficult to predict where the problem might be, if citizens were to stick to the measures there should be no problem. I think everyone realized that the key measure was to reduce mobility and physical distance," Capak said.

"We have released intra-county traffic, but we are not thinking about letting inter-county traffic yet. We should not be embarrassed by the fact that we may be the best in Europe by numbers."

7:28: Spar has reported that all SPAR supermarkets and INTERSPAR hypermarkets throughout Croatia are open from Monday, April 27, from 7:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday. "In order to disinfect the sales space and ensure safe shopping, a break lasting from 2 pm to 3 pm was introduced for all our customers. From 7:30 am to 9 pm, all INTERSPAR hypermarkets in Arena Centar, City Center shopping malls also work One, Emmezeta, Garden Mall, Supernova, Tower Center and Marti Center in Rijeka, Zadar City Galleria and Mall of Split. "

Žgela said buses would not stop at the stations if it was crowded. A sort of summer timetable is in effect.

7:28: Emmezeta reported this morning that their centers, with the exception of Stupnik, will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

Emmezeta Stupnik remains temporarily closed with the possibility of personal pickup.

7:15: Zagreb runs buses instead of trams, controllers will keep an eye on the queue and tickets. 

7:05: Minister Davor Bozinovic commented on what would happen if the epidemiological situation worsened.

"I hope it won't happen, everything can be closed, because it's inevitable if it gets worse. We all have to do our best, keep to the instructions, not let the virus surprise us and go towards normalization," he said.

07:00: The first phase of loosening measures begins.

Starting Monday, all business entities operating in trade are allowed to work, except those operating within shopping centers.

The opening hours of shops, warehouses, wholesale markets, retail markets and other forms of sale of goods outside the store shall be determined in accordance with Article 57 of the Trade Act, as well as before the declared pandemic of COVID-19, except on Sundays, public holidays and non-working days, when it does not work.

In facilities where working hours are longer than 10 hours, it is obligatory to organize two hours of break, and the interruption of work may not be shorter than one hour in order to adequately clean and disinfect the shop and to replace workers.

Sundays, kiosks, bakeries, bread shops, and gas stations are exceptionally allowed.

Sundays, public holidays and non-working days are exceptionally allowed to operate kiosks, bakeries, bread and bakery stores, and gas station stores.

All shops and outlets are obliged to adhere to all general anti-epidemic measures and recommendations, employers must educate their employees about this, and the measure must be observed by customers.

It is possible to continue working for all business entities engaged in service activities, except for those in which close contact with clients is achieved, while respecting the measures of physical distance (eg carpenter, tailor, locksmith, travel agencies, photo studio).

The headquarters supplemented the Decision amending the Decision on the special mode of operation of the markets during the pandemic, and in addition to vegetables, honey and bee products and consumable eggs that could be sold would be added.

Wholesale of fruits, vegetables and flowers are also allowed from 5 to 8 in the morning. Markets will not be allowed to operate on Sundays.

Public city and suburban transport lines and high-speed lines for islands not connected by ferries are being introduced. More information on how to implement the measures can be found on the bus and tram link and the rail and ferry services.

Libraries, museums, galleries, antiques and bookstores can be accessed. More information on how to implement the measures can be found at the link for museums and libraries and antiques.

Training of athletes I and II are provided for categories in individual sports and senior sports teams competing in the highest level of competition. More information on how to implement the measures can be found on the sports link.

It is possible to conduct the state professional exams for priority groups of students.

06:50: Some of the latest TCN articles:

How Will Zagreb Public Transport Function as of Monday?

Coronavirus Measures: Hairdressers Explain Services They Will & Won't Offer

New Shipment with 68 Tonnes of Protective Gear Arrives in Croatia

Croatia Airlines Shares Schedule for Resumption of Domestic Flights

Coronavirus: How Long Can Government-Backed Logistics Sector Last?

06:40: Igor Rudan: 4 Strategies Available to Croatia for 3rd Stage of COVID-19 Crisis

06:35: The new numbers will be announced at the regular press conference at 14:00. 

06:30: Welcome to the TCN daily update on COVID-19. We start the day with 2030 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 14 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 1103 patients have recovered. Fifty-five people have died. 23 patients are on ventilators. There are 872 active cases.

(Live updates provided by Index)

Entry into Republic of Croatia

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

For the latest Croatia travel advice in these uncertain times, click here.

Social Distancing Measures Implemented

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

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

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

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• COVID-19 in Slovenia - here.
• COVID-19 in Montenegro - here

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

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

Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

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

Other Croatia Resources for Updates, Information and Assistance

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

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

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

UPDATES from April 26, 2020

17:30: Beros commented on the situation in the Split nursing home and the fact that no irregularities have been identified so far. More on Index

16:40: There are no new cases in Sisak-Moslavina County on Sunday, one patient recovered, and the County Civil Protection Headquarters urged all residents to act responsibly and in accordance with the epidemiological measures and recommendations of the National Headquarters.

"As we relax measures, we are reminded that epidemiological measures by the National HQ are still in force," the County Civil Protection Staff reported, urging all residents to carry out socially responsible behavior and consistently implement all recommendations and instructions by the National Headquarters.

16:30: The public garages operated by Zagrebparking will open on Monday, April 27, with the start of public city transport, the Zagreb Holding subsidiary reported on Sunday.

Zagrebparking announced that all citizens with confirmation that their facilities were damaged in the earthquake and that their residence in the parking toll zone would have the right to park free of charge in public garages: Tuškanac, Lang Square, Petrinjska, Gorica and in public garages in Novi Jelkovac.

They reminded that parking is still free in public city areas in the following districts: Donji grad, Gornji grad - Medveščak, Podsljeme, Gornja Dubrava and Sesvete.

They invited citizens whose cars were damaged in the earthquake and are not in a running condition to call tel: 01 6421888 or 091 4816 043 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Zagreb Holding Company will move their vehicle free of charge to a location in the City of Zagreb or to the parking of the Zagreb Fair, the statement said.

16:20: Quarantine is lifted in Udbina. More on Index

16:00: While not much is known yet, Capak gave some clues as to how the hair salons would work. More on Index

14:00: National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference:

In the last 24 hours, there are 14 new cases, and 2030 in total in Croatia. One fatality has been recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 55. There are 23 patients on ventilators. 

1103 people recovered, which is 69 more than yesterday, said Beros.

Markotic then spoke, saying that she saw that the situation was getting better, because there were also places for new patients at the Clinic in Zagreb.

"We have achieved good results both in the country and everywhere. We don't have new patients again. Let's do the first phase of new measures well, dictated and well thought out.

It is to be expected that if we behave well, this summer there will be fewer patients. But we have to be aware that this can be seasonal and we have to be careful.

In the fall we can have more patients again. We need to understand that these adopted measures will take longer to practice. We like to say that we are a small country for a great vacation and that will help us if we are disciplined. A lot of times in history we have been a small nation that has done great things, let’s show it again," she said.

About the Nursing Home in Split

There was a question about liability in the Split House.

"I said yesterday and I can reiterate that the Health Inspectorate did not find any deviations, but if other inspections determine something, they can act. You yourself know that the findings of the Ministry of Demography inspection are not finished and we need to wait," said Minister Beros.

Minister Bozinovic answered the question of banning work on Sunday.

"We do not live in normal times. At the recommendation of the epidemiologists, new measures have been taken, the opening hours are market-based, where it opens to people who work to supply themselves and everything we do, based on the recommendations of the experts, all in accordance with the authority of the headquarters," said Bozinovic.

A question was raised for service industries that have close contact with clients such as hairdressers and pedicures.

"I can't tell you all the details yet," Capak said. "In any case, since it is close contact, they will have to wear a mask. The robe will have to be disposable and the appliances will be disinfected after each customer. How many people they can handle at once will be determined. These craftspeople are in the second phase so we will come to terms and adjust," Capak said.

Bozinovic: Tomorrow we are opening a new phase of the fight against coronavirus

Minister Bozinovic said that tomorrow we are opening a new phase in the fight against the coronavirus.

"There will be more movement and new infections can occur. On the other hand, we are also thinking about how to allow citizens to normalize and take care every day that the epidemiological situation does not worsen. We can only win this fight by listening together. Tomorrow we do not return to life as it was before the pandemic. It will take a lot of information for the citizens, and it seems to me that we have succeeded in raising awareness about the danger and how we can slow down this virus and return to a normal life. So at this stage where there are more unknowns than perhaps the previous one, we have to do everything we can to avoid resorting to some measures that no one wants," he said.

Are there any instructions for religious observance? Capak said that instructions for religious sites had not yet been finalized.

Capak was also asked about the number of infected children and young people. He replied that this analysis is done every day. "For children ages 0 to 9 and 10 to 19, the total is 46, and 65 patients between 10 and 19," Capak said.

13:59: The headquarters of Sisak-Moslavina County announced that there are no new patients in that county.

"Today, in Sisak-Moslavina County, we have one patient who has been cured and there are no new patients with COVID-19. As we relax measures, we are reminded that epidemiological measures are still in force according to the instructions of the National Headquarters. It appeals to all residents to carry out socially responsible behavior and consistently implement all recommendations and instructions of the National Crisis Staff, " they reported.

12:54: "According to a report from KBC Split, which arrived after a press release in the morning of April 26, 2020, a male person born in 1951 passed away. In addition to several chronic illnesses, the person was also positive for the COVID-19 infection," the HQ later reported.

12:43: There are no new cases in the Zadar County area, the headquarters reported, so the total number of coronavirus infected people is 85.

As of today, 34 were cured, 20 of them were from the City of Zadar, five were cured from the City of Biograd, three from the Municipality of Sveti Filip i Jakov, two from the City of Benkovac and one each from the Municipality of Pakoštane, Preko, Kukljica and Škabrnja.

Since the outbreak of the infection, there have been 46 infected women and 39 men in the area, reports Zadarski.hr

12:41: The Zagreb County Civilian Protection Headquarters reported Sunday that no new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported in the past 24 hours.

"According to the Zagreb County Institute of Public Health, by Sunday, at 11 am, 127 people were coronavirus-positive," the county headquarters said in a statement.

This is the fifth day with no new patients.

12:23: There are no new coronavirus patients in Lika-Senj County for the eighth consecutive day.

The Civil Protection Headquarters of Lika-Senj County concluded that favorable epidemiological conditions for lifting the quarantine for the Udbina settlement area had been obtained. The HQ will continue to monitor the situation in Udbina very closely, and if the epidemiological situation deteriorates, certain epidemiological measures may be taken again. The e-pass system remains mandatory for persons in the Udbina settlement area.

12:21: In the area of ​​Primorje-Gorski Kotar County there are no new patients today.

"Again, we have a series of 5 days in a row with no new cases. The previous, last week, a series of 6 negative days was interrupted by just one day with two newly diagnosed patients. So far we have 34 people who were cured while 36 are still infected. Gorski Kotar and the Kvarner islands are free of coronavirus cases, they are corona-free zones," the county said.

12:19 According to the available data in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, for the eighth day, there are no new cases, and another 11 recovered, 38 in total. Among the remaining 44 samples as of Friday, there are no new positives, and all 32 samples sent for analysis on Saturday are negative.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 1610 samples have been sent to Zagreb for analysis. As of today, 18 positive patients have been hospitalized, 11 are at the Infectious ward of the OB of Dubrovnik, five are in a secondary facility or Student dormitory, and two patients are in the Intensive Care Unit. Of these, one patient is intubated.

12:08: One new case in Varazdin County was reported on Sunday, according to the county civil protection headquarters.

The total number of patients so far increased to 46, and a total of 30 people have recovered.

The last newly diagnosed person is a middle-aged man who was in close contact with a previously infected person and was in self-isolation. He is currently in good general condition and is in the Varazdin General Hospital, which currently has 14 patients being treated, while two people from the county are being treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinic Dr. Fran Mihaljević in Zagreb.

12:04: In the last 24 hours, in the area of ​​Split-Dalmatia County, there are five new cases, including three persons from self-isolation, the County Civil Protection Headquarters announced.

According to a report from the Institute of Public Health, out of a total of 127 tests performed in the county, five were newly infected with the coronavirus, two from Otok and one each from Split, Sinj and Hrvace, and none of the new patients are nursing home residents.

"Among the new cases, one person is a health care professional, and it is a nurse from a private home for the elderly and infirm who is in self-isolation and has not been in contact with users or staff for a long time," the headquarters said.

Among the new cases, three are from self-isolation, 118 have been hospitalized, nine are on ventilators, seven from Split-Dalmatia County, and two from Šibenik-Knin County. In addition, 93 health professionals are in self-isolation, while seven are quarantined at the Zagreb Hotel in Duilovo.

11:59: Osijek-Baranja County is without new cases for the second day in a row. In the past 24 hours, 66 people have been tested, at the Clinical Hospital Center Osijek 48 and at the Institute of Public Health in Osijek-Baranja County 18. All tested samples are negative and the number of coronavirus patients is still 115.

"Twenty negative coronavirus findings were confirmed in seven patients who were registered in the KBC Osijek. Today we can say that we currently have more cured persons in our county than coronavirus positive ones. 60 people were cured and 48 were currently coronavirus positive in our county. We do not record any new coronavirus deaths today, and there are no patients at the KBC Respiratory Center Osijek.

There are 86 people in self-isolation, which is 71 people less than yesterday. One new contact was put in isolation and there are no new people placed in isolation on arrival from abroad. Citizens of the Osijek-Baranja Police Department reported one suspected violation of self-isolation in the Osijek area and it proved to be correct. The police visited 12 persons on their own initiative and all complied with the prescribed measures of self-isolation," the OBZ reports.

11:52: In the Šibenik-Knin County, there are two new cases, both related to the Knin hospital, and the total number of infected persons since the start of the epidemic is 86, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported on Sunday.

One person is from the town of Drnis and has family contact with a previously infected person, and the other person is from the municipality of Biskupije and was a Knin hospital patient who had no symptoms but was subsequently tested.

To date, 34 people have recovered, according to a statement from the Šibenik-Knin County Civil Protection HQ.

11:41: For the twelfth consecutive day, there are no new coronavirus patients in Međimurje, the county Civil Protection Headquarters reported on Sunday, noting that there are currently only three infected people in the Međimurje County area.

On Saturday, one person was discharged from the Čakovec County Hospital and the remaining three patients were in good general condition. So far, a total of 369 tests have been performed.

11:40: It is the 26th day in Požega-Slavonia County without new cases, and as of April 22, there is not a single confirmed infected person in the county. There are currently 252 people in self-isolation, three samples sent for analysis, and a total of 313 people tested.

11:13: Vukovar-Srijem County has no new coronavirus patients.

10:51: There are no new patients in Virovitica-Podravina County.

10:22: No new cases in Karlovac County, the Karlovac County Civil Protection Headquarters reported today.

"Yesterday, 78 people were tested for COVID - 19. In Karlovac County, we still have a total of 30 infected persons (29 + 1)," the Headquarters told KAportal.

10:20: “For the eleventh-day, Bjelovar-Bilogora County is free of coronavirus infections. In the past 24 hours, 6 people have been tested and all findings are negative," the county reports.

“The number of people in self-isolation in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County area is currently 362. In the last 24 hours, there has been 1 violation of self-isolation, or a total of 46 so far. Since the police officers of the County Police Directorate have carried out control of self-isolation measures, they have done 2978 checks," they added.

10:05: The positive trend continues in the fight against the coronavirus in Istria, because for the ninth day in a row, there are no new patients. Out of 41 swabs, all are negative and only two are positive for Covid-19 in the hospital, the headquarters reported on Sunday morning.

"In the last 24 hours, 41 swabs have been tested in Istria and all are coronavirus negative. So, there are no new patients, and in the meantime, another patient has been cured, which makes 81 recoveries from in the County of Istria," said Dino Kozlevac.

09:50: Krapina-Zagorje County reports one new case.

There were 1 positive finding in that county and 53 negative swabs taken on Saturday, April 25, 2020. There were also 4 negative results for the swabs they had been waiting for since April 24.

The new case comes from the Municipality of Đurmanec. A total of 1,421 samples were taken. Results are still pending for the 37 swabs taken on April 25 and one taken on April 24.

"From 24 April at 10 pm until 25 April at 10 pm, there were no self-isolation violations in the territory of the Krapina-Zagorje Police Department. 13 violations on leaving residence and permanent residence in the Republic of Croatia have been recorded," they added.

08:50: Starting tomorrow, the first of three phases to open the economy and loosening measures begins. Here's what it covers:

PHASE 1 - From 27 April 2020

- Ability to work for all business entities engaged in the trade activity, except those operating within the trade center
- Continuation of work for all business entities engaged in service activities, except those in which close contact with clients is observed, respecting physical distance measures (for example, carpenter, tailor, locksmith, travel agencies, photo studio)
- Introduction of public city and suburban transport lines and high-speed lines for islands not connected by ferry
- Libraries, museums, galleries, antiques and bookstores to open
- Facilitating the training of athletes I and II. categories in individual sports and senior sports teams competing in the highest level of competition
- Facilitating passing the state professional exam for priority groups of students

07:30: Some of the latest TCN articles on coronavirus:

Coronavirus: How Long Can Government-Backed Logistics Sector Last?

Glas Poduzetnika Survey on Level of Debt of Croatia's Entrepreneurs

COVID-19 in Croatia: Recommendations for Public Transportation Published

German Bild on Croatia: Corona-Free Destination for Summer Travel

Croatian Companies to Continue With Hygiene Measures After Lockdown

Croatian Hotels Think Up ''Pandemic'' Way of Working, Proposal Sent to Government

07:00: A breakdown of cases by Croatian region, as we wait for today's numbers.

Virovitica-Podravina - New 0. Total 6
Bjelovar-Bilogora - New 0. Total 10
Istria - New 0. Total 85
Požega-Slavonia - New 0. Total 3
Šibenik-Knin - New 0. Total 84
Zadar - New 0. Total 85
Karlovac - New 0. Total 30
Vukovar-Srijem - New 0. Total 39
Lika-Senj - 0 new. Total 22
Osijek-Baranja - 0 new. Total 115
Split-Dalmatia - 0 new. Total 462
Krapina-Zagorje - 0 new. Total 36
Zagreb - New 0. Total 127
Varaždin - 0 new. Total 45
City of Zagreb - New 0. Total 459
Sisak-Moslavina - New 0. Total 35
Primorsko-goranska - 0 new. Total 69
Dubrovnik-Neretva - 0 new. Total 110
Međimurje - 0 new. Total 8 

06:35: The new numbers will be announced at the regular press conference at 14:00. 

06:30: Welcome to the TCN daily update on COVID-19. We start the day with 2016 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 7 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 1034 patients have recovered. Fifty-four people have died. 21 patients are on ventilators. There are 928 active cases.

UPDATES FROM April 25, 2020

17:22: Sisak-Moslavina County Headquarters responded with a clarification on 'mandatory' masks.

They add that it is not an obligation but a recommendation.

"Based on the previous report, which stated that it is mandatory to wear protective masks for all residents of our County, it is a recommendation (not an obligation) because the virus is transmitted by droplets and in this way each resident will protect themselves and others."

15:54: Montenegrin Ministry of Defense announced that the Montenegrin Army evacuated three Croatian soldiers and one Montenegrin defense ministry official from Pristina on Saturday, who were stationed in a KFOR mission in Kosovo, after testing determined to be coronavirus-positive.

"They are all in good and stable health, and treatment will continue in their respective countries," the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense said in a statement, which also said that Croatian soldiers would be transported by Montenegrin Air Force helicopter to Split on Saturday.

15:20: An additional amount of protective equipment was delivered to the Franjo Tudjman Airport on a direct flight from Shanghai. This is the fourth flight in a week. Today, SF Airlines cargo has delivered about 68 tonnes of disinfectants, gloves, glasses, suits, and shoes.

The flight also brought some valuable donations, two mechanical fans donated to Croatia by CIMM Group, protective masks donated by Trip.com Group Limited, the largest online tourism platform in the world that is credited with the arrival of numerous Chinese tourists to Croatia and donations Chinese cities of friends to Croatian partners: the city of Yancheng Cakovec, the city of Nanchang Split and the city of Sanya Dubrovnik. 

14:45: SDP today presented its emergency measures for agriculture and said that the Sunday working ban has no epidemiological basis, but aims to "raise the HDZ's rating and favor a radically right and conservative electorate." 

14:30 There are no new patients in Međimurje County for 11 consecutive days, and as it has been confirmed that five people recovered, only three are still positive and they are in good general condition, the civil protection headquarters of that county emphasized on Saturday.

In the last 24 hours, 34 people have been tested and all findings are negative. A total of 360 people have been tested so far.

As the announcement of the measures was announced, on Monday, the Museum of Međimurje Čakovec opens its doors, but without exhibitions and events that are postponed until the time when more people will be allowed to gather.

In addition to the new mode of operation of shops and the opening of certain services, public urban and suburban transport will also be regulated - the Mayor of Međimurje Matija Posavec confirmed for Hina.

He also commented on the latest unemployment figures.

Namely, 2,449 persons were registered with the Employment Service of that county, which is 72 persons more than last week and 236 more than at the end of March. He added that more than 2,000 applications for aid had been submitted, but also that the fact of 12 newly opened crafts in the county indicates the toughness of the Medimurje economy, that is, its craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

14:00: National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference: 

In the last 24 hours, there are 7 new cases, and a total of 2016 in total. Three fatalities in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 54. 

"Three people died. In Zagreb, a female person born in 1922, in Split a man born in 1930 and at KB Dubrava a man born in 1952. They all had underlying health problems," Beroš said.

They talked about working on Sundays. They were asked if they feared that the decision would be overthrown by the Constitutional Court.

"I don't see the point in this matter, you know that we have already regulated working hours as part of the measures we have prescribed. This decision was made based on the recommendations of the epidemiologists," Bozinovic said.

"All measures have been taken on the recommendations of the experts. If it needs to be explained again, this will be done by my colleague Capak," Bozinovic said.

Capak also spoke about Sunday work.

"We first organized the work of shops to work one shift; we wanted to reduce the number of people on the streets. Now that we have a good situation, we decided to loosen this, and one of the first measures was to allow people to be able to supply themselves normally after working hours. One of the first measures was to extend the working hours. Now the shops will work from 7h to 21h. We decided to make it in two shifts, and to avoid people crossing over, we took a break from 14h to 15h So we increased the mobility of people. Of course, we were thinking that that mobility on the other side of the scale should be reduced somewhere. It seemed logical to me that it would be a Sunday, but we could reduce that mobility another day," Capak said.

"Although we do not have scientific studies that the number of patients will decrease due to warm weather, epidemiologically speaking, all similar infections are reduced during warm weather," Capak said, adding that warm weather would help.

"We have recommended to citizens that when there are more people indoors, they should wear masks," Capak said.

"I personally have not seen people gather, but it is talked about. The virus is among us, we have infected people, we have their contacts, some in self-isolation will be positive. The virus is here, it wouldn't be a good idea to ruin this credit. We are giving in slightly, but it is important that it is in stages," Capak said.

Headquarter members were asked about the election and its organization.

"This is exclusively about the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. For these questions, you know who to address," Bozinovic said.

Capak says no one asked him about the election and that he could not answer. Beroš confirmed.

"We are solely focused on this issue. We are of the opinion that the politics should be removed, we are discussing only professional issues," he said.

About public transport

Who will supervise the passengers on the buses?

"That's the task of the transport companies," Bozinovic said. "There is a high likelihood that passengers will also take care of the situation and measures," he added.

13:45: Sisak-Moslavina County has introduced a mandatory mask rule.

13:14: Prefect of Lika-Senj County Darko Milinovic commented on the hair salon in Novalja, which allegedly worked. He says people are impatient. More on Index

12:50: No new cases have been reported in Krapina-Zagorje County in the last 24 hours, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported Saturday.

On Saturday, negative findings were received for 63 of the 68 swabs taken yesterday. So far, a total of 1,330 samples have been taken and the results of five tests are still pending.

As of today, 100 active cases have been recorded in Krapina-Zagorje County. In the past 24 hours, six new recoveries have been recorded and the total number of people recovered is 36.

12:33: In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, for the fourth consecutive day, there are no new cases.

The number of recoveries is still 34 and the total number currently infected is 36.

12:30: In Dubrovnik-Neretva County, for the seventh consecutive day, there are no new cases, and out of 90 samples sent for analysis on Friday, 46 were processed and 44 are still under processing, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

"From the beginning of the pandemic, 1578 samples were sent to Zagreb for analysis. 21 positive patients were hospitalized, 12 were at the Infectious Department of the OB Dubrovnik Hospital, eight were in the secondary facility or the Student Center, and one was in the Intensive Care Unit.

A person who was previously on a ventilator at the Clinical Hospital Center Split and then returned for treatment to the OB Dubrovnik has improved and is no longer in the Intensive Care Unit. There is still one patient in the JIL who is intubated and on a ventilato, and his condition has remained unchanged for the last 24 hours.

A total of 464 citizens are in self-isolation and no violations have been identified in the last 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 22 violations of self-isolation have been identified," the statement said.

12:23: "Today, in the area of Sisak-Moslavina County, we have one new case. There are four patients in the isolation unit of General Hospital "Dr. Ivo Pedisic" in Sisak and the rest are under home treatment," the headquarters said.

12:05: Milan Bandic's press conference on the situation in Zagreb begins.

It was reported that there is one new case. "In the City of Zagreb we have 459 infections and 250 recovered citizens," the press conference said.

12:00: Leonardo Bressan, a family medicine doctor from Rijeka, described what the examinations would look like in their practice. More on Index

11:46: "In the last 24 hours in Varaždin County, we have no new cases. The total number of patients so far remained unchanged at 45 and a total of 30 people were treated. There are 13 people at the Varaždin General Hospital and two people from our area are being treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinic "Dr. Fran Mihaljević" in Zagreb. Statistically, there are 4 more people in Varazdin County who have only their registered place of residence here.

11:40: Two new cases have been confirmed in Zagreb County, with a total of 127 coronavirus patients. 45 people have recovered, the civil protection headquarters for the county said.

11:23: In the past 24 hours, there are no new patients in Krapina-Zagorje County, the County Civil Protection Headquarters announced.

In the past 24 hours, six new people have been registered as healed and the total number of people healed is 36.

11:20: According to the NZJZ Split-Dalmatia County report, out of 165 tests completed in the area, there are no new patients today. So far, 74 healthcare professionals have contracted the coronavirus. 114 people were hospitalized. 103 health professionals are in self-isolation. 8 people are on ventilators, 6 of them from Split-Dalmatia County, and 2 from Šibenik-Knin County. 7 persons are quarantined at the Hotel Zagreb in Duilovo.

An older male born in 1930 died at KBC Split this morning. The deceased was a resident of the Home for the Elderly and Disabled on Vukovarska Street. In addition to several chronic diseases, the person also had COVID-19.

To date, 462 cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded in Split-Dalmatia County, of which 134 were cured. As of April 25, 328 people are coronavirus-positive in the Split-Dalmatia County.

11:05: In the past 24 hours, 101 people have been tested in the Osijek-Baranja County, at the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center 87 and in the Osijek-Baranja County Public Health Institute 14. All tested samples are negative and the number of coronavirus patients in the area remains 115.

"After yesterday's 11th, another patient today has shown for the second time in a row that there is no virus in the body, so far, 53 people have been cured of the coronavirus in Osijek-Baranja County. There are no patients at the KBC Osijek center," the HQ said.

11:01: Ivica Puljak commented on the government's decision to open churches. More on Index

10:49: There are no new patients in Lika-Senj County, the County Civil Protection Headquarters announced.

10:44: There is one newly diagnosed person in the Zadar County area, the total number infected since the start of the pandemic in Zadar County is 85.

10:43: There are no new cases in Karlovac County, the county headquarters announced. On Friday, 41 people were tested and all findings were negative.

So far, 30 people have fallen ill in that county, of whom 10 have been cured and one person has died.

10:42: There are no new cases in Vukovar-Srijem County in the last 24 hours, the county headquarters announced. So far, 39 people have been infected in that county, and in the past 24 hours, three people have been cured, which means that a total of 8 people have been cured.

10:39: A new case was reported Saturday in the Šibenik area, and the person is not linked to a contact, according to the Šibenik-Knin County Civil Protection Headquarters.

It is a person from the area of ​​the town of Šibenik for whom epidemiological reports are ongoing.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the number of people infected in Šibenik-Knin County is 84 today, of which 32 people have recovered.

Six people were hospitalized at the Department of Infectology at Šibenik Hospital, one of them on a ventilator.

Two patients from the Šibenik hospital are still on ventilators at the Clinical Hospital Center Split.

In the past 24 hours, two reports of violations of self-isolation measures have been received at the Šibenik-Knin Police Directorate, but the verification found that there were no violations.

10:10: There are no patients in Požega-Slavonia County either.

"In Požega-Slavonia County, there is currently no 25th day of new cases, and as of April 22, there are no confirmed cases in the county. There are currently 252 people in self-isolation, and a total of 309 people have been tested," the headquarters announced.

09:59: There are no new cases in Istria. 49 swabs were tested and all were coronavirus negative. Eight more people were cured, bringing the number of people who healed to 80.

09:50: There are no new cases in Bjelovar-Bilogora County. One person has recovered.

"In the Bjelovar-Bilogora County, for the tenth day in a row, there are no new cases. In the last 24 hours, 21 people were tested and all the findings were negative.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus infection in Bjelovar-Bilogora County to date, 10 patients have been confirmed, 6 of whom have been healed in the meantime, which is another one in the past 24 hours.

There are currently 331 people in self-isolation in Bjelovar-Bilogora County. In the last 24 hours, there has been 1 violation of self-isolation measures, or 45 in total. Since police officers at the County Police Department have inspected self-isolation measures, there have been 2957 checks.

Thank you to all citizens who adhere to the coronavirus pandemic measures, because without the responsibility of each individual, a good epidemiological picture would not be possible in Bjelovar-Bilogora County. Let us follow the advice of the experts to continue to be one of the least-infected counties," the headquarters said in a statement.

09:35: There are no new cases in Virovitica-Podravina County

"In the area of Virovitica-Podravina County, there are no new cases. In the last 24 hours, 12 people were tested. Their results were negative. Still in our area, we have six patients, only one of whom has clinically poor symptoms of COVID 19, the other five do not. One person recovered. Since the beginning of COVID 19 disease in our county, a total of 435 people have been tested."

09:00: The hospital in Sisak is the first in Croatia to use robots with UV lamps.

08:40: Psychiatrist Slavko Sakoman, who has been dealing with the problem of opiate addiction and consumption for years, warned of the large number of people consuming marijuana. 

08:20: Some of the latest TCN articles on COVID-19.

Croatian Athletes, Teams Return to Training Under Special Conditions

IRB: Genetic Sequence of the COVID-19 Virus Genome Determined

COVID-19 in Croatia: Recommendations for Public Transportation Published

Croatian Companies to Continue With Hygiene Measures After Lockdown

08:12: Croatian Scientist Explains What Coronary Vaccine Testing Is Like on Humans. More on Index.

08:10: New Voice of Entrepreneurs Requirements: Abolish para-fiscal levies, fewer municipalities ... More on Index.

07:20: Vaccination saves millions of lives, and the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us how important it is to have a vaccine against some diseases, the message is on the occasion of World Vaccination Week, which is celebrated from April 24 to April 30 with the slogan #VaccinesPart #Health for All.

Vaccination Week is marked by the Croatian Pharmaceutical Society (HFD) as a global initiative of the World Health Organization in Croatia in partnership with the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) and the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (HALMED).

"Vaccination saves millions of lives and is one of the most successful health interventions in the world. It is at this time of the current epidemic that we can see the importance of preventing infectious diseases and the importance of having a vaccine against infectious diseases," said HZJZ Director Krunoslav Capak.

Regardless of the situation with COVID-19, the implementation of the Compulsory Vaccination Program is not interrupted, but vaccination continues to protect the most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

07:15: Alemka Markotic answered the question when everything would be normal again. More on Index.

06:35: The new numbers will be announced at the regular press conference at 14:00. 

06:30: Welcome to the TCN daily update on COVID-19. We start the day with 2009 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 28 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 982 patients have recovered. Fifty-one people have died. 21 patients are on ventilators. There are 976 active cases.

UPDATES from April 24, 2020

17:40: Read the detailed operating instructions for the shops. More on Index

17:30: Due to very strict measures, a large number of caterers don't say it is worth opening at all. More on Index

17:06: Buses and trams have been published. More on Index

17:00: No new cases in Lika-Senj County.

For the sixth consecutive day in Lika-Senj County there are no new cases, so the number of COVID-19 patients is still 22, and the director of the Gospic hospital Sandra Čubelić said that they no longer have positive patients or those who are waiting for a result because of suspected infection.

One patient from Udbina is undergoing treatment in Zagreb, two are positive for the coronavirus and quarantined in the Student Home in Gospic, and all other infected persons are in-home care and in self-isolation in Novalja and Korenica, and most in Udbina. Most have no pronounced symptoms of the disease.

Vice Nekic confirmed for Hina that the Civil Protection Headquarters of Lika-Senj County will meet on Sunday to mitigate epidemiological measures in Udbina. That doesn't necessarily mean the quarantine will be lifted, he said.

Udbina has been in quarantine since April 10, and for the last six days there has been no transmission of the infection, that is, there have been no new patients.

In the past 24 hours, police officers from the Lika-Senj Police Directorate did not find any violations of self-isolation, but only two cases of leaving their place of residence and permanent residence without a pass.

16:40: HZJZ published detailed instructions for public transport, restaurants, shops, libraries ... More on Index

16:20: HZJZ issued special guidance for elderly and chronic patients. More on Index

16:00: Economy Minister Darko Horvat said on Friday that parliamentary elections are not a priority now and that it is important to preserve health and then return to economic activity, and HDZ, if so decided, is ready for elections this Sunday. 

15:50: ZET announces details of launching public transport. More on Index

15:30: Minister Davor Bozinovic said at the National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference that most shops would not be allowed to work on Sundays. 

15:19: For the sixth day in a row, there are no new cases in Lika-Senj County.

In the last 24 hours, an additional 7 samples were taken. 12 negative test results have been received and 5 samples are yet to be received.

A total of 22 COVID-19 patients were infected, of whom 1 was cured. Coronavirus sampling was performed on a total of 296 individuals. There are 145 people under active surveillance / self-isolation.

15:15: Members of the National Civil Protection Headquarters commented on wearing a mask today. "Masks are good, wear them," they said. 

15:15: The National Civil Protection Headquarters updated the rules and regulations for the operation of hospitality facilities. More on Index

14:00: National Civil Protection Headquarters press conference:

Capak read the data:

28 new cases in the last 24 hours, and 2009 in total. One fatality since yesterday, and 21 patients on ventilators. 

"The number of new cases in the last 24 hours is 28. The total number is 2009. A total of 30213 were tested. There are 4 more hospitalized since yesterday, of which 21 are on ventilators, 2 more than yesterday."

They confirmed that the woman who died in Split had previous illnesses.

On the new measures

"The decisions allow shops, other than those in shopping centers, to operate, with food and hygiene stores still working in shopping centers. Cobblers and tailors will begin to work," said Minister Davor Bozinovic.

He reiterated that from May 2, religious gatherings are allowed.

Those who will have working hours longer than ten hours will have to have a break twice as long and disinfect. On Sundays, only grocery stores, bakeries and gas station stores can work, Bozinovic said.

Capak said they have not yet made recommendations for religious gatherings and other facilities that open in phases two and three.

"I think we can be pleased with the number of people healed. For the first time, the number of people healed is greater than the number of patients. This trend will continue if we all still follow the rules," said Alemka Markotic.

She said there are several cases with prolonged positive findings, and that she will consult further with Capak.

Bozinovic answers the question of what will happen to the outlets. "One should read this regulation a bit. Working inside shops inside shopping malls is not allowed, except for grocery and hygiene stores. What is outside does not make any difference between a shop in the city and someone in an outlet," Bozinovic said, making it clear that the outlets would be able to work.

He added that the success of it all depends on how each individual would behave, whether we would adhere to pandemic rules and hygiene.

"Our goal is to get back to normal, and we will do this if we adhere to the rules so that we do not take a step back. We will surely give a lot of answers in the days to come as we believe there will be many questions. In order to get back to normal, we have to behave the way we did from the beginning. As it was before, we will still wait until medicine says it has found a solution," Bozinovic said.

Capak on measures for clothing stores

Capak said it was allowed except for shopping malls because no coronavirus transmission was reported on textiles. Wherever possible, it will be advised not to use the booths but to take the goods home and then try and return if necessary. The risk is to be increased for those clothes that are pulled over your head. It is recommended that the returned goods be put aside for five days to let the virus, if any, die, Capak explained.

Capak answers the question of what measures will be loosened: "We have taken care that this should be communicated widely with the media and every citizen. These are hygiene measures and distancing. Masks will need to be worn in some facilities."

He also cited an example of bookcases where it would be recommended that all books be covered in nylon so that they could be disinfected.

As for the first category of training for athletes, Capak said the basic recommendation would be greater distance and hygiene. Changing rooms and showers will not be in use.

Bozinovic says that the market will now be able to sell fresh consumable eggs, honey, flowers.

As for the opening of the driving schools, the issue will be further discussed and a specific decision is possible, Bozinovic said.

"In terms of recreational sports and gyms, of course we talked, but the key is that we don't allow too much at once," Capak said.

Bozinovic answered the question of when the borders will open: "The EU has made decisions to keep European and external borders closed until mid-May. We will see further."

He added that it would be better for everyone if there were as much cooperation and joint decisions in the EU.

He says there are always exceptions when it comes to crossing the border when it comes to humanitarian issues, such as funerals.

"I cannot comment on whether parents are left to decide whether or not their children go to school. If we are given the task of making arrangements to open kindergartens or schools, epidemiologists will do it, but it will certainly not be as before," said Capak on opening kindergartens and schools.

Capak said that the cotton masks cannot be recommended for medical purposes, but they stop the spread from coughing and sneezing.

13:35: The Koprivnica-Križevci County Civil Protection Headquarters announces that they have new infections in the Nursing Home. New findings have arrived and 6 are positive, all related to the nursing home. "It is realistic to expect that close contacts may be positive," said the head of the county's Department of Public Health. "We followed all the instructions. Unfortunately, there was a breakthrough. We first registered that a resident of the Home was the first, but according to new information and the investigation, it seems that the first one was an employee of the House after all," Vadla said.

12:09 Follow the City of Zagreb press conference here. 5 are new cases.

11:50 "A female elderly woman passed away yesterday, according to a report from KBC Split, who was positive for COVID-19, in addition to several chronic diseases. The person was born in 1928 and was a nursing home resident in Split (Vukovarska)," the headquarters reported. There are three new cases.

11:43 "This in Knin is pure PR," commented Mirando Mrsic, formerly SDP's Minister of Health, on N1 Television. "By loosening the measures, we can expect an increase in the infected, but we have no other choice. But it must be communicated with the staff at the headquarters. It is crucial to keep an eye on the number of the infected," Mrsic added.

11:40: According to the data of the Institute of Public Health of the Zagreb County, in the area of ​​Zagreb County, by Friday at 11:00 am, 125 people were coronavirus-positive. Compared to yesterday, this is the same number, which means that there are no new patients in Zagreb County for two days in a row, but 4 people have recovered. So far, a total of 42 people have recovered and three have died.

11:20 "We talked about loosening measures, preserving health and economic activity, and still need caution and respect for all measures that help reduce the spread of the virus. It is absolutely essential that we keep that gap between us and do our best to prevent it," said Beros.

11:02 "To date, there are no new patients in the area of ​​Sisak-Moslavina County. There are four patients in the isolation unit of Dr. Ivo Pedisic General Hospital in Sisak and the rest are undergoing home treatment," Sisak headquarters reported.

11:00: Osijek press conference: "127 people have been tested, one positive result. This is the contact of an already infected person. There are 115 cases in all. We have 11 recovered within the last 24 hours," they said. "Shopping malls have not been licensed. Stores like DM and Muller have a range of hygiene and food products in the range, which is why they work. We do not have an answer at this time about how masses and school will run," they said.

10:54: We remind you that the decisions of the National Civil Protection HQ regarding the prohibition of public gatherings, the ban on gathering more than 5 persons in one place, and the strict restriction of detention in public areas are in force, Split police reports.

10:30 Chief Croatian Epidemiologist, Head of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, Krunoslav Capak in a major interview with the Voice of Slavonia commented on loosening the measures in Croatia, revealed where the problem with shopping malls is and what our life will look like in the future. More on Index

10:20 Professor at Zagreb Faculty of Science and member of political platform We can! Damir Bakic on Facebook commented on yesterday's decision by the government to mitigate the extent to which masses received a special place. More on Index

10:10: Economy Minister Darko Horvat commented on the procurement of protective equipment. He said that the government of five, six domestic suppliers had almost emptied the warehouses, and in talks with the wholesalers, because of their illiquidity, they could not rely on them for procurement, so the prime ministers of Croatia and China agreed to procure the goods and the prices were transparent. 

9:49 The Zadar headquarters announced that they do not have any new cases either.

9:49 Istria County reports that there are no new cases today.

9:39 Mayor of Lika-Senj Darko Milinovic says the epidemiological situation in the county is good, and that if the situation in Udbina does not get worse in a couple of days, the measures will be mitigated, quarantine can be lifted.

9:20: Communication and Information Specialist Marko Rakar posted on his blog a post about how big the budget hole would be in Croatia, what the structure of budget costs and expenditures was and where it could be saved. 

9:00: Minister Beros will visit Knin today

8:55: Current situation in Požega-Slavonia County:

In Požega-Slavonia County, it is the 24th day without new cases, and as of April 22, there is no confirmed person in the county. There are currently 211 people in self-isolation, with a total of 273 tested. 

7:55: "Willingness and availability are not the same. We need masks seven days ago, not in seven days. I'm sorry some open chain stores sell baby goods and our artisans shouldn't," Ranogajec commented. "There's a revolt in the craft sector because of that. And who's going to open on Monday? We don't know yet, we're waiting for directions! How can people know who's going to open if they don't know what they have to get? What if we have to invest a lot of money to work? Nothing is known. We are ready, we want to work, we want the conditions!" Ranogajec said.

07:50:  Some of the latest TCN articles:

Croatian Economy: New Growth Model Needs Four Key Features

Coronavirus: Croatia to Have 300,000 Unemployed People by End of 2020?

COVID-19: Croatian Government Presents Plan to Loosen Measures

Za Krizen 2020 Through the Eyes of Vrbanj Cross-Bearer Matteo Bratanic (Interview)

Croatian Chamber of Commerce Calls for Changes to Measures for Shops

07:46: Kaic on masks

"This is one of the things that will be written in the instructions. The masks have no use if they are touched, lowered under the nose, we will describe how they are used properly. The fact is that they reduce secretion during speech, coughing, sneezing"

About children in schools and kindergartens

"Different countries start early with kindergartens and schools because the disease is much milder in children. Given that they are symptom-free, they are not considered to be such an important source of infection. This is something that is monitored, but based on existing data, most professions do not think it is risky to let them go. Again, the use of kindergartens and lower grades, but of course it will be prescribed who should not go to kindergartens and schools. they go to schools and kindergartens,” Kaić said.

07:30: "Everything is as expected from our perspective. From the perspective of the observer, I believe that some would be caught up in some of our social partners' views. Everyone takes his or her position when it comes to rights reduction. In recent weeks, we have done a good job with the epidemic, hopefully from the economic side we are doing a good job. Some union representatives want to show that they do not understand the situation in which Croatia is. They do not understand the situation in which Croatia is, I do not know how to put it differently, "said Coric.

07:22: The Good Morning Croatia program on HRT featured Labor Minister Coric. "Mindful of the state that our economy has been in the past month, the government has put together a restriction reduction plan to slowly open everything in the coming weeks. Of course, this does not mean that we can behave as we like from Monday. We still have to stick to all measures."

"On Monday, all the activities that do not involve direct intense contact are opened. For example, travel agencies, carpenters, all the activities we need. Shopping centers are exempt, as a rule, there are significantly more people than in other stores.

The health care system functions in one particular way today. It is envisaged that the health system will start functioning more normally in the second wave, "Coric said.

"The idea is that the situation does not increase significantly. That is why we are moving gradually. We need to be extremely cautious, we have examples of countries where there has been a significant expansion of infection in the second stage of relaxation," he added.

07:00: These are questions about loosening up measures that the government must urgently answer. More on Index.

06:50: KRUNOSLAV CAPAK says that because of the coronavirus, and after loosening the measures, we will have to get used to the new rules of behavior, we will not try clothes in the shops, and we will have to keep our distance in catering establishments. More on Index.

06:35: The new numbers will be announced at the regular press conference at 14:00. 

06:30: Welcome to the TCN daily update on COVID-19. We start the day with 1981 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 31 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 883 patients have recovered. Fifty people have died. 19 patients are on ventilators. There are 1048 active cases.

UPDATES from April 23, 2020

17:05: The Civil Protection Headquarters of Lika-Senj County agreed at a session on Thursday that the epidemiological situation in Udbina will be closely monitored, with a view to the possible lifting of the quarantine on Sunday.

16:50: Commenting on the government's loosening of epidemiological measures, opposition parties today said that life and economy should be restored to normal, but with absolute health care and financial support for workers and entrepreneurship.

16:30: Government measures explained:

PHASE 1 - April 27, 2020

- Ability to work for all business entities engaged in trade, except those operating within shopping centers
- Continuation of work to all business entities engaged in service activities, except those in which close contact with customers is observed, respecting physical distance measures (for example, carpenter, tailor, locksmith, travel agencies, photo studio)
- Introduction of public city and suburban transport lines and express lines for islands not connected by ferry
- Libraries, museums, galleries, antiques and bookstores to open
- Facilitating training of athletes I and II. categories in individual sports and senior sports teams competing in the highest level of competition
- Facilitating the state professional exam for priority groups of students

PHASE 2 - May 4, 2020

- Enabling the full operation of the public health system, with the exception of exceptions in line with the Ministry of Health measures
- Enabling the full operation of the private health system, with due regard for specific epidemiological measures
- Ability to work for all business entities engaged in service activities in which close contact with clients is observed, with respect to specific epidemiological measures (for example, hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicurists)

PHASE 3 - May 11, 2020

- Gatherings of up to 10 people in one place allowed, while respecting physical distance measures
- Facilitating the operation of shopping malls while respecting specific epidemiological measures
- Facilitating the work of preschools and elementary classes from grades 1-4 and special classes and working with children with disabilities who have a teaching assistant
- Laboratory, artistic and clinical exercises and practical work allowed in small groups in higher education
- Introduction of inter-county and domestic air services
- Allowing catering facilities to work exclusively in outdoor areas and terraces
- Allowing catering facilities to work in accommodation facilities only for users of accommodation services
- Operation of national and nature parks allowed
- Expanding opportunities for issuing e-passes

16:25: The e-passes remain. Plenkovic explained how it would work:

The passes you now need to travel between counties are still valid in the first and second phases. There will be a change in the third phase. But it could be concluded that they would not be completely eliminated even then.

"The scope of the reasons for issuing the passes will be expanded. They remain the rule, but the scope of the reasons for issuing them will be increased by monitoring the epidemiological picture," Plenkovic said.

In other words, they will be easier to receive.

"For example, if by this time the epidemiological picture has improved, you want to go from Krapina to Vodice because you booked a hotel there, which will work at that moment, if you want to go for seven days, show a reservation and you will get a pass for it. So you can go from Krapina-Zagorje to Sibenik-Knin," Plenkovic said.

So, the passes will remain after May 11.

"They remain a mechanism. In case things get worse, we must have them. In our analysis, the past two months have proven to be extremely useful because they have limited one way in which the virus is transmitted, namely contacts and mobility," he said.

16:20: The Split Craftspeople Association on Thursday backed the government's decision to gradually "relax" limited work, as artisans were particularly affected in the coronavirus epidemic, the association said.

"We estimate that around 70 percent of trades are down due to the crisis. There are currently about four thousand artisans in the city of Split, Solin, the islands of Solta, Podstrana, Muc and Dugopolje. Since the season is very questionable, we hope that the Government will find a way to help the seasonal trades, which so far could not be included in the adopted measures," said the representative of the Association of Craftsmen from Split, Milivoj Topic.

The Split association "Yellow Taxi" points out that there is almost no demand for taxi transportation, that they were previously hampered by the arrival of applications and platforms that "have no legal establishment, nor employees in the Republic of Croatia, and thus do not contribute to the budget."

"We have turned to humanitarian activities, but we will not be able to continue without passengers from the airport and the station for a long time," they say.

"Those craftspeople who work in apparel, flowers, organization of festivities will have no demand for the longest time. Fishers are also in a difficult situation, so we hope that the Government will continue its efforts and enable everyone to survive," said Sinisa Djapic.

15:50: The Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) said it was good for the government to opt for a gradual loosening of measures, as it slowly returns life to the economy, and they believe that responsible behavior can show "that economy and health can go hand in hand". 

15:45: The mayor of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel, announced at an extraordinary session of the City Council that the loss of the city budget and utility companies, due to the coronavirus pandemic, would be around HRK 65 million, excluding the loss of income tax. 

15:35: Five new cases have been reported in Koprivnica. Four nursing home residents and one contact.

"We are informing the public that part of the results of the tested samples with suspected coronavirus at the Koprivnica Nursing Home yesterday has arrived. Five positive cases of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed, and one employee and four residents of the Home have been confirmed. 

Further epidemiological treatment is underway and all necessary measures are being taken to protect the health of the residents and staff of the Home.

So far, 54 cases have been reported in the Koprivnica-Križevci County, while the total number of cured patients has increased to 11.

The Koprivnica-Križevci County Civil Protection Headquarters once again urges citizens to comply with all prescribed general measures and instructions and to maintain social distance and maintain hygiene with responsible behavior to combat the spread of COVID-19," the headquarters said.

15:25: The minister says you only hear about a nursing home when something happens. More on Index

15:22: Zoran Milanovic today received the president of the Croatian Journalists' Association (HND), Hrvoje Zovko and the president of the Union of Journalists of Croatia (SNH), Maja Sever, who presented him with a proposal for measures to help the media affected by the coronavirus crisis. 

15:20: Divjak revealed when students will finish the school year. More on Index

15:15: Westgate Director: I'm a believer, churches should have been opened when shopping centers were opened. More on Index

15:00: Plenkovic addressed the public shortly before 3 pm. He commented on relaxing the measures announced earlier by the government. 

14:40 Beros shows graphs of the state of coronavirus in Croatia. More on Index

14:36 Employers Association: We need clear and unambiguous instructions as to how to work. More on Index

14:00: National Civil Protection HQ press conference begins:

In the last 24 hours, there are 31 new cases, and 1981 in total. Of the new cases, 25 are in Split-Dalmatia County. There have been two fatalities in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 50. 

About the situation in nursing homes

"It happened that the first two patients returned from the hospital and brought the virus. Every couple of days we had one patient, and it escalated yesterday. The results for the residents of the home in Koprivnica are not yet available, will arrive in the afternoon.

As for Dicmo, it's a small family home. One person was admitted to that home and was admitted as an emergency admission. They turned out to be positive. And that's where it escalated."

About relaxing measures

"The situation is very good, not only do we rate it, but other countries also rate Croatia highly. But this is not a reason to celebrate. This is still at the height of the pandemic and we cannot count that we have resolved the situation. Relaxing measures is important. This does not mean that we need to relax. All those messages we sent we will continue to send. 

This situation is like this because we all listened to the instructions together. Not all measures are open to go back to the beginning, but we need to adhere strictly to the measures. All risk groups, older groups, stay home. Those who have to work, who have to move, let them work, in public transport and where there are more people, wear face masks. There will be recommendations for everyone and we must follow them. Approximately 7 to 10 days from the first discount we will see how we adhere to the measures. I believe that we will continue to act smart and stick to the measures," said Markotic.

About hygiene in schools

"The HZJZ does not prescribe pedagogical standards, it is up to the Ministry. Inspections are under control. We are here to evaluate epidemiologically whether it is possible to transmit the virus in some situations. We will take steps to prevent the spread, and the Ministry must ensure that this is implemented," said Capak.

13:30: Croatian Government and PM Andrej Plenkovic announces plan to loosen measures: 

"What we are going to present today must come with strict measures.

Stage 1 begins on Monday, April 27: Work will be provided to all entities engaged in trade activities except those operating within shopping centers.

We will make work possible for anyone doing service activities, except for those who have close contact with people.

Public city and suburban lines are being introduced. Libraries and museums are open. Training of athletes in the highest rank of the competition is provided. It is possible to conduct the state professional exam for priority groups of students.

Phase 2, May 4: The health system will be fully operational except for exceptions decided by epidemiologists. The operation of the private healthcare system will be enabled.

Work will be provided to the businesses of related industries where close contact is established. These are beauticians, hairdressers, pedicurists...

Phase 3, May 11: Meetings of up to ten people will be allowed, shopping centers will be open, preschools will be open, classes from grades 1-4 will be provided and children with disabilities who have a teaching assistant will be able to work.

Laboratory training will be provided. Inter-county lines are being introduced. Catering facilities will be offered exclusively on terraces. Catering facilities in accommodation capacities for accommodation users will be provided.

Read more on TCN

13:10: For the fifth day in a row, there are no new patients in Lika-Senj County, a total of 22 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 so far, and one has recovered, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported.

13:05: According to available information in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the number of patients positive for the coronavirus is still 110, that is, there are no new cases for the fifth day, the Dubrovnik headquarters reported. 

12:59: There are no new cases in Krapina-Zagorje County in the last 24 hours, and one person was transported to the Infectious Diseases Clinic. Fran Mihaljevic in Zagreb, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported today. 

12:17: According to a report from KBC Split, two elderly people died yesterday, who, with several chronic illnesses, were also positive for COVID-19.

12:07: By Thursday at 11 am, 125 people were coronavirus-positive, and compared to yesterday's data, it is the same number, which means that in the last 24 hours, there are no new patients in the Zagreb County area

11:43: Zadar County has one new case

11:41: In the last 24 hours, there are two new cases in Varaždin County. The total number of patients so far has increased to 39. A total of 30 people have recovered. Of the nine patients currently ill, two are being treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Zagreb, the county reported. 

11:05 But for the time being, we only know the dates of loosening measures, which will take place in phases, namely April 27, May 4 and May 11. More on Index

11:02 One new case in Osijek-Baranja County.

11:00: In the area of Šibenik-Knin County today there are no new cases, so the total number of infected persons remained at 83, and 28 of them have recovered, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters. 

10:20: There are no new patients in Istria for six days. More on Index

9:32: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County has no new patients today.

9:26: In Požega-Slavonia County is on the 23rd day without new cases, and as of April 22, there is not a single confirmed patient in the county. There are currently 217 people in self-isolation, and a total of 237 people have been tested, according to the county.

8:50: What is the number of infected people?

"There are a lot of studies that have been done in recent days, all done using serology tests. The numbers vary from 3 percent in the Netherlands, where the study was done quite solidly, it was done on all blood donors, meaning the general population, with the result that three percent of positive people in the Netherlands. So out of 17 million, about half a million are positive! And the official figures are about 30 thousand. If we take that three percent, then in Croatia, about 120 thousand people are infected," says Djikic. 

8:00: Today is a new government-union meeting. Unions: Pay cuts have no effect. More on Index

08:00: Andrej Plenkovic said last night that the government has agreed on a package of measures to gradually reactivate economic and social activities, which will be implemented in three phases, taking care not to jeopardize the achievements in the fight against COVID-19 and to help the economy. In this context, he added, they are going with phased reactivation, which will happen in three phases - from April 27, May 4 and May 11. Everything will be announced this afternoon.

07:00: Some of the latest TCN articles:

Special Committee for Tourism Established in Istria

Za Krizen 2020 Through the Eyes of Vrbanj Cross-Bearer Matteo Bratanic (Interview)

Croatian Chamber of Commerce Calls for Changes to Measures for Shops

Blazenka Divjak: Parents to Decide When Their Kids Go Back to School 

Coronavirus: Working Version of Loosening Measures Published

Another Shipment of Protective Equipment Arrives from Shanghai in Zagreb

06:35: The new numbers will be announced at the regular press conference at 14:00. 

06:30: Welcome to the TCN daily update on COVID-19. We start the day with 1950 officially confirmed Croatia COVID-19 cases and 42 new cases since yesterday afternoon. 869 patients have recovered. Forty-eight people have died. 18 patients are on ventilators. There are 1033 active cases.

April 23, 2020 - A special committee for tourism has been established in Istria to adopt decisions quicker and ensure better coordination and planning. 

Thus, HRTurizam reports that by the decision of the deputy prefect of Istria County, Fabrizio Radin, the Tourism Commission for Istria County was established today in 2020, as the expert and advisory body of the prefect.

The Commission will actively monitor and analyze the epidemiological situation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region, the Republic of Croatia and the main markets of Istria County and its implications for the tourist season in Istria.

The Commission will coordinate its activities related to the tourist season in Istria County and coordinate with the County Civil Protection Headquarters. They will also propose measures to the Government of the Republic of Croatia to support the tourism sector in all segments and problem solving, as well as measures for Istrian cities and municipalities to support entrepreneurs to maintain business and retain existing jobs.

The Commission will coordinate the public and private sectors in taking measures and activities aimed at maximizing results in saving the tourist season. In addition, it will design measures, activities and marketing projects according to the most significant markets, and, if necessary, perform other tasks entrusted to them by the prefect.  

The President of the Commission is prefect Fabrizio Radin, and the following members were also appointed: Boris Miletić, Mayor of Pula and representative of all local self-government units in the County; Veljko Ostojic, director of the Croatian Tourism Association and a representative of hotel and camping tourism; Boris Žgomba, President of the Association of Travel Agencies at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce; Marijan Ritossa, representative of small family-run hotels and private accommodation; Sean Lisjak, president of the Association of Marinas at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce; Denis Ivošević, director of the Istria County Tourist Board; Valter Flego, a former Istria County prefect and current Member of the European Parliament; Ivan Jakovcic, a former prefect of Istria and a former MEP; Anton Kliman, former Minister of Tourism and current Member of Parliament, and Darko Lorencin, former Minister of Tourism.

Nada Prodan Mrakovic, Head of the Tourism Department in the region, has been appointed as the secretary of the Commission, since the mentioned Administrative Department will perform the expert and administrative tasks for the Commission.

Istria is ahead of everyone once again, and will certainly recover the fastest once the coronavirus crisis ends.

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

April 22, 2020 - The 500-year-old UNESCO Za Krizen procession on Hvar was one of the only events to take place in Croatia this month. An in-depth interview behind the scenes with Vrbanj cross-bearer, Matteo Bratanic. 

In 1943, the Italian fascists limited it to just 12 people per procession, and in 1944, it took place in a refugee camp in the Sinai desert in Egypt. For more than 500 years, the Za Krizen procession on Hvar, which became inscribed as UNESCO intangible heritage in 2009, has taken place each year since 1510, with six simultaneous processions from Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska following a shoeless cross-bearer on an overnight, 25-kilometre pilgrimage of reflection and prayer. And while almost all events in Croatia have been cancelled this month, Za Krizen was controversially given permission to go ahead, albeit in much-reduced circumstances. Whereas hundreds or even thousands take part each year, Za Krizen 2020 was limited to just 15 people per procession.

TCN was one of the few eye-witnesses of Za Krizen 2020. You an see our detailed account in Jelsa Za Krizen, Croatia Not Wuhan, & Cabin Fever Perspectives.

So what was it like to carry the cross in this most unusual Za Krizen year, and what was the story behind the scenes? I am very grateful to Vrbanj cross-bearer Matteo Bratanic for this fascinating and comprehensive view of this year's procession, preparations and aftermath through the eyes of one of the six men who carried the cross. Matteo Bratanic was the cross-bearer for Vrbanj. 

Tell us firstly when you signed up to carry the Vrbanj cross? How long ago?

I wasn't actually the one who signed myself up to carry the Vrbanj cross. It was my late grandfather who did in 2000 when my uncle, Dr. Andre Bratanic carried the cross. I was 14 months old. Unfortunately, my grandfather, who signed me up, passed away in September of last year and didn't get the chance to see me completing his wish.

In a normal year, how would preparations look like?

How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically?

How were discussions about how to proceed, and how close was it to being cancelled?

There was a lot of anger elsewhere in Croatia that Za Krizen was allowed to proceed. What do you say to that? 

How was the procession for you when it finally went ahead? 

Your family and the people of Vrbanj did a very nice gesture for the earthquake victims of Zagreb. Tell us about 'Varbonj za Zagreb.' 

And how do you feel now, 2 weeks later? It must have been an incredibly emotional time for you. 

(Hvar TV with the 2012 Pitve cross-bearer behind the scenes - fascinating report)