As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 15th of March, 2020, the Croatian Government will introduce ''price control measures'' for certain items. They claim that the objective of this decision is to prevent the negative effects of changes in individual product prices in the circumstances of the current coronavirus epidemic.

On Saturday evening, the Croatian Government, during a telephone session, adopted a decision on exceptional price control measures for certain products, including basic foodstuffs, hygiene products, protective clothing, medical supplies, linen and similar items.

The list includes flour, milk, powdered milk, eggs, sugar, salt, rice, pasta, fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, canned food, edible oil, baby food, nappies for babies, drinking water, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and of course - soap.

The measures also apply to disinfectants for water, areas and hands which include concentrated alcohol, protective overalls and other protective and medical clothing and footwear, goggles and visors, protective gloves, shoe covers, protective masks - surgical, FFP2, FFP3, respirators/transport ventilators, medicines and medical products, and bedding and other underwear indended to go to the health system, according to a statement.

The objective of this Croatian Government decision is, as previously mentioned, to prevent the negative effects of changes in individual product prices as coronavirus continues to give not only public health but the domestic and global economy a beating.

Now that this decision has been made, the highest price is considered to be the price that the products were being sold at on January the 30th, 2020, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) first declared the infectious disease COVID-19 to be a public health threat of international importance, the statement said.

Make sure to follow our dedicated politics page for more on the Croatian political scene, and TCN's dedicated section for rolling information and everything you need to know about the current coronvirus epidemic and its effects on Croatia.

As Index writes on the 15th of March, 2020, as coronavirus continues to drag the world to a standstill, people in Croatia who have been prescribed self-isolation must stay in their houses and break close contact with others.

Since this is a rather unusual situation, the term self-isolation is new to many. There have been so many situations where citizens have reported that someone has been violating self-isolation.

The most eyebrow-raising known example so far is a man who was tested for coronavirus but, before receiving the results, took his son to hospital for a blood test. The results later showed that the man was indeed positive for coronavirus.

The first fine is eight thousand kuna, which is already a huge kick in the teeth, but then they rise dramatically...

The State Inspectorate announced this afternoon what the penalties for breaking coronavirus self-isolation in the Republic of Croatia were. The first fine for failure to comply with the decision on self-isolation is, as stated, eight thousand kuna. But if self-isolation is repeatedly violated, the penalties go up - considerably. The maximum fine is an enormous 120,000 kuna, a sum few in Croatia could possibly afford to pay.

"Pursuant to the Law on the State Inspectorate (Article 127) on a natural person who doesn't comply with the delivered decision, sanitary inspectors of the State Inspectorate will issue a misdemeanor order amounting to 8,000.00 kuna.

At the same time, sanitary inspectors of the State Inspectorate will, along with the misdemeanor order, also deliver to the offender the decision on the execution of the decision pursuant to Article 139 of the Law on General Administrative Procedure, which will reprimand the offender if he fails to comply with the order based on the issued decision of the sanitary inspectors of DIRH.

Namely: the first time in the amount of 30,000.00 kuna, the second time in the amount of 60,000.00 kuna, the third time in the amount of 120,000.00 kuna, all in accordance with Article 142 of the Law on General Administrative Procedure.

Furthermore, the enforcement of the fine thus imposed will be enforced through FINA,'' the statement said.

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

As Index writes on the 15th of March, 2020, it has been confirmed to the aforementioned publication that two KB Dubrava doctors have coronavirus. 

Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic and Health Minister Beros addressed the public following a cabinet meeting.

"I can now confirm to you that there are two positive patients at KB Dubrava. The situation will continue to be kept under control. We have plans where we envisaged KB Dubrava to be the main centre. It's good that what happened at KB Dubrava has now accelerated our plans, even though we do have another centre,'' the minister said.

He said that those infected at that hospital had been in contact with other infected people.

"Plans have been in place for over two months now, all directors have been notified of the need to admit these patients. We're moving into emergency mode. Hospitals can accept patients from KB Dubrava. We're ready for a higher level. We also have more phases, a fourth and a fifth,'' the minister assured.

The Minister added that the level of defense would be raised to a higher level and that we are now on the threshold of that.

"We will adapt the system. The enemy is small and invisible, but I believe we're going to find an answer to it," the minister added.

The minister added that the level of defense would be raised to a higher level and that Croatia is now on the threshold of that. "We're discussing quarantine, let's deal with that accordingly. We're choosing activation measures. We have the answer to everything, everything in its own time," he said when asked if Croatia was now on the path of complete quarantine.

In Croatia, 49 people have tested positive for coronavirus. These include the aforementioned KB Dubrava doctors.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for more on coronavirus in Croatia.

March 15, 2020 - Things are changing quickly as the authorities react to the coronavirus threat. A Croatia travel update on the current situation. 

Disclaimer - This is an attempt to give a Croatia travel update on the current situation. Things are changing very quickly, and we are doing our best to keep you informed as best we can. The information is by no means comprehensive, and all the info we have is published below. If you have something useful to add, please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Travel Update, and we will add if relevant. Thanks for your understanding and support. 

Are the borders in Croatia open?

This is the latest official information from HAK - please check their website travel updates (in English) for the latest information here. 

Due to additional controls at the border crossings there can be long delays in both passenger and freight traffic.

At Batina, Principovac, Principovac 2 and Ilok 2 border crossings all traffic is suspended.

Traffic is closed at the following border crossings:

at Goričan border crossing, detour: Goričan junction-ŽC2026-DC3;

at Dvor and Vitaljina border crossings - open only to passenger traffic;

at Gunja border crossing - there is a traffic ban on freight vehicles and buses.

Due to traffic bans on freight vehicles in Slovenia long delays should be expected in freight traffic at Bregana/Obrežje and Macelj/Gruškovje border crossings starting 1 June.

What about ferries in Croatia?

You can follow the latest ferry information here.

Prizna-Žigljen ferry does not operate due to wind.

Split-Ancona international line does not operate till 1 April, Dubrovnik-Bari till 19 April 2020.

Till 1 June 2020 401 Zadar (Gaženica)-Ist-Olib-Silba-Premuda-Mali Lošinj ferry does not embark at Silba port due to roadworks.

Information about bus travel in Croatia. 

Restrictions are also happening on bus routes. I don't have any comprehensive information, but it would be reasonable to assume that the Split Bus Station decision to stop international routes and likely limit domestic ones will be mirrored elsewhere. You can read about Split details here. 

International train travel to Croatia.

For the latest train travel information, the HAK travel update in English is here.

Railway traffic is suspended between Slovenia and Italy as well as at Bogojevo-Erdut border crossing (with Serbia).

Flights to Croatia? What is the situation with flight cancellations?

More flights are being cancelled every day, and this is a trend which is likely to continue. We don't have access to the full picture and can only put together part of the picture, but some significant developments in recent days include Croatia Airlines suspending all international flights to the coast, Ryanair postponing its base in Zadar until 2021 (please note that this is not the same thing as all flights being cancelled - the details are in this article); mass cancellations of flights globally by the likes of Norwegian (4,000 flights) and Lufthansa (up to half its entire flights) tell their own story. With 14-day self-isolation increasingly becoming a requirement in many countries, including Croatia in some cases (see below), the likelihood of less travel and more flight cancellations is strong. If you are booked to fly to Croatia, your airline booking will give you better information in your individual case than we can. We did a big update a few days ago, much of which is out of date already, but some of the links to airlines will still be relevant. 

Self-isolation in Croatia? Who does this apply to?

''The Croatian Government has introduced with immediate effect a compulsory fourteen-day self-isolation for all foreign nationals arriving from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, China, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Sweden.

Visitors with no residence in Croatia will be asked for proof of an accommodation booking. Those refusing self-isolation will be denied entry into Croatia and be instructed to return to their point of origin. Failure to comply with public health decisions may result in fines or even criminal charges.''

This list will no doubt be updated - follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section. 

If anyone has some useful information and links to add to this resource, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Travel Update, and we will add if relevant. 

March 15, 2020 - The Split Bus Station reacts to the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the border regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro has changed since Saturday night. Thus, the director of the Split Bus Station, Mate Jujnovic, said that even before the border decision, he decided to take precautionary measures, which is why he abolished all international lines, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

In Croatia, all lines are still driving as normal, but probably not for long.

“All lines outside Croatia have been stopped. On Thursday and Friday, the lines to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Montenegro were discontinued, and the line to Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially discontinued as of today. The last tour for BiH waited 12 hours at the border. Anyone who has purchased a ticket in advance for any of the canceled lines will receive a refund at the counter where the ticket was purchased,” says Mate Jujnovic, who also noted that on Monday, all Croatian carriers have a meeting at the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

“So far, everything is running as usual within the country, but I suppose it will be reduced soon. There are no passengers and there is no need to drive so many lines. It is the same for everyone. Tomorrow, all carriers have a meeting at the competent ministry and we will ask everyone to reduce the number of lines within Croatia. It makes no sense that 40 buses run, for example, from Split to Zagreb without any passengers.

We will seek to reduce the number of lines and departures, and again that connections still exist and that the traffic runs as usual,” says Jujnovic.

He also notes that passengers can find all the necessary information on bus routes on their website ak-split.hr.

As the telephone line at the station was always busy, many passengers were probably unable to contact the operator to ask for individual lines. Thus, Jujnovic adds that passengers should search for the line of interest on its website. If they release the timetable, the line is still active. If there is no timetable, that route is no longer departing.

Data is updated continuously so that the web is currently the best and fastest means of information.

For those looking for more comprehensive information about different aspects of coronavirus and Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 15, 2020 - There are 49 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia. Foreign nationals entering Croatia from infection hotspots will be subject to a 14-day quarantine, while a 14-day self-isolation is required for Croatian citizens.

Information on countries and areas under travel restrictions for passengers arriving in Croatia was updated on Sunday March 15:

All foreign nationals entering Croatia from the following countries/territories:

– People’s Republic of China: Hubei Province
– Italian Republic
– FR Germany: Heinsberg County in the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia
– Republic of Korea: Daegu City and Cheongdo Province
– Islamic Republic of Iran

will be informed about their compulsory 14-day quarantine, while all Croatian nationals will be issued a decision requiring them to go into a 14-day self-imposed isolation.

All foreign and Croatian nationals entering Croatia from the following countries/territories:

– People’s Republic of China (except the Hubei province)
– Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China)
– Republic of Korea (except Daegu City and the Cheongdo Province)
– Japan
– Republic of Singapore
– French Republic
– Federal Republic of Germany (except Heinsberg County in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia)
– Republic of Austria
– Swiss Confederation
– Kingdom of Spain
– Kingdom of the Netherlands
– Kingdom of Sweden
– United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
– Malaysia
– Republic of Slovenia
– Australia
– Republic of the Philippines
– Socialist Republic of Vietnam
– Kingdom of Cambodia
– New Zealand
– Kingdom of Denmark
– Kingdom of Norway
– Czech Republic
– Republic of Finland
– Hellenic Republic
– State of Israel
– Ireland
– Republic of San Marino
– Republic of Island
– Republic of Poland
– Romania
– Portuguese Republic
– Slovak Republic
– Hungary
– Republic of Belarus
– Republic of Bulgaria
– Republic of North Macedonia
– Kingdom of Thailand
– Republic of India
– Republic of Indonesia
– Republic of Maldives
– Kingdom of Bahrein
– United Arab Emirates
– Republic of Iraq
– Arab Republic of Egypt
– Lebanese Republic
– Islamic Republic of Pakistan
– Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
– United States of America
– Canada
– Federal Republic of Brasil
– Republic of Chile
– Republic of Costa Rica
– Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria
– Republic of Cameroon
– Republic of Peru
– Republic of Ecuador
– Principality of Andorra
– Republic of Albania
– Republic of Cyprus
– Montenegro
– Principality of Liechtenstein
– Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
– Republic of Malta
– Principality of Monaco
– Republic of Turkey
– Ukraine

will be issued a decision requiring them to go into a 14-day self-imposed isolation.

The list will be updated in accordance with recommendations and the epidemiological situation.

"It is only through joint efforts that we can contribute to maintaining this relatively peaceful epidemiological situation that we now have in Croatia," the Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters reported at this morning's press conference and repeated the following instructions:

1. People who have cold symptoms and have not been in areas that are more affected by the new coronavirus within the last 14 days should not report to epidemiologists but may contact their family physician by telephone.

2. People who have been in areas which are more affected by the coronavirus within the last 14 days, but are not coughing, who do not have a fever or other signs of a cold over must contact a competent epidemiologist, whose number can be obtained through county centers 112.

3. People who have been in areas more affected by the coronavirus within the last 14 days, who have coughs fever and other cold symptoms, are obliged to contact their family physician by phone for further instructions.

Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. | Use a tissue for coughing or sneezing. | Avoid touching your face. | Index

For some of the most commonly asked questions about coronavirus in Croatia, check out the TCN FAQ Guide here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

Forty-Nine Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 15, 2020; forty-nine coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 16 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 2 in Sisak and 9 in Osijek and 1 TBD, who returned from New York (Numbers on map updated).

• The first patient from Zagreb became infected during his stay in Italy. The two other patients are close contacts. The fourth patient recently returned from a ski trip in Austria. The fifth patient recently came back from a conference in Munich. Five new cases were confirmed Wednesday and Thursday and the patients returned from trips to Austria and Germany. Three more cases were confirmed on Friday: a child, a soldier and a contact of the soldier. Another case, confirmed Saturday, returned from Spain. Two more cases work at the KBC Dubrava (clinic in Zagreb) for a total of sixteen.
• A patient from Rijeka became infected during his stay in Italy. Several other patients had contact with the first patient. The total number of cases is now ten.
• The first patient from Varaždin spent time in Italy. The second case is a truck driver who had been in Italy and was in preventative self-isolation. The third and fourth cases are close contacts of the driver. A fifth case returned from the United States, via Europe. Another patient was confirmed today.
• Six patients in Pula had returned from Italy.
• The first confirmed patient from Sisak returned from Italy. The second returned from Spain.
• Two new cases from Osijek were in contact with an infected person from Zagreb. As of today, seven more cases for a total of nine.
• Another case returned to Croatia from New York. Updates on this case to follow.

More than 6,455 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 167,291 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 86,442 cases outside of mainland China and 24,747 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 15, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters Updates

The National Civil Protection Headquarters held their daily afternoon press conference at 16:00 CET as reported by Index.

In Croatia, there are 49 cases of coronavirus infection recorded, including two doctors from KB KBC Dubrava.

"We will mobilize the entire healthcare system, staff and equipment. This is not unexpected; it is important that we have resisted this scenario for such a long time, it has allowed us to do the necessary preparatory work," Vili Beros said.

Capak has revealed that the new case is one returnee from New York. Contacts of people from Osijek are also among the new cases. Two people worked at a ski resort in Austria.

Most Cases Returnees or Contacts of Returnees

"As you can see, the situation shows that we have either returnees from countries or their contacts," he said. The minister indicated that Dubrava had previously been selected as the site of the respiratory center.

"Our exact plan was to activate Dubrava. These developments have accelerated our plans. Evacuation of patients to other hospitals is ongoing. This Zagreb scenario is ready for all regional centers. We have primary, secondary and tertiary care options in all our centers," Beros added.

"By WHO definition, as soon as the first non-imported case occurs, they consider it to be local transmission. We believe that the spread of the disease to the population has not yet taken place," Capak said.

Bozinovic Announced More Rigorous Measures, Starting Tomorrow

"What you are follow in the foreign media, we will also introduce. Our lives will change drastically, all for the purpose of protecting the population and our loved ones. We must take responsibility for ourselves and others. The measures will be implemented tomorrow, including the whole package of economic measures and closing borders is another measure," Bozinovic said.

Capak found that about 8,000 people are in self-isolation. Waiting for 15 findings. The health status of the current patients is good.

"Over 80 percent, and by some accounts, 85 percent of patients have mild symptoms. Elderly people are especially advised to adjust their activities to the new circumstances. They should avoid public transport and doctor visits," Beros repeated.

Highlights from Morning Press Conference

Seven new cases were diagnosed yesterday. At the press conference yesterday morning, the headquarters reported five new cases, in the afternoon another infected person was reported, and another case was discovered late in the evening. In total, 39 people were infected in Croatia as of yesterday (10 more infections by end-of-day March 15).

Government Will Cap Prices on Foods and Drugs

In addition, late last night the government decided to limit the prices of several foods and drugs with maximum prices remaining as they were on January 30.

57 Citizens Confirmed Violating Self Isolation Orders

Minister Bozinovic praised the computer scientists who created a system that helps identify persons who violate self-isolation measures.

"We do not act only on reports from citizens, but also on the regular treatment of the police, if someone is stopped in traffic and should be in self-isolation, they will be sanctioned," he said. 

"In the past 24 hours, controls have been carried out on 57 citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures. 17 have been reported to the sanitary inspection and will be sanctioned," Bozinovic added.

Capak: Traffic at Border Back to Normal

Krunoslav Capak spoke about new measures at the borders, saying that the citizens of Bosnia and Hercegovina and Serbia will not need to go into self-isolation and that the regime will not change.

Minister Bozinovic said that truck traffic at the borders has returned to normal.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:30 - The director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic "Dr. Fran Mihaljevic" and one of the key persons from the first line of defense against coronavirus, Dr. Alemka Markotic, said in an interview for Dnevnik Nova TV that there was another suspected coronavirus case in the hospital system. She also explained how everyone should behave and what is most important now.

19:00 - The ministry has announced rules for people in self-isolation:

1. Leaving home is prohibited.
2. Contact the appropriate epidemiological center every day.
3. Take your temperature in the morning and evening.
4. Pay attention to the appearance of symptoms of a respiratory infection (high temperature, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing).
5. Wash your hands regularly with soap or use sanitary hand cleaner.
6. Regularly clean and disinfect objects and areas where you reside.
7. Regularly ventilate spaces.
8. Use your own sheets, towels and eating utensils
9. Secure a separate room and use a separate bathroom.
10. If you need to go to a health care facility, contact your family doctor beforehand.

18:00 - McDonald's closes for guests. They have released a statement.

"Just as we are responsible for serving guests safe food, we are also responsible to employees for whom we need to ensure a safe working environment. Their safety and health are our priority. With strict adherence to the quality, hygiene and cleanliness; we consider closure of our restaurants to guests one of the critical measures we will take to ensure safety and help prevent the spread of the epidemic," said Pavel Pavlicek, McDonald's Croatia director.

17:50 - Zagreb opens offices for the examination of suspected coronavirus cases. Here they are.

17:30 - A man who violated the decision to self-isolate will be punished.

16:30 - At the end of the afternoon press conference, Ministers Božinović and Beroš made a special appeal to the elderly. They were urged not to leave the house unless they had to. They were also told to avoid rallies and going to the grocery store.

16:05 - A new press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters took place. There are currently 49 cases of coronavirus recorded in Croatia. There are still 15 more cases to be confirmed. Minister Bozinovic said the measures being introduced would be increasingly rigorous.

15:30 - Mass was held at the cathedral. There weren't many attendees.

15:10 - Penalties for violation of self-isolation have been announced. The first fine is eight thousand HRK (1052 EUR). But if someone continues to violate self-isolation, the penalties are drastically higher.

14:21 - Plenkovic said a total of 49 were infected at the very beginning of the press conference.

13:00 - Index confirmed that two doctors of KB Dubrava were infected with the coronavirus.

12:05 - Andrej Plenkovic has stated that they are taking all measures against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic that are appropriate at the moment, and if more stringent measures are needed, they will surely take them, but will ensure the normal functioning of life.

The prime minister said this after a vote in HDZ's inter-party elections, questioned whether the closure measures taken by restaurants in Istria would apply to the rest of Croatia.

11:45 - There is no cure for COVID-19, that is, therapy is only symptomatic and supportive. Although most infected people have only mild symptoms, it is still extremely important to try to avoid the infection in every way. Here's how you can do it.

11:16 - The press conference of the Headquarters of Osijek-Baranja County is underway. They said that the five cases from Osijek are contacts of the married couple from Ernestinovo. Still waiting for results for 5 people.

11:05 - From the Rehabilitation Center in Zagreb, a coronavirus case was announced on their site. They reported a virus was detected in one user.

10:50 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia has decided that train drivers and the necessary accompanying railway staff may cross the border with Slovenia, Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina without restrictions. They will be issued a 14-day self-isolation decision. At the invitation of the employer, they will be able to get out of self-isolation for the purpose of carrying out railway transport operations, and upon completion they shall be obliged to return to self-isolation. The employer is obliged to provide the driver and the necessary accompanying train crew with all the protective equipment they are required to use when performing the business process.

10:45 - Mate Rimac reported on Facebook that he was closing down his business Monday because of the coronavirus.

10:00 - As of yesterday, a quarantine was established in each county with a parking space for trucks to house domestic truck drivers after unloading cargo. Drivers will no longer have to be in self-isolation as before but will leave quarantine to go on route as needed and return to quarantine once their goods have been unloaded. All employers with more than five employees are required to provide quarantine/self-isolation within their business premises in accordance with the prescribed self-isolation measures.

9:45 - Archbishop of Rijeka Msgr. Dr. Ivan Devcic sent a letter yesterday to the priests with new provisions regarding the coronavirus, and at the request of the Chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the PGZ, who asks the local Church to suspend all liturgical rites until April 3, 2020. Churches in the Archdiocese of Rijeka must cancel masses at which would have more than 100 people and where people cannot sit with a meter of distance between them.

9:20 - The Diocese of Dubrovnik will broadcast mass over the Internet.

9:30 - Bozinovic: We found 18 people who did not adhere to self-isolation orders and they will be punished.

9:00 - Last night, truck traffic started moving through Croatia to Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirmed the Minister of the Interior and the Director of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, Davor Bozinovic.

The convoy of lorries, which was detained at the Italian-Slovenian and Slovenian-Croatian borders due to the coronavirus epidemic, departed yesterday evening.

(Updates provided by Index)

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

Live 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.
• Live updates from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Croatia Travel Update, March 15, 2020: What You Need to Know - here.
• 10 Things Which Await You in Croatia After Corona Crisis - here.
• Mate Rimac Closing Company on Monday, Employee Health Top Priority - here.
• Croatian Government Introducing Price Controls for Certain Items - here.
• Punishments for Breaking Coronavirus Self-Isolation Rules Published - here.
• Two Dubrava Zagreb Hospital Doctors Have Coronavirus, Minister Reveals Details - here.
• Split Bus Station Stops All Lines Outside Croatia, Reduction in Domestic Lines Likely - here.
• Croatian Athletes and Staff Talk About Unexpected Time at Home - here.
• Mayor Stipe Petrina Chooses Prevention, Closes All Cafes and Restaurants in Primosten - here.
• Covid19 Emergency: Solidarity from STIP, Association of Court Interpreters & Translators - here.

UPDATED: March 15, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 21 update click here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

March 15, 2020 - At this morning’s press conference held by the Civil Protection Staff they announced that the number of coronavirus infected in Croatia had increased. Seven more people were infected, and a total of 46 people were infected in Croatia.

Seven new cases were diagnosed yesterday. In the morning the headquarters reported five new cases, in the afternoon another infected person was reported, and another case was discovered late in the evening. In total, 39 people were infected in Croatia as of yesterday as reported by Index.

In addition, late last night the government decided to limit the prices of several foods and drugs with maximum prices remaining as they were on January 30.

09:17 - When asked if crowds at the borders should be expected, the minister said he should not. "We said yesterday, this is not the time to travel and we ask everyone to refrain from doing so," the minister said.

09:15 - Minister Bozinovic said that there were 52 people quarantined, in Split and Dubrovnik. "You can see for yourself that the situation in the EU is getting worse, we are not ruling it out either. I urge that the messages of the headquarters and the government be monitored because only if we follow what the profession says will we help ourselves, our loved ones and the country," he said.

09:13 - Alemka Markotic added that in self-isolation all persons were assessed as being at high risk, regardless of whether they had symptoms or not.

"The epidemic here can be made worse by irresponsible behavior. This is one of the critical aspects and it is important for people to adhere to the prescribed measures. It is for the benefit of them and their loved ones," she said.

She also commented on the decision to withdraw the decision to self-isolate people from Bosnia and Hercecogovina and Serbia. She said it was not yet about local transmission.

"These are all close contacts or infected out there. Failure to comply with the measures may result in local transmission," she added.

09:12 - Minister Bozinovic praised the computer scientists who created a system that helps identify persons who violate self-isolation measures.

"We do not act only on reports from citizens, but also on the regular treatment of the police, if someone is stopped in traffic and should be in self-isolation, they will be sanctioned," he said.

09:10 - There was a question about the use of ibuprofen, which the French minister said was not being given to the sick.

Alemka Markotic replied that it was not scientifically based. "It is not usually given to patients who are bleeding, and all of our patients receive paracetamol," she said.

Minister Beros added that the advice should be dominated by the opinion of professionals.

09:09 - Minister Beros was asked about mobilization. He said Croatia was ready for anything and how it would adapt.

09:07 - Krunoslav Capak spoke about new measures at the borders, saying that the citizens of Bosnia and Hercegovina and Serbia will not need to go into self-isolation and that the regime will not change.

Asked about the number of people in self-isolation, he said he would announce the exact number at the press conference in the afternoon (16:00 CET).

9:06 - The Minister revealed that four convoys of trucks were taken over and that over 60 trucks were moving to Bajakov and 40 to Stara Gradiška.

Minister Bozinovic said that truck traffic at the borders was normalized.

"In the past 24 hours, controls have been carried out on 57 citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures. 17 have been reported to the sanitary inspection and will be sanctioned," Bozinovic said.

9:05 - Krunoslav Capak said that information is being collected on the new seven patients and their contacts and that more will be known at 16:00 CET at the next press conference.

09:04 - Alemka Markotic said that there is not much information about the new cases so far, but added that they do not appear to have a serious form of the virus

09:02 - There are 46 people infected in Croatia, Minister Beros said.

A full update will follow in our daily briefing, which will include details from the afternoon press conference, which will be held at 16:00 CET.

Follow this page for running Total Croatia News updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia.

ZAGREB, March 15 - The 38th coronavirus patient in Croatia has a temperature and mild respiratory symptoms, while all the patients in treatment are stable and well, the head of Zagreb's Fran Mihaljević Infectious Diseases Hospital, Alemka Markotić, said on Saturday.

"We also have the good news that the second person who was identified as sick has recovered and was discharged with a negative test result," she said at a press conference of the national civil protection authority.

Markotić said that as of today, apart from Fran Mihaljević, testing for coronavirus would be conducted at the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) and the Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health.

"It's important that politicians and citizens listen to professionals," she said.

Health Minister Vili Beroš said the 38th patient was a woman who returned from a sports competition in Romania.

He said Croatia expected an increase in the number of cases due to the escalation in Europe. He said 2,547 new cases were confirmed in Italy today and that in Spain the situation was escalating faster than in Italy.

We expect the epidemic to enter stage three and a higher burden on hospitals, Beroš said.

He said the twin brothers who were the first cases in Croatia had recovered well and were discharged from hospital, but were asked to self-isolate for the next two to three weeks.

The HZJZ head Krunoslav Čapak reiterated that Croatia was still recording an ascending curve of infections, that it could level off in two to three weeks, after which the number of cases would start to decrease.

Interior Minister Davor Božinović called on citizens to cancel private family trips and travel only if necessary. We appeal on the responsibility of every individual, he said.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 15, 2020 - Over 1,300 cultural workers, most of whom are freelancers or independent authors in creative industries have to date signed an appeal for urgent assistance which they need to overcome the current situation caused by the outbreak of coronavirus.

Concerts and other cultural events are continually being cancelled or postponed in the country due to the outbreak of the virus, and such developments affect creative industries, notably freelancers and precariously employed professionals in that sector.

The appeal emphasises that in addition to a public health risk due to the spread of coronavirus, independent cultural workers are losing their livelihoods in the current situation.

The signatories also warn that although the situation concerning the public health can go back to normal until the end of April, the crisis in this cultural sector is likely to last until the autumn.

An additional problem is that a part of the sector has not yet recovered from the consequences of the teachers' strike in schools last autumn, when the distribution of contents for school children was also impossible, reads the appeal.

The signatories support a pan-European appeal for establishment of a fund for assistance to individual artists and art organisations in a bid to overcome this period marked by bans on public gatherings and cancellations of events.

Culture Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek has already promised that she will see to it that the government's measures to prop up businesses also include assistance for artists and creative industries to pass through this period as less painfully as possible.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

March 15, 2020 - There are already several Croatian athletes and sports professionals who, due to various contacts, have been forced to spend two weeks at home because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Croatian sailors Sime and Mihovil Fantela arrived back in Zadar from Palma de Mallorca where the Princess Sofia Trophy was to be held. The World Champion sailors are safe, but self-isolating. 

Sime told HRT more:

“I must be with my wife and kid for two weeks at home. We will be careful; we will be careful not to go outside and simply wait for the news ahead. It is a little difficult, we are preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, which is our most important goal, and now we are practically without training for 15 days. It's not easy, but we will try to be patient and simply respond to the current situation.” You can see the video on HRT here.

The coronavirus also calmed down tennis for six weeks. Marin Cilic, like most of his colleagues, will enjoy an atypical March at home with family, reports Gol.hr.

"We are aware of the situation and it is certainly better to beware than to take the possible risks so here - now I have more time at home. It was the perfect time for me to be with my family, enjoy and have a little more time to rest, and hang out."

A month and a half ago, Cilic welcomed his first child, Baldo.

“I will definitely be more awake overnight, which will make Kristina’s life much easier.“

However, family rewards are the reason why the world's 37th best tennis player in the world takes the prevention of coronavirus as seriously as possible.

"Of course I'm afraid most of all because of Baldo, because he's still very small. I am even avoiding going to the gym, where there are bigger gatherings, and maybe I'll even do more outdoor workouts."

A few days ago, Cilic met with the Sinkovic brothers on Jarun Lake for an outdoor training session. He said he is in contact with other Croatian athletes, too.

"I heard from the NBA guys; they told me that this is unique and everything is under alarm. They do not know what is going to happen, or if they will return home or stay there, so we are still on the edge of our seats, waiting for what will develop, but most importantly, we are all healthy and this is under control. "

But Cilic does not doubt that the world of sports will certainly feel the consequences.

"Who knows what the Olympics will be like, but luckily for tennis, the positive is that our season is so long, it lasts until the end of November. The problem is that the points will be affected, with other tournaments being canceled - but these are less of a concern."

Several prominent HNS members, including President Davor Suker and coach Zlatko Dalic, are also in self-isolation, reports T.portal.

They all attended the UEFA Congress and the Nations League draw in  Amsterdam on March 2, which included the president of the Serbian Football Association Slavisa Kokeza, who was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The Croatian delegation was not in close contact with Kokeza, but out of precaution, they are in self-isolation, and so far, no one is showing any symptoms.

“They were in the same place he was 12 days ago. We checked, none of them had close contact with him, if any. However, because of the precautionary measures and because they are responsible people, they are behaving responsibly in this situation, so we agreed to reduce contacts for 14 days, that is, if you want to call it that, they will be in self-isolation,” Croatian Football Federation doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic told RTL.

“Of everyone who was there, no one has symptoms. The likelihood of being infected is extremely low, but it is not good enough for us. We act responsibly and, as a last resort, send everyone a message to act responsibly,” said Bahtijarević.

Although the initial information was that Kokeza contracted the coronavirus in Amsterdam at the UEFA Congress, he had contracted it in Milan.

“Slavisa Kokeza is holding up well, feeling good. Everything happened in Milan, there are a lot of viruses from that city,” said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at a press conference.

After the anticipated Doha friendly tournament was canceled due to the global pandemic, where Croatia was to play against Switzerland and Portugal, the Federation’s leadership and coach Dalic agreed that there would be no national team meeting this month. HNS informed the clubs of all the invited national team about this decision.

The decision was made keeping in mind the current situation in Croatia and Europe, that is, the global pandemic of the new coronavirus, to protect the health of the national team.

"It is the position of the Federation and the professional staff, headed by coach Dalic, that it is safest for national team members to stay in the cities where they reside, in quarantines or under other measures in force in certain countries," HNS said.

“Something that has never happened in the history of sports has happened. We need to be concerned about the health of athletes, fans and all other actors in football, but also in sports in general. This is an emergency that no one could have foreseen, but we have to deal with it. We have approached this problem with maximum responsibility, and it is not easy. This is a disaster for sports and the economy, but all human lives must come first,” Suker said in an interview, noting that his stance on Tuesday's UEFA video conference would be that the EURO does not take place this year.

"In any case, we will know more after Tuesday, human lives are paramount," Suker concluded.

The European Football Federation (UEFA) announced a major video conference next Tuesday with the leaderships of all 55 Member States and representatives of ECA, FIFPro and European leagues to discuss further steps European football will take in the context of a pandemic the coronavirus, with regard to both domestic and European club competitions, as well as EURO 2020.

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