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

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

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

KBC Split

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow our live updates on the coronavirus crisis in Croatia 

March 24, 2020 - Communities around Croatia are coming together to do their bit in the response to coronavirus and the Zagreb earthquake aftermath.  

In spite of the latest circumstances which have shattered Croatia, Croatian people have once again shown how kindness is greater than the effects of Coronavirus and the Zagreb earthquake.

While we waited for the closure of catering facilities, the owner of the "Kraljevski pub Tomislav" cafe bar in Varaždin decided to do that by himself. Not only that, but employees chose to volunteer and help those in need.

"Maybe this month, we will not make money, but we will make lots of love from other people who appreciate our hard work and dedication and, above all, our free time that we spend for someone," they told eVaraždin.

Jelena, Davor and Katarina, well done!  (see lead photo)

The Knight order "Ružice grada" from Orahovica announced on its Facebook page they are starting to make a cotton face masks. "If you know of an institution that may need it or people who are at risk, please let us know so we can donate." After that, they wrote they stand at your service if you need someone to clear the snow in front of your house. Not only that, but they will also bring you groceries if you can't do it by yourself. This is the real knight chivalry.

In the Facebook group "Tražim/nudim studentski posao" ("Looking for/offering a student job"), many people are offering a home to those whose houses were destroyed in the earthquake. In the same group, plenty of the students provided instructions for every child who needs it due to the school closures. And they will do it for free. After that, the new group called Free Instructions, was made.

Students organized and launched an action to create protective masks for medical staff. The masks are already in use at KBC Split. More than 120 3D printers launched in 24 cities in less than 18 hours! DiyConnect Company is doing the same thing. 

Following the decision to suspend public transport, the HUP member companies, the Rent-a-Car Coordination Company, informed that they make available, for free, more than 50 vehicles throughout Croatia for free, so that healthcare staff can get on time to their jobs. Adipromet is doing the same thing, knowing how important the work is that our medical staff is currently doing.

Three young psychologists are offering free online help since they understand that some people are going through tough times at the moment. They have Facebook and Instagram profiles. If you need to talk with someone, they are here for you.

A free Web application for order fulfillment and delivery has also been created to assist people in self-isolation, the elderly, and infirm. Scan the code and help others! How does it work?

1. Sign up 2. Wait for a call to help someone.

If you thought it couldn't go better than this, there is more. A few owners of apartments forgave rents to those who live in it for this month. 

Bad Blue Boys, the Dinamo fan group, again showed their preparedness to help. "I do not know how much news about the Blue Heart action has spread. Still, in cooperation with the Red Crioss, we take care of people who are unable to go to pharmacies, shops, etc.. This is also true for senior citizens and chronic patients who would be put into unnecessary danger when leaving home." 

In the Facebook group "Jedni za druge" (One for the other), made specifically for those in need due to the earthquake and coronavirus, many people offer their help.

Mrs. Manuela Babić, the owner of OPG, wrote: "Every Friday until further notice I can provide 200 to 250 eggs on my farm and donate to the needy. If you know anyone, whether from the Red Cross or someone who volunteers and delivers food to people, please refer them to me."

And again, some offer a home… 

We believe there are many more volunteers who are doing good from the shadow. Shout out to all of you, good people. Wherever do you take a look, someone stands there, offering a hand. What a time to witness.

Do you know an initiative to add to this list? Email Janja with details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

ZAGREB, March 24, 2020 - Croatian Economy Minister Darko Horvat today said that the government was working intensively to address the shortage of protective equipment against coronavirus and that a "large plane" carrying such goods would arrive to Croatia from China during the day.

Other (supply) routes are being planned, primarily airline routes to transport protective equipment not only from Europe, but also from China and India, as all standard suppliers are swarmed with orders from Croatia, Europe and all over the world.

The need for specific materials makes the start of the production of such goods in Croatia harder.

"Several companies are testing how effective some materials they have managed to obtain are against viruses. If they meet the criteria, Varteks and Calzedonia will soon start the production," Horvat said.

The head of the Croatian Public Health Institute, Krunoslav Capak, said on Tuesday that healthy people did not have to wear single-layer canvas masks when entering shops and other public spaces, since those masks did not protect against the coronavirus.

The National Civil Protection Authority has not made a recommendation that healthy people should wear protective masks nor do they think that this is necessary, Capak told a press conference.

Only specialised respirators with filters that prevent the passage of the virus are effective in protecting against the spread of the coronavirus. In Croatia they are currently used by health care professionals.

The National Authority only recommended that infected persons should wear a three-ply surgical mask with a plastic layer that filters out tiny particles.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 24, 2020 - The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) and the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) on Tuesday said that the business sector affected by the coronavirus epidemic urged the government to exempt them from paying all their contributions rather than allowing for deferred payment.

"We welcome the government's first package of measures to support the economy," HGK president Luka Burilović said, adding that the Chamber had actively participated in the preparation of that rescue package.

In line with the demands of our members the Chamber of Commerce recommends that the second set of measures exempts those companies faced with problems from the payment of all contributions, including contributions and taxes on wages and of membership fees. That means exemption of payments and not deferment," Burilović underscored.

He underlined that this crisis, unlike the last, requires consumption and measures to boost consumption instead of austerity measures.

"In that light in fact, we need to absorb EU funds as much as possible, now when the European Commission is showing greater flexibility," adding that in that context the government should consider additionally covering the cost of wages by HRK 5,000 for each employee in companies affected by the crisis.

Burilović underscored that the Chamber calls on banks for a moratorium on all loan liabilities for those physical and legal entities affected by the crisis, for at least six months without charging any fees or interest.

Director-General of the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) Davor Majetić underscores that employers are asking that all contributions and para-fiscal fees be temporarily abolished because of the hardships in conducting their business.

"It is obvious to everyone by looking at the number of people registering with the Employment Service for the payment of HRK 3,250 that the situation is critical," Majetić told Hina.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

March 24, 2020 - The Croatia national football team has raised HRK 4.2 million which will be donated to the Croatian government fund opened today for two purposes - the fight against the coronavirus and to help rehabilitate Zagreb after the earthquake.

HNS announces that the state of emergency, caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the devastating earthquake in Zagreb, has spawned many well-known and unknown heroes across the country, who show exceptional effort, courage and organization every day to cope with this crisis successfully.

Therefore, in addition to a series of personal initiatives and donations, the players and the staff of the Croatia national football team decided to raise funds for the fight against the coronavirus and to support the City of Zagreb and raised HRK 4.2 million!

The funds will be paid into two separate accounts opened today by the Croatian Government: "Croatia against Coronavirus" and "Together for Zagreb". The funds will be used to rehabilitate hospitals and purchase the necessary appliances, medicines and other medical supplies to combat the pandemic.

"With this action, we want to show that we are committed to supporting our people and our capital, and that together, as always, we will overcome these great challenges. We stand with all our heart with the people who have shown great courage, ability and strength in this crisis, from doctors and nurses to firefighters, police officers, soldiers and members of the Civil Protection Headquarters to the people who work daily for us to live relatively normally, such as merchants, delivery drivers and many others. We will win together again,” said the Croatia national team and staff in a joint statement.

In less than two days, the Vatreni have collected more than half a million euros for epidemic and earthquake relief. When we call our team and our fans a #Family, this is exactly the kind of unity and solidarity that we're referring to! ??❤ pic.twitter.com/KbDHnqkIjI

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) March 24, 2020

“In less than two days, the Vatreni have collected more than half a million euros for epidemic and earthquake relief. When we call our team and our fans a #Family, this is exactly the kind of unity and solidarity that we're referring to!”

The Croatia national team has shown many times both through public actions and also through their private initiatives far from the public eye that they have a big heart and a great sense of social responsibility. Through the Vatreno Srco Foundation, they have been raising funds for needy children and young people for years, but this amount has surpassed all previous actions.

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

ZAGREB, March 24, 2020 - Primorje-Gorski Kotar County has received a letter of support from the Chinese province Liaoning with the message that the coronavirus can be defeated and that measures and restrictions can contribute to that.

The letter arrived via email from the international cooperation office of the Liaoning province, with which Primorje-Gorski Kotar County has been nurturing friendly relations for many years.

Liaoning said that the stringent measures taken by the Chinese government regarding the coronavirus, as well as the restrictions residents had to deal with, had been fruitful.

The province of Liaoning, which has a population of about 43 million, 127 cases of infection have been registered. To date, all of them have been discharged from hospital, except for a patient who arrived from Spain and is still being treated, the letter says.

It also underscored that people have been slowly returning to work in Liaoning and that the economy has started to recover.

In the letter they say that the epidemic will end, but they underscore that their experience shows that precautionary measures do not come to an abrupt end and that Chinese citizens continue to wear face masks.

Due to everything it entails, the epidemic is a challenge not only to our lifestyle but also to the way we think, the letter from Liaoning underscores.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 24, 2020 - The Croatian parliament will hold its sessions in the historic building of INA oil company given the damage Parliament House has suffered in earthquakes this past Sunday, and its members will discuss two government bills on Wednesday.

One is a bill to amend the Electronic Communications Act to facilitate access to information on persons violating self-isolation orders in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic.

The government proposes that the law be amended so as to include an article under which in extraordinary situations the health minister would be authorised to ask telecommunications companies to provide data on users' terminal equipment locations without transfer data. In practice, this means that the location of each person in self-isolation who has a mobile phone with them would be known, so it would be known whether they are violating self-isolation orders.

The law has so far stipulated that the data can only be used with the user's permission, which would no longer be necessary. According to the bill, the health minister may make the request when the government has declared a natural disaster or state of catastrophe, or when the minister has declared an infectious disease epidemic or a threat of an epidemic, and in such cases the purpose of the measure is protection of national and/or public safety.

The parliament originally planned to convene in the Zagreb City Hall in the Upper Town, but the decision was changed after statics expert assessed the building's safety and stability.

"We want to minimise the risk and go somewhere where we will be able to work safely", Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said when asked why the parliament 'was returning' to INA's building.

The Croatian parliament held its historic session in that building on October 8, 1991, when it decided to sever all ties with Yugoslavia. The decision was made the day after Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) planes attacked the Banski Dvori (government headquarters) and MPs had to leave the building for their safety.

The parliament said that due to coronavirus protection measures, sessions would be attended by two members of each party group, while the voting would be done by a show of hands.

The session will be broadcast live by the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) on its HRT4 channel, and it will also be transmitted on the parliament's web page and YouTube channel.

Only reporters, cameramen and photographers permanently accredited by the Croatian parliament will be able to enter INA's building. All of them have to follow instructions by the National Civil Protection Authority and the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), that is, keep a distance of at least two metres from others and wear protective masks and gloves.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

March 24, 2020 - As the coronavirus dominates and the effects of the Zagreb earthquake are being felt, a Croatia travel update on flights, borders, restrictions and the new measures announced by the Government. 

Things are changing very quickly as the coronavirus crisis escalates in Europe. A Croatia travel update on what is - and is not - open or running. 

But if we were to sum up the travel advice in Croatia at the moment in one word, it would be this - don't. 

Leading Croatian Scientist Igor Rudan explains why in his latest fantastic piece - Why We All MUST Stay at Home for At Least One Month 

New Croatian Travel Restrictions Come into Force: What is Open?

Strict new travel measures were announced yesterday by Interior Minister, Davor Bozinovic, and they have already come into effect.

"The number of infected people is increasing; we expect further growth and these are necessary measures. It is important that the exceptions are those which are essential for the traffic and movement of goods and supplies - daily migrations in essential services, drug delivery, utilities, gas and electricity supply, journalists, emergency medical care,” Bozinovic said.

The new rules prohibit anyone leaving their place of residence (please note that place of residence means town/city, not your apartment) without special permission, or without the appropriate paperwork. A full translation of the new rules announced can be found here. The new measures have effectively brought non-essential travel in Croatia to a standstill.

For an overview of what is open and what is not, check out this morning's Overview of Coronavirus Measures: What's Open, What's Closed?

Croatia Travel Update: What is the Situation on the Roads?

Snow is falling in many parts of the country. The latest road update from HAK in English is below. Click on this link for the latest.

Croatia Travel Update: Are the borders of Croatia open? 

This is the latest official information from HAK on the situation at the borders of Croatia. For the latest information (in English), check out the HAK website. 

At the following border crossings transit freight traffic is allowed:

• at Bregana and Macelj (with Slovenia);
• at Goričan and Duboševica (with Hungary);
• at Nova Sela, Stara Gradiška and Slavonski Šamac (with Bosnia and Herzegovina);
• at Bajakovo (with Serbia).

Transit passengers information, if travelling through Republic of Croatia:

• use motorways only;
• use the following rest areas only: Novska jug, Novska sjever, Kozjak jug, Prokljan sjever, Draganić sjever, Draganić jug, Bačva and Ravna Gora;
• during breaks keep distance between You and other people;
• obey the rules of Civil protection or police officers.

At all border crossings with Croatia inbound traffic is allowed only to Croatian citizens (14-day isolation mandatory) as well as for some special groups of people, such as medical personnel, scientists, eldercare personnel, cross-border workers, freight traffic, diplomats, police officers, civil protection teams, international organizations members, militaries and transit passengers.

At the border crossings with Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro traffic is closed for all vehicles, except for the citizens of these countries as well as for freight vehicles.

Traffic is suspended at the following border crossings with Slovenia:Lucija, Slum, Vele Mune, Lipa, Prezid II, Zamost, Blaževci, Prilišće, Pravutina, Obrež, Vivodina, Kašt, Novo Selo Žumberačko, Kraj Donji, Gornji Čemehovec, Draše, Plavić, Luke Poljanske, Mali Tabor, Klenovec Humski, Gornja Voća, Preseka, Sveti Martin na Muri, Čabar, Cvetlin, Zlogonje, Banfi.

Due to roadworks, 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.

Croatia Travel Update: Are the ferries in Croatia running normally?

This is the latest update from HAK:

As reported earlier on TCN, Jadrolinija is now requesting that passengers make their ticket purchases online or via their app. 

You can check the latest from Jadrolinija on their website.

(From the Jadrolinija homepage)

Croatia Travel Update: What is the situation with train travel in Croatia?

The latest HAK update on the railway is here:

But please be aware that at the March 21 press conference, it was announced that there would be a suspension of all bus and train connections between cities. 

Croatia Travel Update: What is the situation with flights to Croatia?

The closing of the EU external borders took effect a couple of days ago, a measure that will last for 30 days. As such, all international flights outside EU borders have now been cancelled. There are still flights to Zagreb within EU borders, and so there is not a total flight ban, as ExYuAviation noted a few days ago:

The EU travel will only partially affect Croatia. Under the plan, only visitors from non-EU states will not be allowed to enter the region unless they are long-term residents of the EU, family members of EU nationals, diplomats, cross-border commuters, or essential workers like doctors, nurses, and researchers. The majority of Croatia Airlines’ network is concentrated within the EU, however, plummeting demand and various national restrictions will see the carrier cancel at least nine return flights today, among which are services to cities outside of the block such as Sarajevo and Skopje. Furthermore, flights from Zagreb to Copenhagen, Vienna and Munich have also been cancelled so far today. Despite the new circumstances, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways will operate their flights to the Croatian capital today.

HOWEVER, checking the Zagreb airport departures page today, there are two non-EU flights are not cancelled according to the Zagreb Airport website - Sarajevo and Istanbul. Here is the Zagreb Airport departures page for the latest info. Contact your airline for the latest news regarding your flight. 

Most flights from Split are cancelled, but there are currently two flights Zagreb showing for today, and one for tomorrow. Check the timetable here.

Dubrovnik Airport has been closed, as there has been a positive COVID-19 case among the cleaning staff. 

Croatia Airlines also have a dedicated information page on which of their flights are going, as well as flight cancellations.

We have had a LOT of emails asking what will happen with flight cancellations, and will things be ok in May, June and beyond. Obviously, we have no idea how things will develop. With the 30-day international ban, most flights are already cancelled. We hope the situation will improve, but recommend you check with your individual airline, who will be better informed than us. If there are any major announcements, we will publish them on TCN. Please do not contact us with individual queries about your flight, as we have limited resources currently and are unable to help more than this update.

Croatia Travel Update: Are buses running in Croatia?

According to the March 21 press conference, all bus routes between towns are being suspended. 

However, some bus lines will run for those who require public transportation to get to work, like those in public and other services under the responsibility of the Civil Protection Headquarters. 

For Zagreb

For Split

For Rijeka

If you have any questions, check the website of your local public transportation service. 

Croatia Travel Update: Are taxis running in Croatia?

Taxi applications are still working in Croatia, though you'll notice a drop in drivers who didn't want to risk coming in contact with passengers. 

Many taxi companies in Croatia are also offering free rides to medical staff to and from work.

What about ZET Passes in Zagreb?

 The City of Zagreb has issued a statement on ZET passes.

The Civil Protection Headquarters pass for ZET emergency transport is issued through the employer to the employees:

- health institutions from the City of Zagreb,
- employees in the social protection system of the City of Zagreb,
- pharmacy staff in the City of Zagreb,
- mobilized volunteers of the City of Zagreb Civil Protection,
- employees of public services (ministries, City Administration - affiliated institutions, municipal and traffic police, employees of Zagreb Holding and affiliated companies).

Passes are not issued to employees in the system:

- MUP,
- the MOD,
- the Directorate of Civil Protection,
- Public fire brigades of the City of Zagreb,
- mobilized members of voluntary fire companies.

They use extraordinary ZET transportation on the basis of their employer ID, the statement said.

Croatia Travel Update: What are the self-isolation rules for people arriving, who do they apply to, and what is the procedure?

There has been a lot of confusion about the mandatory 14-day self-isolation requirements, what they entail and how they are enforced, as well as who they apply to.  I am very grateful to Lauren Simmonds for this excellent overview, having contacted and worked through various sources of conflicting information. Check out Lauren's guide to self-isolation in Croatia here. 

The Croatian Government has launched a new information website to coordinate all information about coronavirus in Croatia, called Koronavirus.hr. This includes a page (in Croatian - Google Translate is your friend) called Going on a Trip? 

A new Viber account dispensing official updates set up by the Government yesterday already has 400,000 followers.

If you have any reliable information to improve the resource above, please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will update if relevant. 

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

For the latest information on the Zagreb earthquake, you can find the TCN coverage here. 

Stay safe! 

March 24, 2020 - The Croatian government has opened a donation fund to help those affected by the Zagreb earthquake and the coronavirus. The campaigns are titled “Together for Zagreb" and "Croatia against coronavirus”. 

Index.hr reports that the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Zagreb and its citizens were hit by the strongest earthquake in the last 140 years, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale.

In order to enable the payment of donated funds through the state budget account for the purpose of earthquake rehabilitation, the decision to open a donation account in the "Together for Zagreb" action shall determine the account numbers to which the donations will be paid.

To donate to “Together with Zagreb”

Donations within Croatia are paid to the account: HR1210010051863000160, with reference to the approval number: HR68 5371 - and their OIB number. 

Donations from outside Croatia will go into the account of the Ministry of Finance with the Croatian National Bank, to the account number IBAN: HR12 1001 0051 8630 0016 0

“To donate to "Croatia against coronavirus”.

Donations within Croatia are paid into the account HR1210010051863000160, with reference to the approval number: HR68 5380 - and their OIB.

Donations from outside Croatia are paid into the account of the Ministry of Finance with the Croatian National Bank, to the account number: IBAN: HR12 1001 0051 8630 0016 0

In the Government press conference, Plenkovic said:

"The pandemic is changing the world. Functioning as we know it is changing. In just three months, the pandemic has arrived in 195 countries ... The number of cases is accelerating. We predict that the pandemic will take many lives ...

The scale will have unprecedented economic consequences for the whole world... We were convinced that the biggest crisis with us had passed. We had a crisis around Agrokor. Thanks to our measures, we have prevented the costs that had to go to the budget. Today, three years later, this is happening.

What we presented last week was the first crisis plan.

Our economy is slightly stronger than it was before this crisis.

We have reached the highest number since independence, returning our economy to a higher level since before 2008.

There is now a battle to maintain production and preserve jobs. We are aware of the situation in which our businessmen are in, all of them are in the sales channels, all of whom, through their hard work, contribute to our society functioning in increasingly difficult circumstances.

It is certain that this crisis will last longer than a few months and will affect all our activism.

We are witnessing asymmetrical shock.

We will go to cut all costs that are not necessary on the expenditure side. All of these measures have been prepared in a unique and holistic way, designed as a conceptual approach for this first initial phase.

We had a government phone call on the day we opened the accounts: one for Zagreb and the other for combating the coronavirus, so anyone can donate.

We will donate our salary for March to the Zagreb account."

Follow TCN's live updates on the coronavirus crisis and the Zagreb earthquake.

The Croatian Institute of Public Health has had its work cut out for it lately. With new and stricter measures being implemented all the time at the state level, the latest of which being a ban on people leaving their place of registered permanent residence, the Institute has even more work on its hands keeping people up to date and calming potential hysteria.

If there is one thing that might be even more heavily discussed than coronavirus, then its the masks themselves. Many people are tired of the endless questions about masks, and the fact that they keep rapidly selling out and being worn by people for whom they serve little to no purpose.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 24th of March, 2020, the director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, Krunoslav Capak, once again went into more detail at a press conference, at which he talked about whether healthy people should wear disposable surgical masks or not, and how useful canvas masks really are.

Capak said that ordinary cotton masks, when it comes coronavirus, have a more psychological meaning than they do anything else at all.

"For coronavirus, a three-layer surgical mask has been proven to be a barrier because it has a single plastic layer - which is why it's recommended for those already ill to prevent it from spreading further. For medical professionals and those in contact with the sick, there are special masks that completely protect them when they're used properly.

Requiring people to wear masks when entering a store makes no sense if you're talking about healthy people. For those who are ill, yes, it's good to wear masks, especially if they're sneezing or the like, but it's not necessary. We haven't made recommendations for wearing a mask for people who are healthy, nor do we think those recommendations are useful,'' Capak said.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for all you need to know in English about coronavirus in Croatia.