ZAGREB, March 21, 2020 - Croatian President and Armed Forces Supreme Commander Zoran Milanović on Saturday toured a medical camp outside Zagreb's Dubrava Hospital, saying that at present there is no need for a lockdown or for declaring a state of emergency during which he and the prime minister would be making decisions together.

As for the possibility of transferring some of the parliament's powers onto the government, which was discussed at a meeting of the ruling coalition and the parliamentary Opposition earlier this week, Milanović said that he had not seen that proposal and did not perceive it as being to that effect and that he believed that under the Constitution it was not possible to transfer the parliament's powers onto the government.

"Should there really be a need for harsh, extreme measures such as lockdown, I guess that will include the suspension of the parliament's work, which is what I would like to avoid," Milanović said, stressing that he and parliament were there to care about others and not vice versa.

Responding to a reporter's remark that some MPs had suggested declaring a state of emergency to pave the way for the president and the prime minister to start making decisions together if the situation escalates, Milanović said that that was unnecessary as long as the parliament worked.

He repeated that he did not see a need for a lockdown, stressing the importance of behaving responsibly.

There is no need for extreme measures and cooperation with the government, which has been doing its job well for the most part, is good, Milanović said.

Commenting on the medical camp set up outside the Dubrava Hospital by the Croatian Army, Milanović said that he hoped a situation would be avoided in which its maximum capacity would have to be tested.

Answering reporters' questions, Milanović said that at present the army should not be called in to help police deal with breaches of self-isolation rules.

"I am not in favour of rushing into calling the army in... your question refers to a complication which I find hard even to imagine," he said.

We have learned the lesson, and we know some things now, he said, underlining the importance of keeping interpersonal distance and socialising as little as possible.

Milanović would not draw parallels to the situation in Italy, where the coronavirus epidemic has escalated suddenly, but noted that the situation could get complicated.

Commenting on photos of Zagreb city parks, showing people playing cards in the open with children jumping around, the president said that it was a job for the police, not the army, to warn them to move away from one another.

He said that he would probably not be the one to make a decision on a lockdown but that he could support it if it was adopted.

As for the dynamic at which the national civil protection authority was introducing restrictions on social contact, Milanovic said that he supported it.

The president also said that public sector wages should not be cut.

"I am a politician, you can cut my salary as a symbolic example but reducing the minimum wage in the public sector means death to the system," Milanović said, adding that whoever had made that proposal was not very clever.

"You can reduce the president's or the prime minister's salary, but you cannot do it to the health minister because at this stage he works more than I do," he said.

Commenting on donations of protective equipment from the Emirates, he said that any such donation was welcome even though Croatia was capable of producing masks, but added that respirators could not be manufactured by just anybody.

Milanović visited the medical camp outside the Dubrava Hospital in the company of Defence Minister Damir Krstičević.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 21, 2020 - The SPH police union on Saturday called on the government and Ministry of the Interior to dismiss demands for public sector wage cuts amid the coronavirus epidemic, which, it said, are being made by "certain irresponsible politicians."

"At a time when some of the public sector employees, including health workers and police, are facing the most difficult period in their career, demands for cutting their wages only cause unease among them," the union says.

Police officers, who are normally faced with various risks in their work, have accepted the additional risk of infection and will carry out all tasks to be assigned to them in the coming days but they do not deserve "calls by certain politicians... for a reduction of their wages," the union said, calling on the government to dismiss such demands.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 21, 2020 - The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) requested on Saturday that MPs and other state officials, except Health Minister Vili Beroš, work for a minimum wage for the next three months in solidarity with the many citizens being affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The amount saved should go to businesses so they can keep jobs and pay a minimum wage to those most vulnerable.

"We need every kuna for the socially vulnerable, the sick, the functioning of healthcare and the payment of pensions, for helping the shaken economy," SDP president Davor Bernardić said.

He proposed that part of the money be allocated as bonuses to doctors, nurses and other hospital staff "who treat citizens from this disease."

Bernardić said that ten days ago the SDP proposed more rigorous protection measures and presented 15 measures to cushion the fallout on citizens and the economy.

He said that although the government adopted some of those measures, implementation was late. "Citizens and entrepreneurs still don't know what to do... many people are losing their jobs, incomes for their families."

Bernardić again warned about those using the crisis to raise the prices of food and medical equipment, appealing to the authorities to immediately start dealing with that.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Politics section.

As Index writes on the 12st of March, 2020, people have sent in various videos showing how the Croatian police are asking people to leave the streets and go home from their cars amid the coronavirus crisis.

The police say they are acting on instructions. When asked directly why they were shouting about quarantine being on its way, the police said they would contact Index about it.

The headquarters responsible for the new very strict measures in Croatia have stated that currently there is no quarantine in force, but that the police are merely helping people to comply with the coronavirus measures and the multiple warnings that have already been issued, and as such are taking new stringent measures to make sure people act accordingly.

Given the accelerated spread and increased risk of the transmission of coronavirus, an anti-epidemic measure of the severe restriction of people on the streets and in other public places where a large number of persons can move around is being introduced for a period of thirty days.

''The Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia, on the 21st of March 2020, adopted an official decision on the measure of stopping people gathering on streets and in other public places. This decision applies to streets, squares, waterfronts, parks and all other public areas where a large number of persons can move around.

The civil protection staff and the police directorate shall ensure the implementation and supervision of the implementation of the measure referred to in this decision. This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption and shall be published in the Official Gazette (Narodne Novine),'' the headquarters announced.

Watch the video below of Zagreb police asking people to leave the streets and please go home:

Make sure to stay up to date with our dedicated section for rolling information in English as well as regular updates on travel for all you need to know about coronavirus in Croatia.

March 21, 2020 - What is happening with Ryanair in Croatia? So many flight cancellations to Zadar, but not other coastal destinations. And what about the Hideout Festival?

The situation regarding flights with Ryanair in Croatia has been taking up an ever larger part of my inbox in recent times. Emails such as this have become commonplace:

Any clue why ryanair flights to zadar in june and july got cancelled overnight? Theres still several months to go... Any advice you could provide is greatly appreciated

Hvala puno!

I decided to look into the situation, and what I found was VERY unusual. 

The announcement that Ryanair is grounding most of its fleet on March 24 due to the coronavirus situation was a big shock, but there seems to be an interesting sub-story developing with Ryanair in Croatia. 

We have covered flight cancellations with Ryanair in Croatia already due to COVID-19, and the flight situation has been constantly updated in our regular Croatian travel advice - here is today's. 

This was followed on March 13, 2020 that Ryanair was postponing its planned base in Zadar until 2021, as well as cancelling lots (but not all flights).

With the global situation, it is understandable that Ryanair in Croatia would be operating at reduced capacity, but cancelling flights in July? It seemed a little odd to me.

"Given the overall situation, it is quite certain that the flying season will not start as planned. When it will start, it is difficult to estimate at the moment, which is why Zadar Airport is unfortunately forced to postpone hiring of our seasonal staff until further notice," Zadar Airport spokesperson Nikola Barac told Zadarski List when sent a seasonal employment media request. This has resulted in the postponement of the recruitment of 130 seasonal staff at Zadar Airport. 

Asking around, I was told that ALL flights to Zadar with Ryanair were cancelled by local sources. Really? I found that quite incredible to believe. What I found was all the more bizarre, according to the online booking system on the Ryanair website. 

Zadar is the main market for Ryanair in Croatia, indeed it was the entry point for low-cost flights when the Irish carrier entered the Croatian market in 2007. But Ryanair has expanded to other airports, albeit with more limited services. Dublin to Dubrovnik looks fine at the moment from June 1.  

As does Dublin to Split. Ryanair started flights to both Split and Dubrovnik only last year and currently offer only Dublin to both, as well as Vienna to Dubrovnik, and Stuttgart to Split. 

 Things are looking good from London Stansted to Pula from early May. 

And from London Stansted to Rijeka from June 1. 

But London Stansted to Zadar in July and August?

 In fact, there are only two flights currently bookable from London Stansted to Zadar for the whole of 2020.

What about flights to Zadar for the Hideout Festival on Zrce on June 21-25, 2020?

The Hideout Festival on Zrce Beach near Novalja on the island of Pag is scheduled to take place from June 21-25, 2020, coinciding with the only bookable flights from London to Zadar with Ryanair for the whole year.  

Same story if you are coming from Manchester. Currently, the only two flights available for the whole of 2020 are dates either side of the Hideout Festival.  

But if you are planning to visit Zadar from mainland Europe with Ryanair, there seems to be no problem. From Berlin, above, for example.  

The Viennese can arrive from May 1, 2020. 

And from Brussels, just a day later. 

But from the UK, or Ireland - nothing currently whatsoever, apart from the Hideout Festival flights. 

And of course, the big question is - when will this COVID-19 crisis all be over, and when will flights to Croatia resume?

Nobody knows for sure, of course, but perhaps there is a clue on the Ryanair homepage of one of the movers and shakers of European travel, with their most prominent advert, below. 

If anybody has any concrete information with verifiable links to support the info, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Ryanair, and I will happily update. 

How do I get a Ryanair refund?

This is a question I am getting a lot as well, and I am certainly not the best person to ask. It will involve filling in a Ryanair refund form, but for the latest information, check out the COVID-19 update page on the Ryanair website, which has the latest on refunds and disruptions.

You can keep track of the latest Croatia travel advice as part of TCN's ongoing coronavirus coverage in our dedicated section. 

March 21, 2020 - Split police are busy patrolling the city's most frequented areas on Saturday and are pleading for citizens to stay home during the coronavirus crisis. 

Despite numerous recommendations from experts who have sent messages to stay home for days, many citizens have taken advantage of the crisis to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

On Saturday, 168 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Croatia, and according to scientist Igor Rudan, the real number may be ten times higher, reports Dalmacija Danas.

As of Wednesday, only grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and those deemed necessary are allowed to work, and all children's playgrounds are closed as of Saturday. Saturday morning, the Crisis Headquarters decided on a new regime for maritime transport, while bus transport between cities was suspended entirely.

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said there was a “some kind of ban on movement in public areas". Citizens will not be physically removed, but police will warn and act in the event of disobedience. It is forbidden to move and hang out in groups in all public areas, and the police are strictly patrolling.

Marjan Forest Park was also closed and police visited Žnjan, Bačvice and the Riva and warned about the ban on movement in groups in public areas.

“Bene has been closed, and we have been instructed by the police to close Marjan as well, and to warn all passers-by that movement in this area is forbidden,” said the Marjan Primary School.

A spokeswoman for the Split police further explained the situation.

“We must all respect the decision of the National Headquarters who issued a recommendation not to hold public gatherings, including in public places. People should not gather in groups and police officers are patrolling and alerting citizens to return to their homes. We urge citizens to respect these decisions for your public health. Police will tour all frequently visited locations: Žnjan, Riva, Bačvice and other promenades. We appeal that only people who need it and who do the most urgent work go out in public. The police are doing this to protect all of us and public health. Let's stay home,” spokeswoman Antonela Lolic said.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for rolling information in English about COVID-19 in Croatia.

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

March 21, 2020 - The coronavirus crisis could see many Croatian clubs fold if they don't get the support they need.

The coronavirus pandemic is posing a serious threat to Croatian sport, reports Gol.hr.

There are alarming situations in many Federations that have already sought help from the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Central Sports Office. They are asking to establish some model of support so that the worst-case scenario does not happen - that clubs fold.

Sports around the world are particularly in danger because of the coronavirus crisis, as everything has come to a halt. Croatian federations and clubs have sounded the alarm, because if they don’t see support, we could easily see many Croatian clubs crumble. The Croatian Swimming Federation has already appealed to the Croatian Olympic Committee.

The appeal urges the HOO to try to find some model of co-financing for the clubs so that they are not extinguished. There are 57 swimming clubs in the Federation, and now they are left without the only source of income - membership fees.

Tomislav Družak, the head of the Central State Office for Sport, is aware that some of the funds that have been earmarked for competitions will not be spent, so they will be converted.

"As budget funds come in, we will we sort them out by federations while not being rigorous when it comes to controlling the justification of those funds," he said.

Taekwondo is also in big trouble. The European Championship, which was supposed to be held in Zagreb in May, has already been postponed, and only three Olympians are training due to the pandemic.

Football clubs are also having problems, and how the Croatian Football Federation will help them should be clearer next week.

"We will also ask for help from the state. Next week is a meeting with the Secretary of State, so we will see how we can help," said Executive Director of the Croatian Football Federation Marijan Kustić.

Of course, the health of every athlete is paramount, but we must look to the future, because if the state and umbrella sports institutions do not get involved, many clubs could crumble.

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

As the coronavirus crisis tightens its grip on public health and the gloal economy, the powers that be in Croatia are stepping forward to at least bring more financial ease to Croatian companies and enterprises during these extremely tying and unpredictable times. The Croatian Chamber of Commerce, which is frequently otherwise critised, is one of them.

As Novac/Adriano Milovan writes on the 20th of March, 2020, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) has decided to suspend the obligation for Croatian companies to have to pay membership fees if their operations have been disabled due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The move from the Croatian Chamber of Commerce was also based on the decision of the Civil Protection Staff of the Republic of Croatia and their measures on limiting social gatherings, social and sporting events, and so on.

''This is a situation where we all have to carry the burden and show some solidarity. We're reduce wages and defering any expenses not necessary for function. The focus of all our activities is on solving the problems of businesses. Our expert services receive thousands of inquiries per day, and the contact centre is available for contact 24 hours a day. At this point, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce is the economic headquarters of the entire country,'' said the Croatian Chamber of Commerce's president, Luka Burilovic.

The Financial Services Department of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce undertook an analysis and made the decision to cancel membership fees for the next three months, or for as long as necessary, depending on the situation with coronavirus, for all entrepreneurs who, due to the difficult situation in which they've now found themselves, aren't generating income.

"Given the current situation, this step is the only logical continuation of our efforts to make life easier for businesses during this crisis," Burilovic concluded.

Make sure to follow our business page for more on business in Croatia. Stay up to date with our dedicated section for rolling information in English on coronavirus in Croatia.

As Milan Pavlovic/Glas Istre writes on the 19th of March, 2020, during these times of coronavirus crisis when any sort of assistance that can contribute to us coping more effectively with this dire situation in which we can all come together is very welcome. The remarkable Croatian company Infobip is making that happen.

The excellent news comes from the Pula General Hospital which has received a valuable donation consisting of four medical devices that are extremely important for the care of suspected or coronavirus infected patients.

One of these devices is an advanced mechanical respirator that is scheduled to arrive in Pula in the coming week, intended for the facility's intensive care unit. It is a priceless medical device that helps patients with respiratory problems by pumping air into their lungs and allowing their body to function smoothly until the patient recovers and can breathe naturally again without additional assistance.

"The advanced mechanical respirator will be used by patients who need mechanical ventilation support and comes as a donation for the internal medicine unit, while the other three medical devices are intended for the pediatrics department," Dr. Daniela Fabris Vitkovic stated. A new mobile ultrasound device, a vital function monitor, and a high-throughput therapy system and CPAP bubble for premature babies, newborns and children up to the age of eighteen will also arrive at the department for pediatrics.

"The CPAP device for high-flow oxygen therapy has already been delivered to the hospital and is ready to be put into operation, and the rest should arrive in the coming days. It's a medical device that helps patients with respiratory failure to overcome a period of illness, and this may delay or eliminate the need to connect them to a respirator. The donation is intended to combat the COVID-19 virus more effectively, and all of these devices will make a significant contribution to helping those patients who show more severe symptoms and require intensive treatment,'' Dr. Fabris Vitkovic added.

The donated equipment is worth more than 600 thousand kuna, and Dr. Daniela Fabris Vitkovic thanked the incredible Vodnjan-based company Infobip, which is behind the donation. As one of the leading Croatian IT companies, Infobip reacted very seriously to the threat of the spread of coronavirus, and back at the end of February, all Infobip employees were preventively ordered to work from home.

In doing so, they have shown that they are an extremely responsible company that cares for the health of their employees and their families, and this donation to the Pula General Hospital is a practical example of a socially responsible business that is a shining example to very many.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for rolling information in English on coronavirus in Croatia.

As Index reports on the 21st of March, 2020, the latest press conference on COVID-19 in Croatia took place this morning. We are transmitting it in English in full below:

"People, stay home. If you must, go out for a short time and then come home right away. Don't go out!" is the main message to be taken from this morning's press conference regarding COVID-19 in Croatia.

"Until the rules and instructions are adhered to, there is a possibility of the uncontrolled spread of the virus. I'm no longer asking you, but demanding that you abide by the instructions," Health Minister Beros warned.

"In Split, the Spaladium arena is being prepared for the tertiary phase," he said, before thanking the Government of the United Arab Emirates for donating many more protective equipment and masks.

"This regards local transmission. We've taken action. It's certain that we will have an increased number [of positive coronavirus cases] every day. This is to be expected, and our health care system is preparing for something like that.

The main problem is the adherence to all the decisions made by the HQ. They were done in a way so that everyone adheres to them, but the facts show something else. There are minorities who are a danger to themselves and others. We'll have to take more rigorous measures.

The Croatian police will take care that the measures are being implemented and they will respond every time their implementation is not being taken seriously. Our lives will change and more will take place indoors, as this has proven to be a necessary measure from the practices of countries that have been on the front line of the focus.

Our decisions are being based on the facts: People, stay home. Don't leave your house unless you have to go to work. We've determined who the people who have to go to work are. And of course, unless you have to go to a shop or to the hospital. All employers and workers must be aware that they must organise themselves to the fullest extent possible. I saw people walking around in pairs this morning. That's not how it's done. Make a space between you or the police will punish you.

The Croatian police will be touring all public places throughout Croatia. All of our streets, and where they see someone failing to comply, they will respond. In fact, in some way, we're closing down all public spaces. We cannot physically close some of them, but we won't allow people to gather. We're shutting down all intercity lines for trains and buses.

What is clear is that decisions will be more rigorous, they will become tougher. I urge anyone organising their business to organise themselves so that they don't expose other people and their workers to contact,'' added Beros.

All intercity transport lines are abolished. Bus and train stations will be closing.

Alemka Markotic from Zagreb's ''Fran Mihaljevic'' Clinic for Infectious Diseases then spoke:

"It's time for us to realise that we're not watching a film but living in reality. This morning I saw senior citizens walking around squares again. I hear about them sitting in groups on the terraces of facilities that are closed now. If we want a corona party, we'll have it. And I think to myself... What does a corona party look like? Someone ends up as seriously ill, on a respirator or even worse?

We're receiving an increasing number of people at the clinic. We're being charged with everything we were warned about, so it's all because of irresponsible people. There will only be more severe cases in the hospitals. People will have to find ways to isolate themselves inside their homes. If they can't do that, then we'll find a solution.

If it turns out you were in contact with someone and you are in the hospital, they will be taken care of at that same hospital initially.

Who should come to the facility about coronavirus? All those with the knowledge that they have been in contact with coronavirus suspects, those who have a high fever and who are coughing and feeling tight in the chest. There were a lot of people there tonight with some mild symptoms. Do not come if you have only mild symptoms.

Yesterday, over 100 people left self-isolation to go to pharmacies. This has now come to an end, but they have already endangered many people. Anyone who breaks isolation will be sanctioned. The punishment is not important, but you will have the fate of others on your soul,'' she stated.

Krunoslav Capak from the Croatian Institute of Public Health then spoke:

"The time has come to stop everything. We've had 29 cases from yesterday to the present, which is 1/4 of all cases so far. Our upward curve is increasingly going up. So we have to introduce stricter measures. We have 90 people quarantined, 54 Croatian nationals, the rest are foreigners, we have 45 truck drivers who are under a special regime,''

The markets...

"If it turns out that people are coming together and social distancing cannot be maintained, we'll close them at once."

"People, stay at home. If you must, leave for a short time only and then return home immediately. If you violate the measures, the Croatian police are ready to do their work and protect the people."

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for rolling information in English about COVID-19 in Croatia.