ZAGREB, 26 February, 2021 - As of 1 March, cafe bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen their terraces and can work from 6 am to 10 pm but without any music, and indoor sports training will be allowed provided that strict health protocol are observed, the national COVID response team said on Friday.

The team's head Davor Božinović told a press conference that the new decision means patrons can be served on terraces from 6 am to 10 pm but only on open terraces and barriers on terraces need to be removed to allow the air to circulate.

The distance between tables needs to be at least 3 metres which will enable guests to sit at a distance between each other of at least 1.5 metres.

Music will not be allowed so guests do not have to speak loudly above the music and spread aerosol which increases the chance of infection.

Entry into premises is only allowed to visit the bathroom and patrons are obliged then to wear masks.

Indoor sports training will be allowed but without contact between athletes, and gyms have to be ventilated regularly and at least 20 square metres per person must be ensured.

Masks are mandatory on entering and exiting gyms and a record must be kept of attendance.

Dressing rooms and showers are not to be used but if necessary then only two people at a time.

Other rules previously introduced for shopping centres, transport and border crossings remain in force.

The head of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ),  Krunoslav Capak said that there was talk of allowing open-air fairs to be held and that will be one of the next decisions to come.

Health Minister Vili Beroš  underscores that the epidemiological situation is uncertain and citizens' behaviour must not relax if measures have been. He called on citizens to get vaccinated.

ZAGREB, 26 February, 2021 - In the past 24 hours Croatia has confirmed 505 new cases of coronavirus and 14 related deaths, the national COVID response team said on Friday.

There are currently 3,046 active cases in the country, including 780 hospitalised patients, 73 of whom are on ventilators, while 13,534 people are in self-isolation.

To date, a total of 1,332,840 people have been tested for the virus, including 5,071 in the past 24 hours.

Since 25 February 2020, when the first case was identified in Croatia, there have been 242,097 registered cases of coronavirus and 5,503 COVID-related deaths.

A total of 233,548 people have recovered from the disease, 378 of whom in the past 24 hours.

February the 26th, 2021 - The previous fourteen day Croatia quarantine for those confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus was shortened to ten days (with the exception of passengers arriving in the country from countries with special epidemiological measures placed on them), but now the fourteen day rule is set to return.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Croatian Institute for Public Health director Krunoslav Capak has said that new instructions on new quarantine measures and testing will be published today.

"We'll be making a return to quarantine/self-isolation for fourteen days for every category of peson. It was previously lowered to ten days, this was done mainly to speed up the return of healthcare workers to their work positions following exposure to a positive person or infection.

We will now bring the fourteen day Croatia quarantine rule back because most healthcare professionals in the country have now been fully vaccinated. We have fewer coronavirus sufferers, but we don’t know how prevalent the British strain currently is within the population. That will all be announced today,'' said Krunoslav Capak, who previously warned of a growth in the number of new cases of almost 35 percent in just one single week.

"We don't have enough data on it yet. I mentioned some observations in Europe, they don't have enough reliable data yet either. It is estimated that this strain is taking precedence in Europe. It [the British strain] has also now been confirmed in two Hajduk players and in two samples from the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. That's the latest information from today,'' said Professor Alemka Markotic.

What this means is that if you're instructed to go into self-isolation, either because you've tested positive or because you've been in close contact with a positive person, you'll need to remain indoors for fourteen days, not ten days, regardless of your situation.

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February the 26th, 2021 - The Croatian Finance Minister Zdravko Maric has stated that more is set to be revealed about the extension of the government's economic support packages to Croatian enterprises in the coming days.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, after a government session, Croatian Finance Minister Zdravko Maric commented on the economic measures set out for businesses in order to help them preserve jobs and keep their heads above water after those measures are relaxed on Monday.

"We're going to continue our dialogues with the representatives of all economic activities that are still influenced by these measures. We'll talk and hear their reflections. We still remain of the clear position that the protection of public health and the preservation of jobs are our priorities,'' Maric said.

"We aren't going to ignore certain appeals. Dialogue does exist. Representatives of the caterers' association have had conversations with my colleagues. We're being open here, there will be a dialogue,'' stated Maric, remaining staunch in an apparent avoidance of offering a more concrete answer to the question that is weighing on the shoulders of many company owners.

When asked whether support for job preservation could be expected to continue, the Croatian Finance Minister stated that it would definitely be discussed. He said that the economic measures for preserving jobs will remain in force until March the 1st, so for a few more days.

Warnings that business owners should at least have some sort of vague idea about what they can expect in the coming weeks and months didn't help to push Maric along in offering deeper explanations.

''We know how much money is in the state budget. The budget situation is as it is. We have cash for the continued preservation of jobs costs foreseen and provided. If additional funds are needed, then we will find a way,'' said Maric, who remained a closed book in the sense of offering more precise details.

"Talks will be held on how and in what way we can extend the measures and in which segments," he added, announcing that much more will be known over he coming days when it comes to which measures for preserving jobs will be extended and which will be allowed to expire.

Minister Josip Aladrovic continued in a similar tone despite being asked some very specific questions.

"We can expect continued assistance, but we must know that no one is prevented from working anymore, although it won't be possible for that work to take place in full. We'll protect the labour market and we can expect measures in that direction even after March the 1st,'' stated Aladrovic.

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February 26, 2021 - New rules for cafes, restaurants, and sports in Croatia will take effect from March 1. Index.hr finds out the details. 

Index.hr reports that on Monday, March 1, the measures will definitely be relaxed, and the much-anticipated opening of cafe and restaurant terraces will take place.

This is clear after Thursday's government session at which Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced the opening of terraces and concessions in sports.

"By all indications, the situation is better, but it still requires great caution. To remain responsible in protecting citizens from the coronavirus epidemic, after a series of consultations with several departments, the intention is that from March 1, the work of catering facilities, in addition to what has been relaxed so far, will be opened on terraces and open spaces," said Plenković and announced that training would be held indoors, with some exceptions when it comes to contact and collective sports.

Strict epidemiological rules will be prescribed for both terraces and concessions in sports, which the Headquarters will talk more about on Friday.

New rules for cafes and restaurants
As Index has learned, music will be banned on the terraces of cafes and restaurants. Sources close to Headquarters said that this was insisted on to prevent people from speaking louder by shouting over the music, which they believe increases the risk of spreading the infection. Terraces must be open, not closed with glass, plexiglass, or otherwise.

The distance between the tables should be as before, three meters. Different groups of guests will need to maintain a distance of at least a meter and a half to two. 

Guests will be able to go to the toilet inside the restaurant and cafe and must wear a mask. 

Opening hours, as before the closure of cafes and restaurants, will be until 10 pm.

Details of concessions in sports
As far as sports are concerned, team sports training such as basketball will be possible, but not competitions. In agreement with epidemiologists, the Headquarters decided on this option because the same group of people trains together, and there is not much interference.

The use of locker rooms and showers will be prohibited.

In sports where close contact is made, neither training nor competition is likely to be allowed.

Fairs, however, remain closed
The Headquarters discussed the reopening fairs for a long time, but it was decided that they would not open in the end.

When thinking about opening fairs, the Headquarters primarily considers Zagreb's Hrelić, where items are sold or exhibited. Still, they feared fairs in smaller places, including the consumption of food and drinks and even festivities, where compliance with measures would be difficult to control.

Božinović on concessions
Chief of the Headquarters and Interior Minister Davor Božinović spoke about the new measures valid from March 1.

"The Croatian Institute of Public Health will soon issue special recommendations on the conditions for easing measures. We can expect those classic measures, the distance between tables, especially if people come from different households. This will have to take into account the number of people who can be on the terraces. The terraces must be open," Božinović said.

"However, we have seen growth in recent days, and we must be careful. We cannot experience this as if the epidemic is coming to an end or is over. We are not at that stage yet. We urge everyone to be careful, especially those responsible for organizing work in their facilities. We know that in recent months they have called for opening under certain measures," he said, adding that the Headquarters has been seeking a balance between epidemiological measures and the preservation of the economy since day one.

Minister of Health Vili Beroš also spoke about the relaxation of measures on Thursday night.

"Local headquarters can adopt more restrictive measures, so we agree with Dubrovnik-Neretva County. We are in everyday communication, and their move is an indicator of responsibility. Today, the Prime Minister announced new measures; they will be presented tomorrow. There should be an epidemiological framework for many of our activities, and it will be the same as before - space between tables, guests, hygiene… Probably not everyone will open, depending on the location, size of the terrace. Still, we can now relax this measure," Beroš said for Dnevnik N1 and added that the circumstances are in favor of preventing the spread of the epidemic.

"After opening the terraces, if the situation worsens, we will have to take other steps," he concluded.

To read more about COVID-19 in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 25 February, 2021 - Interior Minister Davor Božinović said on Thursday that since the first case of coronavirus was identified in Croatia, the national COVID response team had adopted 300 decisions on epidemiological measures and issued about 41 million pieces of protective and quarantine equipment.

Of the 300 decisions the response team made between 19 March 2020 and 19 February this year, 28 are currently in force and of those 17 are in force at the national level, nine at the regional level and one at the local level, Božinović said while  speaking of the key activities of the response team in the past year.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Božinović said that when the first case of coronavirus was identified in Croatia, for the first time in history all 577 civil protection associations with 4,600 members had been mobilised.

During the most difficult days an additional 14,000 people were engaged on a daily basis as well as 7,000 police officers, he said.

He underlined that about 41 million pieces of protective and quarantine equipment had been issued by the Civil Protection Authority for the purposes of health and social welfare institutions, the Croatian Red Cross and state administration authorities.

"The majority of protective equipment was delivered by 12 ships and nine planes from China while 85% of the funds for this purpose was obtained from the European Union, totalling about €62 million," he explained.

There are currently about 15 million articles of protective equipment or about 600 tonnes stored in the Logistics Centre and regional warehouses.

ZAGREB, 25 February, 2021 - Recapping the year-long fight against COVID-19, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Thursday the government had taken appropriate measures and done its best to protect people's health, thanking people for behaving responsibly and understanding a situation no one could have predicted.

The first coronavirus case in Croatia was registered a year ago today. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Plenković said that from day one the necessary protective equipment had been provided and the continuation of education and activities in culture and the arts taken into account.

The economy has been taken into account the entire time, he said. "Job-retention measures have been very abundant. We never thought we would give so much money to retain jobs in the private sector, to workers, employers."

Pensions have been paid as well and the number of the jobless has been as before the pandemic, Plenković said.

"And we have done all that while ensuring financial stability in such a way that Croatia is keeping its investment credit rating and stepping through the European Exchange Rate Mechanism towards the euro area... We have concluded good financial arrangements both with the HNB (Croatian National Bank) and the European Central Bank, with Croatian banks and pension funds, with all stakeholders who have made it possible for everything to function."

Plenković regretted that certain activities had been restricted. "That's not something we are doing because we want to, it's what all governments are doing, all countries around the world, to protect people's health."

Vaccine distribution needs to be stepped up

Plenković said he would push for stepping up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at EU level which, he added, the European Council would discuss today, in order to vaccinate as many people as soon as possible, notably those most vulnerable.

"I'm confident the announcement of 700,000 doses in total by the end of March will be a strong barrier against the spread of the epidemic, and we expect even larger quantities. Our message today will also go to the EMA (European Medicines Agency) to approve vaccines more quickly, first and foremost Johnson&Johnson's, which is under way and which we have ordered in 900,000 doses."

Plenković said the government had reserved the vaccines on time, even more than necessary in order to vaccinate everyone over 18 years of age, with 6.8 million doses ordered to date. "We will continue to make an effort, the responsibility is big."

He extended his condolences to the families of the 5,500 Croatian citizens who have died "of COVID or with COVID."

"Those are great losses. We sympathise with their families. We regret it very much. And I thank all fellow citizens for behaving responsibly and understanding the context which has been going on for a year and which no one could have planned for."

February 25, 2021 - Stay Safe in Croatia is the new national safety label by the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian National Tourist Board.

HRTurizam reports that the application of safety and health protocols and the vaccination of tourism workers will certainly be an important element of Croatia's perception as a safe destination.

To this end, the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian National Tourist Board presented the national safety label - Safe Stay in Croatia. In addition to the already well-known World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) label Safe Travels, a national label named 'Safe Stay in Croatia' was created.

Through the Safe Stay in Croatia project, business and customer treatment protocols have been designed in tourism and tourism-related activities. The Safe Stay in Croatia label is awarded free of charge to stakeholders from the Croatian tourism sector and others who are part of the travel chain, such as carriers, airports, stations, nautical ports, and marinas, who log in to the system and fill out an admission form of current health and safety recommendations of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

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The Safe Stay in Croatia label enables guests to identify destinations, accommodation providers, transport, tourist attractions, and the like who have adopted national and world standards of health and hygiene protection. The prominent Stay Safe in Croatia label provides information to all visitors that the tourist facility of their interest operates according to the current recommendations of the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

"During the preparations for this tourist year, in which, unfortunately, we are still followed by a pandemic, we have put the safety and health of our fellow citizens and guests in the first place. It is a project in which the Ministry of Tourism and Sport was supported by leading tourist and professional associations in the Council for the Recovery and Development of Tourism, to realize the 2021 tourist year, and improve the tourist offer. With the prescribed protocols, we have covered more than 200,000 caterers and service providers in tourism," said Nikolina Brnjac, adding that it is important to ensure that the national label is available to all stakeholders in the tourism and travel chain, which has been achieved.

The Croatian National Tourist Board is in charge of the promotional campaign.

"We will carry out campaign activities during March and April in the markets of Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands. In addition to the promotional part, which refers to the positioning of Croatia as a well-prepared and safe tourist destination, this campaign has an educational character because we want to introduce our guests to protocol and epidemiological measures implemented at all levels of tourism to ensure a safe and comfortable stay in our country," said Kristijan Staničić, adding that advertising activities, including through video, will be carried out on online channels and social networks with #SafeStayInCroatia and the most read online portals in these markets.

The Safe Stay in Croatia promotional campaign will be implemented instead of the PPS campaign before advertising the main calling brand campaign, in March and April, in the markets of Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, the UK, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands. 

Advertising will be carried out through online channels through social networks with #SafeStayInCroatia (Facebook and Youtube) and the most read online portals in markets such as web.de, t-online.de, oe24.at, krone.at, corriere .it, onet.pl, Daily Mail, The Sun, Novinky.cz, 24.hu, Lefigaro.fr, aktuality.sk, etc., according to the CNTB.

A promotional video of 3 minutes and a shorter version of 30 seconds was created for advertising purposes. Shorter videos will be made covering security protocols by certain categories (accommodation structure, catering, transport, nautical, attractions, etc.).

"Users will have the opportunity to leave their impressions through the form on the website, which is important feedback that we will be able to use for further upgrades," said Brnjac and invited all interested stakeholders in the tourism sector and related activities to join Safe stay in Croatia campaign, download the security labels for free and thus contribute to the perception of Croatia as a safe destination.

It is imperative that everyone in tourism clearly displays the Safe Stay in Croatia label on their facilities. Also, for Croatia to present itself as a safe destination, it is important that the labels, like all other accompanying video and photo materials, are communicated through social channels with the market and guests.

The video materials present safety protocols that respect the guidelines of the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the World Council for Travel and Tourism, refer to all categories in tourism - accommodation; nautical; catering; tourist attractions; tourist guides, agencies, and information centers; traffic; attractions; sports and recreation.

Find out more about the national safety label - Safe Stay in Croatia on the official website www.safestayincroatia.hr. It is important to point out that the web platform has been translated into eight foreign languages ​​and the Croatian language.

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ZAGREB, 25 February, 2021 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Thursday that Croatia's weekly COVID-19 numbers had been falling for the past ten weeks, dropping almost eleven-fold.

"In relation to last Thursday, we are registering a certain growth on the weekly level, but at the moment we can't say with certainty what the causes of this trend are, whether it was because of the cold, the relaxation of measures or a broader relaxation in the model of behaviour," he said at a cabinet meeting, appealing for continuing to be very cautious.

He said that together with Denmark, Croatia had the lowest weekly incidence of new infections in the EU.

"We have several smaller clusters in a couple of counties so we shouldn't be too relaxed at the moment," Plenković said.

"We are trying to protect health, the economy, keep up financial stability, salaries, pensions, job-retention aid, and everything we are doing, we are doing in the interest of Croatian citizens."

ZAGREB, 25 February, 2021 - Health Minister Vili Beroš said on Thursday today was one year since the first COVID-19 case was registered in Croatia and that over 28,000 COVID-19 patients had been hospitalised and that a little under 13,000 health workers had been infected.

"The health system was ready for the virus and continued healthcare has been ensured through good reorganisation and adjustment," he said at a cabinet meeting.

"The health system's resilience is also characterised by the ability to plan for and adjust to unplanned circumstances in order to maintain a vital activity. Although occasionally significantly overwhelmed, the health system remained stable and vital functioning was not in danger. That shows the strength of our profession, the medical personnel and organisation."

Beroš went on to say that last year saw a rise in cancer hospitalisations and that this showed the health system's special care for those patients.

251,070 vaccine doses in Croatia to date

Regarding the current epidemiological situation, he said there was a mild increase in new coronavirus cases.

To date 251,070 COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in Croatia and 135,756 people have been vaccinated - 77,245 once and 58,511 twice. In Zagreb, 926 older persons and chronic patients have been vaccinated as part of the second vaccination stage.

To date 991 side effects to the vaccines have been reported, mainly mild and passing reactions, Beroš said.