March 19, 2020 - Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported that 18 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed since yesterday morning. The total number of cases in Croatia is 99. Yesterday, Croatia reported the first death from the virus. Five patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET, the press conference of the National Headquarters of the Civil Protection began as reported by Index. At the same time, the Istrian headquarters had confirmed that a man infected with the coronavirus died in Istria. Here is what is known so far:

• 99 confirmed coronavirus cases
• 1 death
• 5 recovered

1264 Test Samples Completed in Croatia

"We have a total of 99 positive persons and 5 recovered. A total of 1264 test samples have been completed. The situation is epidemiologically very good," said Maja Grba Bujevic, asking citizens to comply with the prescribed measures.

"There are currently 12,519 people in self-isolation. We have 769 contacts who are being intensively monitored. There are 79 people quarantined and 18 truck drivers," she added.

"Most have mild symptoms, two have moderate symptoms," said Alemka Markotic.

Istrian Deceased Patient Had Coronavirus: Cause of Death Still Unknown

"The finding of the deceased confirmed that he had the coronavirus. During the day, all actions will be taken that will lead to information whether the death was caused by a virus or something else," she added.

"We are awaiting further findings to see the exact cause of death. When we receive them, we will release them all," she added.

"The gentleman belongs to the risk group. It is not unexpected that there will be deaths in the risk group, but let's wait for the autopsy results. Close contacts are being tested," Markotic says.

Locations of New Infections to be Announced

"We're still managing to contain the situation," Capak said. He said he would announce in the afternoon which sites were newly infected and where they were being treated.

"We have to minimize the spread of the virus to each other. That's the goal of the measures," Bozinovic said.

"Avoid close contacts and maintain good hygiene. In interiors, the distance from the other person must be at least 2 meters, outside at least 1 meter," Bozinovic reiterated.

"Some of these decisions can be altered by making them stricter, and they may be milder, all depending on how we as a community, as citizens, treat them," Bozinovic explained.

No More Foreign Nationals Entering Croatia, Except in Transit

"Since this morning, we have no more foreign nationals entering Croatia, except for those who heading to other countries. Everyone else has left the country already," he confirmed.

"Thank you to the media for doing the job responsibly to get our messages out to people. People should also reduce the number of times they leave their homes, except for those who go to work. They should respect rules we have made about going to the shops," Bozinovic added.

"Croatian citizens can return to the Republic of Croatia, with strict adherence to epidemiological measures," Bozinovic said.

Keep One Meter Distance Outside, Two Meters Inside

"It’s best that people stand in rows outside the shops. And keep an eye out, 1 meter, 2 meters inside. The operations headquarters will be checking on this. Everyone who follows these guidelines will reduce the risk of passing the virus from one to another. I think and hope that we have all showed a high level of responsibility. However, when we talked about violations of the self-isolation regime, punishment will not stop the spread of the virus if we do not adhere to all the prescribed measures. Maintain hygiene and keep a distance of 1 meter outside, and 2 inside,” he reiterated.

Follow our dedicated page on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and watch for our daily update at 14:00 CET. The Croatian Government has also launched a website for information on the coronavirus (with map of cases) here.

March 18, 2020 – Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported that 12 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 81. Details to follow later today. Five patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index. Among them are eight doctors from Zagreb, some of whom had recently been skiing in Austria and became infected. Five people have recovered.

Locations of New Croatia Cases Later Today

Minister Beros announced that more than 1,100 tests have been done. The situation is getting worse all over Europe, Beros said. For now, the HQ does not have information on which cities the newly infected are located.

Today, according to government announcements, stricter measures are being introduced and many facilities, cafes, cinemas, theaters, gyms are closing ...

Measures Limiting Movement of Elderly

Minister Davor Bozinovic announced yesterday that the additional measures would apply to the elderly, and it was clear that they would go about limiting their movement almost completely. He also announced the intensification of self-isolation control.

"When it comes to doctors, we are well organized spatially and temporally," Minister Beros said. "For all those who have other problems but are not suspected to have the coronavirus, other health care facilities will provide adequate assistance. Treating chronic conditions is not in question. I want to thank the private sector for being sensitive to this issue," Minister Beros said.

"Mental health professionals are available from 0-24. The ministry is rolling out a wide range of activities and we are doing everything we can to keep the situation under control," concluded Beros.

Markotic: Patients Have Mild Symptoms, No Respirators Needed

Alemka Markotic said that all patients have still mild symptoms and that there aren’t any patients with more severe conditions. "Our doctors who had been in contact with an infected doctor have tested negative," she said.

Minister Beros added that none of the infected people have needed a respirator. "It is certain that this will happen, and that some of the patients will have a more difficult clinical picture. It is very necessary for the older population to be mindful of these measures and the most important thing is to protect them," Beros added.

Capak: Call 113 Instead of 112 Regarding Coronavirus

Krunoslav Capak reminded everyone to call number 113 regarding coronavirus concerns.

“For everything coronavirus-related, please feel free to call with any questions. Eight doctors have been infected. The epidemiological situation is under control," Capak said.

"We are preparing instructions on how hospitals should behave. We will give additional power to the commissions for strict control of transitions from one ward to another, as well as for closing off areas if necessary," he said.

The staff urged the elderly to stay home. "The Red Cross will coordinate deliveries for older people," their representative explained.

"The Red Cross will assist everyone in need with the distribution of food. We are assisting people by a range of activities, both through equipment and logistics. Contact information can be accessed here. It is very important that the headquarters exempt blood donation from the ban on assembly," he emphasized.

Discussion Today on Closing Public Facilities

“Today, we will specifically discuss the closure of facilities. I would not speak about measures to close cafes yet. Today a law is under review which will give additional power to the National Civil Protection Headquarters so we can implement the necessary measures throughout Croatia," Capak said.

Beros also commented on how many people will be infected. According to the table provided by Beroš, it is expected that of the estimated 5 percent to be infected in Croatia, 140 of them will fall into the group of severely ill, while 80 percent (2261) will be in the group of mildly ill. Fifteen percent of the population, which is 425, would fall within the category of medium-severe symptoms. In Croatia, 2,826 people are expected to become infected during the coronavirus epidemic.

"That's an earlier estimate," Beros explained. When asked if new estimates for the infected were higher, he said "not significantly."

Seniors: Stay Home, Delivery Help Available

The Red Cross has issued instructions for seniors to share via email and to publish on their website. More information here.

"The approach is simple, that there will be direct contact between the delivery person and the elderly, that the contact is short, and that everyone will regularly wash their hands," it was noted. "We are open to anyone who wants to help. It's just important that you do it safely."

132 People Have Violated Self-Isolation

In 132 cases, citizens were caught violating a measure of self-isolation.

"Police and sanitary inspection are doing their job well regarding enforcement of self-isolation orders. We have received 779 reports and 132 people have been caught not complying with these measures,” Capak said.

Follow our dedicated page on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and watch for our daily update at 14:00 CET. The Croatian Government has also launched a website for information on the coronavirus (with map of cases) here.

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 17, 2020 - There are 69 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 13 new cases. A fifth patient has recovered. There are currently 64 active cases 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.

*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. For some of the most commonly asked questions, check out our TCN FAQ Guide here.

Sixty-Nine Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 17, 2020; sixty-nine coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 30 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 3 in Sisak, 1 in Karlovac, 1 in Slavonski Brod, and 1 in Zabok (the location of the 5 other cases to be confirmed later, map to be updated).

More than 7,949 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 197,187 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 116,306 cases outside of mainland China and 31,506 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 17, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 18:00 CET

In Croatia, 4 more cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed this afternoon, with a total of 69 now infected. At their evening press conference, which began at 18:00 CET, the National Civil Protection Headquarters for tomorrow announced new measures that include limiting public gatherings and shutting down hospitality facilities and other service activities as reported by Index.

Six doctors are also infected. So far, 1109 samples have been tested and 50 are ongoing.

"More testing indicates that epidemiologists are treating all cases that you know of, and they are sending the closest contacts (of these cases) in for testing. The expected epidemiological situation will be different in the next few days," Beros said. Considering the number of patients in Europe, the situation in Croatia provides a certain level of optimism. It indicates that our measures are effective and that we have implemented them in a timely manner and that the situation is "even more than a controllable," Health Minister Vili Beros said at the press conference.

"We are entering the third phase of our defense, we are about halfway through, the healthcare system is mobilizing, extensive organizational and logistical prerequisites for establishing primary, secondary and tertiary centers are ongoing, this is not an easy task, there is a lot of manpower and material technical equipment that must be mobilized, "Beros said.

Sanctions for Doctors from KBC Zagreb

He also announced sanctions for doctors at KBC Zagreb who did not listen to the recommendations of the hospital administration not to go abroad, and said that the responsibility of doctors was far greater than that of other citizens and that he did not expect them to behave in this manner.

"They will bear legal responsibility and are likely to be sanctioned within professional organizations. I hope and believe that this is an exception and that it will not violate the confidence in the largest number of healthcare professionals who do their jobs responsibly."

The facility currently has 128 staff in isolation, including 28 doctors, but that will not disrupt the functioning of the system, Beroš said, once again urging colleagues to act responsibly.

Director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic “Dr. Fran Mihaljevic” Alemka Markotic said that most who were infected with coronavirus had mild symptoms, and only one patient in the clinic was in a medium to severe situation with no change in his status for better or worse.

No Epidemiological Changes Suggest Local Transmission

The director of the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ), Krunoslav Capak, said that after the four newly diagnosed patients, there were no significant changes in the epidemiological situation, and the infected were now detected in two other cities - Slavonski Brod and Zabok. He referred to patients who had returned to Croatia or had close contacts so that there were no epidemiological changes that would indicate local transmission.

Considering that there are more than 10,000 people in self-isolation and 670 contacts, he pointed to the hard work of epidemiologists to keep the spread of the coronavirus under control and urged citizens to stick to self-isolation measures, quarantines, avoid going out, and having contact with families and others.

Restaurants, Service Facilities and Public Gatherings Suspended 30 Days

The head of the National Headquarters, Davor Bozinovic, announced tomorrow the presentation of measures related to restriction of public gathering, temporary suspension of catering facilities and other service activities.

"We will implement these measures tomorrow. We will temporarily limit them to 30 days, hopefully we will not have to extend them, all with the primary objective of reducing the possibility of social contacts, minimizing situations where the virus may spread further among the population. Especially among the elderly citizens for whom we are preparing, it is not only advised that they not leave their homes, but a whole set of measures will be implemented to provide them with medical care, given the situation they might find themselves in," Bozinovic said.

Freight Transport Moving Smoothly Across Borders

He stressed that convoys which ensure the smooth flow of goods as one of the vital measures are currently doing well. "Today, 711 trucks have passed through Croatia. When the crisis broke out at the Italian-Slovenian border, there were 700 trucks. This is being done in a co-operation with neighboring countries."

"A common agreement has been reached with Slovenia to close 27 border crossings for traffic, while the main arteries will remain open for freight traffic, in order to cope more easily with the epidemiological situation in both countries," Bozinovic said.

He added that measures to limit the entry of third-country nationals into EU territory and topics related to the creation of certain stocks and production will be discussed at a meeting of EU Heads of state and government, which also includes the Croatian Prime Minister,. reserves of medical and protective equipment for member states, and we will also have some additional information on this.

National Civil Protection Headquarters Morning Press Conference: 9:00 CET

Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported at that 9 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 65. Details to follow later today. Four patients have recovered. At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index.

Stricter Rules for Elderly and Chronically Ill

"Our concern is for the elderly and the chronic, and we urge them to stay in and only go out in an emergency. We will arrange to deliver whatever they need. The e-prescription system, it is possible to administer medications for a month. We will organize through organizations to have medications are delivered to the elderly and infirm. A health card will be required. Food delivery should be ensured - and that is what we are working on. We must look after the elderly and infirm," Beros said.

Borders with Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro Closed

Bozinovic also announced new border measures. "Cancel travel abroad, the same goes for entering Croatia. We are in contact with Slovenia and will soon close 27 border crossings with Slovenia," the minister said.

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK (Croatia Automobile Association) reports.

Details on Location of 5 New Patients Later

Alemka Markotic said there were no seriously ill patients among the infected. She says that she has no information about the details and that she only received the number of new patients. That information will be released throughout the day, she added. There are currently 17 people at the Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases, she note.

Stricter Self-Isolation Enforcement

We will strengthen our self-isolation controls. Ninety-three people have violated these orders and will be sanctioned.

"From day one, the headquarters has done everything according to the protocol. Every measure will be enacted at the appropriate time. We must organize the system in such a way that everything is accounted for and must function. Croatia can serve as an example here, there will certainly be problems and that is why we need legal adjustments," Bozinovic said when asked whether restricting the movement of the elderly would be a ban.

"It is not difficult to be smart now, but one has to determine when it’s necessary to move to the next phase," Bozinovic responded to Kalinic's allegations (about reacting to COVID-19 outbreak two weeks too late).

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:53 - The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has introduced special working hours.

"The Department of Radiology, Ultrasound Diagnosis and Physical Therapy is CLOSED to external patients.

Surgery, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology Clinic receives ALL patients under a special admission regimen.
Opening hours: MON - FRI 9:00-11:00 and 16:00-18:00, SAT 9:00-18:00, SUN 9:00-11:00

Patients are admitted under a special waiting room entry regime, so that up to five patients with owners can stay in the waiting room. Visits to inpatients are not allowed.
 
The Obstetrics Clinic and the Internal Medicine Clinic as well as the Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Poultry Disease Institute receive EMERGENCY ONLY.
Opening hours: MON - FRI 9:00-11:00 and 16:00-18:00, SAT 9:00-18:00, SUN 9:00-11:00

Until then, no specialist examinations are performed, except in individual cases at the discretion of the ordinarius. Triage of patients will be performed in front of the Clinic's outpatient clinic, and only one patient with the owner is admitted to the waiting room," the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine said.

21:15 - Plenkovic tested for coronavirus, finding negative. A government spokesman has released details.

21:00 - The EU closes its external borders tomorrow at noon. The decision was made by EU leaders at a video summit.

19:35 - Croatian Caritas has made the equipment for emergency and humanitarian care available to the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

"We have made available certain resources that we have," said Caritas Croatian director Fabijan Svalina, adding that - if there was a need for these resources - they would be mobilized and put into service for those who need them throughout Croatia.

We will make available everything the Civilian Headquarters tells us they need, said Msgr. Svalina. He emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of the most vulnerable and added that volunteers are always welcome.

18:21 - Beros also spoke to infected doctors at the Zagreb Clinical Hospital.

He said doctors who failed to report the trip and were then confirmed with a coronavirus infection would bear the consequences and would likely be punished by the professional organization. He added that health professionals are expected to be even more responsible than citizens are being asked to be.

18:13 - The number infected in Croatia has increased to 69. A total of 1109 people have been tested and 50 tests are in process.

"The contacts of the sick are still being tested. We are entering the third phase of defense, the health system is mobilizing," Health Minister Vili Beros said at the cross-section of the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic has announced that a special set of measures will be adopted tomorrow, lasting 30 days. The measures will primarily target senior citizens, Bozinovic added.

The director of the Clinic for Infectology, Dr. Alemka Markotić, reported that there were no changes in the clinical status of those infected with the coronavirus.

CES Director General Krunoslav Capak pointed out that a large number of people are in isolation, that epidemiologists are following their health status. He urged everyone to abide by the rules of self-isolation.

16:15 - Two more cases in Zabok.

"In the Krapina - Zagorje County area, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020; two more people tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. They are in isolation at Zabok General Hospital and the Croatian Veterans Hospital. The patient (born in 1939) and her son (born in 1967) were received today at OB Zabok, both are residents in the Krapina - Zagorje County," the KPZ press release said.

15:50 - The director of the Institute of Public Health of the County of Istria, Aleksandar Stojanovic, said today that Istria still officially has six people infected with coronavirus, and cited the return of more workers from winter resorts in Italy and other countries which have higher rates of contagion.

"These are people connected to Italy, but also to Austria and Germany, where they worked in catering. Now they are returning home," Stojanovic said at a news conference, adding that there was no free spread of the virus in Istria, or that is the vast majority of suspected cases related to foreign countries.

15:01 - There are still five people in Varaždin County infected with coronavirus - four with mild symptoms and one with no symptoms, according to the Civil Protection County Headquarters on Tuesday, adding that the National Headquarters has not yet responded to their request to tighten measures regarding yesterday labor restrictions.

15:00 - Manufacturing companies of the Forten Group are operating normally and are providing sufficient quantities of products, and Konzum has goods for several months of demand, the Forten Group announced on Tuesday.

14:50 - No one has been infected at the pediatric outpatient clinic at Ogulin Health Center, which a person from Ogulin had visited with a child last Friday, the day before his coronavirus infection was confirmed. The doctor and nurse are preventively self-isolating, and the children and parents who were there then are being epidemiologically monitored in the infirmary.

"So far, none of them have contracted the disease," said Zlata Kurelac, Director of the Ogulin Health Center to HINA. He added that the health center was disinfected and that ambulances were operational.

14:49 - Instead of 16:00 CET, the press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters will be held today at 18:00 CET.

14:24 - Finance Minister Zdravko Maric says that bridging the 'liquidity gap' will go to the state budget, and local self-government units will be left with the opportunity to make it easier for citizens and entrepreneurs.

14:10 - The biggest domestic passenger ship Jadrolinija on Tuesday called on all passengers to buy tickets online or through the 'mJadrolinija' mobile application in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"We urge travellers to buy tickets through online sales or the 'mJadrolinja’ mobile app to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Passengers who are unable to use digital channels of sale are asked to use cash payment agencies as little as possible and to use contactless card payment instead." read a statement from Jadrolinija.

14:00 - WHO does not recommend ibuprofen for the coronavirus. They say they recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen).

13:47 - From the Teaching Institute of Public Health, Dr. Andrija Štampar said that, apart from testing the causes that come from the epidemiological service, they are also taking swabs from patients suspected of coronavirus infection, while the closure of the city is still pending thinking.

 "The Institute of Public Health, Dr. Andrija Štampar, has been testing the samples forwarded to him from the epidemiological service or from the Infectious Diseases Clinic by Dr. Fran Mihaljevic for three days, and from today he has been taking samples from patients who have been sent as indicated by the epidemiologist," Jasmina Vraneš, Head of the Department of Clinical Microbiology of the Institute.

13:45 - The epidemiological situation in Vukovar-Srijem County is stable and there are no coronavirus infected persons, and there are about 300 people in self-isolation, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported, urging citizens to act responsibly and comply with the prescribed measures.

"The epidemiological situation in the county is stable, and in order for them to remain, we all need to adhere to the measures that have been adopted and to be implemented. It is crucial that our population remains calm, listens to recommendations and adheres to the maximum," the county director said. Public Health Institute Kata Krešić adding that in the current situation, the citizen as an individual is no longer responsible not only to himself but also to others.

13:43 - No cases of coronavirus infection have been reported so far in Imotski Krajina, but currently 47 people are in home isolation, confirmed the Mayor of Imotski Ivan Budalic.

Budalic told Hina that they were persons who came from abroad, but he could not specify from which countries, noting that such data were taken by epidemiologists.

13:40 - Tourism Minister Gary Capelli has commented on the measures taken by the government. He also said that some hotels were still in operation, but that most were closed.

13:31 - Relocation of Križina hospital is in progress. The entire hospital will be relocated to the nearby Firule Hospital. Krizina will become the regional center for the fight against coronavirus.

13:30 - Minister Beros sent a letter to all hospitals to return all employees who have been abroad for the last 14 days as soon as possible, and no later than 15:00 CET today.

13:10 - Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Marko Pavic said that HAMAG-BICRO will immediately double the funds for small business lending at very low interest rates, and so-called corona loans at favorable interest rates.

13:09 - Relocation of patients from the Križine site has begun to the hospital in Firule, which is preparing to become the central health care facility for coronavirus infected patients for four Dalmatian counties.

13:07 - The head of KBC Rebro clinic Ante Corusic says some of the doctors that he had been skiing in Austria for the weekend are infected with the coronavirus.

"They will be punished. So far, three are infected, another is suspected. Three percent of the KBC Rebro employees are in isolation, that's 140 people. It happened because of irresponsibility," Corusic said.

12:50 - There are currently 506 confirmed patient contacts in Zagreb, and four are quarantined under 24-hour surveillance. This was reported at a press conference in front of the Public Health Teaching Institute, Dr. Andrija Štampar.

Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic defended Pavel Kalinic, for whom the opposition is seeking resignation.

12:30 - Another person in Rijeka has recovered. It is the fifth overall, and the second in Rijeka. In Rijeka hospital, 4 people are infected with coronavirus, and 5 are in home isolation.

12:19 - Opening hours of all post offices will be adjusted according to the location, and in all of Croatia they will work no longer than 18:00 CET, the Hrvatska Posta (Croatian Post) confirmed today.

11:53 - Index has unofficially confirmed that three doctors are among 9 newly infected, two from Rebra and one from Vrapce.

11:51 - "The Ministries of Construction and Physical Planning are at the forefront of human health, and we are aware that it is not easy to adapt to this new situation. On the other hand, we have young people who call us every day and fear that they will suffer financially, because many of them have signed agreements. We will monitor the situation, are in constant communication with the Civil Protection Headquarters and we will adhere to their instructions," the Ministry said.

11:27 - In Varaždin, there is an agreement with restaurateurs and artisans who continue to work.

 At the City Hall of Varaždin, Mayor Čehok and his deputy Zlatan Avar, Chief of the City Staff of the Civil Protection, held an emergency meeting with representatives of the Association of Croatian Craftsmen and the Association of Catering and Tourism Workers of Varaždin. The topic of the meeting was the organization of hospitality and service activities during the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection

11:24 - City of Zagreb on payment for kindergarten and school meals:

"Due to the implementation of preventive protective activities against the spread of the coronavirus infection since Monday March 16, 2020; education in kindergartens and elementary schools in Zagreb has been suspended. We are informing you that parents will not have to pay school expenses for the entire year. "The amount of payment will be reduced for those days that children will not spend in kindergarten or school. The same provision applies to the payment of school meals," reported the City of Zagreb.

11:07 - Two more doctors have been infected with coronavirus, Minister Beros confirmed. One infected doctor works at KBC Zagreb and another is from the Vrapče Psychiatric Hospital.

10:56 - One of the 9 newly infected is from Slavonski Brod. On Sunday, a person who came from Austria with fever responded to the local ebrod portal at the Institute for Public Health.

"Before that, she was in isolation from Thursday to Sunday, after which she was admitted to the hospital where findings were confirmed the coronavirus. She is in good health. It is good that she was isolated, and she is between 45 and 50. She had contact with another person in Austria who had similar symptoms. The other family members were contacted, and all were healthy without any symptoms, "said Dr. Ante Cvitković, Director of the Teaching Institute.

10:55 - There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the Split-Dalmatia County. There are 51 people quarantined, none of whom show any symptoms of infection and feel well. There are 530 people in self-isolation.

10:50 - Scientist prof. dr. Ph.D. Ivan Djikic appeared on the HRT program Dobro jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia) today. He shared a video link from Germany and commented on the work on the coronavirus vaccine, among others subjects.

10:45 - The rules of what you can and shouldn't do while you are in self-isolation are clear, and the most important point is that "you are not allowed to leave the house." Moreover, a fine will be imposed for those who choose to do so. Even if you are in self-isolation and those in your household are not; the rules are clear.

10:22 - There are currently 12 patients suspected of being infected with the coronavirus in Istria. Two more patient samples from Istria were sent for coronavirus testing in Zagreb yesterday evening and overnight. Along with the 7 samples sent earlier, that's a total of 9 suspected Istria patients who were discovered yesterday. If they are added to the three from the day before, the findings of which are not yet known, this is a total of 12 suspected cases.

10:15 - The online school still has problems with cyber attacks.

"Due to cyber-attacks on central AAI @ EduHr systems, access to computers from non-ISP networks in the Republic of Croatia to those systems under the jurisdiction of Srci and CARNET that rely on AAI @ EduHr system has been further disabled," the Srce web site reported.

9:45 - Minister Bozinovic also revealed that the civil protection staff will soon introduce restrictions on movement for the elderly.

9:18 - The head of the Croatian Employment Service announced that we should stick to the measures now more than ever.

9:00 - One of the newly infected is a young man from Zagorje who became infected in Austria.

8:36 - The number of coronavirus patients in Croatia has increased. Minister Vili Beros confirmed on N1 this morning that 9 new cases have been confirmed and so the number infected in Croatia is 65.

8:13 - There are still 7 confirmed infected in the Osijek-Baranja County. 16 samples were sent for testing yesterday and all are negative, the Osijek hospital director told HRT this morning.

8:09 - Government Session at 15:00 CET

A government session is scheduled for 15:00 CET. The agenda will be announced by the government throughout the day. The Ministry of Economy has announced that rescheduling and moratoriums on loans, the granting of new liquidity loans and a guarantee under the Export Guarantee Fund are some of the top ten measures to help the economy fight coronavirus damage. These measures from the Ministry of the Economy are to be established at a Government session, and they come after a decision preventing the rise in prices of key products for supplying the Croatian market and exporting those products for which there is a possibility of shortages in Croatia. You will be able to follow the government session on Index.

8:08 - Closed border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK reports.

"In view of the numerous inquiries regarding travel to neighboring countries, especially Italy, we advise drivers and passengers to be well informed on the website of the Civil Protection Directorate and Croatian traffic updates with the Croatian Automobile Association before traveling. All current information related to the coronavirus epidemic as well as traffic related information will be published there. Also try to delay your trips to risky areas. More information can be found at the Slovenian Information Center," HAK Reports.

7:30 - "If we stick very closely to the prescribed measures, we might be able to get through this without severe consequences," added the head of the Emergency Department.

7:20 - "It is hard to believe that we’ll be so lucky that something similar won’t happen to us as has happened in other countries. I think we have sensitized everyone enough and see that the level of awareness has changed significantly since we have started talking about this. When the virus was far away in China, we seriously prepared for everything. I am very glad to see that a lot of life habits have changed in these few days, we don’t see everyone shaking hands, hugging...I admire these people who are in self-isolation, it is not easy to be stuck at home for 14 days. Maintaining hygienic conditions in these conditions is vital," Emergency Room Director Grba Bujevic said this morning on Dobro jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia).

"We already have partially closed borders. No longer are the borders as open as they would otherwise be," she added when asked about border closures.

7:00 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters will receive new, greater powers, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced last night, announcing a package of 20 changes to legislation that the government would send to parliament as a matter of urgency Tuesday to minimize the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

6:30 - The director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, Krunoslav Capak, appeared on Dnevnik Nova TV. Regarding the question whether cities and counties could make decisions without the consent of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, he said that at such times everyone should follow the decisions of the National Headquarters. He said that the epidemiological situation is such that cafes should not be closed, but if this situation continues, it will be their turn.

“Closing the cafe seems to me to be a rather mild measure of what is yet to come," he added.

6:20 - The County of Krapina-Zagorje has joined several counties with requests to close cafes and other facilities related to people's direct contact.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Toilet Paper, Toilet Paper, My Kingdom for Some Toilet Paper - here.
• Jadrolinija Kindly Asks Passengers to Book Tickets Online or Via App - here.
• Free Dubrovnik Libertas Public Transport for Next Fifteen Days - here.
• CNB Governor Boris Vujcic Explains Croatian Banking System Stability - here.
• Croatian Coronavirus Self-Isolation: Countries on List, Measures Explained - here.
• CNB Governor Boris Vujcic Explains Croatian Banking System Stability - here.
• UEFA Euro 2020 Officially Postponed until 2021 - here.
• Split's Hotel Park Carries On in Corona Crisis: "We Worked in All Wars" - here.
• (VIDEO) Hajduk Fan Group Torcida Split Steps Up in Time of Need - here.
• Saving Split Tourism: Mayor Opara Creating Measures to Rescue Sector - here.
• Promet Split Announces New Timetable with Reduced Lines - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Night 17 March: Behaviour, Police, Taxes - here.
• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Mid-day 17 March: Border Crossings Close - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: First 2 Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: COVID-19 FAQs, Health & Travel Update - here.

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

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.
• Live updates from Croatian Government at their dedicated website koronavirus.hr here.

UPDATED: March 17, 2020 22:00 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 17, 2020 – Croatia Health Minister Vili Beros reported at that 9 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed. The total number of cases in Croatia is 65. Details to follow later today. Four patients have recovered.

At 9:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference and provided an update the coronavirus in Croatia as reported by Index.

• Yesterday, 7 new cases were confirmed - one from Rijeka, one from Karlovac, one from Sisak and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from KBC Zagreb who returned from abroad. He is housed at the Zagreb Infectious Diseases Clinic Dr. Fran Mihaljević.
• Stricter rules for elderly and chronic patients are being introduced and the borders with Slovenia has been closed.
• Minister Beros stated that they have conducted have 1014 tests. 630 people are under health surveillane.
• More information on 9 new cases to follow later today.

"The epidemiological picture is still very good, but it is certain that the number of patients can grow. We have made sure we have an adequate number of people tested. We have opened new centres with testing capabilities. The profession has made it clear who we need to test. All this time, we are overseeing isolations and quarantines. Be responsible," Beroš warned. 

Warning to Senior Citizens

"Our concern is for the elderly and the chronic, and we urge them to stay in and only go out in an emergency. We will arrange to deliver whatever they need. The e-prescription system, it is possible to administer medications for a month. We will organize through organizations to have medications are delivered to the elderly and infirm. A health card will be required. Food delivery should be ensured - and that is what we are working on. We must look after the elderly and infirm," Beros said.

Details on New Patients to Follow Later

Alemka Markotic said there were no seriously ill patients among the infected. She says that she has no information about the details and that she only received the number of new patients. That information will be released throughout the day, she said. There are currently 17 people at the Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases, she said.

Croatia Headquarters Granted More Power

The head of the HZJZ said that more than ever we need to adhere to hygiene instructions - wash hands, avoid physical contacts and disinfect public spaces.

"WHO was not thinking of Croatia in their criticism. According to the data, we are testing more than the necessary number of patients," Beros said. "As we announced yesterday; we have no clear signs of local transmission," he added.

Minister Bozinovic said the government would adopt a change in the law today which would give the headquarters greater powers.

"Our decisions will be implemented across all lines of work. This means that today we will activate all civil protection headquarters so that decisions can be implemented immediately. The first decision will to try to limit the movement of the elderly; to do everything so that they do not need to leave their apartments and homes unless they have urgent needs.

Stronger Self-Isolation Controls

We will strengthen our self-isolation controls. Ninety-three people have violated these orders and will be sanctioned.

"From day one, the headquarters has done everything according to the protocol. Every measure will be enacted at the appropriate time. We must organize the system in such a way that everything is accounted for and must function. Croatia can serve as an example here, there will certainly be problems and that is why we need legal adjustments," Bozinovic said when asked whether restricting the movement of the elderly would be a ban.

"It is not difficult to be smart now, but one always has to determine when it’s necessary to move to the next phase," Bozinovic responded to Kalinic's allegations (about reacting to coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak two weeks too late).

Closing Borders with Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro

Bozinovic also announced new border measures. "Cancel travel abroad, the same goes for entering Croatia. We are in contact with Slovenia and will soon close 27 border crossings with Slovenia," the minister said.

Because of the coronavirus, border crossings with Serbia and Montenegro are closed to all but their citizens and truck drivers, HAK (Croatia Automobile Association) reports.

Follow our dedicated page on the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and watch for our daily update at 14:00 CET.

March 16, 2020 - In Croatia, 7 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported today, which is a total of 56 since the outbreak of the epidemic, among them two doctors from KB Dubrava and one doctor from KBC Rebro. Three people have recovered.

At 9:00 CET, a press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters was held at which new information on the coronavirus in Croatia was published, as reported by Index.

Yesterday, the Croatian authorities extended to almost all of Europe the range of countries from which they will have to self-isolate for 14 days after entering Croatia.

It is recommended to further postpone all rallies and organized gatherings attended by more than 100 people. It is recommended that public events of sports or entertainment are not held (night clubs, concerts, etc.) and competitions without spectators.

There are seven more people infected, Minister Beros confirmed. Thus, the number of cases increased to 56. Three people have recovered, which means that 53 active cases of infection are in Croatia.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Case Breakdown

25 – Zagreb
10 – Rijeka
7 – Osijek
6 – Pula
5 – Varazdin
2 – Sisak
1 – Karlovac

56 – Total Cases
0 – Deaths
3 – Recovered

"We are entering the third phase," Beros said. "The headquarters is carefully considering all the measures it adopts. They are based on expert and scientific input. We have the broadest picture. Thanks also to everyone who is adhering to the measures," Beros said.

"For the sake of our credibility, we ask everyone not to take hasty action. It is important that we fight the threat together. We listen to everyone who has an opinion, but the profession must lead the way," Beros said.

Capak: 9,000 in Self Isolation in Croatia

Krunoslav Capak said it was important to maintain a balance between a good epidemiological situation and the severity and breadth of the measures. "It would not be a good idea to close everything, life would stop, and things could not function. We epidemiologists have to propose to the Headquarters and the Government two measures that we think are prioritized," Capak said. We have 9,000 people in self-isolation, he added.

"The coronavirus problem is a widespread and social problem, and we are working not only within Croatia, but in close contact with colleagues in the environment and at EU level to create a framework where everything can flow as little as possible. We have worked intensively on this. Truck transport of goods, goods, medicines, food works in the way that we have established nine convoys, seven of them have gone to Serbia, one is in Novska," said Minister Bozinovic.

"The EU has banned the export of certain medical supplies, masks beyond borders, to allow circulation of what is necessarily maintained within the member states," Bozinovic added.

Bozinovic: 174 Self Isolation Violations

"I have to commend the emergency services, the border police officers who are preventing illegal migration and who are working under the new system," he said. 174 reports of violations of self-isolation were detected. 40 people were reported, Bozinovic reported.

New Cases: 5 Zagreb, 1 Rijeka and 1 Karlovac

Beros revealed that one of the new cases was one from Rijeka, one from Karlovac and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from Rebra. The Rebra doctor became infected with having people back from skiing, Beroš said, praising his quick reaction and the quick reaction of the Rebra staff.

"He was interviewed in self-isolation yesterday, and it was done in detail and we learned all his contacts. It is very important that KBC Rebro is extraordinarily organized. Epidemiologists find an organized and controlled situation. We talk to everyone who has been in contact, epidemiologists will each contact to contact and check," Capak said.

"A small problem with the evacuation of KB Dubrava has arisen, more contacts of people who have been infected have been detected. So, we will not make a total evacuation. 100 patients will remain in KB Dubrava," Beros said.

"The clinical picture of all patients is milder, there are no patients with significant complications. We will probably have someone more severely ill in the near future. We can expect it to be 3 to 5 percent infected," Beros said.

Capak: Focus Shift to Healthcare System Preparation

"Our initial strategy, to discover contacts and follow up, is now changing. It is important now that we prepare the healthcare system to accommodate more cases and more serious cases," Capak said.

"We have to carefully balance between stricter and what is needed. We have to avoid the Italian scenario; all our measures have proven to be right. Our health system is ready," concluded Beros.

Finally, it was noted that the measures recommended by the Headquarters should be adhered to.

Follow our dedicated page for running updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 16, 2020 - There are 56 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 7 new cases, including a doctor from KBC Rebro. Two doctors from KBC Dubrava tested positive yesterday. A fourth patient has recovered. There are currently 52 active cases 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.

*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. For some of the most commonly asked questions, check out our TCN FAQ Guide here.

Fifty-Six Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 16, 2020; fifty-six coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 25 in Zagreb, 10 in Rijeka, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 2 in Sisak and 1 in Karlovac.

More than 7,131 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 181,686 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 100,806 cases outside of mainland China and 27,980 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 16, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Morning Press Conference

The National Civil Protection Headquarters reported 7 new cases of coronavirus infection at their daily 9:00 CET press conference today as reported by Index. There are currently 56 confirmed cases since the outbreak, among them two doctors from KB Dubrava and one doctor from KBC Rebro. Three people had recovered.

Seven New Cases: 5 Zagreb, 1 Rijeka and 1 Karlovac

Health Minister Vili Beros revealed that one new case is from Rijeka, one from Karlovac and five from Zagreb, including a doctor from KBC Rebra. The Rebra doctor became infected after having contact with people who returned from a ski trip, Beroš said, praising his quick reaction and the quick reaction of the KBC Rebra staff.

Bozinovic: 174 Self Isolation Violations

"I have to commend the emergency services, the border police officers who are preventing illegal migration and working under the new system. We have detected 174 violations of self-isolation orders and 40 people were reported,” according to Bozinovic.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:56 - Minister Darko Horvat also presented the first 10 measures from the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, which will be proposed at tomorrow's government session.

21:30 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters will receive new, greater powers, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced on Monday, announcing a package of 20 changes to the law that the government would send to parliament as a matter of urgency Tuesday to minimize the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

"There are delays in paying taxes and contributions, enabling liquidity, rescheduling loans. Everyone is paying close attention to this crisis. I think we will be able to overcome this crisis without too much financial expense," Plenkovic said during a guest appearance on Dnevnik Nova TV and added that there is a proposal on the table for the state to provide the minimum wage and the employer the remainder, but that the suspension of overhead is not being considered at this time.

19:59 - The new financial measures were announced by the Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric on RTL Danas, explaining exactly what they entail.

"An integral part of these measures is liquidity. On the one hand, there are public benefits - income tax, income tax and contributions. According to the working version, we will agree on the details throughout the day and night until the session, we are talking about a three-month payment delay with a possible additional three months of extensions. On the other hand, there are credit lines and lines in cooperation with HBOR, CNB and HUB, all aimed in some way to focus similarly on credit arrangements," said Maric.

It may also be possible to delay the payment of loans for citizens.

"We have also included citizens' loans. The banks have shown constructive cooperation here, and I believe that we will succeed in achieving that part, especially in the sectors affected by the coronavirus, although I think that few will go untouched by this crisis. We are talking about a period of about three months." said Maric.

19:56 - Minister of Labor and Pension System Josip Aladrovic announces new measures for employers while a guest on N1 Dnevnik.

"The top priority is safeguarding domestic jobs," Aladrovic said, noting that employers will be provided with funding from the state budget and the European Social Fund, which will stimulate employers to retain labor to co-finance wage costs.

19:54 - A new case of violation of self-isolation occurred in Vrgorac. The man, according to Dalmacija danas, walked around for two days on his return from Italy, instead of being in isolation. He was caught by police.

19:40 - The City of Split has paid 400,000 HRK (52,758 EUR) to the Clinical Hospital Center (KBC Split) from its budget supply to co-finance the costs of renovating and equipping hospital facilities for the isolation of coronavirus infected patients, the city administration announced on Monday night.

19:35 - The onslaught of shoppers into stores has not stopped as they stock up on supplies in fear of movement restrictions and supply disruptions due to the coronavirus epidemic. According to Finance Minister Zdravko Maric, turnover has increased about 40 percent over the same period last year. In terms of supply, Croatia may be ahead of other countries because manufacturers and shops were waiting for the tourist season anyway, in which traffic increased, so they are used to oscillations.

19:10 - The first potential case of the coronavirus infection appeared in the Virovitica-Podravina County. The patient was isolated in the Virovitica General Hospital, and that was confirmed by Miroslav Venus, epidemiologist and director of the County Public Health Institute Sveti rok.

19:00 - The Zadar Civil Protection Headquarters adopted similar measures proposed by Zagreb but did not seek permission from the National Headquarters. At today's press conference in Zagreb, Health Minister Vili Beros emphasized that they do not approve of the recommendations issued by the Zadar County Civil Protection Headquarters at this time.

18:50 - Nela Srsen, a Croatian doctor working in Italy, told us about the situation there. She says the virus was not taken seriously in the beginning. The people, he says, were casual and the wrong messages were being sent. She is skeptical that the virus will disappear when it warms up.

17:54 - Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic called on all members of the Croatian Army to be a personal example of responsible behavior within the circumstances of the coronavirus epidemic, to be an example of health care and be prepared to help us get out of this epidemic as soon as possible.

"This government is doing everything it can to manage the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic, which is not easy at all," Krsticic said, adding that it was precisely through these situations that he has prepared the homeland security system which was not even mentioned during this crisis, though it was often emphasized by Krsticevic.

17:50 - Bozinovic was also asked by journalists how he commented on the information that there were a number of Italian citizens on the Croatian coast, in their facilities and in private accommodation.

"When they arrived - I do not know, but that does not mean that these people should be stigmatized now. They have been good neighbors all these years. All the same epidemiological instructions apply for them, and our services will do their job regardless of nationality," Bozinovic said.

In addition to Bozinovic, the same question was asked to Inspector General Andrija Mikulic, but he declined to answer, saying that it was a question "for those who were the first to welcome these people, that is, the border police," after which he left the press conference.

17:44 - The chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic made a new statement and answered the question whether and when new, more rigorous measures would be adopted in Croatia.

"Now that would be prejudice, what I can say is that there is always a level of professionalism behind these decisions, in this case the epidemiology profession. You see that states make decisions that are often similar to one another. It is likely that our decisions will be on that track as well, and at the appropriate time.” said Bozinovic.

17:10 - The City of Zagreb has issued recommendations on conduct.

16:50 - Tourism Minister Gary Capelli has revealed what measures will be taken to save jobs in the tourist sector.

"It is important for us that there be delays, such as deferrals of tourist tax, tourist membership fees, hotel owners paying concessions in camps on tourist property, that along with all these go 'three plus three' delays, which delays payment for three months,” the tourism minister noted.

That way, Cappelli adds, wages are also likely to be dealt with, "anything that can be dealt with immediately and we are confident that we can cover these expenses for the next six months."

16:29 - The director of the Zagreb KBC Sestre milosrdnice (KBC Sisters of Mercy) Mario Zovak, announced on Monday that, along with KB Dubrava, as the primary respiratory-intensive center for the most severe coronavirus patients, other hospital facilities must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios and treat the sick.

16:10 - Instructions for going to banks and using ATMs issued due to coronavirus.

To reduce the number of people indoors, HUB (Croatian Association of Banks) advises citizens to make the most of digital banking services (mobile and internet banking) and ATM networks. The ATM network and branch offices will be provided with sufficient cash at all times, and citizens are advised to use digital banking and card payment services, HUB said.

If they have to come to the office, the HUB urges citizens to act in accordance with the recommendations of the health services.

16:06 - Minister Beros said 880 tests are in progress. Over 9000 people are under supervision. Another person has recovered for a total of 4 recovered.

15:53 ​ - One person with possible coronavirus symptoms was admitted to Zadar General Hospital today and kept in hospital isolation. The samples were sent to the Infectious Diseases Clinic “Dr. Fran Mihaljević” and findings are expected soon.

15:51 - The Croatian Parliament tomorrow will introduce special protection measures against the spread of coronavirus, and besides the already introduced measures of disinfection and suspension of group visits and international activities; it will suspend all private visits, introduce safeguards in the canteen as well as a special way of monitoring the work of the parliament.

15:32 - Ministers Unveil Measures to Help Economy: Postponement of Paying Credit, Tax ...

15:29 - The County of Karlovac held a dramatic cut on a coronavirus, on which he gave orders to journalists and threatened prisoners with doctors.

15:18 - The next package of measures to be implemented in the County of Istria aimed at suppressing coronavirus will be targeted at the economy, said the Chief of Staff for Civil Protection of the County of Istria, Dino Kozlevac, at a press conference today.

15:15 - By March 16, 2020; the Epidemiology Service of the Institute for Public Health of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County received a total of 455 people from border sanitary inspectors. Of those, 205 completed health surveillance and all had no symptoms of coronavirus infection. There are currently 86 people undergoing home health surveillance. Two people are still quarantined.

At the moment, one male, a Croatian national, who was sampled for COVID-19 infection, was hospitalized and isolated in Dubrovnik General Hospital.

14:51 - The mayor of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel, on Monday reported on new measures of the city administration in the fight against coronavirus and stressed that among other things, care should be taken not to jeopardize the liquidity of the city budget.

Obersnel noted that they are aware that entrepreneurs will suffer financial losses and that measures to ease the situation and help are being prepared locally, but he added that they depend on measures taken by the government.

"We have to take care that the liquidity of the city budget is not jeopardized because some obligations have to be fulfilled, and the measure of deferred income tax, which was already introduced, will significantly affect the liquidity," he said.

14:50 - In an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus , the Osijek Civilian Protection Headquarters today recommended limiting the working hours of catering establishments to 22:00 CET, while night clubs in the city will not operate after next weekend.

14:34 - As a part of measures to help entrepreneurs, Bjelovar will abolish the surtax, due to the emergence of coronavirus, and delay the payment of utility fees for companies and craftsmen, said Bjelovar Mayor Dario Hrebak on Monday.

The decision to abolish surtax should come into force in early May, since it has to be approved by the City Council, while the decision to defer the utility bills for all businesses and craftsmen for a month or longer and without interest, applies from the beginning March.

14:33 - Multiple people have violated the self-isolation rule. In Podravina, police received more than 20 reports of people violating self-isolation orders. Of the 23 people, police said ePodravina found that five of them had violated the rules of self-isolation.

14:30 - SDP President Davor Bernardic says it is necessary to move to more rigorous measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and called on the National Civil Protection Headquarters to not endanger the lives of citizens.

14:20 - Zagreb City Cemeteries, operating at Zagreb Holding, issued recommendations regarding funerals during a coronavirus pandemic.

14:16 - Labor and Pension Minister Josip Aladrovic has announced that the government will also financially stimulate employers to retain workers. He says they are working on measures which they will present to the government tomorrow.

14:05 - Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said today that internal meetings are underway to determine how the deferral of income taxes, contributions, contributions and loan rescheduling will be implemented.

13:55 - The Croatian Chamber of Pharmacies has issued recommendations on the responsible behavior of patients in pharmacies during the coronavirus epidemic, which urge them to keep a distance from pharmacists and people waiting in line, and restrictions have been imposed on dispensing products per patient.

13:43 - As the decision of the Government of Croatia of March 13, 2020 states that elementary school employees are obliged to ensure the admission of students attending class in cases when both parents are employed and there is no other possibility of childcare. The Union of Croatian Teachers provided an analysis conducted at 627 elementary schools regarding the number of students arriving in grades 1-4, as of March 16, 2020. According to a statement, this provides a more realistic picture of student arrivals by county, and so that principals can reconsider their decisions about the necessity of all staff to attend schools.

According to the analysis of received data received from 627 elementary schools as of 13:00 CET; here is a list of students (1st through 4th grade students) who have arrived in schools:

Zagreb County - 6 students (of which 2 extended stays)
Krapina-Zagorje County - 0 students
Sisak-Moslavina County - 41 students (of which 1 extended stay)
Karlovac County - 0 students
Varaždin County - 1 student
Koprivnica-Križevci County - 0 students
Bjelovar-Bilogora County - 0 students
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - 7 students (all extended stays)
Lika-Senj County - 0 students
Virovitica-Podravina County - 2 students
Požega-Slavonia County - 2 students (both extended stay)
Brod-Posavina County - 2 students
Zadar County - 2 students
Osijek-Baranja County - 1 student
Šibenik-Knin County - 0 students
Vukovar-Srijem County - 0 students
Split-Dalmatia County - 20 students (of which 11 extended stay)
County of Istria - 1 pupil
Dubrovnik-Neretva County 3 students (of which 2 are extended stay)
Međimurje County - 0 students
City of Zagreb - 21 students (9 of which extended stay)

TOTAL: 109 students (of which 34 extended stays)

13:40 - The Croatian Employers Association (HUP) Trade Association points out that there is enough food and hygiene supplies and urges customers not to overdo quantities and to look after the health and safety of the shop employees when buying.

13:15 - The first coronavirus infected patient in Karlovac County is in Ogulin, who became infected in Rijeka in contact with an acquaintance without knowing it, was in the pediatric outpatient clinic of Ogulin Health Center on Friday, Mayor Damir Jelic said on Monday.

13:07 - The City of Zagreb sent a statement today informing them of the delay in conducting the procedure for enrolling children in the first grade of primary school.

13:05 – Press conference in Split is underway. "There is still no positive finding in the County and that is good news. However, this situation cannot be defeated by any institution, it can be only be overcome together. This is the only guarantee of success," said Mayor Blazenko Boban.

13:01 - Crikvenica Introduces Citizens Assistance Service

From today, March 16, 2020; the citizens of Crikvenica will be provided with a free telephone number 0800 2999, which will receive calls from 0 to 24 hours. The Crikvenica City Emergency Service will be available via phone. An on-duty service was set up to minimize leaving the home and personal contact of people, based on the recommendation of the Civil Protection Staff. It will be available to the citizens of the City of Crikvenica, who are at risk, the elderly and the disabled.

12:30 - "None of the patients are positive. I am not afraid. We are taught about all kinds of risks, and I have nothing to fear because the disease is not severe," the minister said.

12:04 - According to instructions from the Ministry of Justice, visits to prisoners in the Zagreb Prison are restricted until April 1, which includes prisoners held in the investigative prison.

12:02 - The residents of Zagreb seem to have taken the instructions of the National Headquarters seriously. As you can see in the photos taken today, the City Center is almost completely empty, and the residents who took to the streets are wearing masks. Markets are empty, cafes are closed, terraces are empty, trams are empty.

11:47 - Minister Beros just came to KB Dubrava. A press release is expected after he comes out.

11:45 - The residents of Bjelovar decided early this morning to rush to the stores and replenish their supplies because of the coronavirus. The photos and shots that come from that city are amazing. More here.

11:37 - Zagreb Zoo Closed to Visitors

"The Zagreb Zoo cares for the animals daily, and in order to provide them with adequate care during the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the zoo is closed to visitors.

The decision takes effect immediately, and by which time this mode of operation of the Garden will last depends on the information and instructions that the Garden will receive from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zagreb and Civil Protection," read a statement signed by Damir Skok, Director of the Zagreb Zoo.

11:36 - Additional Protection Measures for Spar Employees

"In order to further protect our employees who are in close contact with customers, we have enabled protective masks, gloves and disinfectants.

Also, for our customers in all branches of SPAR and INTERSPAR we have provided visual markings that show one meter, and the carts, baskets and all surfaces in the shops are regularly disinfected.

To ensure unhindered supply, all our branches will operate on regular business hours. Even in malls which work part-time or are closed, SPAR and INTERSPAR stores will operate normally. In determining working hours, we follow all Crisis Staff instructions.

Also, if necessary and following the instructions of the National Headquarters, we are ready to introduce regulation of entry into shops.

We urge our customers to comply with all the protection measures prescribed by the competent services. This is how you protect yourself, our employees and the entire country," Spar reported today.

11:26 - 8500 people in Croatia are in self-isolation. We have learned that the police are tracking down violators.

There are about 8500 people in mandatory self-isolation, according to a press conference this morning by the National Civil Protection Headquarters. However, not everyone is adhering to the measures they have been given. Despite being potential spreaders of the infection are not staying home but are going outside. Police received 174 reports, and 40 violations of self-isolation have been identified. These cases were handed over to the State Inspectorate for further action, including the imposition of fines.

11:15 - "It is not a good thing that there are irresponsible individuals here, specifically individuals who are literally creating problems with deviant and idiotic behaviour, there is an ongoing cyber-attack on Srce and Carnet," Divjak said.

11:03 – More About the First Case in Karlovac:

The Civil Protection Headquarters of Karlovac held a press conference and reported that the first infected person from the Karlovac area is from Ogulin and became infected in Rijeka as reported by Radio Mrežnica. He reported to the Ogulin Health centre on Saturday after he experienced symptoms. The day before he had been with the child at the Health Centre. All his contacts under supervision, Radio Mreznica reports.

11:01 - Emmezeta announced truncated working hours: 10:00 to 18:00, and their store in Pula is closed.

10:54 - In accordance with the recommendations of the National Civil Protection Headquarters and the precautionary measures during the course of the Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) of the Croatian Institute of Public Health; the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery informs the public to further postpone all upcoming public gatherings and programs. (exhibitions, workshops, lectures and similar). Individual and group visits to the Lotrščak Tower were suspended until the precautionary measures were abolished, the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery reported.

10:30 - "Phase 3 has been activated. As of today, we are in an emergency facility, we only inspect and operate on emergency cases. KBC Osijek will treat potential patients who need respirators.

Positive patients with mild symptoms will be treated in all Slavonian hospitals. We have everything, protective equipment, the crisis headquarters is supplying us daily with the quantities we need. If KBC does not have enough resources for the respiratory centre, we will be able to take staff and equipment from other hospitals. We have 7 confirmed cases, 6 of them are symptomless and one has a temperature. Today we send 13 more samples and we will know the results in the late evening," said Dr. Zubcic.

10:25 - "Care should be taken and caution, but it does not make sense to close everything. The economy is important, and it must not stop. The fact that the health centres are on duty does not mean that they are testing," said Ivanovic from the Osijek Civil Protection Headquarters. "I warn everyone who sees this situation as an opportunity to make money, I warn them not to do this. I think we are all equally responsible, involved, and we can all do the right thing. By 13:00 CET we will prepare a package of measures for local government units and a package of measures for businessmen. Everyone can count on us,” he added.

10:23 - The market in Rijeka is half empty.

10:13 - Zagreb City Emergency Management Office Mayor Pavle Kalinic, was a guest on N1 Television, and commented on a document urging the Zagreb to urgently introduce rigorous measures - limiting the operation of shops and shutting down catering establishments, services, gyms, sports and recreational centres and clubs.

"I signed it and I take full responsibility for it. It is a shame that the document was leaked, but I immediately confirmed its authenticity because there is no reason to hide it," he says.

"These measures are the bare minimum the National Headquarters can accept. China implemented rigorous measures, and Germany has begun to close borders. Everyone is doing something, and we have a situation where a truck can enter Croatia but cannot leave. For the protection of residents it is now essential that the national headquarters to take action," Kalinic said.

He said that Croatia had undertaken stringent measures too late.

"We were late in decision-making by two weeks. Italy is too late, yesterday they were almost 360 dead because they postponed necessary measures. I am afraid that exponential growth (of new cases) will commence. The government will have to accept that sooner or later," Pavle Kalinic said on Novi dan and added that Zagreb public transport is disinfected three times a day.

9:27 - In Osijek-Baranja County seven people are infected with a coronavirus. The patients were placed in the Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, and this morning they came forward with a statement announcing the hospital's further work. “In accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Initiation of the third phase of the fight against the epidemic; non-urgent examinations and the elective surgery program are postponed until further notice,” the hospital said.

8:20 - Health Minister Vili Beros confirmed this morning to N1 that doctor from KBC Rebro is positive for the coronavirus. He was treated epidemiologically, the minister added.

8:10 - Border crossings with Serbia-Montenegro are closed due to the coronavirus for all but their nationals and truck drivers, border checks have been intensified on all border crossings of Croatia with Slovenia, Hungary and Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reported on Monday.

Therefore, longer waiting times for passenger and especially freight vehicles are possible.

7:41 - All Bosnia and Hercegovina citizens coming from abroad are going into isolation today, Klix reports. The decision was made on Friday and is effective as of 6:00 this morning.

7:33 - The chief of the Osijek Civil Protection Headquarters said that the remaining findings from Zagreb showed that there were no new infected in the Osijek-Baranja County. "There are still 7 positives. About 440 people are in self-isolation, and that number is increasing," Ivanovic said.

7:29 - Capak said a patient in Rijeka was also discharged. It is the third recovery in Croatia. "We can't avoid the doctor's contact with the infected. We're doing everything we can to stop it. Epidemiologists have done everything at Dubrava KB, it was like Rebro. Everything was checked, contacts were excluded ... This is one extremely organized hospital. We didn’t need to introduce any measures. People who have symptoms are wearing masks," Capak said.

7:27 - After Westgate announced yesterday that their hours would be shortened, the same announcement was made on the Supernova page.

"The health and well-being of our customers, employees, partners and our entire community is always our top priority. We want to inform you that in accordance with more stringent preventative measures, new working hours are being applied to prevent the possibility of coronavirus spreading.

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
Sunday: Closed

Retail Food Stores / Pharmacies / Drug Stores / Post Offices / Small Animal Stores Are the Exception and will keep same working hours! Thanks for your understanding," Supernova reported.

7:20 - "It is not realistic to expect that the situation will be resolved in 2 weeks. We will see the development of the situation, the government meets every day, it is not a problem to make a decision in an instant," said HZJZ chief Krunoslav Capak in a guest appearance on Dobro Jutro Hrvatska (Good Morning Croatia).

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• City of Zagreb to Allow Bill Paying Delay to Citizens Over 65 - here.
• Croatian Government to Pay Companies to Keep Hold of Staff - here.
• Rovinj Feeling Coronavirus Consequences as Tourist Numbers Plummet - here.
• How Much is Coronavirus Really Making Croatian Hotel Industry Suffer? - here.
• City of Trogir Announces Guidelines and Recommendations for Coronavirus Crisis - here.
• Croatian Hotels in Coronavirus Crisis: Cancellations, Temporary Closures, and More - here.
• Self-Isolating in Split? Your Guide to Online Delivery Services - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Night 16 March: 253 Cases, Flights Suspended - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: COVID-19 FAQs, Health & Travel Update - here.

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

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.

UPDATED: March 16, 2020 22:00 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.

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.

For the latest March 20 update click here.

March 14, 2020 - There are 37 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 can be found here (courtesy of Croatia Airlines and updated March 12).

New Information for Passengers Entering Croatia

1) All foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia having visited the following countries/territories in the previous 14 days:

• Italy
• Iran
• China (Hubei province)
• South Korea (Daegu city and Cheongdo province)
• Germany (Heinsberg county in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia)

will be subject to compulsory 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

2) All foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia having visited the following countries/territories in the previous 14 days:

• France
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Spain
• Germany (except area listed above)
• Austria
• Great Britain
• Netherlands
• China (except area listed above)
• South Korea (except area listed abouve)
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Bahrein
• Slovenia (area Bela Krajina)

will be subject to compulsory 14-day self-imposed isolation. Foreign nationals that do not have residence in the Republic of Croatia must have evidence of booked accommodation.

3) All Croatian citizens entering the Republic of Croatia who have visited countries/areas listed in 1) and 2) will be subject to compulsory 14-day self-imposed isolation/quarantine.

4) For some of the most commonly asked questions about coronavirus in Croatia, check out this TCN FAQ guide, which was published on March 14.

*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.

Thirty-Seven Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 14, 2020; thirty-seven coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 14 in Zagreb, 8 in Rijeka, 6 in Pula, 5 in Varaždin, 2 in Sisak and 2 in Osijek (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.
• 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 eight.
• 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.
• 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.

More than 5,547 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 148,923 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 68,099 cases outside of mainland China and 17,660 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 14, 2020 14:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters Update

In Croatia, five new cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed which brings the total number of cases to 37 as reported by Index. The National Civil Protection Headquarters reported the new cases at their morning briefing, which began at 8:45 CET. And the Ombudsman for Children appealed to the media to maintain high professional standards, especially when reporting on children.

COVID-19 Croatia Patients, Tests, Health Surveillance and Quarantines

So far, a total of 37 patients have been confirmed in the Republic of Croatia, two of whom have recovered.

So far, a total of 616 samples have been tested and 24 more are currently being tested. To date, 6300 people from areas affected by the new coronavirus have been placed under health surveillance. In Croatia, 47 persons are quarantined.

New Cases are Imported or Close Contacts

The Director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) Krunoslav Capak emphasized that these were still cases of imported cases and close contacts of earlier confirmed patients.

The Director of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Croatia Damir Trut added that another person is expected to be confirmed during the day.

Second Twin Brother Recovered, Released

Capak also said the second twin brother, who was the first to be infected, has recovered. He is negative at the 48-hour test interval and will be released home during the day.

He reports that up to 500 people in Croatia have been tested so far. He said that everything is ready for testing at two locations in Zagreb, which would mean that 160 to 200 tests per location could be done in four shifts. "We can start right away. We have done some testing, and everything is working fine," he said.

Capak Addresses Border Crowds, Self-Isolation Orders

When asked about crowds at the border, Capak replied that they could not let people across the border without obtaining an order for self-isolation.

"From now on, border inspectors will not print the order, but will give official notices to those who arrive from countries marked as category two. The inspector only needs to take their first and last names, phone numbers and where they are traveling. This procedure will take two minutes. The official notices are being completed at HZJZ right now,” Capak said.

The form should be completed today, after which it will be distributed to border crossings.

Capak believes that it is far more important to enforce self-isolation control than penalties for violating self-isolation.

He confirmed reports about the migrant who did not adhere to self-isolation measures and indicated that it was a man from Syria who had returned from Austria.

"It's difficult to control in Porin (hotel near Zagreb designated for asylum-seekers), and this is non-disciplined person. We did our best to quarantine him, I don't know if we were successful. I'll get an update and provide a follow up later," he added.

Pirnat Dragicevic: Do Not Publish Information on Infected Children

Considering that there is one child from a kindergarten in Zagreb infected with the coronavirus so far; Ombudsman for Children Helenca Pirnat Dragicevic urged journalists and editors to adhere to the highest level of professional standards and to protect the welfare of the child in their reporting.

"The role of the media is extremely important, and one with great responsibility given that you play an important role in transmitting information. Children are not excluded from this situation, they are a vulnerable group and it is extremely important not to disclose a child’s information, identity, or disclose information that would allow the public to determine which child is involved, or which child came into contact with an infected person," she said.

It is important, as the ombudsman pointed out, that the approach isn’t sensationalist "which is certainly not in the public interest, and solely to the detriment of the child concerned."

Noting that the City of Zagreb had published information about the child and a kindergarten, she said that citizens and services should publish only verified information and protect the privacy of the child.

School Suspended for Two Weeks Starting Monday

As of Monday, classes in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and higher education institutions will be suspended for two weeks. Distance learning will be organized by the Ministry of Science and Education. Children up to the age of 11 will be looked after in kindergartens and schools if both parents work and there is no other option.

Postponing, Cancelling Events Over 100 Recommended

It is recommended to further postpone any gatherings and organized gatherings which would be attended by more than 100 people. It is recommended that public events of sports or entertainment are not held at all (night clubs, concerts, etc.).

It is also recommended to hold sports competitions without spectators.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

16:00 - Strict new measures have been announced for Istria, including the closing of all cafes and restaurants for a month from tomorrow. More on TCN here.

13:17 - Dubrovnik is suffering huge losses due to coronavirus, and the season has not even started. 

13:13 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called on citizens today to trust the country and not stockpile home supplies, saying that there are enough products "for a year" and that "no one will go hungry".

13:06 - Ivan Djikic, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, explained why so many people became infected in Italy in the short span of time.

"You are fighting an enemy, but you don't really know where it is. It happened in China. Then, through rigorous measures, they were able to do something that many admire. They were able to stop the danger on their territory. The virus was brought to Italy from China. And it was spread not by one patient, but by a dozen or even a hundred. Italy did not know about these cases because no one was doing the right epidemiological analysis of the people who were working in China," explained Djikic of Italy's problem in an interview on HRT.

12:45 - Another 16 people entered quarantine in Split last night.

12:43 - This is how the Zagreb Arena Center looked Saturday afternoon. Arena is one of the busiest shopping centres in Croatia.

Photo Credit | Index Reader

11:46 - European Parliament proposes new plan to help hospitals in Europe fight the coronavirus. Parliament Speaker David Sassoli said on Saturday that all European countries would receive assistance for their health systems.

This includes providing materials to hospitals and funding research to develop a coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible.

In addition, Sassoli announced financial assistance to help maintain jobs and keep the economy stable in the EU states. the European Union has provided at least 37 billion EUR to its members to assist with economic issues.

11:34 - Germany and Italy have increased respirator production in their respective countries to respond to the pandemic that is yet to come.

According to Reuters, Germany has ordered 10,000 respirators, while Italy has ordered 5 thousand respirators. One respirator is about 15,254 EUR.

10:40 - Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic downplayed the risk of coronavirus infection at first. Now he has changed his tune and is paying for ads in the media which warn of the danger.

10:30 - Among the newly infected is a married couple from Slavonia. They were previously infected by a son-in-law. Everyone is in stable condition.

9:42 - Both twin brothers, the young men who were among the first infected in Croatia, have recovered from the coronavirus.

9:40 - The National Caterers Association has submitted a proposal for self-isolation measures and job placement in the hospitality industry. The proposal, signed by Marin Medak, president of the National Association of Caterers, was sent to President Milanovic, the government, the ministries of tourism, the police and economy, the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

9:20 - There are five new confirmed cases in Serbia.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic delivered bizarre address to the nation in which he tried to explain how they wanted to cheat Germany because of respirators.

9:00 - The new Slovenian government, which held its first session immediately after the parliamentary confirmation ceremony on Friday night, has set up a coronavirus epidemic headquarters with Prime Minister Janez Jansa at the helm. Every member of the government wore a face mask at the session.

8:45 - At the morning press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, it was revealed that there are 37 recorded cases in Croatia, which includes 5 new cases.

7:30 - Hungary has introduced drastic measures. Prime Minister Viktor Orban said all schools were closing. He added that this would probably last for months.

(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

• Coronavirus in Croatia: 5 New Cases Brings Total to 37, Initial 2 Patients Recovered - here.
• FAQ Coronavirus Croatia: Your Common COVID-19 Questions Answered - here.
• Konzum Prepared, Issues Request to Croatian Coronavirus Stockpilers - here.
• NP Krka: “National Park Open, Acting in Accordance with Instructions” - here.
• Minister Maric Sends Out Message to Croatia's Coronavirus Panic Buyers - here.
• Croatia National Team Will Not Gather in March, Euro 2020 Questionable - here.

UPDATED: March 14, 2020 14:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 20 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.

For the latest March 20 update click here.

March 13, 2020 - There are 32 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 can be found here (courtesy of Croatia Airlines and updated March 12).

New Information for Passengers Entering Croatia

1) All foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia having visited the following countries/territories in the previous 14 days:

• Italy
• Iran
• China (Hubei province)
• South Korea (Daegu city and Cheongdo province)
• Germany (Heinsberg county in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia)

will be subject to compulsory 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

2) All foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia having visited the following countries/territories in the previous 14 days:

• France
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Spain
• Germany (except area listed above)
• Austria
• Great Britain
• Netherlands
• China (except area listed above)
• South Korea (except area listed abouve)
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Bahrein
• Slovenia (area Bela Krajina)

will be subject to compulsory 14-day self-imposed isolation. Foreign nationals that do not have residence in the Republic of Croatia must have evidence of booked accommodation.

3) All Croatian citizens entering the Republic of Croatia who have visited countries/areas listed in 1) and 2) will be subject to compulsory 14-day self-imposed isolation/quarantine.

*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.

Thirty-Two Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 13, 2020; thirty-two coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 13 in Zagreb, 8 in Rijeka, 4 in Varaždin, 6 in Pula and 1 in Petrinja (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 is a hairdresser and recently came back from a conference in Munich. Five new cases were confirmed Wednesday and Thursday and returned from trips to Austria and Germany. Three more cases were confirmed on Friday: a child, a soldier and a contact of the soldier.
• 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 eight.
• 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.
• Six patients in Pula had returned from Italy.
• The first confirmed patient from Petrinja  returned from Italy.

More than 5,397 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 144,078 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 63,263 cases outside of mainland China and 17,660 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 13, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters Update

The daily press conference of the National Headquarters for Civil Protection was held at 16:00 CET. Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros reported a new case of the coronavirus. Another coronavirus case was detected as of this morning, so there are now 32 cases in Croatia.

Still No Signs of Local COVID-19 Transmission

"He is close contact with an earlier infected person, we still have no signs of local transmission," Beros noted. He added that 553 samples are currently undergoing tests, 15 are awaiting results and 5991 people are being monitored.

Director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic "Dr. Fran Mihaljevic" Alemka Markotic said the new infected person had mild symptoms.

"All other recommendations remain, control and self-discipline are essential for us to tackle this (outbreak) together," she added.

At the conference, they also said that the police were investigating whether a person who had been at Klaiceva (Children’s Hospital Zagreb) although they had the coronavirus. However, because of their state of health, the investigation was not completed.

Barracks at Črnomerec Closed Due to Surveillance

Index learned today that the barracks at Črnomerec were closed for several hours, no one was permitted to leave, and an epidemiological surveillance was carried out.

"No soldiers have the coronavirus, however the contact of one of the soldiers is coronavirus positive. No quarantine was introduced at the barracks at Crnomerc, but an epidemiological service is in progress. They are conducting all scans to see if a coronavirus positive contact with people in the barracks, "HZJZ Director Krunoslav Capak told Index. There are hundreds of soldiers and staff in the barracks at Črnomerec.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

17:15 - Recommendations for nightclubs in Zagreb have been published.

17:05 - A statement was issued from Klaiceva stating that people should behave appropriately. The day before yesterday, a man with the coronavirus came with a baby.

17:00 - Croatia Airlines cancels numerous flights.

16:33 - In a statement, the City of Zagreb announced that one child from kindergarten was infected.

"It has been confirmed that a coronavirus has infected one child from a kindergarten in Zagreb. The decision was made to close the facility for 14 days, and that 119 children must go into self-isolation, as well as 16 employees are obligated to take," the statement read.

16:23 - A part of the media reported that the first child infected with coronavirus has been reported in Croatia. At a press conference, they did not want to confirm this by calling for the privacy of the infected family. It is reportedly a kindergarten child.

16:20 - At the press conference at 16:00 CET, it was announced that another coronavirus-positive person was in Croatia. One soldier was also confirmed to be infected.

15:15 - Pavle Kalinic commented on Milanovic's statement about panic and going to shops on N1 television.

14:45 - "Regarding your inquiry, you will receive information on that subject at a press conference of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia today at 16.00 CET," the Ministry of Defense told Index about what is happening at the Črnomerec barracks.

14:40 - Zagreb nightclub H2O will not be open this weekend.

"The health of all of us comes first and we believe that by working together, following the Centre's instructions, together we can help improve the health situation (regarding the spread) of the coronavirus," the club's Instagram page stated.

14:15 - GLAS MP Anka Mrak Taritas said the health team was doing a good job regarding the coronavirus in Croatia and called on the government to come up with concrete measures to help the economy.

14:13 - Pharmacies in Croatia have run out of prescription syrup for fevers.

14:12 - Numerous bus routes from Croatia abroad have been canceled.

14:08 - "No soldiers have the coronavirus, however a contact of one of the soldiers is coronavirus positive. A quarantine was not introduced at the barracks at Črnomerec, but an epidemiological survey is underway there. They are conducting scans to see if the person who is positive for the coronavirus was in contact with other people in the barracks," HZJZ Director Krunoslav Capak told Index. There are hundreds of soldiers and staff in the barracks at Črnomerec.

14:00 - By noon, eighty people who have entered Croatia from a European area at high risk of coronavirus infection have been placed under the medical supervision of Karlovac County Public Health Office by noon and are required to report to an epidemiologist.

13:50 - Numerous events around the country are canceled or delayed.

13:40 - President of the Independent Union of Secondary School Employees Branimir Mihalinec, in a letter to Education Minister Blazenka Divjak, opposed the recommendation that children be kept in school facilities in light of the coronavirus infection, but argued that childcare should be provided on the premises of local boards.

13:30 - According to the decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, all forms of teaching and placement for full-time and part-time students of the Josip Jovic Police School, of the High Police are canceled at the Police Academy beginning Monday March 16 for 14 days. Seminars, courses and other forms of professional development are also postponed.

13:25 - Three coronavirus infected persons in the County of Primorje-Gorski Kotar are members of the extended family of the first patient.

13:22 - City swimming pools and second-hand fairs are closing in Varaždin, all large gatherings of citizens are canceled, and some institutions will be working shorter hours. These are among the measures announced by the Varaždin City Civil Protection Headquarters.

Therefore, from Sunday, March 15, visitors to the Varaždin City Pools will close, the sale of second-hand goods will not be held at the old Banfica fairgrounds, and all major citizens' gatherings, concerts, theaters and cinemas will be canceled.

The city administration recommends that all public services minimize the need for citizens to come and carry out work which can be delayed, and arrange for citizens to arrive at counters in the payment area one-at-a-time while others wait outside the building.

13:20 - There are no coronavirus patients in the Osijek-Baranja County. 11 people have been tested so far and all of them were negative, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

Head of Staff, Deputy Mayor Goran Ivanovic and Mayor Ivan Anusic, at a press conference, denied the rumors that there were patients, but that staff has remained silent.

Ivanovic reported that numerous public events, including some sports competitions, were canceled, and the headquarters, if necessary, prepared quarantine facilities and accommodation for the possibly ill, who could immediately function.

12:40 - Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric addressed the public

"As far as the supply chain is concerned, there is enough of everything. Both manufacturers and distributors have months to go. If any shelves are empty, there is enough product to fill them up again," Maric reassures. "I have first-hand information and we are talking about increased consumption. I repeat again: we have everything in quantities for several months to come. There is no need for excessive stockpiling at retail chains and prompting the creation of additional and excessive supplies," he added.

"All production is working normally for us. We have several months of supplies of everything, we were preparing for the season because we will ensure continuity of production, Croatia will not run out of food and medicine," said Pucar from Podravka. And he urges citizens not to stockpile.

12:30 - Due to new circumstances related to the COVID-19 epidemic in the Republic of Croatia, as recommended by the Central State Office for Sport (SDUS) and in the interest of protecting athletes, coaches, fans and the entire sports community, Croatian Gymnastics Federation (HGS), suspends all competitions in all categories in Croatia, as well as planned refereeing and coaching seminars from today March 13 to April 1. They also suspended including the National Refereeing and Coaching Seminar, scheduled to take place tomorrow, March 14, at the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb. All judo competitions were canceled until April 30.

11:50 - Following the recommendations of authorities of the County of Istria and their decision to restrict public gatherings, close schools and kindergartens and restrict the use of public spaces – the largest hotel company in Croatia, Valamar Poreč, decided to temporarily close the Diamond Hotel in Poreč and Sanfior in Rabac.

11:17 - Croatia PM Plenkovic said that kindergartens and colleges are closing. If parents are unable to ensure that the child is home, they should bring the child to school. Teachers will be in schools.

"So, if the kids have no place to go, if parents can't provide for them, they can come to kindergarten and school."

11:06 - Croatia PM Plenkovic addressed the public. "The whole world is at war with this virus. The responsibility of every citizen is to exercise discipline which will affect the spread of the epidemic. I call on everyone to be accountable and to listen carefully to the guidelines set forth by public health professionals. Press conferences will be held daily at 9:00 and 16:00."

After the meeting, Maric went to meet with representatives of industrial food chains in order to inform the citizens that there is no reason to go shopping for supplies in disproportionate quantities.

We will focus on jobs take measures that will help small businesses.

"We will defer payment of income tax, income tax, contributions. The central budget will replace that."

11:00 - Huge crowds on borders, travelers to Maclj are waiting up to 12 hours: "We're hungry and thirsty."

10:59 - Minister of Science and Education Blazenka Divjak announced today that, apart from the programs on HRT 3 for lower elementary grades, a program for upper elementary and secondary schools with video materials will be launched on Sportska televizija (Sport Television), which will be available online.

10:49 - Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic met with National Civil Protection Headquarters and ministers at 10:00 CET.

10:27 - Students and teachers at several schools in and around Novi Sad have been quarantined on suspicion of being infected with a coronavirus after returning from competitions in Pula and Porec, Radio Vojvodina (RTV) reported.

8:57 - The court in Pula has been closed today completely in response to a possible coronavirus infection. There is a notice on the door, Regional Express reported.

8:43 - According to initial information, one of the judges of the Pula court is said to be positive for the coronavirus, but official confirmation of that information is awaiting. Concerned employees came out this morning outside the courthouse and are waiting for the President of the Pula County Court to speak to them, the Voice of Istria announced.

8:23 - The last two infected patients are from Umag. They are stable, and have mild symptoms, N1 television reports.

8:06 - Bartol Kašić Elementary School has released a statement regarding the steps it is taking after one student's father tested positive for the coronavirus.

7:40 - The Croatian Auto Club (HAK) advised drivers and passengers on Friday to stay informed by checking the page of the Civil Protection Directorate and the HAK page before traveling to neighboring countries, especially Italy and try to delay trips to risky areas.

A Summary of Recent Events

Chief education adviser Marko Kosicek said today that schools have received instructions regarding preparation for virtual classes if coronavirus outbreak prompts school closings and stressed that they must be prepared regardless of when the virtual class model is launched.

Health Minister Vili Beros announced at a government session a new measure to curb the spread of coronaviruses, which recommends delaying or restricting gatherings with more than 100 people.

The Headquarters of the Zagreb County Civil Protection Department concluded in the course of the day that it recommends postponing all rallies and organized gatherings, regardless of size, in the Zagreb County area. The County Headquarters urge the organizers to keep the Coroner's recommendations and postpone all events to prevent the spread of coronaviruses and urge residents of Zagreb County not to attend the rallies.

Several employees of the Environmental Protection Fund Sent Home

Several employees at the Environmental Protection Fund were sent home yesterday because they had been in contact with a female who had had contact with a hairdresser infected with the coronavirus. As the spokeswoman told us, some 40 or 50 employees were sent home because one of these persons was in contact with the infected person.

(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

• COVID-19: UK Government Publishes Updated Coronavirus Travel Advice for Croatia - here.
• Punishments for Croatian Coronavirus Patients Breaking Isolation Rules - here.
• Coronavirus Outbreak Poses Grave Threat to Croatian Wood Industry - here.
• COVID-19: All Schools in Croatia to Close from Monday - here.
• Flight Cancellations in Croatia: Ryanair Postpones Zadar Base until 2021 - here.
• City of Split on Coronavirus: Don't Panic, Follow Instructions, Help Your Grandparents - here.
• Coronavirus Press Conference in Croatia: 4 New Cases, Panic Bigger Threat - here.
• Milanović: No Mistake Made in Dealing with Coronavirus - here.
• Strategic Stockpiles Enough for 30 days in Worst Case Scenario - here.
• Less Important EU Council Meetings Cancelled, Postponed Over Coronavirus - here.
• Daily Migration of Croatian Workers to Bela Krajina Not Possible As of Friday - here.

UPDATED: March 13, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 20 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.