ZAGREB, July 2, 2020 - The Health Ministry's State Secretary Tomislav Dulibic informed the government on Thursday that there were a few cases of tourists diagnosed with COVID-19 in Pula and Zadar, and that they had been provided with epidemiological treatment, which was why there was no further spread of the virus.

"When it comes to tourists, there are a few cases of (coronavirus) infections in Pula and Zadar, they have been treated epidemiologically, and this is a negligible number taking into consideration the total number of visitors," Dulibic said.

In Croatia, in the past 24 hours, 81 out of 981 tests performed for COVID-19 have returned positive. Also, there have been two deaths in connection with the infection.

The active hotspots of the infection are the eastern town of Djakovo where the infection was imported from Kosovo and Zagreb where 48 newly infected persons have been in connection with the infection in night clubs.

ZAGREB, July 2, 2020 - In the last 24 hours, there have been 81 new patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and two more COVID-elated deaths in Croatia, the COVID-19 crisis response team stated on Thursday afternoon.

Currently, the number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 647, and of them, 84 are being treated in hospitals, including three patients placed on ventilators.

Since February 25, when the first case was recorded in Croatia, there have been 2,912 cases of infection. 

To date, 110 people diagnosed with COVID have died and 2,155 have recovered.

A total of 81,437 people have been tested, including 981 in the last 24 hours.

The data presented in the team's press release were collected until 1245 hours Thursday.

ZAGREB, July 2, 2020 - The Electoral Commission (DIP) said on Thursday that the restriction on voting for people infected with the coronavirus was imposed under the law and served the legitimate purpose of protecting public health from an infectious disease. 

"The restriction is appropriate to achieving this goal, and the Electoral Commission's opinion is that it is also necessary," DIP said in a response to GONG, a non-governmental election monitoring organisation that questioned its decision that voters infected with the novel COVID-19 coronavirus would not be allowed to vote in the July 5 parliamentary election.

"Any other, more lenient measure to achieve this goal would put the citizens' health at risk. In this case, we do not think that one can speak of a lower or higher level of damage to the citizens," the Electoral Commission said.

GONG had asked DIP to explain how its decision complied with fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Convention on Human Rights.

"Fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Convention may be restricted, but under strict conditions, as follows: a restriction must be explicit and clearly defined by law; it must serve a legitimate purpose; it must be appropriate and necessary for achieving such purpose; and there must not be any other more lenient measures in place, with a lower level of damage to the citizens, to achieve this purpose," GONG said.

Citing the law on protecting public health from infectious diseases, DIP said that voters diagnosed with COVID-19 would not be able to vote because they were ordered to self-isolate, which means that they are not allowed to come into contact with other persons, including members of polling committees.  It said that face masks and protective gloves could not provide sufficient protection for members of polling committees. 

ZAGREB, July 1, 2020 - The State Electoral Commission (DIP) on Wednesday partially amended recommendations concerning the arrival of eligible voters at polling stations for the July 5 parliamentary elections in the event that they have a high body temperature.

The recommendations have been made for the purpose of preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection.

DIP thus recommends that on Sunday morning eligible voters measure their body temperature and in the event that it is higher than 37.2°C and if they also have respiratory symptoms characteristic for the COVID-19 disease, they are supposed to telephone their doctors.

Under the amended recommendations, voters diagnosed with COVID-19 who are therefore isolated cannot vote during the elections as they are placed in isolation as a measure stipulated by Article 2 of the law on the protection of the population against infectious diseases, which bars infected persons from making physical contact with other persons, including polling committees' members. This means that under the amended instructions the ban on turning up at the polling stations or voting at home refers explicitly to active COVID-19 cases.

Other persons with elevated body temperatures that can be accompanied by other symptoms typical for the infection with coronavirus are now advised to telephone their doctors. The amended instructions do not explicitly mention that they are banned from turning up at polling stations to vote in the election or from arranging with polling committees a meeting at their home to vote there.

DIP explains that it has amended the instruction following various interpretations of its previous recommendations.

ZAGREB, June 30, 2020 - Fifty-two new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Croatia in the last 24 hours, bringing their total to 2,777, the national coronavirus response team told a press conference on Tuesday.

"We have 52 new cases. Over 4,000 people are in self-isolation and two are on ventilators," epidemiologist Krunoslav Capak said, adding that the number of active infections is 515.

He said that 75 people infected with the novel COVID-19 virus are being treated in hospitals.

To date, 79,104 people have been tested, including 921 in the last 24 hours. A total of 2,155 infected persons have recovered and 107 have died.

After a very favourable epidemiological situation, Croatia has seen a rise in the number of cases as a result of a failure by people to adhere to the necessary measures and because of imported cases.

"We had several good weeks, after which we had a rise in the number of cases because of imported cases and failure to adhere to the measures," Capak said.

ZAGREB, June 30, 2020 - EU member states will on Wednesday open their borders to 15 countries, including Serbia and Montenegro, while Croatia has added Bosnia and Herzegovina, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Tuesday, adding that there were fewer new cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia than in Serbia and the decision is in Croatia's economics interest.

Bozinovic assessed that this is not a political decision related to the coming election but that it is in the interest of the Croatian economy. He said that the final recommendation from Brussels is still pending.

"We do not expect any additional problems due to opening the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina because the import of infected people was far higher from Serbia than from Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Bozinovic. Twenty-five cases were imported from Serbia and only eight from Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said and added that authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including epidemiologists, were taking the necessary steps.

"The thing that is important is that hotspots are under control in Croatia. It is not unexpected that the number of people infected will increase in some areas of Croatia, just as they are growing in other European countries. Given that the clinical picture is milder, the health services are not overloaded, I think that only one ventilator is currently in use," he said.

Bozinovic reiterated that at the moment decisions were being made in favour of economic activity, primarily tourism. He said that he has noticed that people are adhering more to the recommendations and that this is "a preparatory period for the autumn when more respiratory problems are usually prevalent."

Commenting on night clubs being the source of new infections in Croatia, he said that inspectors would be issuing warnings at first but then would impose sanctions for those breaching measures.

ZAGREB, June 26, 2020 - Croatia has confirmed 56 new cases of the coronavirus and currently, the total number of people infected since the outbreak stands at 2,539, the national COVID-19 response team said on Friday.

"Fifty-six new cases have been identified in the past 24 hours, which means that 2,539 people have been infected with the coronavirus," deputy director of the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ) Marija Bubas told a press conference.

There are 23 new cases in Zagreb, 12 in Osijek-Baranja County, 5 each in Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Split-Dalmatia, and Zagreb counties, 2 each in Zadar and Koprivnica-Krizevci counties and 1 each in Brod-Posavina and Varazdin counties.

A total of 75,437 sample tests have been taken, including 780 in the past 24 hours. 51 patients are being treated in hospitals however there aren't any patients connected to ventilators.

To date, 2,150 people have recovered from the virus while the death toll stands at 107.

March 21, 2020 - There are 206 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 78 new cases as of yesterday. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 201 active cases in Croatia.

• Message to General Public: STAY HOME. Do not leave your house unless you have to go to work, store or hospital. That means not going for walks, bike rides, trips to the mountains, family gatherings, barbecues and similar gatherings.
• Self-Isolation Violators: Over 100 people left self-isolation to go to pharmacies. Movement can be tracked by use of HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance) card. 
• Children's parks and playgrounds closed.
• Bus and Train Stations Closed: All intercity transport lines abolished.
• Ferry Passenger Traffic: Forbidden except for permanent residents. High-speed ferry service stopped. Ferries will deliver necessary supplies. More here.
• Public Transportation to Shut Down Tomorrow: Local Buses, Trams, Rail and Cable cars etc.
• New Funeral Guidelines: Only immediate family and religious community representatives may attend.
• United Arab Emirates Donates Face Masks to Croatia: 11 million HRK (1.44 million EUR) donation.

Suspension of public transportation for 30 days. | Railway and bus stations closed. | Restrictions on public transport on ferry lines. | Restrictions on social interaction on streets.

Entry into Republic of Croatia

As of midnight on March 19, 2020; crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia is temporarily restricted. Croatian citizens and residents will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they may go to the country where they work and reside and must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) upon their return. These measures went into effect at 00:01 on March 19, 2020 and are valid for 30 days. More information and exceptions here.

Social Distancing Measures Implemented

Also as of March 19, 2020; it is compulsory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

• Two (2) meters indoors
• One (1) meter outdoors

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, gatherings of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities. EXCEPTIONS and details can be found here. These measures were strengthened today March 21, 2020. Residents are being ordered not to leave home except to get food or medicine. 

206 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 21, 2020; 206 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia.

Note that koronavirus.hr is now mapping cases by county instead of town/city. Index continues to map coronavirus cases by city/town. Total Croatia News will share maps from both sources, and include the date/time of last map update. Koronavirus.hr will update their map after the 9:00 and 16:00 CET daily press conferences. Index map updates occur on a regular basis.

A man in Istra who died was infected with the coronavirus, but his cause of death has not been confirmed (earlier maps showed his death as the first coronavirus casualty).

koronvirus.hr | Updated 16:00 CET

Index | Updated 17:00 CET

More than 12,964 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China. Over 303,443 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 222,435 cases outside of mainland China. Italy has reported 53,578 cases and 4,825 deaths.

UPDATED: March 21, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 16:00 CET

• Total of 206 patients, which is 78 more than yesterday.
• Number of patients increasing in very short time period.
• Crisis can be stopped by following guidelines of Civil Protection Staff.
• OK to be outside if you must for food or medication, but not in close contact with others.
• Trams suspended. Buses to be disinfected.
• Inspectors had to close eight cafes today (after cafes were already ordered closed). This is unheard of, according to Minister Bozinovic.
• Hundreds have violated self-isolation orders. They will be punished.
• Police warning residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

A translation of the press conference can be found here.

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

• Main Problem: People not adhering to HQ guidelines. More rigorous measures will be introduced and enforced.
• Message to General Public: Stay home. Do not leave your house unless you have to go to work, store or hospital (applies to those not in self-isolation/quarantine). 
• Keep Social Distance: One meter outdoors. Two meters indoors. Don't walk around in pairs or groups. Croatian police will enforce.
• Bus and Train Stations Closed: All intercity transport lines abolished. 
• Alemka Markotic: "This morning I saw senior citizens walking in public squares. If we want a Corona party, we'll have it. What does a Corona party look like? More people will become seriously ill, on respirators, or worse..."
• Do not go to clinic/hospital if you have mild symptoms.
• Over 100 people left self-isolation to go to pharmacies. Movement can be tracked by use of HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance) card. 
• 29 more cases as of this morning (now 40).

A translation of the press conference can be found here.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

21:27 - Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman told Dnevnik Nova TV that he urged all Croatian citizens who are in EU member states to plan a return to Croatia as soon as possible, as the situation is deteriorating, and border and airport closures can be expected.

21:25 - Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic, together with his closest associates, is establishing the Zagreb Solidarity Foundation, a group which will allocate 20 percent of their salary to equipment needed to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

21:00 - ZET's public transportation including trams, buses and funiculars will be suspended at midnight on Sunday March 22, in Zagreb.

There is a special bus service for public employees and other services, which will operate from 5:00 to 23:00 hours. During this emergency, special transport by ZET buses will be organized for the employees of public and other services under the responsibility of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Zagreb.

20:46 - The Croatian Pharmacists' Chamber (HLJK) is working with the Red Cross of the Republic of Croatia on a project to deliver medicines to anyone who is unable to do it on their own, and this program should be up and running in the next few days.

20:37 - Epidemiologic treatment is underway at the KBC Sestre milosrdnice (Sisters of Mercy) in Zagreb because of a patient who came for emergency surgery two days ago and later turned out to be infected with coronavirus because he was in close contact with another infected person. This is a person who has concealed a potential infection after being in contact with a relative from Germany who was previously confirmed to have the coronavirus.

19:49 - Minister Bozinovic made a guest appearance in Dnevnik Nova TV, where he explained in more detail about new rigorous measures to combat coronavirus:

What will happen to the City of Zagreb and its public transportation tomorrow?

"The real challenge in the Zagreb has to do with public urban transport. It will operate a Sunday timetable and will be used only by those licensed by the National Civil Protection Headquarters who have cards. Residents will not be able to use public city translation indefinitely. It will only be available for use by healthcare professionals, hospital staff, police and people who work in facilities in which it will function."

What about those people who want to travel on long distance routes?

"We have already eliminated long-distance lines. Let's understand, it's important to isolate ourselves from each other. We need to keep all contacts to a minimum. Going outside must be restricted to purchasing food or medicine. This is especially true for older people. In the upcoming days, we will control this more rigorously. "

What about the people on the islands?

"We have introduced a new regime. The islanders must have a regular supply of food and medicine and we will ensure that. Those who must go to the hospital ashore can leave. Those who are not from an island but want to leave it – will be allowed to. Those who are from an island and want to go to the mainland - may not. We will not deport foreigners, but they will be encouraged to leave the island. "

How will the measures be implemented further?

"We will pay close attention to the infection hotspots, and will implement measures accordingly, which means reducing the number of people on streets. Please do not go out of your house. Only go out when you must: for food and medication. Do not leave the house for any other reason," Minister Bozinovic emphasized.

19:14 - Maja Grba Bujevic, Chief of the Crisis Staff of the Ministry of Health, told Dnevnik HRT that no new information was available. More testing is pending. The measures that have been put in place are in place for good reason, and will be strengthened as needed, she said. All centers are ready to accept patients, adds Grba Bujevic, and confirmed that new donations are arriving tomorrow. "Please stay home," she said at the end of the interview.

19:08 - "We are still far from a quarantine, but that depends upon how much we will follow the measures, and that will be seen by the increase in the number of patients in the upcoming days. The number of infected will increase depend on how this plays out," Alemka Markotic told RTL.

18:40 - In less than 72 hours, 200 Croatian soldiers set up a self-sustaining expeditionary camp in front of Zagreb's KBC Dubrava (Clinical Hospital) to receive patients with the coronavirus disease. There are 25 tents with a capacity of 220 beds.

18:26 - "If necessary, we will be ready to implement a quarantine. If the time comes, we will introduce that level of isolation," Minister Beros said in an interview with Dnevnik N1.

18:07 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia today issued a decision on the measure of strict restriction of detention on streets and other public places, so the police are warning citizens to comply with these measures.

"We urge all citizens to obey the instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters and not to leave their homes unnecessarily, not to go for walks, bike rides, trips to the mountains, larger family gatherings, barbecues and similar gatherings," the police said in a statement.

The police will tightly monitor all gatherings and unnecessary movements of citizens in public places related to streets, squares, parks and the like.

17:51 - Police today warned citizens at several town gatherings to abide by the decisions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters to ban gatherings in public spaces and the need for social distance between people, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

17:21 - On Sunday March 22, 2020 after midnight, all railway traffic will be suspended for 30 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, Croatian Railways (HZ) reported on Saturday on its official website.

15:35 - Police departments from all parts of Croatia are warning citizens that new measures have been introduced and that it is strictly forbidden to linger on streets, squares and public areas.

15:34 - Police have closed Marjan (park and forest in Split).

15:21 - Police are patrolling Riva Split in a van and warning people to go to their homes.

15:11 - Among the 12 newly infected in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County; there are seven Dubrovnik Airport employees who were in contact with the janitor, who was the first confirmed patient. One hospital doctor has been infected, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters. In addition, two of the newly infected were contacts of a second Dubrovnik skipper who was skiing in Bulgaria, and a seafarer from Korcula and foreign national were infected. In total, 14 people were infected in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, of which four are hospitalized in Dubrovnik.

15:00 - A man who went for surgery did not report having been in contact with a relative who had a coronavirus. "The irresponsible patient contaminated the heart of the hospital, the intensive care unit and the emergency room. He put at risk intensive care patients, doctors and nurses," Vinogradski’s (Zagreb hospital) director told Jutarnji List.

14:45 - New stricter measures introduced! Police are warning citizens to get off the streets.

14:30 - All public urban transport is suspended on the basis of a decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters in Rijeka, and since part of the citizens still have to come to the city center, during this ban all parking places of the Rijeka Plus city company will be free, it was announced on Saturday. City of Rijeka.

Arena Center Zagreb

14:05 - Health Minister Vili Beros visited the Zagreb Arena today, where volunteers of the Croatian Red Cross, Civil Protection and Scouts are preparing a secondary center for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. "We repeat once again, obey the rules and, and except when absolutely necessary, stay home!" the Ministry of Health reports. Arena currently has 274 beds, but the capacity of the space can house to a thousand beds.

14:03 - There are currently no patients at Dubrava Clinical Hospital (KBC Dubrava), which has become a national center for the care of patients with more severe forms of coronavirus infection, which will require intensive treatment, said the director of that hospital, Srecko Marusic, on Saturday.

13:45 - "In the last 24 hours, we have 4 new cases of coronavirus infection. Yesterday afternoon, we announced that we had two new positive cases, and two more were confirmed overnight, so there are currently ten infected people in the county," Vugrin said and added that all patients are in the General Hospital of Varazdin and have mild clinical symptoms. 

13:30 - The Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Zagreb invites ALL citizens of the City of Zagreb to comply without exception with the decisions of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia.

See the following decisions below:

• Decision to suspend public transport (March 21, 2020) - This Decision suspends all types of public transport in domestic and international road and rail transport and public urban transport. Taxis are excluded from the decision.
• Decision to Decommission Children's Playgrounds and Outdoor Playgrounds (March 19, 2020)
• Decision on the manner of holding the funeral and the last deliveries (March 20, 2020) - Pursuant to the decision, funerals, last rites and the laying of an urn may be held exclusively within the narrowest circle of families and representatives of the religious community, with the prohibition of posting information on obituaries about the place and time of the last apostasy. Music and flowers and candle delivery services are also suspended.
• Decision on marriage and life partnership measures (March 20, 2020) - Marriage in a religious or civil form, as well as a life partnership, is possible only in the narrowest circle of the family with the presence of an official or religious person. During marriages, the instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health must be followed, and those present should not have fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

We urge all residents of the City of Zagreb to show uncompromising respect for these decisions.

13:10 - In Koprivnicko-Krizevci County the first case of a coronavirus infection was confirmed: a 46-year-old woman from Koprivnica who returned from Germany a week ago and is in isolation protection.

12:45 - All public transport in the country will stop. 

12:04 - The first coronavirus case in Dubrovnik was reported at the airport a few days ago. She is a janitor who works at the airport. Another employee of the airport announced via Facebook today that he is positive, although he had not been in contact with her. This is a high-level airport employee.

11:47 - There was a short press conference in Pula, in Istria there are now 25 coronavirus cases.

11:16 - The Zupanje County Crisis Headquarters has announced that 12 new cases of coronavirus disease in that county. There are now 14 patients in the county, according to reports by local media.

11:13 - There are still no coronavirus infections in Međimurje County, the civil protection headquarters reported on Saturday morning.

11:00 - Headquarters in Osijek takes reported that they purchase five respirators for the hospital.

10:37 - Trg Bana Jelacic (main city square) in Zagreb is being disinfected.

10:20 - "For the purpose of additional protection for all our employees who are in close contact with customers, starting today we are installing Plexiglas barriers to provide an additional level of employee protection to interact with customers at all SPAR and INTERSPAR stores. The first Plexiglass barriers are being installed at INTERSPAR stores in Zagreb at Arena Center, Garden Mall and City Center One East," SPAR reported.

10:06 – Four new infections in Split.

10:03 - Emergency Press Release of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia dated March 21, 2020 at 10:00 CET. Today, 40 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed. In Croatia, a total of 168 patients were confirmed.

9:46 - As of Friday night, the number of coronavirus infected in the County of Krapina-Zagorje has increased and now there are five more in that county, bringing the number of infected to 15.

According to the County Civil Protection Headquarters on Saturday morning, the new confirmed infections include two people each from Krapina and Pregrada and one from the Zabok area. The new cases have mild symptoms and are in isolation at home, according to a staff statement.

9:40 - Health Minister Beros told the press this morning that he no longer sends appeals to the public. He is demaning compliance (regarding the implemented public safety measures).

9:30 - Alemka Markotic: If we want a Corona party, we'll have one. More here.

9:20 - Due to the increased surveillance of interstate traffic related to the coronavirus epidemic in Europe, there is congestion this morning at Slovenia's largest border crossings, Slovenian transport services reported.

At the Gruškovje/Macelj border crossing, traffic on the motorway has been brought to a standstill and the columns of vehicles on the Slovenian side are three kilometers long, and at the Obrežje/Bregana crossing it is five kilometers long.

The Slovenian Traffic Information Center for National Roads also warns drivers about restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic, which is why the transit traffic of freight vehicles through Slovenia to other destinations is conducted in organized convoys to Croatia and Hungary.

9:02 - In Croatia, 157 patients were reported infected with the coronavirus, 27 more than yesterday, the Civil Protection Headquarters announced at their 9:00 CET press conference.

"I no longer appeal to residents, but demand that they adhere to the instructions we have provided, because this is the only way (we can control the spread of the coronavirus)," said Health Minister Willi Beros.

8:12 - One of the leading IT companies in Croatia and the region, Vodnjan Infobip donated four medical devices to the hospital in Pula, valued at around HRK 600,000 (78,622 EUR).

7:50 - Minister Vili Beros shared with journalists a message which is being spread on social networks. He says that the numbers in the message may not be correct, of course, but the message is clear: if we do not adhere to the measures, we will face a threat like the Italian scenario.

7:40 - The Civil Protection Headquarters established new guidelines regarding funerals yesterday. The funeral, the last farewell and the laying of the urn are to be held exclusively for the immediate family and representatives of the religious community, according to the instructions and measures adopted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. These guidelines will be in effect for at least the next month.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Ryanair in Croatia: Almost Total Zadar 2020 Flight Cancellations But Split, Dubrovnik OK? - here.
• Croatia Travel Update March 21, 2020: Flights, Ferries, Borders, Buses, Trains - here.
• Coronavirus in Croatia Morning Press Conference Update March 21, 2020 - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia: New Zagreb Travel Restrictions Explained - here.
• VIDEO: Strict Coronavirus Measures: Police Ask Zagreb Citizens to Leave Streets - here.
• Croatian Chamber of Commerce Cancelling Fees for Struggling Businesses - here.
• Infobip Generously Donates Medical Equipment to Pula General Hospital - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia: Bus and Train Stations Closing, Intercity Lines to be Suspended - here.
• Coronavirus in Croatia: Will Ultra Europe Go On in Split? - here.
• Split Police Patrolling Riva and Beaches, Marjan Closed: "Only Go Out If You Must" - here.
• Croatian Clubs in Corona Crisis: Will They Survive? - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• COVID-19 & Slovenia, Mid-Day 21 March: Ban on Leaving Municipality - here.
• Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Saturday, 21 March 2020 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 12 Tested Negative, Number of COVID19 Infections 14 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 14 cases, Epidemic Spreads, We Should Take It Seriously - 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.

World 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.

Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• 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 and their Facebook page here.

Other Croatia Resources for Updates, Information and Assistance

• COVID-19 INFO CROATIA - A Facebook group with updates and information in English here.
• Jedni za druge - A Facebook group of volunteers who do deliveries in several cities here.

UPDATED: March 21, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. 

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 20, 2020 - There are 130 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 31 new cases as of yesterday morning. One patient has died. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 124 active cases in Croatia.

• Playgrounds closed in Zagreb, Rijeka and other towns, cities.
• Croatian border closed yesterday for non-citizens/non-residents.
• Continued reports of self-isolation violations.
• First coronavirus case on Croatian island Hvar. 
• Croatian Army pitching tents in Zagreb for anticipated coronavirus patients.
• Public transport schedules reduced. Taxis unaffected.
• Croatian authorities called on all citizens and residents, who wish to return to Croatia, to do so as soon as possible due to flight disruptions, cancellations. 

Measures for Entry into the Republic of Croatia: UPDATED March 19, 2020

As of midnight yesterday, crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia is temporarily restricted. Croatian citizens and residents will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they may go to the country where they work and reside and must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) upon their return. These measures went into effect at 00:01 on March 19, 2020 and are valid for 30 days. More information and exceptions here.

Also as of yesterday, it is mandatory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

• Two (2) meters indoors
• One (1) meter outdoors

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, the gathering of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities EXCEPT:

• Food and hygiene items
• Markets and fish markets
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing (pharmacies)
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing veterinary medicinal products
• Agricultural pharmacies
• Gas stations
• Kiosks
• Bakeries
• Chemical laundry (dry cleaners)
• Specialized stores selling orthopaedic products and other aids
• Specialized baby equipment stores
• Specialized animal feed stores
• Dispensing of building materials on the basis of retail orders
• Logistic and distribution centers for food, beverages and hygiene products
• Wholesale drugstores

Suspension of the Following Activities and Services:

• Work of all cultural activities (museums, theaters, cinemas, libraries, reading rooms) and the suspension of exhibitions, shows and fairs
• Operation of catering establishments of all categories, with the exception of food preparation and delivery services, accommodation services and work of public and student kitchens
• Operation of service activities in which close contact with customers (eg hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicures, massage parlors, saunas, swimming pools)
• All sports competitions and organized trainings and shutdowns of gyms, sports centers, fitness and recreation centers
• Holding children's and other workshops and organized dance schools
• Work of driving schools and foreign language schools
• Religious gatherings

130 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 20, 2020; 130 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia (note that koronavirus.hr is now reporting cases by county instead of town/city) including: 60 in Grad Zagreb, 17 in Primorsko-Goranska, 16 in Istarska, 8 in Krapina-Zagorska, 7 in Osijecko-Baranjska, 8 in Varaždinska, 3 in Sisacko-Moslavacka, 4 in Karlovacka, 2 in Zagrebacka, 3 in Splitsko-Dalmatinska (including Hvar), 2 in Šibensko-Kninska, 2 in Zadarska, 2 in Dubrovacko-Neretvanska, and 1 in Brodsko-Posavska. Note that the man who died in Istra had tested positive for the coronavirus, but his cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

(Note that there are small discrepancies between sources regarding current coronavirus case count. And these numbers are changing more rapidly throughout the day. Total Croatia News will make every effort to provide updated case numbers and locations as we receive them.)

More than 11,300 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 272,056 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 191,089 cases outside of mainland China and 47,021 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 20, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 16:00 CET

• Three patients on respirators.
• People continue to violate self-isolation orders. Systems for tracking violators improving.
• Reducing public transport schedules. Taxis not affected yet.
• Marriages will take place without weddings, funerals without music and flowers, playgrounds closed.

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

A summary of this morning's press conference can be found here.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:44 - Two more coronavirus-infected people were confirmed in Krapina-Zagorje County on Friday afternoon, and now there are ten in total, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

Two newly infected people are from the City of Pregrada and the Municipality of Hum na Sutli. The staff said they had mild symptoms and were isolated at home.

20:35 - The Croatian Tourism Association (HUT) welcomes the decision of the Croatian Employment Service (CES) authorizing the payment of HRK 3,250 per worker for a maximum of the next 3 months. But they urge the rapid adoption additional measures.

20:23 - There are no coronavirus patients in Virovitica-Podravina County, four samples sent for testing to the Infectious Diseases Clinic Fran Mihaljevic are negative, with results awaiting the fifth, said the director of the Venus County Institute of Public Health.

19:59 - Due to increased number of citizens who do not follow preventive measures of coronavirus-related behavior, the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacy tightens control of patients in pharmacies. They are allowed to check the epidemiological status of all patients with whom healthcare professionals are in contact.

19:37 - The head of the CESI Tomislav Capak told RTL Today that the playgrounds were closed because the children had social contact there. He explained that staying outdoors was recommended but that social contact should be avoided.

He also said that a common system has been established and that it is very easy to detect those who violate self-isolation, such as when they arrive at the pharmacy or when police stop someone, on the street or in a car.

19:23 - A priest from Sesvete Kraljevo and one parish priest were infected. The priest has served mass in recent days.

19:10 - The findings of the swab tests of 14 Dubrovnik General Hospital staff who were preventively tested for coronavirus because they were in contact with a first coronavirus case in Dubrovnik, a 54-year-old maid from Dubrovnik Airport, were reported as negative, according to the County Civil Protection Headquarters.

19:05 - "It is important that in this situation the European Commission and the Member States regularly exchange all relevant information and coordinate measures at European and national level in order to more easily combat the further spread of COVID-19 and thus limit the negative impact on the EU economy," Minister Darko Horvat said after a video conference with EU ministers.

18:55 - Croatian authorities on Friday called on all their citizens abroad who intend to return to Croatia to do so as soon as possible because of possible air traffic disruptions caused by the global spread of coronaviruses.

18:10 - Two new cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Varazdin County, with eight of them now, according to County Civilian Protection Chief Robert Vugrin this afternoon.

The director of the Varazdin General Hospital Nenad Kudelic said it was a man and a woman of middle age who were living abroad. He added that they are both in good overall condition.

17:29 - Volunteers, members of the Novi Vinodolski City Red Cross, which includes volunteers from Vinodol municipality, reduce the shortage of protective masks, and by Friday at noon they have sealed about 500 reusable masks, which were washed at 95 degrees Celsius.

17:27 - The Zagreb City Administration has today adopted measures to mitigate the effects of the appearance of coronavirus on businessmen in Zagreb, which will extend lease terms and reduce some utility bills by 30 percent or completely.

17:13 - Zagreb police have reported that due to the epidemiological situation of March 20, they will not work with clients, except for issuing ID cards in justified and urgent cases and professional driving licenses.

17:09 - In the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, there are no newly infected coronaviruses, 12 of them in the last two days, nine of which are in a Rijeka hospital and three isolated in their apartments, a press conference at the county administration said Friday.

16:45 - Labor and Retirement System Minister Josip Aladrovic and the Croatian Employment Service (CES) said measures to safeguard jobs at risk of crisis could start from Monday.

16:30 - Interior Minister and Head of the National Civil Protection Headquarters Davor Bozinovic announced the possibility of abolishing public and intercity transport.

16:10 - The National Civil Protection Headquarters has warned a large number of citizens who do not comply with self-isolation measures.

"We are not satisfied with the adherence to self-isolation measures. Only this morning, 18 people entered the Zagreb pharmacies, who violated self-isolation measures," said Grba Bujevic.

16:00 - Croatia has confirmed 15 new cases of coronavirus infection.

15:50 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the camp for coronavirus patients which was set up in front of Dubrava Clinical Hospital (KBC Dubrava), noting that Croatia has thus prepared what no other European country has.

15:37 - The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (CCE) has suspended the obligation to pay membership fees to companies that have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak for the next three months or as long as necessary, the CCE said on Friday.

15:00 - The director of Karlovac hospital is also in Self-isolation.

14:40 - The Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO) on Friday called on insured people and service users to temporarily delay their arrival at the HZZO's official premises in order to protect themselves, their family and employees, and have made it possible to file claims electronically.

14:29 - Zagreb's libraries, like many cultural institutions, offer a variety of online services to citizens when they are closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus Back in May 2019, an e-book loan service was launched through the ZakiBook app. Members of Zagreb City Libraries, with their membership number and pin, can read more than 600 eBook titles on four different devices - mobile, tablet, e-reader or computer, according to the Zagreb City Libraries.

14:24 - Kraš workers will take a collective holiday starting Wednesday.

"In the coming days, we will gradually reduce production volumes in line with the market needs for our products. Kraš has enough finished products to meet demand in the next two months, so there is no fear that there will be a shortage of products. We will do everything in our power to continue our normal work as soon as possible, according to the circumstances," said Damir Bulić, President of the Kraš Board of Directors.

14:09 - According to the instruction of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, the Civil Protection Headquarters of the City of Rijeka is closing all children's playgrounds in the City of Rijeka as of today, March 20.

14:04 - Drivers who cannot avoid traveling on the Croatian Highway (HAC) at the time of the epidemic are urged to follow the prescribed preventative measures and plan for self-protection when planning their trips.

14:03 - The government has announced that it will not acquire masks for HRK 19 million because the Republic of Croatia has received a large donation.

13:45 - Minister Beroš answers questions on the koronavirus.hr Facebook page live. A translation of this session can be found here courtesy of Andy Obridge/COVID-19 INFO CROATIA. Check out their Facebook page here.

13:38 - A child was hospitalized with his parents in Rijeka. They are all positive, said the headquarters of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

13:25 - The epidemiological situation in Vukovar-Srijem County is stable and there are no new patients infected with the coronavirus. Thirty-one people have been tested so far in that county, one finding is pending, and 691 people are under self-isolation measures, the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported on Friday in Vinkovci.

There are three people quarantined, and two of those people are truck drivers so far. Food and water are provided for everyone in the quarantine.

13:10 - Croatia's economy will suffer a severe blow from the coronavirus epidemic, analysts estimate, which is not surprising given the high dependency on tourism, which directly accounts for about 11 percent of GDP. Analysts at Raiffeisen Bank forecast a GDP drop of as much as five percent this year.

13:03 - The Bjelovar-Bilogorski Police Directorate has received 31 reports from residents yesterday about possible violations of self-isolation.

12:55 - Vehicle technical inspection stations have not been suspended and activities are being carried out with precautionary measures in line with the recommendations of the competent institutions, the Croatian Vehicle Center announced on Friday.

12:42 - The Croatian Association of Hospital Physicians (HUBOL) said on Friday that health care facilities are not equally prepared for the coronavirus epidemic, and reports and inquiries from HUBOL members indicate that hospitals lack the necessary protective and other equipment.

12:40 - The parliamentary opposition reiterated on Friday that measures taken by the government to save the economy are not enough and called for a moratorium on payment of obligations of entrepreneurs and citizens and a moratorium on enforcement proceedings.

12:37 - In Varaždin County: no new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection.

There are no new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the County of Varaždin, which means that from March 20 at 12:30, the number of infecttions is still 6. All cases are being monitored at the Varaždin General Hospital. In the last 24 hours, 22 tests were conducted, and the total number of completed tests is now above 100. At the same time, in the last 24 hours, 4 confirmed cases of violations of self-isolation and 3 minor violations of the decision on measures to limit social gatherings, work in commerce, services and maintenance sports and cultural events have been reported to the Civil Protection Staff of Croatia.

12:30 - The presence of coronavirus in the patient from Senj was confirmed in the County of Lika-Senj. This was confirmed by the Mayor of Lika-Senj, dr. Darko Milinovic, and reported online.

12:30 - There are three new cases in Zagorje, for a total of eight.

12:10 - A notice has just arrived from the City of Zagreb that all children's playgrounds are closing.

"We would like to inform you that in accordance with the order of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia, all children's playgrounds in the City of Zagreb, including all kindergartens and school playgrounds and yards, will be closed in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection," they confirmed.

11:58 - The PGZ Health Center in Rijeka reported that as of tomorrow Saturday March 21, 2020; they are moving the following outpatients from the Cambierieva site: Pediatric emergency office and blood sampling room for children are moving to a new location at 7 Cambierieva ulica.

• The new location is only 50 meters from the current location, and the work schedule remains unchanged: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 641-045 and 051 336-046.
• The dental office on duty is also moving from its current location (Cambierieva 7) to Studentska 1 in Rijeka and will also work according to current working hours: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The telephone number of the practice is 051 494 896.
• The family medicine duty office remains in the same place (Cambierieva 7) and operates according to the current schedule: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 335 588.

Also, given the new situation, all psychiatrists and psychologists at the PGZ Health Center in their regular working hours are available to provide psychological psychological assistance to all residents of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Psychiatrists and psychologists' contacts and more information on news related to precautionary measures and instructions for treatment can be found on the website of the PGZ Health Center.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacy, the Management Board of Jadran Pharmacy, in order to prevent the immediate inaccessibility of medicines and other products that patients buy at the pharmacies in this period with increased intensity, introduce restrictions on dispensing for one patient:

• up to two packs of disinfectants, antiseptics, alcohol, hand disinfection gels and other skin disinfection products, surface area
• one pack of gloves, masks and similar assortment
• a maximum of two packs of OTC medicines
• dispense the maximum amount of prescription drug in a month

They state that they are aware that such a restriction on dispensing may trigger negative reactions from patients but say that the current situation is such that responsibility must be taken to ensure the continuity of drug delivery to patients throughout the epidemic.

From Thallasotherapy, Opatija says they are delaying examinations, examinations and physical therapies (outpatient and inpatient) between March 23 and April 3.

The Rab Psychiatric Hospital has until now banned all visits as well people as bringing things to patients.

Thallasotherapy Crikvenica has introduced mandatory medical triage measures for all persons entering the hospital and urges all patients and service users not to visit the clinic if they have fever, acute respiratory symptoms, if they have been abroad for the last 14 days, have been in close contact with infected persons .

11:40 - Zagreb Bank (Zaba) reported that as of today, branch hours will be shortened, while some branches are temporarily closed, and recommended that clients visit branches only in case of emergency and to use internet banking and ATM services.

11:26 - Kampus igraliste (playground) is closed in Rijeka to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

11:22 - The Varaždin Civil Protection Headquarters decided on Friday to close all children's playgrounds in the city and remove the terraces of catering facilities, as citizens do not adhere to the ban on gathering as protection against coronavirus infection.

10:34 - The Army is pitching 28 tents for coronavirus patients in front of KBC Dubrava, see how they look on the inside. Video here courtesy of N1.

10:29 - The Zadar headquarters held a press conference. They still have two infected. Dr. Alan Medic said 14 samples have been tested and there are no new cases so far.

"We have a total of 408 people under self-isolation, of which 68 yesterday.

If someone has a temperature of 37.2 C and is middle-aged and has no severe symptoms, there is time: do not go to the doctor. Seniors with chronic illnesses take priority regarding coronavirus testing. Someone who is 20 or 30 years old can wait a day, but it is important that they be in self-isolation," said Medic. During the day, they are awaiting findings for several people.

10:15 - At 13:45, Minister Beroš answers questions on the koronavirus.hr Facebook page live.

10:00 - The Croatian Family Medicine Coordination Office (KoHOM) on Friday appealed to the media and the general public to respect the privacy and human dignity of all coronavirus patients, including doctors who have been infected who, due to incomplete and inaccurate information have been subjected to their own form of lynching.

10:07 - According to information Index has received unofficially, the new coronavirus case in the Split-Dalmatia County area is a 40-year-old from Vrboska, Hvar. He had been working in Austria.

10:06 - Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, tourism in Croatia is in an unenviable situation, without any traffic and income, which is why the most important dialogue now is for all stakeholders - domestic and foreign partners - to maintain cooperation, and survival measures for continuing work are as soon as possible are being planned according to Uniline and Atlas largest domestic agencies in Croatia.

9:53 - Minister Bozinovic says he is considering restricting purchases. "There are no shortages anywhere at the moment. It is not such a problem yet that we would need to act on this. There is no reason to worry and create irrational stockpiles. But there will always be unreasonable individuals," Bozinovic observed.

9:23 - 11 doctors have been infected.

9:17 - "There are three positive cases at KBC Dubrava. Three doctors are positive. It may be that some of the patients have been infected, some have stayed there because they cannot be discharged and have been in contact with the infected," said Krunoslav Capak.

8:46 - We're bringing pictures of Croatian cities from webcams around 8:30 this morning. Recall, epidemiologists recommend getting outside in fresh air, but not in large groups, and with a minimum of one-meter distance. See more here.

Split

8:26 - In an interview with N1 television, a military commander revealed that of the 28 tents rising in front of KB Dubrava, 20 would be for the reception of patients, while eight would be for other purposes, changing rooms, equipment ... tomorrow afternoon. The reporter at N1 also learned that a tent was being erected in front of the Zagreb Arena.

8:20 - Today Croatia has 113 coronavirus cases, including 11 of whom are doctors. One patient’s condition has worsened, and he was connected to a respirator.

Yesterday afternoon, it was also confirmed that the man in Istria who died was infected with the coronavirus. His wife and one son were also infected. Due to his death, Minister Beroš announced a health inspection at a hospital in Pula because the man’s family claimed that their doctor had not visited them for several days.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Croatia Travel Update March 20, 2020: Flights, Ferries, Borders, Self-Isolation - here.
• Coronavirus on Hvar: First Case Recorded on Croatian Islands in Vrboska - here.
• COVID-19 in Croatia Morning Press Conference Update, March 20, 2020 - here.
• Life on Europe's Number 1 Island with All Bars, Restaurants Closed (VIDEO) - here.
• Can Delivery Service Only Really Keep Croatian Restaurants Afloat? - here.
• Croatian Entrepreneur Reactions to Government Coronavirus Measures - here.
• Need Croatian Government Aid in Coronavirus Era? The Criteria - here.
• Sisak Company Developing Superior Ozone Disinfectant Technology - here.
• Croatian Athletes in Corona Crisis: Olympics on Schedule, Nowhere to Train - here.
• Croatian Travel Agencies Introducing Vouchers for Paid Trips - here.
• Morning Poetry, Fairy Tales, Ballet: HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka Launches Online Program - here.
• Split Mayor: We Have a Sociological Issue - People, Stay Home! - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• COVID-19 & Slovenia, Night 20 March: Shorter Opening Hours, Power Prices Cut - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 14 cases, Epidemic Spreads, We Should Take It Seriously - 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 World 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 Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• 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 and their Facebook page here.

UPDATED: March 20, 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. 

For the latest March 21 update click here.

March 19, 2020 - There are 110 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia and 29 new cases as of yesterday morning. One patient has died. Five patients have recovered. There are currently 104 active cases in Croatia.

Measures for Entry into the Republic of Croatia: UPDATED March 19, 2020

As of midnight, crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia is temporarily restricted. Croatian citizens and residents will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they may go to the country where they work and reside and must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) upon their return.

These measures went into effect at 00:01 on March 19, 2020 and are valid for 30 days.

Return to countries of origin will be granted to nationals of the EU Member States (Member States of the Schengen Area and Schengen countries and their families), and third-country nationals who are long-term residents under EU directives, national law or are holding national long-stay visas. Until the end of 2020, UK citizens will be treated the same way as EU citizens.

The instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) are compulsory for these returnees.

EXCEPTIONS to this Decision are:

• Health professionals, health researchers and associate professionals in the care of the elderly and persons requiring urgent medical treatment
• Cross-border workers
• Freight carriers and other transport personnel to the extent necessary
• Diplomats, police officers in the performance of their duties, civil protection services and teams, personnel of international organizations and international military personnel in the performance of their functions
• Passengers in transit

The above exceptions are subject to the instructions and measures adopted by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. See those here.

Minister Davor Bozinovic said at a press conference today that a meeting of police administrations of Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro will be held to determine the routes along which trucks may move.

As of today, it is mandatory to strictly adhere to anti-epidemic measures and strict social distance measures. A strict measure of social distance requires avoiding close personal contact at a distance of at least:

• Two (2) meters indoors
• One (1) meter outdoors

The anti-epidemic measures required according this decision include: a ban on holding all public events, the gathering of more than 5 people in one place and the suspension of all retail and trade activities EXCEPT:

• Food and hygiene items
• Markets and fish markets
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing (pharmacies)
• Specialized stores selling and dispensing veterinary medicinal products
• Agricultural pharmacies
• Gas stations
• Kiosks
• Bakeries
• Chemical laundry (dry cleaners)
• Specialized stores selling orthopaedic products and other aids
• Specialized baby equipment stores
• Specialized animal feed stores
• Dispensing of building materials on the basis of retail orders
• Logistic and distribution centers for food, beverages and hygiene products
• Wholesale drugstores

Suspension of the Following Activities and Services:

• Work of all cultural activities (museums, theaters, cinemas, libraries, reading rooms) and the suspension of exhibitions, shows and fairs
• Operation of catering establishments of all categories, with the exception of food preparation and delivery services, accommodation services and work of public and student kitchens
• Operation of service activities in which close contact with customers (eg hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicures, massage parlors, saunas, swimming pools)
• All sports competitions and organized trainings and shutdowns of gyms, sports centers, fitness and recreation centers
• Holding children's and other workshops and organized dance schools
• Work of driving schools and foreign language schools
• Religious gatherings

110 Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 19, 2020; 110 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 49 in Zagreb, 13 in Rijeka, 16 in Pula, 7 in Osijek, 6 in Varaždin, 3 in Sisak, 4 in Krapina-Zagorje (County), 4 in Karlovac, 2 in Split, 2 in Šibenik, 2 in Zadar, 1 in Dubrovnik, and 1 in Slavonski Brod (map to be updated).

More than 9,991 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 242,017 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 161,089 cases outside of mainland China and 41,035 in Italy. 

UPDATED: March 19, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

National Civil Protection Headquarters Evening Press Conference: 16:00 CET

"Today is the 24th day after the first patient. In those 24 days we have 105 positive patients. In the same period in Italy, the number of patients from days 1 to 24 was 27,747," Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros said.

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

• 1264 test samples completed in Croatia.
• There are currently 12,519 people in self-isolation in Croatia and 769 contacts who are under close supervision. There are 79 people quarantined and 18 of those are truck drivers, according to Alemka Markotic, Head of the Dr. Fran Mihaljevic Clinic for Infectious Diseases.
• Most have mild symptoms, two have moderate symptoms, Markotic added.
• Istrian deceased patient had coronavirus: cause of death still unknown.

Line for pharmacy in Zagreb | Index

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

(Updates provided by Index)

20:39 - In coordination with the Institute of Public Health of the County of Istria, and following the measures and instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters, workers of the municipal utility Pula Herculane will disinfect public areas by special chemical agents from Thursday evening, the City of Pula informed the public.

According to the plan, public areas will be chemically disinfected from the city center to the periphery, and the City of Pula is urging citizens to avoid being outdoors in the areas covered by the measure.

"Cleansing removes impurities by physical or physico-chemical means, and in addition to visible contamination, cleansing also removes a significant portion of microorganisms and creates conditions for effective disinfection. Disinfection is a process that destroys microorganisms to a level that is not harmful to health," The city of Pula also added that 80% of harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms are removed by quality surface cleaning."

20:25 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic addressed the public with a special response to the coronavirus crisis at 20:00 CET this evening.

He said this was the biggest crisis since the Homeland War, and that the days, weeks and months ahead would be difficult and that we need to prepare.

"We are managing the crisis, it is not not managing us. But we need everyone's participation. The coronavirus will have significant consequences on our economy. The economic situation is better than a few years ago, we are more prepared for shocks. But extraordinary measures are needed, which is why the government has enacted them. We will pay a net minimum wage for each worker. We go out to companies to meet payroll delays."

Don't shake hands, listen to the doctors, added Plenkovic. It calls on all citizens in self-isolation to adhere strictly to the rules.

19:39 - A fourth patient from Karlovac hospital isolation, who has been confirmed with the coronavirus, is a Karlovac doctor who has had no contact with patients for the last two weeks, the Civil Protection County Headquarters announced.

He is a hospital doctor who has not worked for the past two weeks because he was on vacation, Hospitals spokeswoman Ivana Rumenovic Novinic told Hina.

"Immediately after learning that another person from Karlovac had been confirmed with the coronavirus, the prescribed anti-epidemic measures were started to prevent the further spread of the disease. The processes of establishing their contacts are underway and all contacts will receive self-isolation measures," Rumenovic said. Novinić.

In addition to the hospital doctor, there are three other patients - a married couple from Karlovac and a man from Ogulin, all of whom are stable.

19:19 - Another five cases of infection have been reported in Istria, all linked to a couple who were at a funeral.

John Kernjus, son of the late Istrian Anton Kernjus, told Index that his mother and brother were positive for the coronavirus.

18:35 - Index learned today that as many as 23 Klaiceva employees traveled outside Croatia for two weeks, and we learned from one doctor that he had been skiing in Austria when a KBC Rebro doctor was infected. However, he was not in self-isolation, he was working, without a mask.

18:30 - Today a telephone session was held at which the Decision on Appropriation of the Budgetary Stock of the State Budget of Croatia for 2020 was approved for the purchase of protective masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

17:45 - The MUP issued a warning for coronavirus email fraud. They explained that they were phishing campaigns trying to exploit the coronavirus pandemic by sending e-mails to convince users to run a malicious code on their computer.

16:43 - There will be 270 beds in front of KB Dubrava in tents being assembled today.

16:41 - In Zagorje, five people were infected, the headquarters provided an update on the situation there.

16:30 - "Today is the 24th day after we reported the first patient. In those 24 days we have 105 positive patients. In the same period in Italy, the increase in the number of patients from days 1 to 24 was 27,747," Beros pointed out at the afternoon press conference.

16:15 - The Dean of the School of Medicine defends infected doctors, saying that they followed instructions.

15:40 - Important announcement regarding the Health Center of the County of Primorje-Gorski kotar.

"Regarding efforts for prevention of the spread of COVID-19, from Saturday March 21, 2020, the Health Center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is moving the locations of the following dispensaries:

The pediatric emergency office and the blood sampling room for children are being relocated to the new location at 7 Cambierieva Street (former pediatric ophthalmology area). The new location is only 50 meters from the current location, and the work schedule remains unchanged: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office numbers are 051 641-045 and 051 336-046.

The dental office on duty is also moving from its current location (Cambierieva 7) to Studentska 1 in Rijeka and will also work according to current working hours: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 20:00. The office number is 051 494 896.

The Family Medicine Duty Office remains in the existing premises (Cambierieva 7) and operates according to the current schedule: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00to 20:00. The office number is 051 335 588.

Also, in view of the new situation, all psychiatrists and psychologists at the PGZ Health Center in their regular working hours are available to provide telephone psychological assistance to all citizens of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Psychiatrists and psychologists' contacts and more information on news regarding precautions and treatment instructions can be found on the website of the PGZ Health Center."

14:30 - A Bjelovar ambulance team is in isolation after intervening Thursday with a child whose parents are in isolation, but did not say when they called an ambulance, and the county appealed for responsible behavior and adherence to coronavirus prevention guidelines.

14:10 - Former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic is in self-isolation, Dnevnik Nova TV reports. According to sources, former President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic will be in self-isolation for two weeks.

14:09 - Concerning the current epidemiological situation caused by the coronavirus, experts of the Mental Health and Addiction Prevention Service of the Public Health Institute Andrija Štampar opened eight hotlines for psychological assistance to persons in self-isolation or quarantine.

Interviews with professionals are possible daily from 8:00 to 20:00 on the following telephone numbers:

01 2991 356
01 4696 276
01 4696 107
01 4696 297
01 6468 334
01 6468 335
01 6468 337
01 6468 338

The telephone numbers are intended for all persons who feel the need for psychological assistance regarding the coronavirus crisis. Expert advice on how to deal with this situation and how to reduce anxiety will be provided daily by psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists of the Public Health Institute “Dr. Andrija Štampar ".

Recommendations for People in Isolation:

• Stay connected and maintain your social networks, you can stay connected via email, social media, video conferencing and telephone. Try to keep as much of your personal daily routine as possible including regular exercise, cleaning, daily chores, singing, reading ...
• Do activities you enjoy and help you relax. Exercise regularly, maintain a regular sleep routine, and eat healthy foods.
• Follow up-to-date information and practical guidance at specific times during the day, once or twice, by official institutions, avoid listening to or monitoring rumors which have a negative impact on mood.

13:59 - Banks Explain: Here's what you need to know about postponing loan repayments.

• In order to preserve the financial stability and liquidity of economic factors in the Republic of Croatia, credit institutions shall adopt in their internal acts a decision not to take enforcement measures (foreclosure, activation of collateral) to collect debt from their debtors (natural and legal persons) for three consecutive months starting in April 2020, it will not settle its three installments/annuities on its credit obligations, provided that they are not put at a disadvantage as creditors in relation to other creditors.
• Credit institutions shall conscientiously and promptly consider and approve requests by clients (citizens and entrepreneurs) for a deferral of payment for at least three months, whose creditworthiness is severely impaired in the current circumstances by the loss or reduction of fixed sources of income, and for the benefit of undertakings whose the revenue was substantially reduced compared to the total income in the previous period.
• Credit institutions shall, at the time of the deferral of payment, only charge regularly agreed interest at no additional charge.
• For the success of the measures expected of credit institutions, it will be important to ensure the solidarity of other groups of creditors, in order to provide assistance to citizens and entrepreneurs who are truly economically affected in the current circumstances.

13:49 - As many as 23 employees, including 9 doctors from the Clinic for Pediatric Diseases in Klaićeva, who had been outside Croatia for the past 14 days, are going into self-isolation today.

13:48 - Croatia Airlines has sent an important message to its passengers.

13:46 - Headquarters Warning: "At least twice a day, clean all touch surfaces, smartphones and other phones, POS editing, keyboards, consoles, computers, and other touch surfaces used by several people."

13:35 - In front of KB Dubrava, the army erects tents for future coronavirus patients.

13:27 - All schools, kindergartens and colleges in Croatia will be closed until at least April 19 (one month).

13:27 - A second case of coronavirus infection was confirmed in Zadar County today, a young man who arrived in Austria two days ago by car to work in a hotel complex, which has since been closed down due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The County Civil Protection Headquarters announced this at a news conference, stating that the young man was suspected of having a coronavirus because of his weakness, and reported to a competent epidemiologist upon his arrival in Zadar. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Croatia now stands at 103.

13:16 - After the sixth coronavirus infection was confirmed on Wednesday, there are no new infections in Varazdin County on Thursday, and more than 500 people are under medical supervision.

13:00 - From Jadrolinija, passengers on ships are asked to stay in their vehicles during the voyage, if less than 60 minutes. In the event that they must get out of their vehicle, the Croatia-based ferry service recommends that passengers use protective masks.

12:40 - "Dubrovnik Airport Ltd. is closed for civil air traffic as of 12:00 today. We will provide you with all further information in a timely manner," read a statement from the Dubrovnik Airport. The airport will be open only for emergencies - medical, military and police flights.

12:01 - Loan repayments delayed for three months due to coronavirus.

The Ministry of Finance is agreeing with the banks a moratorium on repayment of loans to citizens who cannot repay them due to reduced revenues or job losses caused by the coronavirus epidemic. Unofficially, this has been confirmed to Index by the Ministry of Finance. Minister Zdravko Maric has been trying to make it easier for citizens to repay their loans since the start of the pandemic.

11:56 - Zagreb Holding has invited users of the Central Branch Office for Customer Relations and Subsidiaries to continue exclusively using their electronic services, which can be accessed through their website and on the e-gradani system.

11:45 - Miroslav Skoro is seeking a minimum wage for everyone.

11:34 - Update from Slavonia. No new cases. A total of 7 confirmed cases. Osijek Headquarters is demanding limits on purchases.

11:04 - A total of 12 people confirmed with the coronavirus in Istria, one of whom has died and 11 are currently in the hospital. Among the 5 newly ill are 2 people from Umag and one each from Rovinj, Pula and Vodnjan. According to Glas Istre, the famous winemaker Moreno Coronica and his wife were infected in Umag. However, the winemaker’s father died recently and was buried on March 7. There were a lot of people at the funeral, and everyone in attendance should report to 099-8105-672.

10:38 - Press conference from Split. Two elderly, an elderly married couple, have been confirmed to be coronavirus positive. The Hospital for Infectology confirms that 4 people have been hospitalized. Two cases have been confirmed, and they are waiting for the test results for two potential cases.

10:27 - The first case of coronavirus disease was recorded in Dubrovnik today. According to Dubrovacki dnevnik, this is a janitor who works at the airport.

10:18 - Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the beginning of the cabinet session that 102 people had been confirmed infected. Beros confirmed that the figure is now higher than it was at the 9:00 CET press conference.

9:55 - This afternoon it will be announced where the last 10 confirmed cases were infected. So far, one person is known to be from Dubrovnik.

9:30 - "The Civil Protection Headquarters of the National Defense Agency informs the public that one of the samples sent from Dubrovnik General Hospital for analysis to Zagreb is coronavirus positive. This is the first positive finding after 15 samples were sent. This is a middle-aged person who is hospitalized, and the medical condition of the patient is good. This knowledge only confirms the necessity of adhering to the measures prescribed by the National Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia " – a representative from Dubrovacko-neretvanske county reported.

9:20 - The Croatian Bishops' Conference adopted measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus which go into effect on Friday March 20.

8:24 - Employees of Vetropack Straze received a mail stating that one of their employees was infected with the coronavirus, was in the hospital and is in good general condition. Those who had close contact with him (less than 2 meters for more than 15 minutes) have to self-isolate beginning tomorrow according to Zagorje.com.

8:10 - In Split-dalmatinsko County, two people have tested positive for COVID-19. This is an older couple from Split (born 1934 and 1935). They were infected by the daughter of a Zagreb doctor who visited them over the weekend. She learned on Monday that she was infected, and her parents were not feeling well yesterday and were taken to hospital. During the evening, they were confirmed to be coronavirus positive.

8:00 - In Croatia, 99 people are infected with a coronavirus, said Krunoslav Capak, Director of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute, on the Croatian radio program "U mrezi Prvog.”

7:38 - HRT (Croatia Radio Television) has learned that the man who died in Istria was infected with the coronavirus. A formal confirmation is awaiting. However, HRT noted that experts believe that this is not the reason for his death.

7:19 - Croatia has temporarily banned or restricted the crossing of all border crossings. Croatian citizens will be allowed to return to Croatia, which means that they can go to the country where they work and reside. They must follow the instructions and measures of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

7:13 - You can read more about the measures here.

7:00 - Four doctors from KBC Zagreb, who were skiing in Austria at the time of the coronavirus crisis, made a statement to the Ministry of Health, the Civil Protection Headquarters and the KBC director, saying that they had not violated the recommendations of authorities.

Doctors deny accusations of failing to report their trip and point out that of the two positive doctors at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, one was not even on that trip, while the other doctor did not come to the hospital after the trip because she was on vacation.

The other two who were traveling in Austria were negative, so they did not pose a threat to KBC patients and staff. They also point out that in the meantime, all tested staff and patients of the Cardiovascular Disease Clinic were negative for COVID-19.

(Updates provided by Index)

Total Croatia News Coronavirus Coverage

• Robert Zuber, Rab Film Festival Launch R+, New Online Platform with Your Stories - here.
• Coronavirus in Dubrovnik: First Case Recorded, Symptoms Mild - here.
• First Coronavirus Death in Croatia, Restaurant Owner in Brtonigla, Istria - here.
• Lockdown in Croatia: Which Types of Store Will Remain Open? - here.
• Croatian Interior Minister Announces Limitation of Movement for Older Persons - here.
• Without Tourists, What Use is Croatian Sojourn Tax Payment Delay? - here.
• Free Croatian Crisis Communication Guide Available from Skolska Knjiga - here.
• Croatian Scientist Igor Rudan Talks Chinese Anti-Coronavirus Measures - here.
• COVID-19: City of Split Announces Measures to Mitigate Negative Effect on Economy - here.
• Minister Darko Horvat Presents First 10 Measures to Help Croatian Economy - here.
• Split Fish Market Continues to Operate Under Slightly Different Rules - here.
• HNS Confirms: Croatian Football League Must be Completed by June 28 - here.

Total Slovenia News & Total Montenegro News Updates

• Coronavirus & Slovenia, Mid-Day 19 March, Shops, Italy, Army - here.
• Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Thursday, 19 March 2020 - here.
• Coronavirus in Montenegro: 6 More COVID-19 Infections - 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 World 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 Croatian Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• 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 19, 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.