April 13, 2020 — Croatia is earning plaudits for its handling of the coronavirus. But not many realize it has plenty of practice throughout history — besides Dubrovnik’s invention of the quarantine. Just thank the Habsburg Monarchy.

The sanitary cordon, corralling whole nations to mitigate the spread of disease, was first implemented on Croatian territory. The Habsburg Monarchy used it first, placing 10,000 guards along a 1,900-kilometer border to prevent the plague from entering via the Ottoman Empire, according to historians.

Although there have been many examples of sanitary cordons in various parts of the world before, in the 18th century the Croatian-Slavonian military landscape was the most extensive and one of the most permanent systems of permanent land quarantine protection in the entire history of humanity, historian Hrvoje Petrić told Jutarnji List.

A sanitary cordon, or “lockdown” in modern terms, is a system of measures around an infected area preventing the transmission of disease. It consists of checkpoints, stations and places where health check-ups are carried out. People and animals are isolated, and all items that can transmit the disease from an infected to an uninfected area are disinfected. 

Due to the frequent spread of plague and other infectious diseases from the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburg Empire’s Military Frontier has also become a sanitary cordon. The border was initially organized as a defensive zone against the Ottomans, extending from the Adriatic Sea to the Carpathian Mountains. The area has since grown into a separate political, military, economic and social phenomenon. 

Various anti-epidemic measures have existed on the border with the Ottoman Empire since the end of the 17th century, but the foundation for the development of continuous protection is the Imperial Patent on the Protection of the Plague of 1709, says a historian at the Faculty of Arts in Zagreb. He noted that the patent is a response to the plague epidemic which had broken out two years earlier. It included quarantine measures at specific points at the border.

The Sanitary Council, which was initially a body of the lower Austrian authorities, eventually took over the anti-epidemic defense of other Habsburg countries and became a Court Health Commission in 1719. The commission had the authority to send surgeons and physicians in epidemics to vulnerable areas and to direct anti-epidemic activities through regulations.

The Habsburg Monarchy was an absolutist force capable of reviving orders from above. It is therefore not surprising that the patent of Charles VI. October 22, 1728, prescribed the creation of a permanent sanitary cordon as continuous anti-epidemic protection on the border zone of the Habsburg Monarchy, says the historian Petric. The belt stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Carpathian Mountains for a total length of 1900 kilometers.

Quarantine in Practice

The sanitary cordon relied on quarantines and permanent cordon guards, but also on the system of collecting health information in the Ottoman Empire. The first containment stations, modest wooden barracks where suspected passengers were isolated and goods were disinfected, were erected around 1730–1740 along the Una and Sava rivers.

 The prescribed quarantine lasted 42 days, and sometimes up to 84 days. This, however, led to problems in trade between the two empires. Therefore, the Habsburg authorities in 1768 allowed the establishment of neutral zones, where trade could occur since neither the buyer nor the seller came in direct physical contact, Petric said.

The Venetian Republic also established a permanent sanitary cordon towards the Ottoman Empire after the signing of the Peace of Pozarevac, 1718. It extended from the Habsburg-Ottoman-Venetian tribe to Neum.

It took about 4,000 soldiers to guard the cordon. However, if an epidemic were to occur in Constantinople, 7,000 men would be sent on guard duty, leaving 11,000 men to stand guard against the plague. For all who came from the Ottoman Empire, the quarantine lasted 21 days in 1770 but could be increased to 28 and 42 days, if necessary.

The guards were at a safe distance from the passengers because otherwise they would be subjected to quarantine measures themselves. Contact with people from the Ottoman Empire who did not pass quarantine was strictly forbidden.

The goods traders carried were conserved. The new arrivals were examined by doctors in a separate room in which people were separated by a double row of narrow beams, spaced about two meters apart.

They were also questioned by the account manager, to assess the risk of spreading the infection. In doing so, he also collected other information about the health of the area they came from. In some places rested huts, each with four compartments. One section was a living space, a small kitchen and a fenced yard with a water closet, and as a rule, it housed one passenger. Otherwise, care was taken to accept as few individuals as possible, and those who would show signs of illness were immediately returned to the Ottoman Empire, Petrić said.

The Quarantine Life

There is some evidence of life in quarantine. Traveler Savior Lusignan wrote, “I arrived in Zemun yesterday. After the quarantine doctors examined me as well as my clothes, a gentleman from Smyrna received me at the apartment because all the hostels were occupied… ”

On the other hand, in the area under Venetian rule, the experience of a certain John Howard has a more fun anecdote. In a book from 1789, he states that “the Lazaretto in Herceg Novi in ​​Dalmatiaæ is ”located on the coast, about two miles from the city."

“A beautiful hill rises in the background of the lazaretto. Quarantined people are allowed to go there after a few days and enjoy hunting and the like.”

However, it was clearly not so good for Jakob Mušinović from Kutina. In 1775, he escaped from quarantine and hid in the courtyard of the Franciscan monastery. He was soon arrested and quarantined. The monastery’s chronicle notes, “We have managed to preserve our health. Otherwise, if he had found the monastery door open, he would have entered either the bakery or the barn, and the monastery would surely have been closed."

The sanitary cordon has reduced the spread of epidemics, but not entirely. The plague managed to get past the cordon at least five times.

March 29, 2020 — The chills hit shortly after lunch on March 9. I curled into a fetal position on the couch and threw a blanket over my shivering body.

It was the early stages of life during a pandemic. The deadly, still-mysterious and oft-dismissed coronavirus had lifted the handbrake on the global economy and was about to transform many hospitals into dens of tragedy.

I stabbed a thermometer under my tongue and checked the news: Italy was fumbling its early response. Fresh cases were trickling into Croatia via returnees. 

The World Health Organization in a press conference said, “Now that the virus has a foothold in so many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real. But it would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled.”

My temperature was 37.6℃ (99.7℉) — ignorable in almost all circumstances. 

Two days later, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. I reached for my thermometer.

A Smorgasbord of Maladies

I developed a cadre of symptoms over the next 24 hours — some obvious, others I ignored then later added to the tally.

First came chills and body temperature fluctuations of up to 37.8℃ (or 100℉). Then diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and an intense one-day headache, debilitating fatigue which felt like gravity doubled its force on my body. 

I didn’t cough.

A doctor assured me over the phone it was a stomach bug. I agreed. She suggested I stay hydrated and call back in three days if the symptoms didn’t clear up.

While she spoke, I Googled “fever diarrhea + coronavirus”, aware of the perils of patient self-diagnosis and the “worried well.”

The less-obvious symptoms arrived one-by-one over the first 48 hours. All food became tasteless. I couldn’t smell anything. My nasal passages, sinuses, and throat felt drier than gravel. 

The fatigue and lethargy became all-consuming. A trip from the restroom to the couch felt torturous. Sustained movement lasting more than 90 seconds required hours of nap time.

It rendered me useless to my wife and our three dogs, who seemed to roll their eyes at me. 

I’m hypersensitive to all maladies. An odd mole has me planning my funeral. An unexpected cough has me Googling “early lung cancer symptoms” (which runs in the family).

I’m arguably not mentally equipped for an undiagnosed mild fever in the middle of a global pandemic. 

Croatia had 13 confirmed coronavirus cases by the end of the day.

The Limited Testing Commandment

In Croatia and many other countries, coronavirus was — and in some places still is — treated like a game of tag: You can’t be “It” unless an already-infected person or surface touches you. 

Vili Beroš, the steadfast Croatian health minister who has become an unexpected hero, has repeatedly downplayed the efficacy of widespread testing. Isolation, tracking, treatment and social distancing are key, he says.

“If we continue to fight in this way against the epidemic, we will see fewer harmful consequences,” he said at the Civil Protection Directorate's Sunday’s press conference. “Responsible behavior is the key to success.”

The assertion runs contrary to the practices of larger and richer countries like Germany and South Korea. They credit their outcomes and low death rates to widely-available tests, social distancing and high-quality healthcare systems. Croatia arguably has only one of those three options, hence Beroš’s pleas for cooperation. 

The novel coronavirus needs to stop encountering novel people.

Being a low-level recluse on a nearly-abandoned island prevents these sorts of collisions. So who would even infect me?

I could only think of a dinner four days before my first symptoms with a group of friends visiting from Zagreb. But none had visible signs of COVID-19.

Yet my fervent Googling of my symptoms pointed to anecdotal evidence that my supposed stomach bug might be something else. Researchers in China documented cases of COVID-19 with gastrointestinal symptoms, without the telltale cough.

The Mrs. and I were supposed to head home to a bucolic little island off the Dalmatian coast with an overwhelmingly geriatric population: a deep pool of diabetics, pulmonary patients, walking cardiac problems, and a slew of alcohol and tobacco-related issues.

If I was carrying some unorthodox version of COVID-19, I’d arrive on that island like a gatling gun of death, single-handedly turning it into a ghost town.

I needed to be sure I didn’t have the virus. I didn’t want to kill my neighbors. After four days of bland food, mud butt, and lethargy, I called my doctor again.

The nurse answered, and I blurted out, “It’s me. Orovic, Joseph. I need to know I don’t have the coronavirus.”

A pause. “Are you still having stomach problems?”

“Yes, and I read that might be a symptom of…” I stammered. “Look, I’m about to go to an island with a bunch of old people who will die if they get coronavirus. How can I get tested?”

***

The on-call epidemiologist picked up the phone after two tries.

“Hi, I need to know I don’t have coronavirus.”

She sniffled. “What are your symptoms?”

I rattled off my condition. She paused.

“And where did you come from? Italy? China?”

“Iž, an island off the coast, but I’m in Zadar now,” I said. “That’s why I’m calling. I don’t want to go back and infect the people there.”

“Did you spend time with anyone who came from those or other countries? Austria maybe?”

“I had dinner with some guys from Zagreb,” I said, feeling stupid as the words slipped past my lips.

The epidemiologist giggled.

“You can’t get infected unless you came from Italy or China or one of those countries,” she said with authority.

“So there’s no community transmission in Croatia?” I asked, with tales of South Korea’s “Patient 31” echoing in my head.

“No, no community transmission,” she replied. “Relax, whatever you have will go away.”

The “no community transmission” edict was central Croatia’s early response to the coronavirus. All confirmed cases were Croats returning from western Europe or were closely related to the confirmed patients.

The notion that the virus was already within the population and spreading was gently dismissed in earlier press conferences. 

My doctor sent me in for blood work and samples to rule out a bacterial infection. All came back negative. I was a sick man without a diagnosis in the middle of a pandemic.

My flustered wife told me ride out the rest of my mystery ailment on the island.

Instead, I called a doctor.

“Can I go to an island if I’m not sure I don’t have the coronavirus?” I asked while the doctor read over my file.

“Did you say ‘island?’ Go! Now!” he said, suggesting 14 days of voluntary isolation and to call if my symptoms worsen. I obliged.

By this point, Croatia had 39 confirmed coronavirus patients.

Mysterious changes on a little island

The island spurred an odd fluctuation in my symptoms. 

The stomach issues waned after the first week. My body temperature still rose and dipped at odd moments. My complete disinterest in food and constant lethargy caused close to six kilos (13 lbs) of weight loss.

I finally noticed our dog’s pillow smells like a burning garbage dump — so my nose was working again.
No cough.

Then on the seventh night, a tingling sensation in my chest woke me. It was as if someone rubbed toothpaste on my lungs. 

I asked the same question almost every Dalmatian islander recites during a medical quagmire: What are the odds I will die before the next ferry to the mainland?

This is our reality. Medical helicopters remain an oft-promised but never-delivered pipe dream. Emergency boats sometimes take over an hour to arrive, with the trip back to the hospital lasting just as long.

The odds of surviving a life-threatening emergency like internal bleeding, heart attack or stroke are demonstrably lower here. What about chest pain during a pandemic? 

I gambled on sleeping it off. Had I been on the mainland, I might have called an ambulance.

The pain subsided by the next morning and I dismissed it as a panic attack. But the temperature and lethargy lingered. Slowly, the lulls between my body temperature spikes and fatigue grew. I felt healthier more often and slept less.

On St. Joseph’s Day, ten days after my first symptoms, I declared myself “better.”

Croatia then had 105 confirmed coronavirus cases, with five patients fully recovered.

An Unwelcome Return To Abnormal

The morning of Zagreb’s earthquake, I tapped out a news brief on my phone, sent it to an editor in London then felt heat sizzle up from my chest to my jaw.

The thermometer read 37.4℃ (99.3℉) and rising. The ensuing, unexpected four-hour nap on the couch confirmed I celebrated too soon.

I was 13 days into a demoralizing stupor, my energy whittled down to slow-churning despondency. A radioactive sensation emanated from my torso. Life in the house changed.

My wife and I often took awkward, broad steps around each other like opposing gunslingers at a saloon. We avoided contact even though, ostensibly, I only had “some virus.” I wiped down faucet handles and hit light switches with my sleeve. She didn’t seem to notice.

Outside my home, life shrunk to a miniature version of itself. The government limited public gatherings to groups of five. Only private enterprises selling food, drugs, diapers, cigarettes, newspapers or gasoline remained open. 

The ceremonial stop at the cafe between bursts of toil — the social lifeblood of this region — became verboten. People were told to remain in their neighborhood no matter how much the ground shook.

In Italy, nearly 1,000 people were dying every day. I watched in quiet distress as my hometown Queens, New York became the pulsating center of the United States’ coronavirus battle. 

All this happened as I laid on a couch, pathetically knocked out by a middling fever and fatigue caused by a mystery virus.

The day of Zagreb’s earthquake ended with 254 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Croatia.

Two weeks after my first fever, I began recognizing my unorthodox symptoms in new reports.

New evidence suggested anosmia — a loss of sense of smell — seemed to be a symptom. Fatigue also made the list. Then finally, sitting down on the toilet more often than usual, without a dry cough, became an anecdotal sign of some alternate manifestation of the virus.

First-hand accounts from confirmed COVID-19 patients offered a picture of life with a “mild” version of the virus. Coughing and fever were the telltale signs of infection for most. But some bypassed that phase altogether and suffered other ailments.

One friend asked me a brutal question: “How many more people like you are out there?”

I couldn’t say.

I checked the newest stats. There were 495 confirmed COVID-19 infections in Croatia, and two deaths.

I’m now 20 days removed from that first shivering on the couch. I’ve had four full days of symptomless life. For all intents and purposes, I’m back to normal. I still don't know if I had COVID-19.

This island appears to be infection-free as well. We’re hoping it stays that way.

Croatia now has 713 confirmed cases of coronavirus of 5,900 tested, with six deaths, 26 patients on respirators and 52 recovered.

Wash your hands and stay at home.

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. 

Prominent Croatian scientist Igor Rudan writes exclusively for Vecernji list on the 18th of March, 2020 about coronavirus, and in his latest article, he discusses how the Chinese are managing the coronavirus epidemic so well.

We are transmitting Igor Rudan's latest article in full:

''In my article on the spread of COVID-19 written for Vecernji list three days ago, I tried to explain the danger we're facing.

I've clarified the two main ways that the virus can put us at a greater risk - its rapid spread in the community and hospital outbreaks. I also explained behaviours that should help in both cases. I concluded that Croatia had well prepared defense lines, which in the first weeks, had yielded measurable results in relation to the environment. However, I also emphasised in this text that "... with epidemics, things can quickly turn against us just because of a little carelessness or the irresponsibility of individuals, and in just 48 hours, from a successful country, because of just a few incidents, things can change.'' and then every country quickly starts being followed case by case.

Unfortunately, three days later [after that article] we're witnessing just how important this warning was. Doctors at several leading Zagreb hospitals are now infected with coronavirus. More than a hundred health professionals and their contacts, are therefore isolated. Several Croatian broadcasters have mentioned individual negligence as a possible cause, although all epidemiologists have been calling for caution for at least a month, and all of our doctors are well aware of the risks of viral outbreaks. Thus, despite several weeks of professional efforts, the start of the fight against coronavirus in Croatia could be marked by hospital outbreaks. Obviously, the words of the 19th-century Prussian military strategist Helmuth von Moltke, who taught us that "no war plan will survive its first contact with an adversary,'' are still true to this day.

It's less evil at least that such a failure occurred at such an early stage. Now, clinicians in hospitals will also raise the level of severity to that shown by public health professionals for weeks. In addition, hospitals are still not significantly burdened with infected patients. Furthermore, sending more than a hundred health professionals into self-isolation will allow them to rest well, so we'll also get a backup squad. This may be absolutely necessary in just two weeks, provided that the number of cases of new patients continues to increase significantly in Croatia and that the frontline doctors themselves become infected.

At present, however, the issue of how many patients in hospitals may have been infected is of the greatest concern. We'll know this within a few days, when their incubation period is over and some may develop COVID-19 symptoms. Infected Zagreb hospital patients could become the first Croatian cases to create a more severe clinical picture, but still a curable one. Hopefully, there will be as few of them as possible, and that everyone will learn valuable lessons from this early incident.

By now, coronavirus has spread to so many countries that some entry and defense models are beginning to crystallise - such as the Chinese, South Korean, Singaporean, Iranian, Italian, German, French, Spanish and American ones. In the past few days, I've often wondered which of these models will most closely resemble the situation in Croatia, in order to contact my global health colleagues there and seek their advice, since they are all ahead of Croatia in terms of the epidemic.

We can see now that the onset in Croatia could be marked by the initial spread of contagion in major hospitals in the capital. This situation is most similar to what was happening in Wuhan, where the pandemic started. So I called a few colleagues from China, leading global health experts there, to ask them to recall all the contingencies and "bottlenecks" they had to deal with while fighting the Wuhan epidemic. I told them that the Croatian, ie the Dubrovnik invention from the end of the fourteenth century - quarantine - saved Wuhan and China from COVID-19 in the 21st century, and that it would be nice if their experiences would help us here in Croatia now. So, I'll relay their story of Wuhan, which may also carry some useful advice for us.

In November or December 2019, somewhere around Wuhan, a new coronavirus managed to transfer over from a small mammal, a bird or a bat, to a human, and then spread for some time to the local population. After several hundred infected people, severe cases of pneumonia occurred, predominantly among older men. They ended up being treated at the hospitals of Wuhan, with eleven million residents.

Nobody even noticed those isolated first cases as something special. It was only between December the 26th and the 28th that the first group of patients with this unusual pneumonia appeared in the same hospital. It was the "Hubei Hospital for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine" (HICWM). All of the patients had stories that were in some way related to the Huanan Fish Market. It was then that the doctors at that hospital first suspected that it could be a new pathogen. But the doctors were already infected by then.

Moreover, they infected many of their colleagues at a rapid speed, and they in turn infected their patients. Many patients were already seriously ill, those who were old and those with compromised immune systems. Everyone was aware that a new contagion was spreading, but its symptoms were generally mild in doctors and younger patients, but more severe in the elderly. Lung inflammation would occur relatively infrequently, and no one knew what was causing it, but it was extremely dangerous for the elderly and the sick. On the last day of 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organisation in Geneva of the situation and closed the fish market on the first day of 2020.

However, it took time to isolate the virus from the blood of those infected. The virus was discovered on January the 7th, 2020 and was immediately recognised as a new, seventh human coronavirus, somewhat similar to SARS. It was shared on the 12th of January, 2020, with the whole world. On this basis, diagnostic tests were available as early as the next day, and we were finally recognising who was infected. The problem with the new coronavirus was that it spread rapidly and successfully among people in the phase until the infected showed symptoms, so it was clear that an explosive epidemic across Wuhan was inevitable.

During that time, between December the 26th, 2019, and January the 12th, 2020, the coronavirus epidemic spread rapidly across Wuhan, and a large number of doctors in hospitals became infected with the virus. Although their clinical picture was neither problematic nor personally threatening, they wanted to continue helping their patients, but they shouldn't have done so. Specifically, they were able to transmit the infection to people in much worse shape than them. Entire medical teams had to go home to get over COVID-19 or quarantine their colleagues' contacts. In those days, when there weren't enough doctors in Wuhan's hospitals and the epidemic spread among severe hospital patients, most people died in Wuhan. The death rate among the already old and severely ill patients was, of course, much higher than it would be among the healthy population outside the hospital.

Around January the 15th, the number of newly infected people in Wuhan was already close to 500, and on January the 19th, it was close to 1000, reaching 2200 on January the 22nd. But the problem with the outbreaks is that these patients went to hospitals and were tested there days later. Thus, epidemiologists were only able to notice this "jump" from 100 to 200 newly infected people in hospitals on January the 22nd.

This was a sure sign that the epidemic was already spreading rapidly among the population. This is important to remember, because it means that when around 200 infected people are tested today Europe, it means that the actual number of newly infected individuals among the population on that day is probably already ten times higher. With all these adversities, for travel related to the Chinese New Year celebration, travellers from Wuhan transmitted this new coronavirus to just about every Chinese province where the first cases were recorded.

The very next day, on January the 23rd, all of Wuhan was urgently put into quarantine. A day later, fifteen more surrounding cities were shut down. The effects of quarantine measures on reducing the number of positive test results were only noticed two weeks later, but thereafter - it declined steadily. In the Hubei province, therefore, the new coronavirus also first entered the major hospitals of the capital, Wuhan, and put enormous pressure on them. It was at a time when many infected doctors were in isolation.

My Chinese colleagues recalled a series of decisions that then had to be made, procedures and bottlenecks that they simply couldn't have foreseen. First, their situation in Wuhan and Hubei province on January the 23rd was a "perfect storm." A large number of infected doctors were in isolation when the main wave of severe Wuhan patients were rushed into the hospitals. This is where China was fortunate to be such a populous country. All other provinces of China then sent, by emergency flights, a large number of doctors and nurses to each of the sixteen quarantined cities, with hundreds of artificial respirators shipped to them by the military.

So, they managed to bridge the shortage of health care staff and equipment until the infected doctors from the Hubei province recovered and were able to return to work. The first task for teams coming to Wuhan was to physically separate infected patients from uninfected patients in hospitals. Now they already had tests, so they could test all patients daily and know who was infected and who wasn't. One option was to move all patients uninfected with the virus somewhere else, and leave all those who were infected in the hospitals. But, uninfected patients also needed sophisticated hospital equipment. They couldn't transport them all to other provinces because for many it would be too risky. Alternatively, some Wuhan hospitals could be declared infected and others uninfected. But with these relocations around the city, the fear was that there would be chaos and eventually this virus would be introduced into all the hospitals.

Owing to that, a pragmatic decision was made clear to the rest of the world: in just a few days, two brand new hospitals would be built, and they were for the infected only. They'd be supplied with hundreds of respirators and intensive care units. This radical decision was one of the best, as it suppressed the further spread of the pathogen among hospital patients, which contributed very significantly to the total number of deaths.

Another "bottleneck" has become contagion suits for the doctors and nurses. They thought they had enough, but when Wuhan's doctors returned to work and the imported medical teams were still there, it was evident that there were simply never enough protective suits. Some factories were then ordered to mass produce protective clothing. In addition, it's important not only to have suits, but also to carry out sufficiently high-quality training among doctors and nurses on how to use them properly.

Having learned from the experience of the infection of entire medical teams at first, the directors of the large hospitals in Wuhan divided their staff into teams large enough to cope with entire wards. Such teams were no longer allowed to be in the hospital at the same time, nor were they permitted to socialise or to get in touch privately. Thus, it was ensured that if some of the medical staff were already ill, not everyone became ill.

Another practical problem was that doctors weren't allowed to take off those suits all day, so they couldn't deal with the emergencies. A large amount of adult diapers had to be purchased, which health professionals had to carry all day in their shifts. Another unforeseen problem is that the doctors in those suits couldn't breathe. After a few days, they would start developing very unsightly and painful rashes. It was necessary to mobilise entire teams of dermatologists to treat these rashes for their colleagues at the end of their shifts so that they could work again the next day.

In addition, Wuhan's hospitals were already so overcrowded with patients and doctors that it was necessary to double or triple the production and supply of food and drink for all of these people. Furthermore, the doctors had to watch over patients all day and night. Because of this, practical questions began to arise - does it make sense that they return to their homes at all during the epidemic? Most of them chose to stay and sleep in the hospital to protect their families from infection.

Others rented temporary apartments near the hospital so that they could sleep properly and not endanger their families. The third sent their families to relatives. I believe that my colleagues in Croatia, many of them my former students, are thinking about these issues now, so I'd like to offer them some ideas from Wuhan.

Finally, after suppressing coronavirus hospital outbreaks in this way, the out-of-hospital epidemic among the population in Wuhan needed to be suppressed. This could only be done by the mass testing of all suspected infected people. It was the flu and cold season of January and February, so many people were coughing anyway. It was necessary to see who was coughing because of the flu or a cold and who was coughing because of COVID-19. The Chinese then organised thousands of small epidemiology teams to report and go around the apartments, measure temperatures and test people.

Just as they had to move all infected patients from existing hospitals to two newly built hospitals, in the same way, all infected people with a milder form of the virus had to be put into isolation. They used stadiums and empty schools for this. A large number of infected people were thus moved into isolation and monitored until they were better and no longer showed any trace of the virus. So, between January the 23rd and March the 7th, Wuhan was able to completely suppress the massive coronavirus epidemic, which peaked at about 3750 confirmed infections in a single day, in just six weeks. An analogy of this for Croatia would be 1364 newly confirmed cases per day for comparison. And they were able to quarantine it within six weeks.

Lastly, I asked them how they managed to keep eleven million people in their homes so successfully. My colleagues told me that when they closed down Wuhan, the government brought together leading Chinese judicial experts.

As early as February the 6th, two weeks after the Wuhan shutdown, they enacted a "Criminal Justice Punishment Act aimed at preventing the spread of a new coronavirus that causes pneumonia." Any person who had been quarantined and intentionally violated that would be punished with "between 10 years' imprisonment and the death penalty," depending on the consequences, according to Articles 114 and 115 of the Chinese Penal Code.

If they breached the quarantine provision by accident, he would be imprisoned for a month to three years. And anyone who by any means, negligently and contrary to the instructions of the coronavirus prevention staff, contributed to the spread of the virus, would be punished with 3 to 7 years in prison. Obviously, these are penalties that were compelling enough to allow eleven million people to be kept in strict quarantine. Only one household member, every three days, was allowed to go out to get groceries for the others. Before going out, he had to call one of those small epidemiology teams to get his temperature measured.

The Wuhan/Hubei quarantine were the first mega-quarantine experiments in human history, locking 56 million people inside their households. This has shown us that the COVID-19 epidemic can be effectively suppressed. All over China, with its one billion and four hundred million inhabitants, only about twenty new cases a day have been being recorded. Most of these new cases are now coming from overseas, and the total number of deaths in China shouldn't exceed 5,000.

If the epidemic returns again with a smaller focal point, there's no doubt that China will be able to extinguish such a focal point, after such an experience. Two very difficult questions for all Western leaders today are: can they achieve the same result, and do they want to achieve it? Because months of quarantine of a lesser severity than China's will severely hurt their economies. It will leave countless people jobless.

In addition, flu caused by the influenza virus can take up to 650,000 lives worldwide annually, although vaccines are available for it. But there is almost no public awareness or fear about the threat of the flu. Perhaps a better example is pneumonia in poor children across the world, mainly caused by pneumococcus, type B hemophilus, respiratory syncytial virus and the influenza virus.

They continue to take one million children's lives per year. This is 2,739 deaths of the world's poor children every day, completely invisible and unknown to the public, due to the same medical cause that COVID-19 is now threatening us with. The West is now deciding whether to suppress COVID-19 with discipline and strict quarantine, like the Chinese, or turn it into a "creeping epidemic", so that they live in milder quarantines for months until people just get used to COVID-19 and stop it having so much of an effect.''

This text was written by Igor Rudan and translated by Lauren Simmonds

For rolling information and updates in English on coronavirus in Croatia, as well as other lengthy articles written by Croatian epidemiologist Igor Rudan, follow our dedicated section.

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.

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.

As Index writes on the 18th of March, 2020, during a press conference, the National Civil Protection Headquarters addressed the public and revealed new information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Beros revealed that six new cases have now been officially recorded in Croatia.

This morning it was announced that an older man who was in self-isolation has died in Istria. But it is not yet known if he died of coronavirus.

Also yesterday, Interior Minister Bozinovic announced that he would restrict the work of numerous shops and restaurants.

Health Minister Beros was the first to speak.

"Six new patients were detected by infectological treatment, now we have 87 [coronavirus] patients. Five were cured. 1181 were tested in total," Beros said.

Capak from the Croatian Institute for Public Health listed cities with recorded cases. Most coronavirus cases are in Zagreb, with a total of 41.

"In addition, another case has been registered in hospitals. We now have nine of them," said HZJZ chief Krunoslav Capak.

Bozinovic: Almost everything in Croatia is closing. Bozinovic said that Parliament passed the law needed to allow for the move.

"This National Headquarters has been given additional decision-making powers, which will then be implemented by all civil headquarters in Croatia," he said.

"The headquarters is preparing the decision, since the amendments to the Act come into force tomorrow 00:01. In this regard, I'd like to announce that we'll go forth with a whole set of measures based on the opinion of the professionals," he said.

This, he said, will be a stricter measure for social distancing.

"It's essential that each of us adheres to personal hygiene and distance measures. Indoors, the distance between persons should be two metres, and one metre outdoors. In order to make this a reality for everyone in Croatia, a decision is being prepared to cancel public events and gatherings, work will be discontinued for all non-essential services: including saunas, swimming pools, cinemas, clubs, theatres.

"Also, all hospitality/catering establishments will have their work discontinued, except for food preparation and delivery. All shops except those selling food and hygiene items will have their work discontinued. Petrol stations, bakeries etc, will continue operating..." he said.

The work of gyms, fitness centres, exhibitions, training, shows, fairs etc will all be ceased.

Religious gatherings are also being suspended, Bozinovic said.

"As far as employers are concerned, they're obliged to organise a way to work from home. They must cancel their meetings and business trips unless absolutely necessary. Those who have acute respiratory illnesses are prohibited from coming to work," Bozinovic said.

"Another decision is in the pipeline, banning movement across borders," Bozinovic said.

"All that is not necessary is being suspended," Bozinovic concluded.

"Our responsibility is to evaluate this situation day by day. This decision has been made to be put into place for thirty days, which doesn't mean that it cannot be extended or rescinded," Bozinovic said.

At midnight, the measure for halting COVID-19's spread in Croatia will officially enter into effect.

"The plan is for this to take effect at the first possible formal moment," Bozinovic said.

"There's no reason to now go on irrational stockpiling outings. Shops that are necessary will operate under the regime, and they will follow these instructions," the Interior Minister said.

"It starts at 00:01 tonight," he continued, adding that the question of public transport will be considered tomorrow.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for more on COVID-19 in Croatia.

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.

March the 17th, 2020 - As the current coronavirus outbreak continues to dominate the press at home in Croatia and abroad, a lot of information (and misinformation) has been circulating.

As Croatia introduces strict self-isolation rules not only for coronavirus suspects but for those entering the country from a long list of countries, just what does it mean, at least in the eyes of Croatian law, to ''self-isolate''? It might seem obvious, but it isn't. We've been receiving many questions about just what self-isolation means in the current coronavirus-dominated environment for both foreign and Croatian nationals entering the country.

Let's have a look at what an official source from Medjimurje (continental Croatia) says to start off with.

Here is the English translation of the document linked above:

''Pursuant to Article 197 of the Law on Health Protection (Official Gazette Nos. 100/18 and 125/19) of Article 47, paragraph 2, item 8 of the Law on the Protection of the Population Against Infectious Diseases (Official Gazette 79/07, 113/08, 43/09, 130/07, and 114/18) and the Decision of the Minister of Health, CLASS: 011-02 / 20-01 / 143, REGULATION: 534-02-01-2 / 6-20-01 of the 11th of March, 2020, on the declaration of the epidemic of COVID-19 caused by the SARS - CoV-2 virus, on the proposal of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, the Minister of Health issues [the following] decision on the special security measure of the isolation of persons in their own home or in another appropriate space (self-isolation).

This decision, in order to protect the population from the disease COVID-19 which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, to all persons entering the Republic of Croatia from the countries referred to in point II. of this decision orders the adherence to a special security measure of insulation in one's own home or in another suitable space (self-isolation) in which adequate conditions exist for isolation, for a period of 14 days from the date of entry into the Republic of Croatia.

II.

The special security measure [referred to] under point 1 of this decision applies to all persons coming [to the Republic of Croatia] from the following countries:

China

Korea

Japan

Singapore

Australia

Malaysia

Philippines

Vietnam

Cambodia

New Zealand

Italy

Spain

France

Germany

Switzerland

Denmark

Sweden

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Austria

Belgium

Norway

Czech Republic

Finland

Greece

Israel

Republic of Ireland

San Marino

Iceland

Slovenia

Poland

Romania

Portugal

Slovakia

Hungary

Belarus

Bulgaria

North Macedonia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thailand

India

Indonesia

Maldives

Iran

Bahrain

United Arab Emirates

Iraq

Egypt

Lebanon

Pakistan

Bangladesh

United States

Canada

Brazil

Chile

Costa Rica

Algeria

Cameroon

Peru

Ecuador

Andorra

Albania

Cyprus

Montenegro

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Malta

Monaco

Serbia

Turkey

Ukraine

Legal language and Articles aside, what does this mean for travellers and residents/citizens of Croatia who are entering from the aforementioned list of countries?

If you're travelling to Croatia from one of the countries listed above, you need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. If you live in Croatia, you need to prove you have an address here. This can be done by showing your ID/residence card which will have your address written on it at the border. You will then be allowed to enter and you must proceed directly to that address.

If you're visiting, you need to be able to show proof that you have accommodation for that period and then do the same.

Can I leave my house/my accommodation during that 14-day period?

No, you must not leave your home/accommodation during that period of time. You are under strict control and you will be fined if you do so for endangering public health. This same measure is in place for nationals who are coronavirus suspects or patients.

I've read about the control of foreign nationals in the Republic of Croatia. What does that mean?

Healthy foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia from the affected areas (listed countries) with widespread or local COVID-19 transmission will be subject to 14 days of self-isolation after leaving the affected area (except for countries/areas listed as particularly risky under point 1.1, for which organised quarantine is now envisaged).

These persons are subject to health surveillance undertaken by the Croatian authorities during their 14 days of self-isolation.

Foreign citizens who do not hold permanent residence in Croatia must have proof of secured accommodation in Croatia during for their 14-day period of self-isolation upon entering Croatian territory. If they are staying in Croatia for a short period of time, they may leave Croatia before the expiry of those 14 days if they are deemed to be healthy.

What is the actual purpose of these strict self-isolation measures?

A person suffering from COVID-19 is contagious from the moment the virus enters the body, at a time when the symptoms are very mild or may not even be present yet. The purpose of home quarantine/self-isolation is to reduce that person's number of contacts to the absolute minimum at the time of infection to try to stop the spread of the virus, which, on a larger scale aims to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the general population.

Will I be given any documents upon arrival at the Croatian border?

You will be asked the country you are arriving from, to which you must give an honest response. Upon proving that you are a legal resident of the Republic of Croatia and have an address, or that you have secured, previously arranged accommodation, you will be given a document attesting to your mandatory self-isolation.

What do I need to do after being given the document and being allowed to pass through the Croatian border?

Basic instructions for the proper conduction of self-isolation will be provided to you upon arrival in the Republic of Croatia. Those instructions will also include a link to the Croatian Institute for Public Health (we will link that website a little further down this page).

Please then proceed as soon as possible directly to your home or your previously arranged accommodation and contact the epidemiologist responsible for the territory in which you're self-isolating on the first following business day. The contact details of the epidemiologist you will need to contact will be provided to you. They are also listed by county here and should there be an issue with that website, click here.

You will need to inform them of your details and your self-isolation status.

Coronaviruses have been around since the dawn of time, but COVID-19 is a new virus, therefore, its behaviour may change. This is an unprecedented situation and while the authorities are acting accordingly, mistakes may happen and information might be misunderstood, if you are unsure or are not explicitly told what to do, please make sure to ask the border officer.

As stated, you must not leave your home or place of stay during the self-isolation period.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? What must I do if I begin to develop them?

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory issues (the onset of a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, a sore or irritating throat, muscle weakness and fatigue), contact 112 by phone immediately. You will then be evaluated for the need for coronavirus testing based on your state of health.

Do not go to a healthcare facility on your own without having given the proper notice via the channel detailed above.

If you develop symptoms of respiratory illness or fever while in self-isolation and under health surveillance, the epidemiologist, in consultation with a physician, will treat you as being a COVID-19 suspect and place your contacts under medical supervision.

Can I receive guests during my self-isolation?

You cannot receive guests during your 14 days of self-isolation unless necessary for the delivery of medicine, food, or other necessary supplies. If you are elderly or have a chronic illness, keep your contact with others to a minimum, avoid physical contact and keep a distance of two metres between you and the people you need to contact.

How can I learn more about Croatia's approach to coronavirus?

The protocol for dealing with coronavirus is constantly changing and growing more strict as time goes on. Bookmark and keep an eye on the Croatian Institute for Public Health's website for updates on Croatia's procedures. You can also contact your doctor or your local epidemiologist for the territory in which you're self-isolating for anything you're unsure of.

Bookmark the embassy websites of your countries, follow their Facebook/Twitter pages and follow your government's official advice via their respective websites.

You can follow our dedicated section for more on coronavirus in Croatia. We will issue rolling information in English as soon as we get it, as well as daily updates for borders, travel, entrance and exit procedures, data on new cases and more.