March 10, 2020 - There isn’t any amount money that would lure us back to Croatia, according to emigrants who responded to Prime Minister Plenković's recent financial incentive proposal to encourage their return. Croatian politicians and PM Andrej Plenković are clearly not listening to what emigrants are saying. Money is not the only reason they left, and it’s not even the main reason.

Uhljeb | Facebook

Croatia Mindset Must Change by 300 Percent

The mindset would have to change by 300 percent me to return to Croatia, explained a Zagreb man to Anamarija Burazer/24 Sata on March 10, 2020. He moved with his family to Cork, Ireland a few years ago. Upon being asked why they had moved out, he responded:

“I left because of the bunch of uhljebi (incompetent public sector employees) who are fed by the private sector so they can play solitaire. Then they release pedophiles and murderers while punishing grandmothers for cooking brandy. Politicians are working only for themselves and their own seats and citizens in Croatia feel like second-class citizens…"

In 2018, 24 Sata published the stories of several emigrants, all of whom who have sought happiness throughout the globe. However, they all agree about one thing: they have escaped injustice.

Considering that Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic just announced financial incentive measures to encourage Croatians to return home; 24 Sata checked in with several interviewees for the two-year-old series regarding the Prime Minister’s proposed incentives.

Domagoj Starcević | Facebook

Employees Have More Rights in Germany

“I have no plans to return to Croatia, and it’s unfortunate that I have more rights as an employee in Germany than I do as an employee in my own country,” Domagoj Starcević (29) reveals. He has lived in Munich for five years and is working as a chef. He still recommends that Croatians who are considering moving away do so.

“For me to return, they would have to offer me a job with two days off per week, a higher salary which is fully reported, and a guaranteed paycheck on the same day of every month,” he added.

Emigrants Find Work, Friends, Purpose Abroad

Since 2016, chemistry engineer Matea Večeric (27) has been living in faraway Japan.

“I would not go back, because once you find your place under the sun and a purpose, a life goal and create a circle of people around you that make you happy, there is nothing anyone can offer to lure me back. If I had had that from the beginning in Croatia, I might not have left,” Matea pointed out. The only thing that could bring her home is her family.

"For now, I continue on my path here in Japan,” she said and reports that she earns three times more in Japan than she did in her home country.

“There are many more opportunities to move forward and live stress-free,” Matea concluded.

Working to Live, Rather Than Survive

Zagreb's Sara Tešanović (30) moved to Germany three years ago with her boyfriend. There, she says, they work to live. In Croatia, they worked to survive.

“Whatever the Prime Minister and other politicians offer us will not provide a sufficient reason to return. It's not about money, it's about the whole situation. So, I wouldn't go back and there is nothing that these people can offer me to come back to,” Sara states decisively.

Andrea Simunović (26) also moved out of Croatia and he believes that the announcement of Prime Minister Plenkovic is just a new election trick.

"I don't think anyone will come back for that," she said.

Government: No Details on Financial Incentive Plan

Labor and Pension Minister Josip Aladrović says that Croatia has implemented new employment measures since the beginning of the year. He did not explain how he intended to stimulate the return of Croatian emigrants.

There is a brick wall in Imotski (home of the recent gay couple effigy burning), with the names of Croatians who have left the country. According to the latest figures: 189,000 people have emigrated from Croatia in the last five years. The emigration has not stopped and there are more and more names on the wall.

Follow our Politics page to keep updated on the demographic outlook in Croatia.

For the latest March 20 update click here.

March 10, 2020 - There are 15 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia, 3 of whom are in serious condition. President of the Civil Protection Staff Davor Bozinovic said on Monday that foreign nationals entering Croatia from infection hotspots (China, Italy, South Korea) will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Croatian citizens will receive an order for a 14-day self-isolation. 

They also recommended postponing rallies attended by more than 1,000 people.

More than 4,088 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 116,166 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 35,409 cases outside of mainland China and 9,172 in Italy. 

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

Fifteen Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 10, 2020; fifteen Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 5 in Rijeka, 4 in Zagreb, 4 in Varaždin and 2 in Pula.

• The first patient is from Zagreb who became infected during his stay in Italy (Milan, Lombardy province). The two other patients from Zagreb are close contacts of the first patient. The third Zagreb patient recently returned from a ski trip in Austria.
• A patient from Rijeka became infected during a stay in Italy (Parma). The four other patients from Rijeka are close contacts of the third patient. 
• The first patient from Varaždin stayed in Milan with three friends. The second confirmed case from Varaždin is a truck driver who had been in Italy and was in preventative self-isolation. The third and fourth Varaždin cases are close contacts of the driver.
• In Pula, two cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed yesterday evening and today. Both had worked in Italy and are currently hospitalized. 

UPDATED: March 10, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Coronavirus Update 

At 16:00 CET the National Civil Protection Headquarters held their daily press conference, led by Ministers Davor Bozinovic and William Beros who provided updates on the coronavirus.

In addition to discovering another confirmed case of the coronavirus in Croatia, they also announced that all Italians will be quarantined if they decide to enter Croatia, regardless of which Italian region they arrive from.

"As of today, quarantine measures are being implemented for everyone coming from Italy. This is because Italy has declared a quarantine throughout the country," Bozinovic said.

"Our daily conversation was obviously well received in the field. I think everyone realized that events larger than 1000 people should not be held. This does not apply smaller gatherings. They must ensure high hygiene standards and follow the HZJZ instructions. There are many events which are postponed and I think that's good," Bozinovic pointed out.

Croatian Schools Stay Open

“Of course, not all counties are equally exposed. So far, there has been no need to make a recommendation (to close schools)," Bozinovic explained.

"There isn’t any reported transmission on the local level, so we believe that there is no need to close schools, colleges and kindergartens. If the situation changes, we will act accordingly," said Krunoslav Capak the head of the HZJZ.

Bozinovic Explains Consequences of Lying About Travel

"These people could be criminally prosecuted for misdemeanors. The penalty for a misdemeanor is from 3,000 to 8,000 HRK (397 to 1060 EUR). Sanitary inspectors would be accompanied by police when making a report and would ensure that the person is quarantined," Bozinovic said.

"Since we brought the measure to the Italians yesterday from the focus of the epidemic, about 20 people have turned back. As of today, it is important that all Italian citizens know that they will be quarantined (in Croatia) or they must go home," Capak explained.

Passengers on Dubrovnik Planes and Ancona Ferry Subject to Measures

"There were 149 reported passengers and 100 of them have cancelled their flight. You know that at this time of year, the average number of entries from Italy is around 500. There were 193 yesterday. We assume that this number will be even lower tomorrow," Bozinovic said. He added that the passengers on the ferry, which is due to arrive from Ancona tomorrow, will be subject to the same protective measures as road and air travelers.

Croatia Civilian HQs Have Opted for Additional Restrictions

Split-Dalmatia County decided to suspend rallies over 1,000 people. They went a step further in Istria.

"By the decision of the headquarters, all public, cultural and sporting events in Istria, regardless of who is the organizer or the type of event, are suspended until April 14," explained Chief of Istrian Staff Dino Kozlevac, adding that border police and sanitary inspection are implementing measures at the border.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

19:00 - 15 Coronavirus cases in Croatia. The 4th Zagreb patient recently returned from a ski trip in Austria.

18:34 - Fifth case of coronavirus infection confirmed in Serbia.

18:26 - In the last 24 hours, 168 people have died from the coronavirus in Italy.

17:55 - Slovenia is closing its borders with Italy, Slovenia's Prime Minister announced.

16:32 - The civil protection headquarters has released new details on the coronavirus in Croatia, and new measures are being introduced.

16:19 - Authorities in the Republika Srpska decided to close all schools in the area and introduce a measure banning all planned mass gatherings.

Entity Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic told reporters in Banja Luka that primary and secondary schools will be closed by March 21, and the decision applies to all RS colleges. Kindergartens will not be closed for the time being, but health monitoring of these facilities will be increased.

All public gatherings are prohibited until March 30. Four cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the RS so far.

There is no decision to close schools in that in the Federation of Bosnia and Hercegovina, but a ban on visits to hospitals and social care institutions and recommendations to cancel mass rallies are in effect.

16:15 - 14 Coronavirus infections have been confirmed in Croatia.

15:45 - A plane from Rome was scheduled to land at Dubrovnik Airport at 16:15 CET.

From Dubrovnik Airport, Dulist learns that they have followed all the instructions issued by the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

15:19 - Slovenia bans indoor gatherings with more than 100 people. The ban, however, does not apply to shopping malls, smaller establishments, weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies.

15:16 - British Airways has canceled flights to and from Italy.

15:05 - The Republika Srpska has closed all schools, there are no classes until further notice.

14:55 - St. Peter's Square and Basilica of St. Peter's were closed to the public due to the epidemic, said the Vatican.

14:45 - According to Slovenian Television, three patients with visible signs of infection came to a local ambulance in the third largest Slovenian city and alarmed healthcare staff and patients in the waiting room.

14:40 - One person suspected of being positive for coronavirus as of yesterday is in isolation at a Sibenik hospital. Findings are pending.

14:35 - In Dubrovnik, they expect a 30-40 percent weaker tourist season during the first six months, and the number of arrivals and nights is already declining. The city claims that daily bookings are 45 percent lower than in the same period last year.

14:30 - Slovenes criticised Croatia at the end of February because of the measures they introduced. They have a lot more infections than Croatia.  

14:06 - 31 infected with the coronavirus in Slovenia.

13:41 - The Serbian government has temporarily banned entry to the country by foreign nationals coming from areas with high transmission of the coronavirus infection - from Italy, hotspots in China, South Korea, Iran and parts of Switzerland.

13:23 - Five cases of the coronavirus infection have been reported throughout Bosnia, of which only one is in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or in Zenica, and the rest are in Republika Srpska. These are members of two families whose fathers work in Italy and they have been carriers of the virus.

13:13 - The Istrian Institute of Public Health on Tuesday issued special recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, which further postpones all outdoor and indoor gatherings, from children's events and birthdays to sports, cultural, business, excursions and other events.

The decision was made after the first case of coronavirus disease was confirmed in Istria yesterday and due to the rapid spread of the epidemic in neighboring Italy.

13:10 - Ferry from Italian Ancona arrives in Split tomorrow, all passengers will be screened.

14:44 - Split and the County forbid gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

Although the National Civil Protection Headquarters yesterday issued a decision recommending the postponement of public gatherings with more than 1,000 people, the Split-Dalmatia County headquarters decided to ban all gatherings of more than 1,000 people in the county.

12:41 - As of today, Croatia Airlines temporarily suspends flights from Zagreb to Rome and vice versa.

12:33 - Austria bans indoor gatherings of over 100 people and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people.

Anyone who arrives from Italy is also forbidden to enter the country, except those who are medically certified to be healthy.

11:57 - In Italy, 463 people have died, and in terms of numbers infected, Italy has the highest coronavirus mortality rate in the world.

11:55 - Several measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are being introduced in EU countries and more flights to Italy are canceled.

11:45 - Due to the new situation in Italy, where preventive quarantine has been extended to the entire country due to the spread of coronavirus, the Slovenian company HIT from Nova Gorica has closed some of its casinos along the border, in which Italians are the most frequent guests.

11:25 - Davor Huic, president of the Lipa Taxpayers Association,  commented on N1 television regarding the possibility of a recession due to the emergence of coronaviruses and what measures Croatia could take.

11:15 - Speaker of the European Parliament David Sassoli has announced that he will be performing his duty from home preventively in the next two weeks, as he was in Italy last week, the hardest hit by the coronavirus.

10:01 - Malta has suspended all passenger lines with Italy.

8:25 - Two new cases of infection have been confirmed in Serbia, with a total of four.

8:03 - There is considerable chaos in Italy and renewed fear that food supplies might disappear. Footage arriving from Rome shows huge rows of citizens with carts waiting to enter the supermarket late at night. Coronavirus riots have erupted in several prisons in Italy.

(Updates provided by Index)

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

Live Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updated international map tracking spread of coronavirus from Johns Hopkins CSSE here.
• Live updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) here.
• Live updates from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.

UPDATED: March 10, 2020 19:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 20 update click here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

March 10, 2020 – VIDEO: BBC/Top Gear tests Rimac C_Two prototype which can go from 0 to 100 kph in under two seconds!

Tom Ford/Top Gear reviewed the Rimac electric hypercar prototype, with the 1.94 million EURO price tag, on March 10, 2020.

Rimac C_Two: Here are the Numbers

The technical tour-de-force that can reach 160 kph in 4.3 seconds. It will manage some 550 kilometers on a charge (WLTP) and be able to charge to 80 per cent in just half an hour on a fast charger. More pertinently, it will have four-wheel drive and insanely complicated torque vectoring, active aero and sophisticated battery management to prevent performance drop off.

This is a prototype that’s been in testing for several months. “Virtually nothing on this car will be the same as the production version,” says Mate Rimac cheerfully, CEO of his eponymous company, “but it represents a significant step on the journey.” Mate is driving first and the C_Two yelps away from a standstill flicking gravel into the as-yet-unlined arches. It creaks and squeaks a little, but it goes. Hard.

Did Mate Rimac let you have a drive?

Yep, he’s a generous bloke. The driver’s seat is both familiar and a little weird, with an aquarium-blue interior that feels like a CAD drawing, and two massive red buttons by my right elbow that isolate the electrics and disable the braking system.

Rimac C-Two | Rimac

First impressions?

The steering is non-production heavy, the vision surprisingly good - forwards, at least, because the rear view is filled with wires and mysterious boxes of digital think. The ride is… fine. Not hard, but obviously not optimised.

The acceleration is delivered in one long pull rather than the tidal surges of an ICE engine. The car feels half a tonne lighter than its prototype weight of two-and-a-quarter-plus tonnes, with the real deal ending up somewhere just under the double for production.

Rimac C-Two Interior | Rimac

Any final thoughts from the boss?

Just one: “I didn’t actually build this car because I needed to bring down my company C02 targets or because of particular environmental concerns,” he says, with disarming honesty and despite the fact he’s a vegan with a huge passion for environmentalism and eco-consciousness,

“I did it because EV is the best solution. It will make for a better car,” he added.

Follow our Made in Croatia page for updates on the Rimac C_Two electric hypercar and other Croatian innovations. More information and specifications on the car can be found here.

March 10, 2020 – On Sunday evening Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced a bold financial incentive to encourage emigrants to return to Croatia from abroad.

“The Ministry of Labour is preparing a new measure – a financial incentive measure for the return of our people who have temporarily gone abroad. We will financially support them to return,” Plenković said at the presentation of his team "Boldly for Croatia" at the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) elections in the crowded hall of the Radisson Blu hotel in Split, which was greeted by applause.

HDZ Speeches Frequently Interrupted by Wild Applause

Raucous applause interrupted his speech several times. That was followed by speeches from Toma Medved, candidate for HDZ deputy president and the four candidates for the party's vice-presidents, Zdravka Bušić, Ivan Anušić, Branko Bačić and Oleg Butković. In their speeches, they rejected claims that HDZ had moved to the left and highlighted the success of the government under Plenković's leadership as reported by 24 Sata on March 8, 2020.

“We are six friends, but we are not the same, none of us owe anything to anyone. Nor do we share the same opinions on every topic. However, what connects us is the same vision, the same direction for HDZ and a common program that contains everything that matters to HDZ,” emphasized Plenković.

"Boldly for Croatia" | HDZ

Internal Elections for Sharing Ideas, Not Criticism

The HDZ president urged party members to support his team "Boldly for Croatia" in the elections, stressing the importance of unity in a party which has room for everyone, and for colleagues who are on other teams.

“These internal party elections should be an opportunity to compete about ideas surrounding Croatia's program and vision. They should not be used as an opportunity to criticize one another as if I were listening to and taking arrows from opposition parties. This is not the point of internal party elections. The purpose of internal elections is to maintain appropriate communication within the (party) framework and after which we will continue to cooperate in a normal manner,” said Plenković.

We Are Stronger as United Party

He stressed that the HDZ unity is important in the upcoming parliamentary elections because, he recalled, whenever HDZ is unified – they have success. And when they are not united – the party is in trouble.

“That's why it's important for us to stick together. There is room for everyone, and room for colleagues on other teams who have their own ideas and ambitions - I respect that,” added Plenković.

He noted that the difference is that his team is aware of the government's achievements over the past four years.

Croatia Achieved Sovereign Goals Under Tuđman

He dismissed the remarks of those (right wing) parties who condemn the HDZ's lack of sovereignty and stressed that Croatia had already achieved its sovereign goals under the first Croatian president, Franjo Tuđman. He added that he and his team are following Tuđman's policies.

“It is easy to push irresponsibly for mild populism, to raise passion, and promote falsehoods,” Plenković concluded, dismissing criticism of HDZ’s approach regarding sovereignty.

Follow our Politics page for details on the Prime Minister’s recent financial offer to Croatian emigrants, and their response.

March 9, 2020 - Bold and visionary Croatia film director, Hana Jušić, is pleased that the female position is strengthening among domestic filmmakers. And young women directors like Jušić are increasingly visible in Croatia and abroad.

Her first feature film "Quit Staring at My Plate" was awarded the best European film in Venice, and her short film "No Wolf Has a House" received several awards in London. The award-winning Croatian director is in development with her second feature film "God Will Not Help", produced by Kinorama in coproduction with Gustav film from Slovenia and TICO Film Company from Italy.

Few Acclaimed Croatia Women Directors

However, the young artist does not believe that her successes have rubbed off on other female colleagues quite yet. She shared her thoughts about the emergence of a new female wave in the film industry in Croatia with Ana Lukiček/24 Sata on March 8, 2020.

“Talking about this (female) wave in terms of identity, rather than on a poetic basis, is not interesting to me. But one can certainly reflect upon empowering womens' position among artists in Croatian film,” explained the director.

She premiered the bleak oppressive story of a working-class family in Šibenik at the Tokyo Film Festival. "Quit Staring at My Plate" has won awards at many major international film festivals, and young directors, like Jušić, are increasingly visible worldwide.

Women Directors Completing First Features

“There are simply more of us, so we have become more present and stronger. For example, my colleagues Sonja Tarokić and Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović are completing their feature films. Dubravka Turić is preparing to shoot her film, and I hope I didn’t overlook anyone. Until recently, big budget movies had rarely been in womens' hands, she pointed out.

She also indicates that many younger colleagues, who have already completed great short films, are excitedly preparing for their first features. As she works as a Professor at ADU (Academy of Dramatic Art, University of Zagreb) she is proud of her female students, who are both ambitious and fearless. She believes that it is up to them to mature artistically, stand in solidarity with younger women and help them find their way in the industry.

Jušić: Young Women Directors Will Make Living

“When I was studying, Snježana Tribuson, was the only female professor in the department and the only woman to have made feature films. She was very supportive of us. As the number of women in this business expands, young women will find it increasingly possible to pursue a career as director and live off the income of that job,” Jušić claims.

She has seen changes as they relate to colleagues who are engaged in varios activities in the film sphere. As producers, directors and directors of photography; they will continue to pave the way.

“In a climate of mutual female empowerment, other filmmakers, actresses and editors are also becoming bolder. One famous late director's book describes female film editors as pleasant basement women who did whatever a director told them to do. That approach won’t work today.

Follow our Lifestyle page to keep track of young talented female film directors in Croatia.

March 9, 2020 - Temperatures will reach 20 degrees in parts of Croatia this week and above average temperatures are expected Wednesday through Friday. Local meteorologists share their thoughts on whether Winter is officially over.

The Croatia State Meteorological Institute posted a forecast for the coming week and, as things stand, temperatures will rise quite a bit, according to Željka Orešković/Telegram on March 9, 2020. It looks like weather will be spring-like, with alternating sun and clouds, and there may be a few brief showers. However, that doesn’t mean that the definitive end of winter has arrived.

Telegram consulted with the experts, N1 television meteorologist, Tea Blažević, and Nova TV meteorologist, Darius Brzoja, and asked them to provide more detail about what to expect this week. They agreed that we cannot expect a long-term weather stabilization and that the end of Winter cannot yet be confirmed.

Croatia Temperatures Will Reach 20 Degrees Celsius

"The temperature will rise, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, the Banovina and Kordun areas will be the warmest, where temperatures will reach 20 degrees. On Thursday, however, we can expect temperatures ​​around 20 degrees for most of the interior, and up to 21 in some places, which is definitely above average,” Blažević predicts, adding that she would not speculate on the end of winter because this is quite short-term. Meteorologist Brzoja agreed with her assessment.

"This week will be warmer, especially on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In many parts of the country temperatures will reach 20 degrees. It will be warm even in the highlands, where it will be at least 15 degrees, if not more. It will be the same in coastal areas. However, sea temperatures are still cool during the beginning of spring, which does not allow air temperatures to rise as they would on land. Maybe temperatures will hover around 20 degrees along the Southern Adriatic,” he added.

Although it will be mostly dry and sunny until Friday, it will get worse by the end of the week. "Toward the end of the week temperatures will fall again, and they could be even slightly lower than average. This will be compounded by worsening conditions expected on Friday. By Friday it will be mostly dry with light showers at night from Monday to Tuesday,” Blažević says. Brzoja adds that Tuesday will be cool but will be warmer than today.

Dario Pribeg | Unsplash

Dry with Intermittent Clouds This Weekend

Although the forecasts for the weekend are a bit more uncertain, except for the rain from Friday to Saturday, it should be relatively dry with intermittent clouds. "It's not going to be a completely sunny weekend. It may rain early Saturday, but mostly dry throughout the day. Problems may arise from by a storm near Velebit. It is expected to start at the end of Friday, and continue into the night on Saturday, which could cause traffic problems,” Blažević says.

Dario Brzoja, on the other hand, foresees colder mornings: “Wednesday to Friday will be a beautiful introduction to spring. It's first sign of Spring, so people will enjoy it and feel the spring coming. However, he emphasized that the mornings will be quite chilly. It will be between 0 and 5 degrees inland, which means that everyone should dress appropriately (in layers) to stay warm enough in the morning and not get too hot in the afternoon."

Follow our Lifestyle page for updates on the arrival of Spring 2020 in Croatia.

For the latest March 20 update click here.

March 9, 2020 - There are 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Croatia, 3 of whom are in serious condition. More than 3,995 people are dead from the virus, which originated in Wuhan City, China; and over 113,975 cases have been confirmed globally. There are 33,200 cases outside of mainland China and 9,172 in Italy. 

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

Thirteen Coronavirus Cases in Croatia

As of March 9, 2020; thirteen Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been reported in Croatia: 5 in Rijeka, 3 in Zagreb, 4 in Varaždin and 1 in Pula.

• The first patient is from Zagreb who became infected during his stay in Italy (Milan, Lombardy province). The two other patients from Zagreb are close contacts of the first patient. 
• A patient from Rijeka became infected during a stay in Italy (Parma). The four other patients from Rijeka are close contacts of the third patient. 
• The first patient from Varaždin stayed in Milan with three friends. The second confirmed case from Varaždin is a truck driver who had been in Italy and was in preventative self-isolation. The third and fourth Varaždin cases are close contacts of the driver.
• In Pula, the first coronavirus infection was confirmed this evening. He is a Croatian citizen who works in Italy and is currently hospitalized. 

Live World Coronavirus Updates

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

Live Health Organization Coronavirus Updates

• Live updated international map tracking spread of coronavirus from Johns Hopkins CSSE here.
• Live updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) here.
• Live updates from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.

UPDATED: March 9, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

Croatia National Coronavirus Update 

In their daily press conference, which began today at 16:00 CET, the Croatia National Civil Protection Headquarters has ordered all foreign nationals entering Croatia from countries with focal coronavirus outbreaks to be under compulsory quarantine for 14 days. They also recommended postponing rallies attended by more than 1,000 people.

• President of the Civil Protection Staff Davor Bozinovic said on Monday that foreign nationals entering Croatia from infection hotspots (China, Italy, South Korea) will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine and Croatian citizens will receive an order for a 14-day self-isolation.
• They also suggest that citizens delay travel to countries affected by coronavirus.
• Bozinovic stressed that all gatherings attended by more than 1000 people should be postponed, and the organizers of gatherings, which would eventually take place, are obliged to ensure the highest hygiene standards, as well as maintain areas with disinfectants. 
• All gathering participants should be given clear instructions to refrain from the usual non-verbal communication that involves avoiding shaking hands and close social contact.
• Bozinovic said that people with respiratory illnesses and fever should not attend such events, and before the event starts the organizer will need to obtain approval from the county civil protection headquarters and the competent public health institute.

"In Croatia, the epidemiological situation is still calm, we have only 12 (13 as of this evening) infected. That is why we have decided on an additional package of preventive measures. We have decided to take measures to preserve public health in Croatia," Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros reported.

Before Measures, 600 Italians Had Entered Croatia Within 24 Hours

"Transmission in some Italian cities is obviously not controllable and that's why they those areas are closed, and people have to stay at home. 600 Italians have entered Croatia in the last 24 hours. We have introduced new measures. Up until now they have been allowed to move freely. Now we have been compelled to introduce a quarantine measure," Krunoslav Capak, Croatian Health Director, reported. He did not specify how many Italian citizens had entered Croatia from coronavirus hotspots in Italy.

"If they choose not to quarantine, they will have to return to their country," he added.

"These are the same areas that the Italian government has closed, which is a perfectly reasonable measure," added minister Bozinovic.

"I'm sure we will all agree upon when these measures should be discontinued. It's good news that the (number of new) infections has decreased in the places (in other countries) where they originated. We believe that this will happen in Italy as well. But today it’s not possible to say when that will happen," Bozinovic concluded.

Markotic: Patients Stable, Three with Serious Symptoms

Alemka Markotic, Director of University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Dr. Fran Mihaljevic, said there were no new changes regarding patients.

"They (three) have showed symptoms for several days, fever, cough, malaise, and one required oxygen for a short period of time; which is to be expected for this illness," she added.

Croatia and Regional Daily Updates

22:00 - All of Italy is under quarantine because of the coronaviruse. Italian citizens will be allowed to go to work, see a doctor, and move around for emergencies. All sports events are have been cancelled and classes are postponed until April 3.

18:40 - In Italy, 97 people died in the last 24 hours. There were 1797 new infections reported. More.

18:35 - A second case of infection has been confirmed in Serbia.

18:20 - The 13th case of coronavirus infection was confirmed in Croatia, in Pula. More.

17:30 - A fourth case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Bosnia. More.

15:57 - More ski resorts in southern Tyrol, Austria will close their trails before the end of the season due to the coronavirus crisis, Slovenian news agency STA announced on Monday, according to Austrian agency APA.

15:26 - HZZO (Croatian National Health System) explained in a statement that people in self-isolation should seek wage compensation. More.

15:22 - The Croatian Road Carriers Association asks the government to allocate part of their taxes and contributions for their employees to overcome the difficulties caused by the situation in Italy, as well as to help defer the repayment of the leasing installment and loans for the vehicles they have purchased. More.

15:20 - Two families in Cres are in isolation because they provided accommodations for foreigners with the coronavirus. More.

14:48 - The number of those infected in Slovenia has climbed to 23. "By 14:00 CET, 23 cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in Slovenia and 1227 tests have been performed," the Slovenian government announced on Twitter. Fifteen patients are hospitalized in Ljubljana, and it is not known where at this time.

14:31 - British Airways and easyJet cancel flights to northern Italy. Flights to and from Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamot and Venice have been cancelled.

14:30 - The BBC reports that riots have erupted in 27 Italian prisons. More.

13:57 - Two major events in Croatia cancelled due to the coronavirus. This is the Digital Takeover 2020 Summit as well as Danima komunikacija (Communication Days). More.

13:22 - After a rebellion broke out in Modena last night, during which six people died, a riot of prisoners in several Italian prisons ensued. At the moment, law enforcement is trying to suppress a rebellion in the Follia prison where some prisoners have managed to escape but were stopped. Ten inmates who escaped from prison were arrested by police. Prisoners also ignited a fire outside the prison entrance. The prison is still under police siege.

At least seven inmates have fled and are being sought. More.

12:55 - Briton Greg Foster, who lives in Matera, southern Italy, told the BBC that the situation there was tense and discouraging. "The mayor has closed all major facilities, such as wedding halls and concert halls, and many offices are also closing doors," he said, adding that "there is a lot of tension."

12:43 - No coronavirus infections in Osijek-Baranja County, and a patient who came from Italy was admitted to the KBC in Osijek last night, but his findings were negative, a press conference by the County Civil Protection Headquarters reported on Monday. Disinfection of border crossings are also taking place within the county.

12:40 - The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued instructions that all mass gatherings should be canceled in order to prevent the possibility of the spread of coronaviruses. case of coronavirus infection in BiH recorded in the territory of that entity, that is, Banja Luka. More.

11:05 - Serbia has made the decision to cancel all school trips. The ban applies to high school and university trips and student and student exchanges and applies to all schools and universities. More.

10:10 - Three people infected with the coronavirus in Croatia are worse off than others, but their lives are not in danger.

These are two patients from Rijeka and one from Varaždin, but they are not life-threatening. He explained that there is evidence of changes in the lungs of three patients. More.

9:48 - All those who violate the prohibition of movement in Italy without having a valid justification are threatened with up to three months in jail with a fine of up to 206 EUR. But it looks like those penalties will be further tightened, reports Corriere della Serra.

UPDATED: March 9, 2020 22:00 CET (Central European Time)

For the latest March 20 update click here.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

March 7, 2020 - The Croatia tennis team is one step closer to the Davis Cup finals in Madrid.

Marin Cilic needed two tiebreaks to bring Croatia its second point in the second qualifying match against Ramkumar Ramanathan for the Davis Cup finals, which is played at the end of the year in Madrid. 

For his 40th Davis Cup win and 30th in individual matches, Cilic kept Croatian fans on their toes and saved a set-point in both tie-breakers against the 25-year-old Ramanathan, who proved to be a very tough rival.

In the first set, Ramanathan came to the advantage first in the tie-break (5-4). He also had a set-point at 6-5, which he wasn’t able to use. At 8-8, Ramanathan complained that Cilic was procrastinating and taking too much time to prepare.

The second set followed the same scenario of the first, with the difference that both players missed two opportunities to break. Cilic had his chance in the third and ninth games, and Ramanathan had both in the sixth. In the end, the outcome was again in the tie-break, which Ramanathan opened with a 2-0 lead.

Cilic returned the loss immediately and at 5-4 missed a forehand for two match-points. Marin led 6-5 and missed the forehand again to win.

At 7-6, Ramanathan had a chance to take the match into the third set, but Cilic completed the task. At 9-8, Ramanathan couldn’t save the third match-point. Cilic, coach Vedran Martic, the entire Croatian team, and fans in Zagreb could finally breathe a sigh of relief. 

Cilic finished the game with 20 aces and won 85 percent of his first-serve points

Croatia is missing just one more point in order to qualify for the finals in Madrid from November 23 to 29, 2020.

On Saturday from 3 pm Mate Pavic and Franko Skugor will play against Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes in the doubles match, followed by the singles matches featuring Cilic and Gunneswaran and Gojo against Ramanathan.

Source: Gol.hr

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

March 6, 2020 - Turkey has released a map of route options for migrants hoping to reach France and Germany, and Croatia has been bypassed. Greek media outlets recently reported Turkey's geographical map with "routes" running from Turkey into Western Europe.

They claim that it is further evidence that Ankara has officially participated in the developing crisis by encouraging migrants and refugees to enter the EU illegally. The map, along with instructions in Arabic, was published by the official Turkish state television TRT Arabic and posted on their Twitter page and Facebook page on February 28, 2020.

Turkey Migrant Map Shows Five Routes to France, Germany

According to the map, migrants and refugees are directed to five route options through Turkey to five "entry points" to Greece: four on its islands, and one via the land border, across the Evros river, where the Greek army was recently deployed, and where conflicts across the border line are now almost continuous.

Upon arrival in Greece, migrants and refugees would, according to the map, cross through Italy on their way to France, which is shown as a major destination.

TRT Arabic Map Bypasses All Former Yugoslav Countries

The other route from Turkey heads Northwest, bypassing all the countries of the former Yugoslavia, then passes through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, where the road branches in two directions: one towards Germany and on towards France, writes Dnevnik.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened European Union countries with a new migrant crisis if they do not support his efforts in the Syrian civil war and provide Turkey with additional aid for housing migrants.

EU governments have refused to increase financial aid to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Turkey under the terms of their €6 billion migration deal, insisting Europe would not bow to threats from Ankara over opening its border with Greece, according to the Financial Times on March 6, 2020.

Following an emergency meeting in Zagreb on Friday, EU27 foreign ministers held firm on their criticism of Mr Erdogan for using migrants for “political purposes” after a build-up of refugees on the Greek-Turkish border. Mr Erdogan had vowed to open the country’s frontier with Europe over the weekend, sparking the prospect of a new refugee crisis.

Germany has been pushing for more financial support for Mr Erdogan to stave off any repeat of Europe’s 2015 migration crisis. Before the events of this week, member states had discussed the possibility of freeing up about €1 billion from the EU’s current budget for the Turkey facility. But ministers on Friday said they would not ramp up aid in response to pressures on the Greek border.

Turkey Demands More EU Aid to House Migrants

Turkey has demanded more financial help to integrate the nearly four million refugees in the country. The EU has been paying out cash to projects to help the integration process since 2016 but key programmes are due to run out of money soon. Ankara has complained that the cash disbursements are too slow and accused the EU of failing to live up to its promises to liberalise visas for Turks as agreed under the deal.

European governments have disagreed over how to engage with Turkey after Mr. Erdogan’s comment prompted thousands of refugees to head to the border with Greece, sparking violent clashes. Athens has pushed for a tough condemnation of Mr. Erdogan’s actions but has met resistance from Berlin and The Hague, which want to keep diplomatic ties open with Ankara.

EU diplomats monitoring the border developments said the flow of migrants towards Greece had stopped in recent days and Mr Erdogan was back in compliance with the terms of the 2016 deal.

Follow this page and our Politics page for Total Croatia News updates on the migrant crisis in Croatia.

March 6, 2020 - At the regular daily coronavirus press conference of the Civil Protection Staff, which began at 16:00 CET, the Croatia Tourism Minister announced a tourism promotion for Croatian citizens called “A week of rest is worthwhile” (Tjedan odmora vrijedan). The promotion will offer Croatian citizens a 50 percent discount on domestic tourist services from more than 100 participants.

*Follow this article for live updates and this page for updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus in Croatia. An archive of updates can be found here. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

Cappelli: Croatia Tourist Bookings Down, 50 Percent Discount Offer

Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli spoke about the impact of coronavirus on tourism in Croatia. He said there hasn't been a major downturn yet, but confirmed that some tourists had cancelled their vacations in Croatia. "It is important that we get through the next 40 days," the minister explained. "The May Day holidays will provide us with an important indicator when hotels and camps are usually 80 percent full," he added. "The high season has not been compromised, bookings have not been cancelled, but they have slowed down for the fourth and fifth and sixth months," Cappelli pointed out.

The minister also announced a special tourism promotion for Croatian citizens and announced that it would be presented next week. It is a campaign called “A week of rest is worthwhile” in which Croatian citizens would receive a 50 percent discount on tourist services from more than 100 participants, such as Croatia Airlines, Jadrolinija, Plitvice and several hotels. Earlier today, the minister told HINA that the discount for domestic guests is expected last from April 10 to April 19, and that the project was designed to stimulate domestic tourist traffic during the pre-season and post-season, according to Zdravka Grund/Telegram on March 6, 2020.

Davor Božinović and Gari Cappelli | N1

Interior Minister Božinović: Need for Awareness, Solidarity Within EU

"All planned and ordered activities are being implemented throughout Croatia and the system is functioning," Croatia Interior Minister Davor Božinović said earlier in the press conference. He also said he had heard from Health Minister Vili Beroš, who is in Brussels at a meeting of health ministers and concluded that the "integrated political response to the crisis highlighted the additional need for solidarity and cooperation."

"This includes raising awareness within Europe," the minister added.

Božinović also said that it is a priority for the European Commission is focus on EU member states, where measures must be proportionate to the situation on the ground, and that all countries have established cross-sectoral cooperation such as that existing in Croatia.

Alemka Markotić | N1

Markotić: New Varaždin Patient Has Mild Symptoms

Professor Alemka Markotić, Director of the Doctor Fran Mihaljević Clinic for Infectious Diseases, said that all of today's samples were negative and there are currently nine more awaiting test results. Speaking about the new patient in Varaždin, she indicated that the patient had mild symptoms and stated that there were no other changes.

*Follow this article for live updates and this page for updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus in Croatia. An archive of updates can be found here. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.