April 9, 2020 - The outdoor green markets and the fish market in Split will re-open today, though under strict measures by the National Civil Protection Headquarters and Ministry of Agriculture. 

The National Civil Protection Headquarters issued a Decision on Market Operations during the coronavirus pandemic. In compliance with the special measures and instructions of the Public Health Institute of Split, the famous Pazar, Sućidar market and the market in Split 3, as well as the fish market, are open from today.

On Tuesday, all the conditions of the National Headquarters and the Public Health Institute were respected, which means that during the operation of all markets, the entrance will be controlled and, if necessary, the number of people will be limited, in order to ensure a minimum distance between citizens. Also, the buyer will not come in contact with the products, as there will be a barricade.

Measures of enhanced hygiene and daily cleaning of all premises will be applied, the enclosed areas will be ventilated regularly, and checkpoints with hand sanitizers are provided, with information on general measures to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

"The Ministry of Agriculture states that the decision allows, subject to a strict measure of social distance, the operation of closed facilities (shops and kiosks) in the markets selling food, medicines, hygiene items, veterinary medicinal products, agricultural medicines and animal feed and sales places (benches) in markets that are closed facilities or enclosures and sell fish, milk and dairy products and fruits and vegetables," according to the Ministry on T.portal.

The retail sale of fruit, vegetables and flowers from vehicles in enclosures is allowed, according to the principles of the green market.

Legal or natural persons managing the markets are obliged, in addition to the measures and instructions prescribed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health, to additionally secure the entrance and exit of a limited number of customers, and to set up barriers or plexiglass protection at points of sale (benches), in order to reduce physical contact and maintain a prescribed distance of 3 to 5 meters between the seller and the buyer. The specified distance of 3 to 5 meters must also be maintained between the customers located in the market area.

Also, sales from vehicles imply safety distances of at least 3 meters between vehicles that are points of sale and between vehicles of customers. Sales of products from vehicles must be organized in such a way as to prepare the packaging in advance so that customers can stay as quickly as possible at the point of sale, the statement added.

In addition to the measures and instructions prescribed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health, it should be ensured that no crowds are created at the entrances and inside the premises, clear instructions are given and made visible at entrances and market premises, enhanced hygiene measures are applied, and all areas must be cleaned and ventilated daily. Workers and customers must observe a strict measure of social distance, provide checkpoints with hand sanitizers, and prominently display notice of general reduction measures for infectious disease risks, and instructions and recommendations for adhering to the general rules on hygiene.

The City of Split asks citizens to respect all anti-pandemic measures when they arrive at the green markets and fish market today. 

April 1, 2020 - Shop at Split's famous green market online thanks to the new Facebook group Virtual Pazar Split.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the usually bustling outdoor markets are closed, the banks are empty, and only a few people can be found on the streets.

However, until things turn back to normal, we’ve discovered the beauty in the virtual world - and many small Croatian producers are getting the exposure they’ve never had before.

Namely, Slobodna Dalmacija writes that Pametno party member Marijana Puljak has done a great thing for both buyers and producers and sellers of fruits and vegetables at Split Pazar. Less than a week ago, she founded the Facebook group Virtual Pazar Split on Facebook, which already has over 8,000 members.

Due to the inflation of new members and offers, the group administrators introduced rules and asked everyone to adhere to them.

- We ask all sellers to include product prices with their offer in the announcements.

- Limit the number of posts to find everything you need as quickly as possible. If you need to change your bid or pricing, change your initial posts.

- This group serves to help each other overcome these difficult days, so keep decency and determination in communication with each other.

The idea, Puljak said, came from her Facebook friend Zoran Djurdjic, who pointed out to her that other cities are opening similar groups on social networks.

“We have seen that such groups work well, directly connecting small-scale producers of food production and home delivery with buyers who are mostly confined in their homes today. I searched for something similar for Split already and I couldn't find one. In less than 48 hours, we had over 5000 members, which is a real surprise to me. It shows that a platform like this was really needed. You can find producers of fruits and vegetables, butchers, fish markets, even sellers of flower and vegetable seeds,” says Puljak.

Puljak is pleased that she can help people follow the recommendations of the Civil Protection Headquarters to stay home, but have the opportunity to purchase quality products under these conditions.

“On the other hand, this helps producers market their goods during these times. The group is completely open to everyone and we invite everyone to take this opportunity to connect. Leave your comments, as you are satisfied with the service; this is the best way to support all those who do their job excellently,” said Puljak and concluded:

“Take care of yourself altogether and use #VirtualPazarSplit.”

It should also be noted that the administrators of this group, along with Marijana Puljak, are two other members of the Pametno party Branimir Urlic and Nenad Introic. You can join the group HERE.

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