March 20, 2020 - The first case of coronavirus on Hvar has been confirmed, the first case recorded on Croatia's islands. 

The first case of coronavirus on Hvar has been officially confirmed at a press conference in Split. 

A 40-year-old local man from Vrboska tested positive for coronavirus and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital in Split. 

According to local media reports, the man had recently returned from Austria, where he has been working as a waiter. During his travels in Croatia, he used the train twice, the bus once, and the Jadrolinija ferry, Zadar. 

Local media report that he followed all the rules on self-exclusion, and when he noticed the first signs of the disease, he contacted the doctors, and when the tests turned out to be positive, he was transferred to a hospital in Split.

There were more details from the press conference:

"The person who came from Austria was sent into self-isolation immediately upon arrival. He went home. All contacts were immediately controlled, only one girl was in close contact. He had to get away from the others on the ferry, he had a mask on. He didn't hang out with anyone. Upon the onset of the first symptoms, he responded and an epidemiologist in Hvar responded promptly."

This is the first case of coronavirus on Hvar or any other Croatian island. The total number of cases in Croatia stands at 113, of which one has died, one is on a respirator, and five have recovered. 

You can follow the latest national update from our coverage of this morning's press coverage here. 

We will have the main TCN daily update about the situation all over Croatia coming shortly, and you can find that and all the latest TCN updates on our dedicated coronavirus section. 

For the latest official updates from the Croatian Government, check out Koronavirus.hr (in Croatian only - Google Translate is your friend).

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. 

CROATIA TRAVEL UPDATE MARCH 21, 2020

March 20, 2020 - There are many developments in the COVID-19 in Croatia story. An overview of the latest from this morning press conference. 

Yesterday's daily overview was fully updated late last night - you can see the latest rolling news here.

This included a nationwide television address on the crisis by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic with a call for unity to fight coronavirus and save the economy.

The latest official map on the government website shows 113 cases, 1 death and 5 recoveries. The map has been changed to regional summaries, rather than individual towns and cities.

At the press conference (updates courtesy of Index), Health Minister confirmed that there are 8 new cases, bringing the total to 113. Of these, one is on a respirator. Beros said that they have a plan to deal with the situation, and only when the beds are filled in the dedicated contagious unit with the Dubrava hospital be used. 

One of the most important tactics in the fight is prevention, and Beros again appealed to the elderly not to go out. 

Interior Minister Bozinovic confirmed that no foreigners have entered Croatia since yesterday.  

"We must all behave responsibly. Not only those in self-isolation. But everyone else. If there is more irresponsible behavior then our measures will have to be more restrictive in order to protect human health ... I thank everyone who adheres to the measure and spreads this message," Bozinovic said. 

"A clear recommendation for the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses is not to go out," Bozinovic reiterated, announcing that the police director would also speak at the press conference.

"We are thinking about restricting purchases. There are no shortages at this moment. It is not such a problem yet that we would take action on this. There is no reason to worry and create irrational supplies. But there are always unreasonable individuals," Bozinovic said.

"The epidemiological situation is indicative of local transmission, but it is irrelevant because our system has already been raised to a higher level. This morning we are extremely happy with this dynamic, as we expect more confirmed ones in the coming days," Beros said.

"We have upgraded our system, the police are now additionally connected to the HZJZ system, we will have complete information on each person who has to be in self-isolation," said Police Chief Nikola Milina. "Some countries have introduced more rigorous measures, the police are there to implement these measures. The police must be prepared to implement these measures," he added.

For the latest update from the official government website for COVID-19 in Croatia, click here (Croatian language only, Google Translate is your friend).

For the latest news on COVID-19 in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

ZAGREB, March 20, 2020 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Thursday addressed the public concerning the coronavirus epidemic, calling for the nation's unity, behaving responsibly and listening to health workers' recommendations, and he also announced more measures to help the economy, notably the private sector.

The fight against coronavirus is the biggest crisis since the Homeland War and the biggest challenge for us all, he said. This fight, just as in the Homeland War, "demands our unity, responsibility and self-possession, because only in that way will we overcome this setback together."

"In this fight, the health and lives of our people are the number one priority. We must all do our best to save every human life," the prime minister said, adding that it was not the responsibility only of the health system but everyone.

Doctors won't be able to help us if we don't behave responsibly and listen to instructions, he said. "We should all realise that we are equally in danger and that even when we don't have the symptoms, we can carry the virus and infect our dearest ones, notably those weakest - the elderly, chronic patients and the infirm."

Plenković said it was necessary to understand that the virus did not travel but was carried by people who were in contact with others, who disregarded hygiene instructions or spread it by moving across the country.

"That's why I call on all of you to abide by the instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, not to shake hands, to keep a sufficient distance from others and to reduce the number of daily meetings. That's crucial for containing the epidemic. Only in that way will the average number of people an infected person infects go down."

He said that especially applied to all Croatians arriving from abroad, or who did so over the past two weeks, notably from contagion regions. "It's important that we are all responsible and that we don't withhold valuable information from Croatian doctors. It's about people's lives and an effective fight against this epidemic."

Plenković said the containment of the epidemic in China was proof of the effectiveness of rigorous measures. He particularly appealed to the 12,000 Croatians in self-isolation to strictly abide by the rules.

I realise it's not easy for them, but it's necessary, and I would like to thank them for behaving responsibly because by doing so they protect both themselves and others, he said.

"At the moment, we are firmly managing this crisis, not it us, but for this fight to be successful, everyone's help is necessary."

The prime minister said the economy's health was the government's second priority and that the extent of the crisis demanded emergency measures.

"We already know the coronavirus epidemic will have significant consequences on our economy, notably transport, tourism and hospitality, as well as other sectors. Thanks to the fact that today our economic situation is better than a few years ago, our economy today is more resilient to shocks."

The government has therefore adopted a package of 63 measures, worth over HRK 30 billion, aimed at preserving jobs and the economy's liquidity, Plenković said. "We support job preservation and will pay employers a net minimum wage of HRK 3,250 for each worker, and they will be able to pay the additional part of the wage, for which we stimulate them with our measures."

Businesses are also being helped with the deferral of profit and income tax as well as pension and healthcare contributions, he said and welcomed banks' announcement that they would defer loan payments. "In line with the talks we held, we welcome the measure directed at deferring loan payments, not just for businesses but households too."

This is a time for the nation's unity and for social responsibility, Plenković said, reminding employers once again that "those who lay off workers" will not be able to benefit from the government's measures.

"This set of measures that we have proposed is the first one and we will be following the situation on the labour market on a daily basis. We will prepare additional measures. We do not intend to let the private sector bear the brunt of the crisis," he stressed.

The PM also said that considering the current situation, all budgetary items would have to be re-examined to reduce spending as much as possible.

"All ministers were instructed to cut all expenses that are not necessary except for those related to the health system, pensions and social contributions," he said, noting that the burden of the crisis had to be shared equally by all and that Croatia should be solidary as a society and a nation.

Plenković expressed special gratitude to all medical workers - doctors, nurses and other medical staff - who are on the first line of defence against coronavirus.

He also thanked all other workers, from shop assistants to truck drivers, from border police, inspectors, civil protection, Red Cross volunteers and all others involved in protection against the epidemic and in ensuring the functioning of the economic sector and normal supply.

As the current chair of the Council of the EU, Croatia has been active in managing the crisis at EU level as well, Plenković said, recalling a decision on the temporary closure of the EU border to people from third countries.

"We will continue to coordinate activities in the fight against the virus and in alleviating economic consequences as well as in research and efforts to find a vaccine," he said.

At the end of his address, Plenković again called for unity and consensus, saying that Croatia is at war against the virus, panic and negative socio-economic consequences.

"That is why we all have to demonstrate unity, this is no time for divisions but for consensus. We have opened constructive dialogue with all parliamentary parties, we are cooperating with the President of the Republic, we are consulting with employers, unions, business people and bankers. Cooperation with the media is also important as they have the key role in providing quality information to the public and in non-dissemination of fake news, which often causes panic," he said.

The government's focus is on citizens' lives and health, and in its decisions the government relies on opinions of experts and researchers, the PM said, stressing that the government would continue communicating about the situation regarding the coronavirus epidemic transparently and in a timely manner.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 20, 2020 - Croatian troops on Thursday began erecting a tent for a medical camp outside the Dubrava hospital in Zagreb with a capacity of 270 beds to accommodate infected patients and it is expected to be erected by Saturday.

The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, inspected the works, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

Major General Mladen Fuzul explained the purpose of the expedition camp.

The camp will serve for accommodation and currently it will be able to accommodate 200 people. The camp can be self-sufficient but, in agreement with the Health Ministry, we decided that for now it will serve as an accommodation facility, said Fuzul.

A self-sufficient expedition camp can accommodate 300 soldiers during war, but also peacetime operations in extreme conditions. They are also intended for civilian use during humanitarian disasters.

Pursuant to a request by the Health Ministry and a government decision, the Croatian army, as part of the homeland security system, will provide support to the Health Ministry by securing additional accommodation facilities for patients, the Defence Ministry said in the press release.

The government's decision was made in accordance with the need to implement measures to protect citizens during the COVID-19 epidemic and to ensure appropriate health protection to infected patients as part of the intensive care centre at the Dubrava hospital in Zagreb, the press release added.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, March 20, 2020 - Croatian member of the European Parliament Željana Zovko has asked the European Commission to use funding from the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Western Balkan countries in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The European People's Party (EPP) group said in a statement that Zovko, a member of the HDZ party and deputy EPP coordinator on the Foreign Affairs Committee, on Thursday welcomed the EC's proposal for changing existing rules on the use of the EU Solidarity Fund but also asked that it be expanded to include the Western Balkans because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a rapporteur on IPA III pre-accession assistance funds, Zovko called for using available funding to fight the crisis.

It is our duty to send Western Balkan partner countries an important message - that they are not alone in the fight against the pandemic. Reallocating available funds will make it possible for those countries to buy medical equipment to help fight the virus, she said.

Zovko also proposed that the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism be expanded to include the entire Western Balkans.

The EU Solidarity Fund was set up in 2002 and so far it has been used only in cases of major natural disasters such as floods, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires or droughts.

It was announced on Thursday that the EC would start forming a medical equipment reserve as part of its RescEU programme. The equipment will be allocated to EU member-countries and countries-signatories to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

With the new set of Croatian Government measures introduced and now fully in force, cafes and restaurants, among other facilities deemed unnecessary to be open, have had to close their doors. Croatian restaurants with delivery services can still function, but can they really keep their businesses going relying on delivery alone?

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Crnjak writes on the 20th of March, 2020, while cafes have absolutely no choice but to wait for the coronavirus crisis to peak and for better days to come, many Croatian restaurants are planning to keep going with their delivery services, despite the fact that their profits are trimmed by it.

Although everyone has to undergo registration and meet the minimum technical requirements for food delivery, Croatian restaurants often find it pays more to simply shut down and lay staff off during these harsh work ban conditions with reduced traffic, unless of course the Croatian Government passes more concrete measures to help retain these jobs which are now very much just hanging in the balance.

This was stated by Marin Medak, President of the Croatian Hospitality Coordination Group, when he was asked on Thursday if Croatian restaurants could keep their businesses running relying purely on deliveries and whether they were properly trained for the concept.

As is well known, new coronavirus spread prevention measures are now firmly place, which include the closure of all catering/hospitality establishments, with one exception being for the preparation and delivery of food. For starters, about 10 percent of restaurant workers have given up or quit because they are at risk and want self-isolation, Medak claims.

"It's either people who have some chronic illnesses, are older, or have a family member that is in a vulnerable group, and we can't count on those people. Others are keen to keep the business going as much as possible, some are shutting down, most will agree to a minimum wage, everyone wants to participate in resolving the situation,'' revealed Medak, who plans to use recently introduced government measures and hopes that the criteria for the payment of minimum wages from the state budget will soon emerge.

But for other measures, those in the Croatian restaurant industry say they simply aren't adequate.

"Our projections say that if the situation normalised by May the 1st, which is difficult to imagine, 5 to 10 percent of people can be expected to get fired. If it lasts until July the 1st, that is a drop in turnover of about 30 percent and a third of hospitality workers will lose their jobs, and if we welcome September still in this then we're already at 80 percent reduced turnover and it will be devastating,'' Medak explained.

This would mean that from an annual turnover of around 15 billion kuna, the hospitality industry would see their revenue drop massive to around 2 billion kuna, realised only during 2020's first two months.

Half of the revenue is generated by tourists, while the rest is generated by domestic guests, who are still not travelling.

"We need a lot of traffic from deliveries to cover all the costs. At first, we don't expect that to blossom, because people have purchased supplies for their homes, but when this panic subsides, who knows, maybe they'll start wanting deliveries,'' Medak concluded.

Drazen Boban, head of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce's caterer's association and the owner of the Vinodol restaurant, pointed out that the transition to food delivery will be better handled by those who have already done so and have experience in it.

"Delivery services take a pretty high commission and the ones that have had their own delivery services previously will do better out of this,'' he noted. Otherwise, Vinodol closed three days ago because there were no guests, and they are already at a loss.

Boban hopes that the government will revise the measures to help the economy that are complicated and insufficient, and even with minimum wages given, without some write-offs, there will be no results for the state.

''Zagreb has an advantage here, unlike in Dalmatia where there are fewer people and the habits are different. Therefore, we need to develop different models and come up with solutions, which we're working intensively on,'' reveals Stipe Jelicic, Boban's deputy at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

Follow our dedicated section for rolling information in English on coronavirus in Croatia.

March 20, 2020 - So how does the Hvar lockdown look like? A wander around Jelsa the day after much of Croatia closed down. 

It is just over 5 months since Hvar was voted the best island in Europe (it is!) by readers of Conde Nast in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards, the latest international endorsement of Croatia's premier island. 

FIve months later, as Hvar and the rest of Croatia should be gearing up to another bumper tourist season, the country, like most of the rest of Europe, finds itself battling the coronavirus, with strict measures enforced to prevent its spread. 

From the TCN terrace, life looks perfect. And from the TCN terrace, life really IS perfect. Rather than lose too much sleep over the lost tourist bookings of our holiday rental, we decided to relocate and self-isolate there. That endless sunshine and gorgeous terrace never fail to lift the mood. 

But look a little further than the terrace, and life has changed drastically since the introduction of the new measures, as well as the growing awareness of the crisis. 

Island intellectual life has been suspended, with the collection wisdom of the wise old men of The Bench - whose knowledge has suggestions that there were the original prototype for Google - are nowhere to be seen.  

With so few people around, social distancing is not that difficult, and the further one gets from people, the closer one gets to nature.  

It will be swimming season very soon, and the gorgeous Adriatic will still be there for you when all this is over.  

As will the bars, cafes and restaurants of Jelsa. There is no denying that tourism is taking a hammering, and those in Croatia's tourism industry are suffering as much as anyone. A video tour of the Jelsa waterfront yesterday, with absolutely everything shut. Beautiful, no doubt, but heartbreaking. 

The good news is that the virus will pass, the gorgeous island of Hvar will remain gorgeous and be waiting for your visit. 

In the meantime, stay safe. 

For the latest on the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.