Croatia reports 14 new cases, second phase of lifting lockdown to start Monday

Zagreb (Photo: M.Vrdoljak/Zagreb TZ)

ZAGREB, April 30, 2020 – There have been 14 new COVID-19 cases reported in Croatia in the last 24 hours, the national crisis management team said at Thursday’s press conference.

Today’s new cases bring the total tally of cases to 2,076. Since late February, Croatia has conducted 36,221 tests, including 1,745 in the last 24 hours.

There have been two more COVID-19-related fatalities in the last 24 hours, a patient in Osijek (born in 1953) and a patient in Dubrovnik (born in 1938). The current death toll stands at 69.

The 14 new cases were reported in the following counties: Grad Zagreb (2), Osijek-Baranja (1) and Split-Dalmatia (11). 

The number of patients on ventilators is 20. There have been 1,348 recoveries to date, 60 more than yesterday. The latest data shows that 261 patients are being treated in hospitals, 8 fewer than yesterday.

There are 14,502 people currently in self-isolation.

Second phase of lifting lockdown set to start 

This week Croatia started the first phase of relaxing lockdown measures, allowing a number of low-risk businesses to open and the resumption of public transport. 

The second phase is set to start on May 4 if the first phase proves to be successful and the epidemiological situation does not deteriorate.

Relaxation of restrictions in that phase would refer to the public health system, which would fully restore its services, with certain exceptions, and to private clinics.

Other services requiring close contact with clients would be allowed to operate as well if they comply with special measures in force, and this refers to cosmetic salons, pedicurists, barbers, and hairdressers.

Religious gatherings will be allowed as of May 2.

The third phase, starting on May 11, would enable up to ten people to gather in the same place on the condition of physical distancing and shopping centres would be allowed to reopen as would kindergartens and elementary schools from Grades 1 to 4. 

Hospitality services in accommodation premises would be allowed as well but only to staying guests, national and nature parks would be allowed to reopen and conditions for e-passes would be expanded.

All three phases imply maintaining physical distancing and the highest hygienic standards and for premises to be disinfected.