Croatia reports 9 new cases, churches to reopen from tomorrow

ZAGREB, May 1, 2020 – There have been 9 new COVID-19 cases reported in Croatia in the last 24 hours, the national crisis management team said at Friday’s press conference.

Today’s new cases bring the total tally of cases to 2,085. Since late February, Croatia has conducted 36,917 tests, including 696 in the last 24 hours.

There have been six more COVID-19-related fatalities in the last 24 hours. Five female patients in Split (born in 1924, 1927, 1948 and two in 1942) and a female patient in Koprivnica (born in 1931). The current death toll stands at 75. 

All of the new cases were reported in the Split-Dalmatia County.

The number of patients on ventilators is 17. There have been 1,421 recoveries to date, 73 more than yesterday.

There are 18,315 people currently in self-isolation.

Churches to open again from 2 May 

Churches across the country have been given instructions in accordance with epidemiological measures for when they reopen their doors and organise Holy Mass from Saturday, 2 May.

According to the instructions given to the churches, disinfectants should greet believers at the entrance and not holy water. A gap of 2 metres between people is also to be observed inside the church. There is no limit on the number of people able to attend Mass but if there are too many people then people will be expected to follow Mass from outside the church where speakers will be placed. 

Communion will be received in the hand and peace will be shared without shaking hands.

Second phase of lifting lockdown set to start on 4 May 

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.

The third phase, starting on May 11, will allow 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.