Croatia publishes recommendations for beachgoers  

Dubrovnik

ZAGREB, 16 May 2020 – The Croatian Institute for Public Health has published a set of recommendations for beachgoers this summer, as well as for staff at public swimming pools around the country to help with fighting the spread of COVID-19. 

Below are the recommendations:

Visible notices and informing guests

In a visible place at the entrance, as well as in the area where visitors stay, it is necessary to place information on hygienic procedures and with guidelines on proper behaviour and protection measures to be followed or valid in that area.

If the appropriate infrastructure is available, it is possible to convey messages over a speaker from time to time to remind visitors of the need to maintain physical space and other general measures.

Maximum number of people 

For the sea and freshwater bathing areas, the maximum number of persons allowed to stay at the same time is determined according to the principle of 15 persons per 100 m2 of net area.

Physical distancing

All visitors and employees are advised to adhere to the rules of physical distance of 1.5 meters.

General and hygienic measures

Recommendations for compliance with all preventive measures apply to all areas of sea and freshwater bathing areas (water surfaces, beaches, and areas where locker rooms, toilets are located).

Spatial and technical conditions of sea beaches and freshwater spots

Hand disinfection

Dispensers with disinfectant (eg alcohol-based at a concentration of not less than 70% or other agents with declared virucidal action according to the manufacturer’s instructions and suitable for use on the skin) must be installed at reasonable intervals and in visible places.

Physical distancing

The concessionaire should separate the deckchairs in such a way as to ensure physical distance (provide a person who can supervise the prescribed measures) and disinfect the deckchairs several times a day, always after a certain guest no longer uses the deckchair and before another guest uses it. If the bathing areas provide for other seats, they should also be arranged at a distance of 1.5 m.

Waste disposal

It is recommended to place waste bins with appropriate lids in all open areas of the swimming pool, as well as at reasonable intervals in open spaces.

Water use

When staying in the water, maintain a physical distance of 1.5 m.

Conditions for maintaining the hygiene of sanitary facilities

It is necessary to intensify the cleaning and disinfection of sanitary facilities every two hours (and more often if necessary), as well as to increase the number of employees for daily cleaning in each sanitary facility. At the same time, the use of sanitary facilities should be limited in accordance with the size and prescribed sanitary conditions.

Food and beverage service areas and shopping facilities at beaches and freshwater swimming spots

The same recommendations as for hospitality facilities are to be followed. 

Regular water monitoring for recreation

Monitoring is carried out by employees of the competent Institute of Public Health, ie authorized laboratories in accordance with the Plan and program for monitoring sea beaches and land beaches.

Laboratory staff conducting water sampling and analysis should adhere to the usual protection and safety measures when conducting sampling and analysis, respecting the rules of the profession, general protection measures and general recommendations on maintaining physical distance and personal hygiene.