December 15, 2020 — In the past 24 hours, Croatia reported 2,360 new COVID-19 cases. There are currently 21,861 active cases. Seventy-three (73) have died. There are 51,108 people in self-isolation.
Follow this link for all Daily Croatia updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. UPDATED: 22:00 CET (Central European Time)
Croatia COVID-19 Quick Access
Current COVID-19 Data
Cumulative COVID-19 Data
COVID-19 Case Count by Croatia County
Croatia County COVID-19 Update Links
Croatia County COVID-19 Details
COVID-19 News in Past 48 Hours
Croatia Health Updates & COVID-19 Tracking
Croatia National Headquarters New Safety Measures
Other Croatia COVID-19 Announcements
Croatia Travel Information
European Union COVID-19 Statistics
World Live Updates
World Statistics & Pandemic Information
Current COVID-19 Data
2,360 – New cases
21,861 – Active cases
2,897 – Treated in hospitals
304 – On ventilators
73 – Deceased
3,195 – Recovered
8,748 – Tested
51,108 – In self-isolation
Cumulative COVID-19 Data
179,718 – Total cases (since 25.02.20)
155,079 – Total recovered (since 25.02.20)
2,778 – Total deceased (since 25.02.20)
896,828 – Total tested (since 25.02.20)
COVID-19 Case Count by Croatia County
Sources: Index here, koronavirus.hr here, and counties below. Google Translate plugin download here. Google Translate here.
Details on the birth years of deceased COVID-19 patients on the koronavirus.hr Twitter page here. Note that national and county numbers for new and active cases often differ and sometimes greatly.
Croatia County COVID-19 Update Links
These are direct links to the county websites for COVID-19 daily reports. Note that not all counties provide updates on a daily basis. Google Translate plugin download here. Google Translate here.
Bjelovar-Bilogora County
Brod-Posavina County
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Istria County
Karlovac County
Koprivnica-Križevci County
Krapina-Zagorje County
Lika-Senj County
Međimurje County
Osijek-Baranja County
Požega-Slavonia County
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
Šibenik-Knin County
Sisak-Moslovina County
Split-Dalmatia County
Varaždin County
Virovitica-Podravina County
Vukovar-Srijem County
Zadar County
Zagreb City
Zagreb County
Croatia County COVID-19 Details
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
In Dubrovnik-Neretva County out of 338 tests, there are 69 new cases (20%) of which 46 cases were performed by rapid antigen testing. There are 23 people from Dubrovnik, 13 from Metković, ten from Korčula and Ploče, three from Opuzen and Župa dubrovačka, two from Konavle, one person from the Dubrovnik littoral, Kula Norinska, Orebić and Slivno, and one person who does not reside in the county.
The headquarters of the CZ DNŽ reports that the Chief of Staff Joško Cebalo is positive for COVID-19. He was in already in self-isolation and is in good condition with very mild symptoms.
Seventy-nine (79) people were cured: 22 from Dubrovnik, 15 from Metković, eight from Župa dubrovačka, six from Konavle and Korčula, five from Opuzen, four from Orebić, three from Ston, two each from Kula Norinska and Slivno, one each from Blato, from Lastovo, Lumbarda, Ploče and Zažablje and one person who does not reside in the county.
Sixty-nine (69) people are hospitalized in OB Dubrovnik. Six patients require intensive care, four patients are on invasive ventilation, two patients are on non-invasive ventilation. There are 1696 people in self-isolation.
Istra County
In Istra County out of 611 tests, 85 were positive (14%) and 65 people recovered. Sixty-three (63) people were already in self-isolation measures or inclose contact with a positive person. For 7 people, epidemiologically, these are imported cases from Rijeka (2), Central Dalmatia (2), Italy (3).
At the General Hospital in Pula, at the Department of Infectious Diseases, 56 people are being treated, of which 2 are in the respiratory center. There are 1182 people in self-isolation measures.
Beginning Monday December 14 high schools switch to online classes. They will last until December 23.
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County out of 1221 tests, 141 were positive (12%) and 287 recovered.
Split-Dalmatia County
In Split-Dalmatia County out 1134 tests, there are 378 new cases (33%) — from Split 132, Imotski 20, Kaštela 27, Makarska 14, Omis 19, Sinj 40, Trilj 16, Trogir 5, Vrgorac 2, Brela 2, Dicmo 3, Dugi Rat 8, Dugopolje 8, Gradac 1, Hrvace 2, Jelsa 1, Klisa 4, Lovreca 1, Marina 4, Milna 1, Muc 3, Okrug 3, Otok 6, Podbablje 8, Podgora 1, Podstrana 6, Primorski Doc 2, Proložac 2. Runovići 1, Seget 8, Selca 1, Šestanovac 1, Tučepi 3 and Cista Provo 2 people.
Out of the total number of newly infected, 191 people are contacts of previously infected. There are 199 people hospitalized in KBC Split, while 16 people are on ventilators. A total of 2762 people are in self-isolation.
Zadar County
In Zadar County out of 435 tests, 99 were positive (23%). They are from the following towns and cities — of Zadar (63), Benkovac (4), Biograd (3) and Pag (1) and the municipalities of Bibinje (1), Galovac (2), Kali (1), Novigrad (3), Pašman 3), Poličnik (1), Preko (4), Ražanac (1), Sali (1), Sukošan (2), Sv. Filip i Jakov (5), Vir (1) and Vrsi (3). There are 2262 people in self-isolation.
Zagreb City
In Zagreb City the number of new cases in Zagreb is 417, while the number of potentially recovered/recovered people is 466. The number of persons tested by rapid antigen tests was 1087, of which 439 were positive (40.4%). Out of 1124 PCR tests, 246 were positive (22%). Employees of the Epidemiology Service successfully contacted 574 people. Self-isolation was ordered for 1,146 people.
Out of 574 treated positive people: 168 have a negative epidemiological anamnesis so far, 269 people are contacts of COVID-positive persons, and 12 people may have been exposed in health care institutions. Fourteen (14) people are residents/employees of elderly homes and other social welfare institutions and 17 people may have been exposed in the workplace. Three people arrived from Austria, Germany and Italy.
Positive test results for three residents and five employees have been confirmed in homes for the elderly and infirm and other social institutions in Zagreb. Positive test results were confirmed for 31 students, four teachers and one assistant in primary school teaching, and nine secondary school students. Self-isolation was determined for 650 primary school students and 156 secondary school students. There are eight people in quarantine in Zagreb.
Zagreb County
In Zagreb County there are new cases in the following cities and towns — 6 Samobor, 4 Sveta Nedelja, 1 Zaprešić, 1 Jastrebarsko, 12 Velika Gorica, 3 Ivanić-Grad, 1 Dugo Selo, 1 Vrbovec, 3 Sveti Ivan Zelina, municipalities – 4 Bistra, 1 Marija Gorica, 1 Klinča Sela, 1 Pisarovina, 1 Kravarsko, 2 Pokupsko, 1 Rakovec, 1 Farkaševac), and 684 people recovered. Self-isolation was prescribed for students in 17 classes of primary school.
NEW: From November 30 to December 24, 2020, due to the current epidemiological situation, classes will be held online in high schools in the Zagreb County . Find out more here. Testing center information here.
COVID-19 News in Past 48 Hours
Split Patient Who Left Hospital For Warm Shower Faces Criminal Investigation
As reported yesterday, two days ago by a 56-year-old man from Split, who suffers from two potentially fatal diseases, COVID-19 and pancreatitis, wanted to take a shower. But as there was no hot water, he went home.The hospital reported the unpleasant event to the police, and the police promptly interviewed the “COVID-19 positive”. As Slobodna dalmacija learned, the 56-year-old informed the police that he was positive for COVID-19 before they started talking to him.
The man informed the police during that conversation that he had left the hospital, after signing an agreement to leave at his own risk. He claims he wore a protective mask to his house and avoided people on his way home. The police will report to the State Attorney’s Office upon completion of the criminal investigation.
Split Hospital Director Explains Lack of Hot Water at Split Hospital, Next Steps
“We have long since chosen a contractor who will change the pumps so our patients will get hot water faster. But as the pandemic has taken over our lives, this project cannot be completed right now. I must point out that the patient who left the hospital was offered the opportunity to clean up in another bathroom, but he refused and went home.” claimed Dr. Krešimir Dolić, Deputy Director of KBC Split.
Slobodna dalmacija have reported on the problem with “non-existent” hot water in the eastern KBC complex several times, but the situation has not been resolved. Most notably, 78 million HRK was invested in the energy renovation of the facility three years ago, but the project did not cover that part of the energy system, so the contractor was not required to fix it. Therefore, the facility does not have a built-in water recirculation system.
This means that patients and staff on higher floors receive water later — with a delay of a few minutes after opening the tap. However, and especially in the morning, getting hot water requires a ten minute wait. This is because the pipes cool down by morning due to the non-use of hot water during the night
First Person in Croatia Could Receive COVID-19 Vaccine by December 28, Pending EU Approval
Although the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced that approval for the use of Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine could arrive by December 29, the German Bild reports that this could happen as early as December 23. In that case, the Germans say that vaccination in that country could start the day after Christmas, or on December 26. Considering that the European Commission has announced that, after EMA approval, all EU countries will receive the vaccine at the same time. This would mean that Croatia could receive the vaccines on December 26 or 28.
“We have information that the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Croatia on January 4. However, the company said earlier that, as soon as the EMA approval arrives, symbolic quantities of the vaccine could be delivered to all EU countries at the same time this year, and the rest should arrive after the New Year,” says Dr. Krunoslav Capak, Director of the CNIPH. He is also convinced that, in the event that the EMA approves the vaccine on December 23, Croatia will receive the first quantities at the same time as Germany, like other EU countries.
Pulmonologist Sasa Srica Expresses Concern About Lack of Hospital Beds for Seriously Ill
About the situation in KB Dubrava Saša Srića revealed: “I am afraid that the data of the Ministry of Health does not correspond to the current situation in Dubrava. I commend the director, doctors, nurses, and specialists who are working at superhuman capacities. However, I am afraid that the numbers do not correspond to the real situation regarding patients in moderate and critical condition, patients who require oxygen and those who end up in intensive care. The number has exceeded 80% and emergency rooms are overcrowded. Patients who do not require oxygen are sent home for treatment as long as the situation can be maintained. My colleague Markotić says that she feels like she is in a courtroom, which is a bit unusual because she needs to answer journalists’ questions. I am afraid that if this trend continues, we will end up in the robbery.”
Srica adds that he is concerned that hospitals will be filled if the patient influx continues: “If the trend continues, I am afraid that the capacities in KBC Zagreb and KB Sestre Milosrdnice will not be sufficient for patients who require hospital care. I am afraid that we will not have enough beds for the seriously ill,” he explained.
Split COVID-19 Patient Reports No Hot Water at Hospital, Goes Home to Shower
“At the cost of my life, I am leaving the Split hospital in Firule. I wanted to take a shower today, but there is no hot water in this department. I don’t know how instruments are cleaned when there is no hot water. Toilets are shared by men and women. Therefore, I decided to leave the hospital on my own initiative. I don’t believe that these conditions exist for patients anywhere in the world,” the former patient explained to Dalmacija danas. The man, who was diagnosed with pneumonia and pancreatitis, also tested positive for COVID-19.
“My condition was very bad, then it improved a bit. However, when it came to the fact that I did not have warm water to take a shower, I decided to leave the department at my own risk. I will go home to recover,” the man continued after signing his discharge letter. He says he feels sorry for the doctors and nurses because they are doing their best in this difficult situation, but that he is shocked by the conditions in which they must work and some patients must stay.
Croatia Government to Procure 169 Ventilators and 15,000 Doses of Remdesvir
On Monday, the Croatian Government approved the purchase of invasive ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and the purchase of Veklury (remdesivir) for the first three months of next year.
The price of one ventilator is 24,000 EUR without VAT or 180,000 HRK. Based on the analysis of the situation, they determined that it was necessary to purchase of 169 ventilators for of 5.056 million EUR or 38.025 million HRK, according Health Minister Vili Beros .
By the decision, the government authorized Krunoslav Capak, Director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, to sign a contract with the German provider GE Medical Systems Information Technologies.
Split Tourist Board Responds to Pictures of Yesterday’s Dense Crowds Without Masks
The Split Tourist Board organized numerous events on the Riva for the weekend, despite the strict measures and the large numbers of infected people that have been recorded in that county in recent days. The Split Tourist Board responded to Index regarding their role:
“The only live performances were on the Riva, exclusively on Saturdays and Sunday mornings in the open air for two hours. This was also in line with epidemiological restrictions. Therefore, we fenced off space for 25 people who are allowed to stay in front of the stage for a maximum of half an hour, respecting physical distance. Markings on the ground were also added for the correct and prescribed distance within the fences. There were never more than 25 people within the space during the weekend events,” they explained.
“The fenced section was arranged 25 m wide so that each spectator is 1.5 m away from each other. Upon entering this fenced section we followed these guidelines: temperature measurement, names recorded, and masks and disinfectants provided. Data is stored for 14 days after the event,” according to the Split Tourist Board.
“Please note that we cannot control the actions of attendees and performers after the end of the program. Also, in compliance with the regulations of the National Civil Protection Headquarters — all choirs, orchestras, and dance groups were excluded from the program. The musicians and entertainers on stage respected social distance,” they concluded.
Split Mayor Opara: Photographers With Bad Intentions Wish to Show Public Out of Control
“This is a only a situation of residents who welcomed the first sunny day after 15 days of rain and could finally go outside. Those who want to connect yesterday’s outing on the waterfront with the Advent musical program are again wrong, because they are looking for a problem where there isn’t one. Today, there isn’t a musical program on the Split waterfront. And the waterfront and city are again full of people who are adhering to restrictions and wearing masks,” explained Split Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara according to Dalmacija danas.
The mayor also claimed that photographers with telephoto lenses had bad intentions and wanted to show the public that the mass of people was out of control.
Prime Minister: Christmas Not Like Last Year, Additional Restrictions Possible
Croatian Prime Minister Plenković emphasized that it is clear that if we fail to reduce the current high numbers, the existing measures which are in effect until December 21 will have to be extended. At the same time, if we still do not see a reverse trend within a week, additional restrictions are possible.
“It is clear, unfortunately, that this Christmas will not be like last year. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to avoid large family gatherings and socializing, because spreading the infection within the family is easiest and then we endanger the health of those most at risk,” he explained.
Health Minister Beros: Increasing Capacities of COVID-19 Wards
“Considering the development of the current epidemiological situation, the Ministry of Health sent urgent instructions to KBC Zagreb to ensure maximum bed capacity. In agreement with the Ministry of Health KBC Zagreb, KB Dubrava and the Special Zagreb Hospital for Lung Diseases are increasing their capacities to accommodate COVID-19 positive patients, for which additional staff and equipment are being provided,” Beroš revealed.
He added that the deployment of health workers and redistribution of medical and technical equipment is still being carried out, and cited the deployment of doctors and nurses to Varaždin General Hospital and Čakovec County Hospital.
Split Residents Enjoy Advent Festivities Without Masks, Social Distancing
In Split today, in addition to the sun and coffee, people enjoyed the scheduled Advent festivities. In fact, the Split city authorities never banned them.
Therefore, according to the previously scheduled program, the Split group Providence performed today on a stage set up on the Riva from 11:00 to 13:00 CET, and Santa Claus handed out presents to children at noon. In Split, Advent is being held at as many as four locations, even though the latest national epidemiological restrictions banned such events. Apart from Riva, events were also held in Đardin, in Marmotova Street and on Gaja Bulat Square.
Jutarniji list reported on Sunday that people were not respecting social distancing, did not wear masks and sat right next to each other to talk, socialize and demonstrated general social irresponsibility.
Croatia Health Updates & COVID-19 Tracking
Koronavirus.hr (daily update at 10:00 CET in English) here, Facebook here, Twitter here and YouTube here.
Croatian Institute of Public Health (daily updates at 15:00 CET in Croatian) here.
COVID-19 INFO CROATIA well-moderated Facebook group providing rolling updates here.
US Embassy COVID-19 Information page can be found here.
Croatia National Headquarters New Safety Measures
Croatia has officially closed night clubs, night bars, discos, casinos, slot machine clubs and fitness centers. Restaurants and cafes are also closed. However, restaurants may offer delivery and pick-up. Stores and businesses allowed to remain open must adhere to the capacities prescribed by Civil Protection Headquarters. All events and gatherings with more than 25 people are prohibited, funerals included.
Official Croatia Government measures from koronavirus.hr — original here and translation here. This decision went into effect at midnight on November 27, 2020 and applies until December 21, 2020.
Croatia initially imposed restrictions on entry effective December 1 through December 15. Those have been extended to January 15. More information here.
Other Croatia COVID-19 Announcements
New Restrictions for Stores and Shopping Centers Go Into Effect Saturday December 12
“As for the organization of shops and shopping centers, we have prepared a decision that refers to a special organization of shops from this Saturday to January 10. The number of customers who can be in a store will be limited so that stores which have up to 10 square meters of retail space can only have one customer. For stores from 11 to 100 square meters, there must be at least 10 square meters per customer. For stores up to 200 square meters there must be at least 12 square meters per customer. In addition, for stores up to 2000 square meters there must be at least 16 square meters per customer. And for those bigger than that, there must be at least 20 square meters,” explained Davor Bozinovic.
“For shopping centers, the maximum number of customers will be calculated so that is at least 16 square meters for each customer. Stores and shopping centers will have to clearly state this capacity at entrances and will have to strictly adhere to these limits. For shops with more than 2,000 square meters, additional epidemiological measures are being introduced. These include the suspension of organized transport for customers and the introduction of security guards to prevent entry of excessive numbers of customers. They must also remove or disable seating in the common areas of shopping centers and remove or disable entertainment appliances. The civil protection service will be provided with information on the ventilation and air exchange system,” Bozinovic added.
500 HRK Fine for Not Wearing a Mask According to Guidelines, or Wearing One Improperly
As of December 5, non-wearing or improper wearing of masks where they are mandatory will be punished with a 500 HRK fine (66 EUR).
In addition to the current provision that masks must be worn indoors, they are becoming mandatory in public places in the open where there increased chances of virus transmission — where it is not possible to maintain a meter and a half distance. These circumstances include waiting in lines, riding in elevators and at public transport stops.
Face masks or medical masks must be worn the correct way so that the nose and mouth are covered. They must be worn at all times by health care workers, retail employees, drivers and employees in public transport, worshippers during religious ceremonies, and parents who transport their children to kindergarten or school.
Some groups of people are excluded from wearing masks, like children under the age of two and those older children who cannot tolerate wearing a mask, as well as people with certain forms of disabilities or health problems. More information here (in Croatian).
Drive In COVID-19 Testing at Split Ferry Terminal Beginning Monday, November 30
Drive in testing will be available at the Split ferry port at external berth of the cruise terminal – from 07:00 to 13:00 CET beginning Monday November 30.
Testing will be available exclusively to people who have ordered online. Two separate testing points are set up at the mentioned location. There is one for people who come by car and use the drive in service and the other point is for those who arrive as pedestrians. It is important to note that beginning November 30 there will be no testing at Križine. Appointments for testing can be arranged here.
Zagreb Offers Free Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing Beginning Monday, November 23
As of Monday, November 23, the City of Zagreb started mass antigen testing for COVID-19, the results of which will be obtained in 15 minutes. There are currently 50,000 tests available. More information about making appointments, procedures, testing sites, contact information and hours of operation here.
New Testing Procedures at Dr. Andrija Stampar, Telephone Lines for People in Self-Isolation
The Institute of Public Health “Dr. Andrija Štampar” informs citizens that a new Call Center has been opened for people in self-isolation in order to improve the monitoring of persons who have been in contact with people with COVID-19, and the telephone numbers are:
01/46 96 308
01/55 63 102
01/46 96 315
email: [email protected]
The working hours of the call center are seven days a week from 8:00 to 20:00 CET.
The new working hours of Drive-in testing from Monday, November 16, 2020 are: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 CET; on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 CET and on Sundays from 08:00 to 12:00 CET. Appointments for COVID-19 testing are available on the Dr. Andrija Štampar website here or directly here.
Separate COVID-19 Clinic Open in Rijeka
A separate COVID-19 health clinic started operating in the macro center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Health Center in Zamet (Bože Vidasa 16a). A separate outpatient clinic is intended for the examination of COVID-19 positive patients or patients with symptoms that may indicate a COVID-19 infection. General/family medicine teams will be receiving patients in the basement of the building (specially marked entrance on the north side of the building) on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and public holidays from 08:00 to 20:00 CET. Patients are admitted to the outpatient clinic exclusively by prior telephone appointment at the following telephone numbers: 091 251 8544 or 091 251 8545.
Ministry of Interior Reminds Citizens and Residents to Visit Police Stations Only When Urgent
The Ministry of the Interior (MUP) reminded citizens and residents on November 10 to come to police administrations and stations only in case of an urgent need to urgently solve some of the administrative tasks in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. They repeat that the validity of ID cards, passports and driver’s licenses and weapons certificates which expired after the proclamation of the COVID-19 epidemic on March 11 were extended for the entire duration of the epidemic, and at most 30 days after the proclamation of the end of the epidemic. The Ministry of the Interior also points out the possibility of submitting certain applications for administrative tasks via e-Services, which include submitting applications for passports, driver’s licenses, registration of residence, giving consent in certain administrative procedures, such as the landlord’s consent to registering residence.
Influenza Vaccinations Began in Mid October
Due to the coronavirus epidemic, the influenza vaccination started earlier this year in Croatia, in mid-October. A total of 590,000 doses of vaccine were ordered, and a vaccination plan has been prepared in compliance with all epidemiological measures. Contact information for pharmacies which offering vaccinations here.
Croatia Counties Strengthening Safety Measures to Control Spread of COVID-19
Several Croatia counties have strengthened safety measures in an attempt to control the transmission of COVID-19. Those include reducing the number of participants at weddings, funerals, wakes, and other private and public events. A full summary of county measures can be found here.
Croatia Travel Information
- Re-open EU here.
- canitravel.net here.
- Euronews Article: Where can I book a holiday in Europe? here.
- Detailed Croatia travel information, transportation, traffic updates and entry information here.
- Croatia imposed restrictions on entry effective December 1 through December 15. More information here.
European Union COVID-19 Statistics
Information on the COVID-19 situation and maps can be found on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website here.
As of December 14, the ECDC discontinued daily updates on the 14-day cumulative notification rate. They will update once a week on Thursdays (the spreadsheet below reflects numbers for December 14).
Maps can be found here for:
- Combined indicator: 14-day notification rate, testing rate and test positivity
- 14-day case notification rate per 100, 000 inhabitants
- Testing rates per 100, 000 inhabitants
World Live Updates
CNN updates can be found here.
The Guardian updates are here.
Al Jazeera updates are available here.
World Statistics & Pandemic Information
Johns Hopkins international map tracking spread of COVID-19 here.
Worldometers spreadsheets and charts here.
World Health Organization (WHO) updates here.
Follow this link for all Daily Croatia updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. UPDATED: 22:00 CET (Central European Time)
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