December 20, 2020 — In the past 24 hours, Croatia reported 1,975 new COVID-19 cases. There are currently 18,267 active cases. Seventy-six (76) have died. There are 55,417 people in self-isolation.
Follow this link for all Daily Croatia updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. UPDATED: 21:00 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 Restrictions
Other Croatia COVID-19 Announcements
Croatia Travel Information
European Union COVID-19 Statistics
World Live Updates
World Statistics & Pandemic Information
Current COVID-19 Data
1,975 – New cases
18,267 – Active cases
2,976 – Treated in hospitals
290 – On ventilators
76 – Deceased
3,390 – Recovered
9,191 – Tested
55,417 – In self-isolation
Cumulative COVID-19 Data
194,962 – Total cases (since 25.02.20)
173,158 – Total recovered (since 25.02.20)
3,177 – Total deceased (since 25.02.20)
950,611 – 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
285 — Tested
32 — New cases (9 — from antigen tests)
11% — Percent positive
17 — COVID-19 positive contacts
60 — Recovered
58 — Hospitalized
9 — On ventilators (6 — invasive, 3 — non-invasive)
1,049 — In self-isolation (2 violations)
Towns and Cities — These are 15 people from Dubrovnik, five from Konavle, two each from Blato, the Dubrovnik littoral, Metković, Vela Luka and the Dubrovnik Parish, and one each from Opuzen and Ploče. Sixty (60) people recovered: 29 from Dubrovnik, 17 from Metković, three each from Konavle, Opuzen and Ploče, two each from Kula Norinska and Župa dubrovačka and one from Ston.
Istra County
191 — Tested
15 — New cases
8% — Percent positive
11 — COVID-19 positive contacts (or self-isolation)
48 — Recovered
68 — Hospitalized
2 — On ventilators
1,573 — Self-isolation
Additional Details — For 2 people, epidemiologically, these are imported cases from Zagreb (2).
Announcements — Beginning Monday December 14 high schools switch to online classes. They will last until December 23.
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
1170 — Tested
223 — New cases
19% — Percent positive
380 — Recovered
156 — Hospitalized
16 — On ventilators
Split-Dalmatia County
810 — Tested
154 — New cases
19% — Percent positive
82 — COVID-19 positive contacts
182 — Hospitalized
17 — On ventilators
3,052 — In self-isolation
Towns and Cities — from Split 58, Imotski 5, Kaštela 4, Makarska 1, Omiš 3, Sinj 24, Solin 8, Stari Grad 1, Supetar 1, Trilj 4, Trogir 2, Brela 1, Dicmo 3, Dugi Rat 3, Dugopolje 12, Hrvace 2, Klisa 1, Lokvicici 1, Muc 2, Otok 5, Podbablje 2, Podstrana 3, Postira 1, Prolozac 1, Runovici 1, Seget 1, Sestanovac 2, Zagvozd 1, Zmijavci 1 person.
Zadar County
367– Tested
87 — New cases
24% — Percent positive
598 — Recovered
86 — Hospitalized (58 — Zadar, 28 — Biograd)
11 — On ventilators
N/A — In self-isolation
Towns and Cities — (44) are from Zadar, nine from Benkovac, five from Preko, three each from Poličnik and Sv. Filip and Jakov.
Additional Details — At the Ugljan Psychiatric Hospital, 29 patients were infected. Police recorded one violation of self-isolation.
Zagreb City
0 — Antigen tests
0 — Positive
N/A — Percent positive from antigen tests
1,263 — PCR tests
172 — Positive
14% — Percent positive from PCR tests
167 — COVID-19 positive contacts
1,381 — New in self-isolation
14 — In quarantine
Additional Details — Fifty-two (52) people are residents/employees of elderly homes and other social welfare institutions. Workplace exposure was possible for 19 people. Seven people arrived from Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Tanzania. Five people may have been exposed at health facilities.
Positive test results for 37 residents and 13 employees were confirmed in homes for the elderly and infirm and other social institutions in Zagreb. Positive test results were confirmed for 29 students and six primary school teachers and one secondary school student. Self-isolation was ordered for 601 students and seven primary school teachers and 12 secondary school students.
Zagreb County
292 — New cases
460 — Recovered
Towns and Cities — 19 Samobor, 7 Sveta Nedelja, 38 Zaprešić, 9 Jastrebarsko, 69 Velika Gorica, 9 Ivanić-Grad, 17 Dugo Selo, 16 Vrbovec, 11 Sveti Ivan Zelina, municipalities – 10 Brdovec, 17 Bistra, 5 Jakovlje, 7 Luka, 2 Marija Gorica, 5 Pusca, 4 Dubravica, 2 Klinca Sela, 2 Pisarovina, 1 Krasic, 5 Orle, 4 Kravarsko, 1 Pokupsko, 13 Klostar Ivanic, 9 Kriz, 2 Brckovljani, 2 Rugvica, 2 Dubrava, 1 Rakovec, 1 Gradec, 2 Farkaševac
Additional Details — Self-isolation is prescribed for the 1 class of primary school.
Announcements — 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
Sunday December 20
Half of All Croatians Support Closure of Churches, They Most Trust Markotić and Đikić
According to their research, Dnevnik Nova TV reveals how respondents evaluate the work of the headquarters, who they trust the most when it comes to COVID-19 and which restrictions they approve of and which they would repeal.
Citizens rate the work of the headquarters with a three (out of 5). As expected, young people evaluate the staff more poorly, and the elderly population evaluates them more favorably. The work of the headquarters is still approved by two thirds of the respondents, or 68 percent, but their support is falling. Their work is not approved by 27 percent, and 5 percent of respondents are not sure.
Among HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) voters, most support the decisions of the headquarters, while Most voters are the more skeptical.
Alemka Markotic Supported by 29 Percent, Ivan Dikic Follows With 25 Percent
When Croatians are required to choose someone they trust most, it is Alemka Markotić, 29 percent of respondents chose her. She is the first choice among Istrians and Primorje, then Dalmatians. More HDZ members – interestingly – consider her the first choice over Vili Beroš or Davor Božinović. She is followed by Ivan Đikić, who is placed at 25 percent. He is the first choice of the largest percentage of voters from the former SDP (Social Democratic) coalition, and Možemo! (We can!).
Minister of Health Vili Beroš – if one person were to be elected – would be elected by 16 percent of people, Krunoslav Capak 5, Gordan Lauc 4 percent. The head of the National Staff, Davor Božinović, was chosen as the one person they trust the most by just 2 percent of respondents, and no one – 8 percent.
Sixty Percent of Respondents Follow the Headquarters Guidelines
More than half of the citizens, 56 percent of them, think that the government is taking appropriate measures against the pandemic. More than one-third, 36 percent of them disagree, and 8 percent have no opinion. Sixty (60) percent of respondents follow the guidelines of the headquarters. Most are followed by 35 percent, and part of the guidelines by 5 percent of citizens. Among the most obedient are voters of the former SDP coalition, followed by HDZ. And women follow the guidelines more than men, and — as expected — older respondents.
Croatians would close cinemas and theaters, according to 58 percent. Half of the respondents, 52 percent, would switch schools to online classes. When it comes to closing churches – 50 percent said yes, while the working hours of shops would be limited by almost 40 percent.
Saturday December 19
Traffic Back Ups at Slovenian Croatian Border, Many Entering Without PCR Test
Since the Headquarters announced the decision to introduce passes (propusnice), many have taken to the road before the decision to restrict travel goes into effect, according to Dnevnik.hr.
Currently, traffic has increased on major roads and border crossings, especially with Slovenia entering Croatia, and with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia leaving Croatia. At Macelj, it takes an average of an hour and a half to enter Croatia from Slovenia, and an hour to enter Croatia at Bregana.
From midnight to 17:00 CET — almost 9,000 passengers and 4,000 vehicles entered Croatia. This number of vehicles should not create such huge crowds, but the problem is that many are trying to enter Croatia without a PCR test. Therefore, a procedure which should last 30 seconds becomes a process that lasts up to five minutes, because authorities must issue self-isolation orders.
Anyone who wishes to enter Croatia must have a negative COVID-19 test. If they do not, they must get tested in Croatia and be in self-isolation pending negative results. HAK notes that traffic jams are expected tomorrow on all Croatian roads.
President Croatian Medical Union (HLS): Almost Nobody Received Promised Salary Bonus
Renata Čulinović Čaić, President of the Croatian Medical Union (HLS), was a guest on N1, after working all night, to discuss what is happening with doctors who come to help colleagues at the hospital in Čakovec. She also revealed whether COVID-19 bonuses are being paid to health care workers.
“The daily influx of new patients can be said to be slightly declining. However, the problem with us is that most of the patients we receive in the Emergency Department are usually negative. However, two or three days after they come to the ward, they develop symptoms and a PCR test confirms that they are positive,” she explained.
“With such patients, we have departments emptying, staff testing, and testing of all patients in the ward almost every day,” she continued. She also explained that this is the reason why they have more wards in the hospital, and the hospital is not big. Then she pointed out that wards are recording a virus breakout almost every day.
Given the large number of patients and these condition, is the current number of health workers coming from other cities enough help?
“I’m afraid we’re in big trouble,” she revealed, before continuing.
“I have to distance myself and be careful regarding the statements I make in public, because after one of my recent statements I was warned that news and information from the hospital can only be delivered by the director or a person authorized by him. But I can say what I see from his daily work.”
Even Bulgaria Heath Care Workers Began Receiving COVID-19 Bonuses Back in March
She also commented on the salary supplement, which Health Minister Vili Beroš announced for health care workers who look after COVID-19 patients: “Almost no one got it. Yesterday, I arranged with the branch presidents to send me field reports. As far as I could see, almost no one got that allowance.”
“All throughout Europe, health care workers receive a COVID-19 supplement. Even in Bulgaria, which is economically worse off than we are. Health care workers began receiving them there in March,” she pointed out.
“Minister Beroš said that the allowance will be given to everyone who cares for COVID-19 positive patients. So, who is not caring for COVID-19 positive patients today?” the President of HLS asked.
Friday December 18
Rapid Antigen Tests Available Only on Referral in Split Dalmatia County
For several days now the County Teaching Institute for Public Health in Split-Dalmatia County has been conducting antigen, or rapid testing for COVID-19. Not everyone can get this test, in which results are available in 15 minutes. They are only available by referral from a family doctor.
Therefore, Slobodna dalmacija found out how many were positive from the total number tested so far.
“The positive results from the rapid tests are 30 to 40 percent, which is the same percentage as PCR tests. I should also mention that in a few days we will begin offering free quick tests in Sinj, Makarska and Imotski, because the Government is sending us quick tests from their reserves,” explained Dr. Diana Nonković, Head of the Epidemiological Service of the County Institute of Public Health.
“This test will be available to everyone, who is referred by their doctor online for testing,” she added.
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 Restrictions
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 restrictions 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. These restrictions have been extended to January 10, 2021 with the following additions:
- A maximum of 10 people from a maximum of 2 different households may be present at private gatherings and ceremonies.
- It is recommended that Mass celebrations be broadcast whenever possible via radio, TV or in any other way that will allow worshippers to attend Mass without coming to religious facilities. On December 24 and 25, 2020, as an exception, Mass celebrations should be held in accordance with special recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.
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
Passes Required to Leave County of Residence With Certain Exceptions
The National Civil Protection Headquarters announced the details of the introduction of passes at today’s press conference. Passes will therefore be required to leave a county, and the ban on leaving counties without passes will be valid from 00:01 December 23 to January 8. Official announcement here (in Croatian) and a translation with answers to frequently asked questions here.
The ban on leaving counties will not apply to:
- Staff necessary for traffic maintenance and supply.
- Daily movement of employees in services important for: provision of health and veterinary protection, delivery of medicines and sanitary items, maintenance for communal activities, water supply and drainage, gas and electricity supply and security services.
- Public reporting.
- Patients requiring medical care.
- Travel to and from work, if necessary, which cannot be done from home.
- Emergency and operational services involved in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Diplomatic staff.
- People who have paid reservations at hotels which are still working.
For more information about passes:
[email protected]
0800 80 90
e-Propusnica website here
The website and services will be operational on Monday December 21.
No Testing at Dr. Andrija Štampar in Zagreb on Christmas and New Years Days
The Teaching Institute for Public Health (NZJZ) “Dr. Andrija Štampar” in Zagreb reported that on Christmas and New Year’s Day it will not test residents for COVID-19. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve testing will be conducted 9:00 to 11:00 CET.
Aside from the mentioned days, testing will be conducted in the NZJZ according to the regular schedule, and everyone is asked to apply through the available online platform here. The regular working hours of drive-in testing at the Institute (Mirogojska cesta 16) are from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 CET, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 CET and on Sundays from 8:00 to 12:00 CET.
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.
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.
Croatia Counties Strengthening Safety Restrictions to Control Spread of COVID-19
Several Croatia counties have strengthened safety restrictions 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 restrictions 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.
- Croatia imposed restrictions on entry effective December 1 through December 15. Those have been extended to January 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 COVID-19 cases/deaths per 100,000. They now update once a week on Thursdays (the most recent spreadsheet reflects numbers as of December 17).
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
Since the ECDC has discontinued daily updates on the 14-day cumulative COVID-19 cases/deaths per 100,000, Daily Croatia will continue to compile new case and deaths to reflect the 7-day cumulative COVID-19 cases/deaths per 100,000. We believe that using a 7-day, rather than a 14-day window, will more effectively track epidemiological shifts. This spreadsheet will be updated daily.
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: 21:00 CET (Central European Time)
Leave a Reply