December 26, 2020 — In the past 24 hours, Croatia reported 350 new COVID-19 cases. There are currently 11,644 active cases. Sixty-five (65) have died. There are 39,786 people in self-isolation.
Follow this link for all Daily Croatia updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. UPDATED: 17:00 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
350 — New cases
11,644 — Active cases
2,664 — Treated in hospitals
271 — On ventilators
65 — Deceased
2,522 — Recovered
1,651 — Tested
39,786 — In self-isolation
Cumulative COVID-19 Data
203,962 — Total cases (since 25.02.20)
186,553 — Total recovered (since 25.02.20)
3,548 — Total deceased (since 25.02.20)
989,014 — 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
36 — Tested
0 — New cases (0 — from antigen tests)
0% — Percent positive
N/A — COVID-19 positive contacts
49 — Recovered
40 — Hospitalized
7 — On ventilators (6 — invasive, 1 — non-invasive, 0 — oxygen)
664 — In self-isolation (2 — violations)
Towns and Cities — Forty-nine (49) people recovered: 18 from Dubrovnik, seven from Korčula and Metković, six from Opuzen, two each from Blato, Konavle, Kula Norinska and Župa dubrovačka, and one each from Lastovo, Ploče and Vela Luka.
Additional Details — There have been two cases of violation of self-isolation (both at the border).
Istra County
181 — Tested
23 — New cases
13% — Percent positive
17 — COVID-19 positive contacts (or self-isolation)
40 — Recovered
72 — Hospitalized
3 — On ventilators
1,451 — Self-isolation
Additional Details — For 2 people, epidemiologically, these are imported cases from: Zagreb (1), Slovenia (1).
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
N/A — Tested
18 — New cases
N/A — Percent positive
67 — Recovered
145 — Hospitalized
17 — On ventilators
Split-Dalmatia County
67 — Tested
16 — Positive
24% — Percent positive
9 – COVID-19 positive contacts
147 — Hospitalized
10 — On ventilators
3,285 — In self-isolation
Towns and Cities — from Split 7, Kaštela 1, Omiš 2, Sinj 2, Vrgorac 1, Dicmo 1, Otok 1 and Šestanovac 1 person.
Zadar County
N/A — Tested
7 — New cases
N/A — Percent positive
N/A — Recovered
79 — Hospitalized (58 — Zadar, 21 — Biograd)
9 — On ventilators
N/A — In self-isolation
Towns and Cities — N/A
Additional Details — 27 patients have been infected with COVID-19 at the Psychiatric Hospital in Ugljan.
Zagreb City
31 — New Cases
N/A — Tested
N/A — Positive
N/A — Percent positive
N/A — Antigen tests
N/A — Positive from antigen tests
N/A — Percent positive from antigen tests
411 — Recovered
28 — COVID-19 positive contacts
123 — New in self-isolation
N/A — In quarantine
Additional Details — Eighteen (18) people are residents/employees of elderly homes and other social welfare institutions Two people may have been exposed at the workplace. Positive test results for 27 residents and five employees were confirmed in homes for the elderly and infirm and other social institutions in Zagreb.
Zagreb County
61 — New cases
242 — Recovered
Towns and Cities — 3 Samobor, 5 Sveta Nedjelja, 7 Zaprešić, 1 Jastrebarsko, 14 Velika Gorica, 3 Ivanić-Grad, 5 Dugo Selo, 3 Vrbovec 3 Sveti Ivan Zelina, municipalities – 3 Brdovec , 2 Bistra, 1 Pušća, 1 Stupnik, 3 Pisarovina, 1 Orle, 1 Križ, 2 Rugvica, 3 Dubrava
Additional Details — N/A
Announcements — Testing center information here.
COVID-19 News in Past 48 Hours
Saturday December 26
Croatian Institute of Public Health Removes Photos of Director Capak Sitting on Box of Vaccines
After numerous negative reactions to photos of Krunoslav Capak sitting on a vaccine box, which were taken early this morning, HZJZ (Croatian Institute of Public Health) has removed those four photos from their website.
The first shipment, or 9750 doses, of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Croatia at around 6:00 CET. It arrived from Poland and contained a preliminary number of doses of the first approved vaccine organized by the European Union. These shipments will allow member states to begin their vaccination campaigns.
The vaccine, which arrived by refrigerated truck, was escorted by police from the border to the Croatian Institute of Public Health. It was welcomed by Krunoslav Capak, Director of HZJZ, who emphasized that it was the most important event since the pandemic.
He then posted a series of photos of himself posing with the vaccine, some of which show him sitting on a box containing the vaccines. However, HZJZ has since removed these photos of Capak, and his assistant now claims that the box he was sitting on was empty. Look at the photos here.
Organizers of Špansko Gathering Face Criminal Charges, Launch Petition
A petition has been launched in support of the organizers of “Advent at Our Home in Špansko” because, as they say, criminal charges have been filed against them for spreading infection.
For weeks volunteers and residents of Špansko, Lana Račić and Danijel Perić, have been organizing various small events for the holidays. Everything was fine until Christmas Eve when they gathered children on Ivan Kukuljević Square, gave them presents and played music. The police then came and dispersed everyone, including the children.
At the time of writing, the petition has collected 145 signatures. Part of the petition reads: “Police dispersed several children from Ivan Kukuljević Square on Christmas Day, while in the center of Zagreb there were more than a thousand people drinking alcohol without adhering to any epidemiological measures.”
Shortly afterward, they posted an updated status in which they pointed out that: “they are not in favor of reducing sentences or dropping charges against the organizers, nor are they calling for sentencing people on Cvjetni trg.” They are only seeking an explanation from the institutions involved.
Friday December 25
In Zadar, Five People Fined Up to 265 EUR for Gathering on Christmas Eve
According to tradition, Zadar residents gathered yesterday in the old town for Christmas Eve. Although catering facilities were closed this year and bakalar was not distributed, many managed to secure food and drink in other ways, HRT reports.
The Zadar Police Department warned people not to gather and they dispersed after that. At one point, someone threw a bottle at a police officer, but did not hit him, added HRT.
According to Dnevnik.hr, five people received misdemeanor charges for violating the Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases. Specifically, they did not wear protective masks in a place where it was not possible to keep a social distance. Non-compliance with measures cost them between 1,000 and 2,000 HRK (132 to 265 EUR).
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, 2021. 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. Answers to additional questions here.
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 23).
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.
NOTE: Sweden has not provided new case or death data for December 23, 24 or 25. Spain has not provided data for December 25.

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: 17:00 CET (Central European Time)
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