January 5, 2021 — In the past 24 hours, Croatia reported 1,071 new COVID-19 cases (16% positive). There are currently 5,908 active cases. Fifty-three (53) have died. There are 17,448 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
1,071 — New cases
5,908 — Active cases
2,390 — Treated in hospitals
200 — On ventilators
53 — Deceased
1,009 — Recovered
6,602 — Tested
17,448 — In self-isolation
Cumulative COVID-19 Data
214,390 — Total cases (since 25.02.20)
204,303 — Total recovered (since 25.02.20)
4,179 — Total deceased (since 25.02.20)
1,041,678 — Total tested (since 25.02.20)
COVID-19 Case Count by Croatia County
Sources: Index here, koronavirus.hr here, and county links 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
185 — Tested
24 — New cases (N/A — from antigen tests)
13% — Percent positive
13 — COVID-19 positive contacts
22 — Recovered
29 — Hospitalized
7 — On ventilators (6 — invasive, 1 — non-invasive, 0 — oxygen)
576 — In self-isolation (0 — violations)
Towns and Cities — 12 people from Dubrovnik, five from Korčula, two each from Konavle, Metković and Ploče, and one person from the Dubrovnik Parish. Twenty-two (22) people recovered: five each from Dubrovnik and Korčula, four from Metković, three from Konavle, two from Vela Luka and one each from Lumbarda, Župa dubrovačka and Lastovo.
Additional Details — N/A
Istra County
493 — Tested
65 — New cases
13% — Percent positive
48 — COVID-19 positive contacts (or self-isolation)
16 — Recovered
58 — Hospitalized
5 — On ventilators
766 — Self-isolation
Additional Details — N/A
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
573 — Tested
94 — New cases
16% — Percent positive
239 — Recovered
110 — Hospitalized
9 — On ventilators
Split-Dalmatia County
658 — Tested
109 — Positive
17% — Percent positive
62 — COVID-19 positive contacts
140 — Hospitalized
3 — On ventilators
1,823 — In self-isolation
Towns and Cities — Split 33, Hvar 11, Imotski 7, Kaštela 5, Makarska 4 , Omis 7, Sinj 4, Solin 6, Trilj 3, Trogir 1, Vrgorac 2, Vrlika 1, Bol 1, Dicmo 1, Dugi Rat 2, Dugopolje 2, Marina 1, Muc 2, Nerezisca 1, Otok 1, Podgora 2, Podstrana 2, Postira 1, Pucisca 2, Seget 2, Selca 1, Sucuraj 1, Sestanovac 1, Tucepi 1 and Cista Provo 1 person.
Zadar County
225 — Tested
34 — New cases
15% — Percent positive
78 — Recovered
72 — Hospitalized (58 — Zadar, 14 — Biograd)
8 — On ventilators
1,084 — In self-isolation (violations)
Towns and Cities — Zadar (15), Biograd (1), Nin (2), Pag (1) and the municipalities of Kolan (2), Pašman (1), Posedarje (3), Preko (3), Privlaka 1), Sukosan (1), Sv. Filip i Jakov (2) and Škabrnja (2).
Additional Details — N/A
Zagreb City
133 — 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
134 — Recovered
39 — COVID-19 positive contacts
N/A — New in self-isolation
0 — In quarantine
Additional Details — Among the new cases are 24 residents and 12 employees of elderly homes and other social institutions. One person arrived from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and six may have been exposed during their stay in health care institutions.
Zagreb County
9 — New cases
306 — Recovered
Towns and Cities — 1 Samobor, 1 Zaprešić, 1 Jastrebarsko, 4 Velika Gorica, 1 Dugo Selo, municipalities — 1 Dubrava.
Additional Details — N/A
Announcements — Testing center information here.
COVID-19 News in Past 48 Hours
Tuesday January 5
More Contagious Scottish COVID-19 Strain Discovered in Northern Croatia
Analysis of COVID-19 samples from various parts of Croatia has not yet revealed the presence of the English strain, which is spreading about 70% faster than usual, but has revealed the existence of the Scottish strain, which is also rapidly spreading, said molecular biologist Prof. Kristian Vlahoviček from the Faculty of Science in Zagreb.
“We analyzed about 30 samples from the beginning of the second wave and about 30 which were recently collected, of which about 15 were from Northern Croatia and the rest from Zagreb. The good news is that in all 60 samples we did not find one that corresponds to the rapidly spreading N501Y strain discovered in England in November. This, of course, does not mean that it is not present in Croatia, but right now the probability that it is dominant is relatively small,” explains Vlahoviček.
The Scottish mutation is present in several other countries. According to a recent study, it binds more strongly to cells, and simulations show that it could be more resistant to some antibodies. However, this does not mean that the current vaccines will not provide immunity against it. The fact that its presence in Croatia has significantly increased since the beginning of the second wave supports the thesis that it is spreading faster.
Saša Srića Does Not See Drastic Improvement in COVID-19 Situation
Pulmonologist Saša Srića commented on the epidemiological situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. He also commented on last week’s earthquake in Sisak-Moslavina County. Unfortunately, many were left homeless, and Srića added that providing health care, especially to the elderly, is now a priority.
“I hope that enough people will be vaccinated. The period between the two vaccinations will be the most problematic. The logical disregard for epidemiological measures will certainly show that the number (of newly infected) in the Sisak-Moslavina County will grow, especially soon. The possibility of the infection, especially in these areas, will be higher,” predicts Srica.
He also commented on the smaller number of newly infected people in Croatia. Srića believes that fewer newly infected people corelates with smaller number of people tested.
Christmas, New Year’s Holidays Not a Good Reason to Test Less
“The number of people in hospitals is slightly lower, but not enough to be able to discuss the beginning of the end of the pandemic. And the number of deaths is still significant. So, I still do not see any drastic improvement in the situation,” Srica added. He also does not know why there was less testing recently: “We can get away with Christmas, New Year, and non-working days. But that should not be a reason to test less,” points out Srica.
However, the pulmonologist also pointed out some positive developments: “The fact is that the share of positives for those tested has dropped and that raises hope. Vaccination has also begun, which also raises hope. However, this is not a time to relax,” he warned.
“I think that a premature easing of measures would lead to a larger number of newly infected, as we are witnessing in other European countries which have more restrictive measures than Croatia. I think we still need to be patient and vaccinate a sizeable part of the population,” said Srica. He added that it is necessary to educate people about vaccination and all the benefits.
“There is often talk of more drastic side effects, which are rare, rather than the benefits of the vaccine. In the USA, there were only 6 reports of side effects per 1,100,000 people who were vaccinated. During the same time period, about 20,000 people died from COVID-19,” Srica reported.
Parliament Members Have Spent Less Because of Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic also left its mark on the expenses of members of parliament who, in the second half of last year, have spent less than usual because there was less air travel and per diem payments. From July 22 to December 18, when last year’s session of the parliament was concluded, the deputies spent 2.4 million HRK (317,416 EUR).
The costs for airline tickets were significantly lower, only 11,353 HRK (1,502 EUR), which was apparently affected by the pandemic. For the same reason, the costs of hotel accommodations were more modest – 105,000 HRK (13,887 EUR). Only 825 (109 EUR) was paid for per diems.
As expected, the highest costs were incurred by MPs furthest from Zagreb. HDZ members Nevenko Barbarić (49,000 HRK/6,481 EUR) and Radoje Vidović (45,000 HRK/5,952 EUR), who travel to sessions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, spent the most. They are followed by SDP’s Matko Kuzmanić (44,000/5,819 EUR) and Branko Grčić (43,000 HRK/5,687 EUR) from Split.
Members of Civil Protection Headquarters Staff Vaccinated Before Camera
Staff members of the Civil Protection Headquarters were vaccinated in front of the camera today. Božinović was the first to be vaccinated and was followed by Markotić and Verica Katalinić Janković and Krunoslav Capak. Minister of Health, Vili Beros, who recently recovered from COVID-19, was is not vaccinated.
“I was not sure what to do and after consulting with professionals, and I absolutely support vaccination. However, I will be vaccinated when my acquired natural immunity falls. Seeking additional protection when there is not enough vaccines is not considered ethical. At this point I would be certainly taking the vaccine away from someone else.
“I am not the only one who has recovered from the disease; there are 214,000 of us. All of us who had the disease three to 6 months ago should not be vaccinated at this time, but when our acquired immunity falls,” Beros said. He added that he would be vaccinated publicly in three months. Beros also expressed confidence that the vaccine would change the course of the global coronavirus pandemic for the better.
When will the vaccination of ‘ordinary’ people begin?
A vaccination plan exists, as staff members have revealed, but interested people still do not know when they will be able to do so.
Dr. Željka Karin, Director of the Institute of Public Health of the Split-Dalmatia County, announced the beginning of vaccination of primary health care workers. As she said, about a thousand people have been vaccinated so far, and they plan to use 8,000 doses by the end of the month.
“As you know, last week we started vaccinating in homes for the elderly and infirm. Resident response is good, but we are a little skeptical about employee response. We are encouraging them and are working to vaccinate them as much as possible. Interest in vaccination has not been nominal, and we do not have enough vaccines to satisfy current interest. However, we do have enough for the first phase.
In the second phase, people over 65 and the chronically ill will get vaccinated – announced Karin, and the general population will be offered the vaccine in the third phase.
She also revealed that out of about 1,000 people who received the vaccine, only one showed side effects — a one-day headache and mild fever.
“On the first day, we vaccinated several primary health care teams, and we expect that during the following weeks, more than 70 percent of doctors and nurses (teams) working in primary health care will get vaccinated,” she said. Only when the vaccination of primary health care workers is completed will the vaccine be distributed to family physicians.
The staff in homes for the elderly have not shown much interest, only ten percent of them received the vaccine. Karin hopes that will change soon.
“When they see that all health workers and people who are authorities in health care are vaccinated, I believe that it will be easier to accept getting it. First, they are protecting themselves, and then others,” she explained. Asked by reporters if she was vaccinated, she said she intends to do so soon. She must, like other health care workers, wait her turn.
Vaccination of Over 65, Chronically Ill Patients to Begin by End of January
At today’s press conference of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, Krunoslav Capak, Director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, also commented on the Oxford vaccine and when the vaccination will be available for people over 65 and chronically ill patients (second phase).
“As for the Oxford vaccine, it will be approved for the EU by the end of this month. According to our estimates, the second phase of vaccination will most likely start at the end of January,” Capak explained.
Monday January 4
Ivo Ivic: Without Vaccinations Outcome Not Good, Lockdown Inevitable
Ivo Ivic, Head of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the Clinical Hospital Center in Split, revealed on Monday that things were getting easier in that health institution because the number of COVID-19 patients was decreasing. He also warned that there would not be a good outcome if people did not get vaccinated.
“Widespread vaccination is crucial for us if we want to finally start living normally. If people do not get vaccinated, then we are doomed to lockdown, a semi-lockdown of a very indefinite duration – without that (vaccination) we will not have a good outcome,” continued Dr. Ivic.
Collective Immunity Only Possible When More Than 70 Percent Population Get Vaccinated
“Collective immunity” is achieved by vaccinating more than 70 percent of the population, and until that goal is achieved, he said, we must have as few contacts as possible and stick to all anti-epidemic measures. He added that it is easier now in Split KBC because the number of hospitalized is at 135, and there are four patients on ventilators.
“Apart from those four, we have four more on ventilators who are no longer COVID-19 positive,” he added. He pointed out that there used to be 100 examinations a day at the emergency department of the Split KBC. Now there are about 40, which is easier to handle, but he warned that they are still far from being in a good situation. “It’s better than before, but we still have a lot of work to do,” he pointed out.
In his opinion, stricter anti-epidemic measures and greater responsibility of citizens contributed to a better situation. The doctor also said that he was worried about possible infections of Dalmatians who went to help in the Petrinja area, where there was a devastating earthquake recently.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Immunity Develops Seven Days After Second Dose
He reiterated that immunity develops seven days after the second dose of the vaccine, which means that a person can become infected during the next month after the first dose. In addition, mild symptoms are possible when we can count on “a certain degree of immunity to develop” after the first dose of the vaccine.
However, it takes at least two weeks for some amounts of protective antibodies to form. He added that it is possible for a more severe clinical outlook to occur if that immunity fails to develop.
He also indicated that he did not dare to speculate on whether the number of newly infected people would increase again in seven or ten days, considering the New Year’s holidays: “My impression is that people were restrained even before the introduction of measures (before the holidays). Because, at least those who are more responsible, saw that the COVID-19 is not a joke,” Ivic concluded.
Croatia Health Updates & COVID-19 Tracking
Koronavirus.hr (daily update between 10:00 and 12:00 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 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. 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.
Croatia initially imposed restrictions on entry effective December 1. They have been extended to January 15, 2021. More information here.
Other Croatia COVID-19 Announcements
SUSPENDED: Passes Required to Leave County of Residence With Certain Exceptions
Passes (Propusnice) are temporarily abolished due to the December 29 earthquake. According to Prime Minister Plenkovic: “We do not want to create any administrative obstacles for people now, but I ask people to remain responsible,” he announced. Police are suspending operations at checkpoints between counties.
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.
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).
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 (e-građani), 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. They 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 30).
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. This spreadsheet is updated daily.
NOTE: Sweden has not provided data for January 4.
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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