The Croatian government presented the three phases plan to relax their COVID-19 measures throughout the country, including the reopening of schools, café bars and hairdressers. The Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, opened today’s session of the Croatian cabinet and presented the three phases, the three dates that will launch economic, educational and cultural activities.
The three dates were revealed last night, the 27th of April, the 4th of May and the 11th of May, and today the full details as to what measures will be relaxed on which date was announced.
"The epidemiological situation is under control; the trend has been declining for the last two weeks. We have succeeded in doing this together, thanks to the measures and responsible behaviour of our fellow citizens," said Plenkovic. And added “We can gradually launch a series of activities, but unfortunately that doesn't mean it can go back to the old days, otherwise we would lose everything we've achieved. The virus requires the caution of all of us."
The three stages on easing the COVID-19 measures across Croatia
Phase One - Monday 27 April
Opening of trade activities except those within shopping centres. It will be possible to continue working in the service sector, except where there is close contact. City and suburban public transport lines will be reintroduced. Museums, libraries, galleries and bookstores will be allowed to reopen. Professional athletes will be allowed to train. All of these measures will have their own specific safety regulations, such as masks and gloves.
Phase Two – Monday 4 May
In the second phase other businesses, with closer contact to the public, will be able to reopen, such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, pedicure, etc. However, all these businesses will have to work with special measures that will be announced later. This will presumably include masks, gloves, visors and disinfections. Also in this stage private health institutions will be able to reopen, again with special epidemiological measures, also the state health system will begin to operate at all levels.
Third phase – Monday 11 May
The third phase is scheduled for May 11 and in this final of the first three phases internal air transport will be able to operate again, opening up flights between Dubrovnik and Zagreb and Split. Also public transport between counties will be reopened as the country once again comes together in one unit as opposed to the travel regulations that have divided the country. Shopping centres will also be able to reopen their doors. And some school classes will also reopen, including preschools and classes from grades 1 to 4, as well as the work with children with disabilities. National parks will also be able to reopen their doors. And café bars and restaurants will be able to open, but only outside terraces and with special protective measures. In this third phase public gatherings of up to a maximum of ten people will also be allowed.
The Prime Minister stated that each phase would be taken step by step and in partnership and consultation with the medical experts. "Moving back to the former restrictive COVID-19 measures is not off the table," he added.
Plenkovic also added that from the 2nd of May religious gatherings will be allowed, with special measures.
However, public gatherings, with groups of more than ten people will continue to be banned. This means that, for example, sporting events, concerts and weddings will still have to wait for the second easing of measures.
Plenkovic empathized that "The most vulnerable are elderly citizens. It is recommended that these people, those with chronic illnesses, stay home. They are the most vulnerable."
"I believe we will learn to live with this virus. We will find solutions with our partners in Europe. So we will be in a position to move towards opening borders as well. We will find solutions in the coming weeks that will be mutually agreed and safe," he said.
