The second of three phases of relaxing the COVID-19 restriction measures comes into force across Croatia today and amongst other things sees the reopening of hairdressers, the health system and massages.
From today the second phase of the relaxation of coronavirus measures comes into effect in Croatia as the country slowly reactivates following a positive COVID-19 situation and ever falling numbers of new cases. The government's plan to launch economic and other activities envisages that in the second phase, the functioning of the public health system as well as the private health system will be gradually normalized, but with special epidemiological measures.
As part of the gradual reactivation of the health system, which, due to the coronavirus pandemic, focused only on the care of emergency patients, surgery programs and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that have been delayed since mid-March will be restarted. The Health Minister Willie Beros has announced that waiting lists will be updated and all patients will be notified of new appointments. It will also strengthen services through day hospitals and one-day surgeries, and organize polyclinic work by ordering patients at specific times, to reduce the time spent in waiting rooms. The health system will work in two shifts, from 8am to 8pm, and on weekends as needed, the minister announces.
The second step of loosening the measures aimed at combating and preventing the spread of COVID-19, which were adopted in mid-March, will allow work and activities in close contact with clients, such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers and pedicures. The Croatian Institute of Public Health has issued recommendations aimed at preventing and combating the epidemic, which regulate in detail the work of hairdressing and beauty salons, barber shops, as well as salons dealing with tattooing, manicures and pedicures.
Last weekend, precise recommendations for religious ceremonies, which have been enabled since May 2, emphasized the need to shorten religious gatherings, to ensure the physical distance of participants and the increased hygiene of persons and places.
In the third phase of the loosening of measures, which should start from May 11, it is possible to gather up to 10 people in one place, with respect to physical distance measures and work of shopping centres, with respect to special epidemiological measures.
The work of preschool institutions and class teaching from 1st to 4th grade of primary school is also possible. Students can take laboratory, art and clinical exercises and practice in small groups.
It is also envisaged to introduce inter-county transport lines and domestic air transport lines and to open catering facilities exclusively on outdoor areas and terraces. Catering facilities in accommodation facilities would be open only to users of accommodation services, national and nature parks would be opened and e-pass opportunities would be expanded.
