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Coronavirus Update – April 6, 2020
We are continuing in our efforts to keep clients and travelers informed and up to date as to the impact of COVID-19 on travel in and out of Croatia. From the United States, United Kingdom and on the ground in Croatia our fantastic team have been working tirelessly to help existing and future travelers manage their trips and keep them informed of the latest developments.
As specialists in travel to Croatia with over 20 years of experience we are committed to working closely with our wonderful travelers to ensure we get through this together and make travel all that more special when we are able to take on our next adventure!
Current situation in Croatia
According to Dr. Alemka Markotic, Director of University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Croatia has been considered one of the most successful nations in managing the fight against the COVID-19 . Dr. Markotic comments, on some of the reasons Croatia has managed the outbreak so effectively.
“What we did well was that as soon as the diagnostic test appeared we introduced it, we started testing early,” added Markotic. She added “For 27 days, we tested and there were no patients; we identified the first patients immediately; epidemiologists marked their contacts. We were quickly focused on discovering new cases and isolating contact.”
Dr Markotic also went on to comment on how Croatia managed to ensure the virus did not enter through the healthcare system that has caused grave issues in other countries.
“We were fortunate that the virus did not enter through health care institutions as happened in Slovenia and Italy. We introduced reasonable and gradual measures, not abrupt but deliberate, expert and reasonable. We have accumulated experience, I think it is a matter of approach of rational introduction of measures,”
At the time of this update, there have been only 15 deaths and 1,182 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Croatia. Both in Europe and on a worldwide scale, Croatia continues to remain as one of the lesser impacted countries by COVID-19, r still remaining out of the top 50 for the number of cases or number of deaths.
Reasons To Feel Positive
Despite the continued disruption and impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives there ARE reasons to be positive during this time. Especially for those of you that are eager to travel, explore and dream of your next whirlwind adventure.
Austria today has confirmed that it plans to let smaller shops open next week with the aim of reopening all shops and malls from May 1st. This is a significant step for Europe with Austria being a country that acted swiftly to contain the virus and is already pushing forward with plans to loosen restrictions in the near future.
In Spain, deaths have declined for the fourth consecutive day as the impact of a nationwide lockdown begins to see its impact. As well as Spain, both Italy and France are now reporting falling numbers of cases and deaths with Italy’s 525 deaths in one day its lowest daily toll in two weeks.
Croatia And The Coronavirus Timeline
We have put together a timeline of key events regarding Croatia and the COVID-19 outbreak:
March 12th
In partnership with the European Union, Croatia announced that it was temporarily closing its borders to non-EU citizens.
March 19th
Croatia imposed strict rules on social events and public gatherings to restrict the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country. The new measures included a 30-day ban on public, religious and sporting events as well as the closure of restaurants and shops other than essential stores such as food outlets and pharmacies. Croatia has also closed its land borders for a period of 30 days.
March 22nd
In a strict attempt to manage the spread of COVID-19 Croatia suspended all public transportation services for a period of 30 days starting on March 22nd. This refers to all public transport by road (excluding taxis) and train/tram services.
March 23rd
Coming into force on March 23rd the Croatian government announced a ban on people leaving their place of residence with exceptions for essential workers and for vital family reasons. Freight transport is unaffected and is functioning well.
March 29th
A plane from Shanghai landed in Zagreb carrying 13 tonnes of protective equipment designed to be used in medical institutions and hospitals currently dealing with the pandemic.
April 5th
On April 5th the Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros expressed his satisfaction of managing the spread of the virus, re-emphasising the need for people to observe the measures put in place by the government.
“As you can see, our epidemiological line is still linear. Let’s keep it that way by observing the measures recommended by the civil protection service,”
Vili Beros – Croatia Health Minister
Healthcare In Croatia
Healthcare in Croatia is of an extremely high standard, meeting and exceeding European Union standards. It is free at the point of use for all Croatian citizens with facilities being modern and advanced levels of care provided for all patients needing treatment.
Current situation in the US
As of March 19th the U.S. Department of State has advised its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. This guidance also extends to U.S citizens who live abroad. Adventures Croatia will do our best to keep you abreast of any further Administration policies and pronouncements affecting travel.
Continuing on from her previous messages to our current and potential travelers, our CEO Pamela Robinson feels it is important to share her thoughts during these difficult times.
From Our CEO
“As we continue to monitor global events and the impact of the COVID crisis on travel, we are relieved to be seeing positive signs from many regions. The pandemic is slowing its upward motion on the curve in multiple locations in Europe and elsewhere. As stated, a number of countries are now seeing a decline in the death rates from COVID. We are again receiving calls and emails from travelers interested in discussing and planning travel this year as we can see this crisis waning in places. Our vigilance globally remains critical in following the example of countries who have taken the most necessary measures to slow and stem the spread of the virus. Staying at home, social distancing, wearing gloves and masks, maintaining healthy eating and exercising habits will keep us as protected as we can be. We urge you to stay safe and also… to remain inspired by and to keep dreaming of travel. Relax your mind with thoughts of crystal clear waters, blue skies, amazing waterfalls, miles and miles of coastline, dazzling islands and know that it will not be long before we can all make our dreams a reality. Be safe, be well.”
From all of our team at Adventures Croatia we wish you and your families the best of health during these tough times. If you have a trip planned or are considering travel to Croatia in the future we are on-hand to help and advise you on your trip and available options going forward. Our team is based throughout the world from Los Angeles to London to Pula and with our experience and knowledge of the region are well placed to keep you abreast of the latest developments in Croatia.
