Coronavirus Update – April 29, 2020

Coronavirus Update – April 29, 2020

As part of our weekly series on the current travel situation in Croatia we have put together the following update designed to inform our readers on how Croatia is responding to the challenge of COVID-19.

Before we get started, we want to thank all our wonderful travelers both past and present for their incredible patience and understanding during this difficult time. We have worked to be as flexible as possible with all bookings should they need to be amended and will continue to work closely with all of you to ensure your dream vacation becomes a reality!

Croatia are continuing to see benefits from their strong and proactive response to the COVID-19 outbreak. On April 25th Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković discussed the economic impact to Croatia and how they have been able to avoid the harsher effect other countries have seen economically.

“Our measures were swift and very forthcoming and efficient and have made excellent economic results so far.”

Plenković went on to state that less than 20,000 people have become unemployed since the outbreak, which he remarked was “very little compared to the numbers we have witnessed in other countries.”

Positive signs are beginning to be seen in relation to the prospect of travel to Croatia this summer. Croatia’s tourism minister Gari Cappelli said the first stage of the tourist season may involve reopening campsites, marinas, and hotels in more secluded areas.

“A modest recovery could start with these three targeted areas that could offer some isolation and privacy,” he said. “We are also looking to allow foreigners who have properties or yachts in Croatia to come here.”

The prospect of travel this summer ties in with the most welcome news of Croatia’s lockdown restrictions starting to loosen as normal life edges ever closer. We break down the loosening of restrictions below.

April 27th: Croatia gave the green light to reopen cultural establishments such as museums, theatres, cinemas and libraries. Public transport such as trains and trams are being reintroduced slowly.
May 4th: Hairdressers and beauty salons can open with strict measures defined by the National Civil Protection Headquarters
May 11th: Restaurants with service exclusively outdoors, shopping malls and gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed. National parks and nature parks will also be open from this date.
At the time of writing there have been only 67 deaths out of the 2,062 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Croatia. Those numbers continue to place Croatia well outside of the top 50 countries globally in terms of number of cases as well as fatalities. 

Breaking Down The Stats

• April 25th remarkably saw only seven new cases. This was the lowest since as far back as March 11th. 
• Recoveries in Croatia are outpacing new infections with the number of people currently infected in the country down to 872 from its peak of 1,258.
• On both April 20th and 22nd not one death from COVID-19 was recorded throughout the country.

As in all our updates, and from what we have seen throughout the outbreak, we continue to stress the high caliber of healthcare seen throughout Croatia. The healthcare system meets and exceeds all European Union standards with the service free at the point of use for all Croatian citizens. Healthcare facilities are modern with advanced levels of treatment provided for all that require it.

We are delighted to be able to share this positive and encouraging news coming from Croatia. All of us at Adventures Croatia are dreaming of our next trip and will continue to keep you updated with the latest news as it becomes available

The 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 informed of any further federal policies and pronouncements affecting travel. 

In her weekly message, building on the positive news that is being seen, our CEO Pamela Robinson wanted to share the following message for our readers, travelers and friends of Adventures Croatia.

A Note From Our CEO
“I continue to be encouraged and inspired by the positive news being seen across the world and remain hopeful for travel to resume again later this year. The strict adherence to shelter-in-place and social distance policies are helping to slow the spread of the virus and as a result we are continuing to see improving numbers in previously hard hit areas. For any travelers who are undecided on their intent to travel in 2020, we are flexible and happy to postpone your trip to a later date. My team and I are on hand and ready to help, so please reach out to us. I want to wish everyone the very best of health during this time wherever you are, and hope you are making the best of this difficult situation. As we remain patient, keep dreaming of Croatia and all of its beauty, we’ll all be there soon. Keep safe, be well”

As we continue onwards during these unusual times, we hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to shine. As always, we want to wish all our readers and their loved ones the very best of health and hope that your dream of travel may be closer than you think…

As always, we are here for you during these times and on-hand should you have a trip planned and need further information. Alternatively, if you are looking to travel later this year or for 2021, we have a range of exciting itinerary plans that we would love to create for you!

Finally, we are continuing to do all that we can to be as flexible as possible regarding the rescheduling of any impacted trips this year. Our team will work with you every step of the way to provide the best possible outcome for you and your family.

We will continue to keep you informed and updated regarding travel developments concerning COVID-19 in Croatia.