Croatia: Croatia reopens border crossings amid COVID-19 pandemic May 11 /update 5

Event

As part of easing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures, the Croatian authorities announced on Monday, May 11, the reopening of border crossings on major routes for limited traffic, including foreign nationals who have real estate in the country, who own a boat in Croatia, have close family members in Croatia (spouse or children), are attending funerals or have been invited by a Croatian entity for business purposes. Croatians and their family members are allowed to return to the country and exemptions are in place to permit the travel of healthcare professionals, EU (and UK nationals until December 2020) returning to their place of residence, goods carriers, cross border workers, diplomatic and military personnel, and passengers in transit. Citizens of member states in the EU who have booked tourist accommodation can also enter the country upon showing valid accommodation confirmation.

Self-isolation is not being imposed on all passengers; however, it may be imposed should authorities at border crossings have reason to believe that you may have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

The Croatian government announced a three-phase plan on Monday, April 27, to ease the existing coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions. In the first phase, which commenced on April 27, all retail outlets, except those in shopping centers, were permitted to reopen. Some services that do not require close contact with clients were also allowed to operate once more such as tailors, key cutters, or tourist agencies. Public transportation has also gradually resumed. In the second phase, that started on Monday, May 4, authorities restored services requiring close contact, such as beauty and nail salons, barbers, and hairdressers. In the last phase, starting on Monday, May 11, the government allowed gatherings of up to ten people and the reopening of schools from grades 1 to 4. Religious gatherings were permitted as of Saturday, May 2, although it was not announced how many individuals are permitted to attend a religious event at the same time. All domestic transportation services resumed, while Croatia Airlines also recommenced domestic flights on May 11. Some restrictions will remain in place, such as the ban on public events and large gatherings.

As of Wednesday, May 27, Croatia has 2244 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 101 related deaths nationwide. Further international spread of the virus to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.