CROATIA
/The following information has been collected and collated by convergence consulting in collaboration with our in-country Global Alliance Partner. Please let us know if you have additional questions by emailing us at COVID-19@cc-global.com.
1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?
COVID-19 is classified as a work-related illness ; the relevant law is the Regulation on Rights and Conditions on Receiving of Health Insurance Benefits in case of Work Injury or Occupational Disease (2014) which was amended on April 1, 2020 to include the provision related to infectious diseases. It can be found at: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2020_04_39_834.html (Croatian only).
A symptomatic person with suspected COVID-19 should contact a dedicated county epidemiologist for further instructions on testing. If tested positive, the case is then reported to local authorities.
2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?
Symptomatic persons need two consecutive negative tests within a 48 hour-period after symptoms have subsided in order to be considered recovered and safe for work.
From the employment perspective, any symptomatic person is considered to be on sick leave and is entitled to receive 65% of their average wage.
3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.
The government of Croatia declared the coronavirus pandemic on March 11, 2020. On March 19, the National Civil Protection Authority issued the Decision on Restrictions on Public Gatherings, Retail and Services, and Sport and Cultural Events, valid for the initial period of 30 days. Based on the Decision, all non-essential businesses were closed. On April 18, the Decision was amended, introducing the 3-stage easing of these measures, starting from the 27th of April.
The first stage of eased measures included opening shops and retail stores that did not require close contact with customers. Bookstores, libraries, museums and galleries have also been opened. Public transport and certain ferries have started to gradually resume. Wearing of protective masks and hand sanitation is recommended.
The second stage of measures should be introduced starting from the May 4, 2020, as long as there is evidence that the first stage is successful. The second stage will include the opening of services that require close contact with customers (e.g. dentists, barber shops, beauty salons), providing that requested precautionary measures are implemented.
The third stage of eased measures should be implemented from May 11, allowing operation of kindergartens, primary schools, and open-air restaurants. Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed. Domestic air-traffic and ferries are also planned to resume.
4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?
The regulations and decisions were issued by the government and ministries, including the National Civil Protection Authority at the Ministry of Interior. They are all mandatory.
5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?
Fines for physical persons for breaching the self-isolation measure range from 8,000 HRK (1,100 EURO). The fine is gradually increased if a person repeatedly breaches the self-isolation guidelines.
6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?
Croatian Civil Protection Authority has adopted a variety of laws. Legal documents related to COVID-19 are continuing to be updated as the above phases are implemented. The legal documents can be found at: https://civilna-zastita.gov.hr/odluke-stozera-civilne-zastite-rh-za-sprecavanje-sirenja-zaraze-koronavirusom/2304 (Croatian only).
The data presented here is not a complete analysis of all COVID-19 information; however, our in-country Partner will provide updates as and when considered appropriate and as relevant data becomes available. If you have any additional questions, or request for country information, please email us at COVID-19@cc-global.com with additional inquiries.
