June 20, 2020 — Croatian Health Minister Vili Beroš in an interview with RTL tried to downplay concerns about the increase in new COVID-19 infections, blaming the jump on citizens’ relaxing too much and not open borders. Most of the new cases were imported.
Below is an abridged version of the interview.
How many are infected in Croatia?
If you remember, at the beginning of the crisis we said to communicate the numbers at 24-hour intervals, so it is relevant that there were 11 new cases today at 2 p.m., and for new data, we will see tomorrow at 2 p.m.
We urge citizens not to travel abroad, and we urge others to come to Croatia. Is that irresponsible?
I said that travel is not a problem, but a behavior. Therefore, we hope that tourists will try to come healthy and see how our citizens behave and that we will reduce the spread of the virus.
Is Split a new coronavirus hotspot?
There are imported cases, they have infected relatives. We’re talking about personal contacts, and there is no local transmission. It is Split that shows how important it is to respect the measures: hand hygiene or sneezing or coughing. This prevents the spread of the epidemic. I could say that travel in itself is not a problem, the problem is behavior both outside and upon return.
Is Split’s Civil Protection Directorate doing a good job?
I think they are doing it well. It found quick solution to the situation on Brac. People are returning from abroad to Split, and it still does not depend on the Directorate, but on the citizens themselves. The virus is all around us.
What about foreigners, that is, a woman who came on business and who is positive?
One case is not changing anything at the moment. It is clear that there are countries with a similar or better situation and nothing will change there, and we will consider measures for countries where it is worse.
Capak hugged at the conference where he was infected, so how can we expect the citizens to listen?
I wouldn’t say he’s relaxed, anyone can get in touch with a COVID-19 positive person. Prevention is important. I can also say that the circumstances were different, that there might not have been an infection, but caution can never be too much.
Is holding an election questionable?
We are watching the epidemiological situation from hour to hour and depending on it, we will think about all the other steps. The measures will be harmonized. If there is an epidemiological situation that allows it, the elections are going forward.
