As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, ahould we fear the large number of covid cases in September? Many people are ready to take risks just to see their ”old” everyday life return, but it seems that many still aren’t ready to be vaccinated for some reasom, according to a report from N1.
Parts of the catering and hospitality sector which have been closed or limited until now will be opening. This is a decision that will take effect on the first of September, and those who work in this sector will be able to breathe a little more easily, finally. There is, however, always another side of the coin to take into consideration, and that is that the Government is already announcing the possibility of abolishing the financial aid measures introduced last year in an attempt to preserve jobs. This comes with an exception for the most vulnerable enterprises, as further explained here.
There will still be a need for entry with a mask, the proper ventilation of the space and the maintaining of social distancing, but people will hopefully still be satisfied because for the first time in nine months, the closed spaces of coffee bars and cafes are finally set to open.
Especially now that the colder weather is coming, many people will prefer to sit inside as opposed to outside on terraces. Covid certificates will not be required. Those in the industry are already busy preparing for the opening, satisfied with the decision of the National Civil Protection Directorate.
“Finally, they’ve made a good decision, we’re really satisfied, it will mean a lot to many people,” said Drazen Biljan from the National Association of Caterers.
The National Civil Protection Directorate has made its decision on the Croatian covid strategy for autumn, and its former member, Maja Grba Bujevic, says that as long as the anti-epidemic measures are properly adhered to, this favourable epidemiological situation will continue.
“If we adhere to all of the measures, nothing will change significantly, as I’ve already said, it will all depend on us, no one else. I’m not here to discuss economic measures, I’m only interested in getting as few people infected as possible and for as few people as possible to end up needing hospital treatment,” said the HDZ MP of the Croatian covid approach for the colder months.
A good tourist season and the opening of indoor premises also means the scrapping of Government support for preserving jobs. The Croatian Government claims they are no longer needed, except for those who didn’t have terraces or outdoor spaces on which to continue operating, employees in the event industry or travel agencies.
”That’s a discriminatory decision, our sector is devastated! Many businesses haven’t been able to work for months, we ca’t recover so easily and just like that because there has indeed been pure devastation, the economic measures must remain in place and we’re appealing for that,” warned Biljan.
The Government believes that the time for those measures has passed, and the time for job creation has begun. That said, the effects of the global coronavirus epidemic have not yet disappeared.
“Last year, the economy was completely paralysed. Economic circumstances were blocked by the pandemic and the Croatian economy fell by 8 percent, with only Spain, Greece and similar countries which rely heavily on tourism like us experiencing a stronger decline. Montenegro, for example, had a drop of 15 percent. This was followed by the opening up of the economy,” warned Croatian economic analyst Damir Novotny.
For more on Croatian covid measures, vaccination points and testing centres, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and select your preferred language.
