The proposed amendments to the law on the protection of the population against contagious diseases would not have been necessary if the measures had been adhered to, the minister said in the parliament while presenting the bill of amendments.
“Many countries have introduced significantly stricter measures than those in force in Croatia and not adhering to one of the most liberal measures in Europe could easily lead us to a new, fifth wave of the epidemic and the potential situation of lockdown which we do not wish to repeat,” Beroš told lawmakers.
It is encouraging to see that the coronavirus numbers have been falling over recent days, which isn’t a coincidence but the result of decisions by the COVID response team that is based on expertise, Beroš said.
Accessible and free – vaccination and testing
“There is no reason to not implement the measures or to object to them; they aren’t discriminatory nor do they create division, on the contrary, they are inclusive. An additional inspiration to respect rules is the appearance of the omicron variant, as a new threat,” he said.
He recalled that vaccination and testing are accessible and free for citizens.
“Had we been united in implementing measures and in complying with them, these amendments would not have been necessary,” said Beroš, explaining why penalties of HRK 30,000 to HRK 50,000 are being introduced for breaches of COVID certificates.
He denied insinuations by some opposition MPs that the amendments are being made for a “showdown” with some politicians from the Opposition.
“The amendments are being made to protect the health and lives of citizens. When you advocate testing, that just reflects the importance of the application of COVID certificates,” Beroš said in his response to MP Miro Bulj who insisted that only testing could prevent the spread of the virus.
Beroš rejected criticism that COVID certificates restrict movement, in fact, on the contrary, they allow people to cross the border.
“No one claims that COVID certificates are an optimal tool but at the moment they are the best we have,” said the minister.
He added that there is no need for a two-thirds majority in the Sabor to support the measures because the current crisis management model in the pandemic is good, fast and efficient and it is in line with the law that was adopted in the national legislature.
