April 19, 2020 — The first and only quarantine in Croatia is over.
Šibenik-Knin County announced there were no new positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday, and lifted quarantine measures for the Murter and Betina settlements.
The island of Murter was effectively cut off from the world on March 25, after an outbreak of the virus spread across the island. All told the island had 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 14 residents ordered into self-isolation and 162 others undergoing medical checks.
Epidemiologists tested two random groups of people on Murter on April 15 and 16, looking for signs of community spread. The tests came back negative.
“Epidemiologists have concluded that there is no need to extend the quarantine measures for Murter and Betina,” the county’s Civil Protection Directorate said in a statement. “The quarantine measures for the settlements of Murter and Betina, which have been in force since March 25, 2020, are being abolished as of today.”
According to epidemiologists, the current situation in Murter is good. There are still 12 currently in self-isolation. The last new COVID-19 diagnosis came nine days ago.
“Health recommendations are still in place,” the directorate said. “All health care measures and guidelines must continue to be respected responsibly. That is why we appeal to all citizens again, stay in your houses, maintain hygiene and respect physical distance.”
The virus’s arrival on the otherwise secluded island miffed many. Local authorities suggested an asymptomatic tourist visiting earlier in the season may have brought the virus in early-March.
