The Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) said on Tuesday that the government should begin easing the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak, including reopening of nearly all retail shops.

“We believe that, thanks to the excellent job done by the national civil protection authority, we no longer have to choose between the economy and health; but can have both, with well-balanced safety measures. Our recommendations also go in that direction,” head of the HGK, Luka Burilovic, said.

The priority should be reopening nearly all retail shops without restrictions depending on their size, the HGK said, adding that the number of shoppers allowed to enter at the same time could be determined based on the size of the premises. 

The Chamber also recommended that restrictions be lifted on the shops’ working hours in order to reduce pressure, as well as that restrictive measures be tailored for counties and cities depending on the epidemiological situation, and that daily migration be allowed for people who live in border areas and commute to work to neighbouring countries.

Restrictive measures, imposed nationwide on March 19 to enforce social distancing, included closing all non-essential stores and businesses, as well as bars and restaurants. The measure was introduced for a period of 30 days, a deadline which expired on Sunday. The crisis management team said that some measures would remain in place until early May, but also announced that certain restrictions would be eased, such as the ban on inter-city travel.

The HGK also called for restoration of public transportation services for all those who cannot work from home and reopening of daycare centres for children of essential workers.