Health Minister Vili Beros, commenting on the second worst day for new coronavirus infections in Croatia since the outbreak of the epidemic, said on Wednesday that micro-clusters had been registered in recent days as a result of family and public gatherings where people did not keep the necessary distance.

“Today is the second worst day. I think on September 3 we had 369 new infections. We have predicted this will happen with the arrival of colder weather, but the fact remains that, unfortunately, we have to learn from our own mistakes,” Beros told the press after an inner cabinet meeting.

“In recent days we have been seeing micro-clusters – family get-togethers or small or large public gatherings – generated by a number of people being close to each other indoors or outdoors,” he added.

Beros said that people with mild respiratory conditions, such as a cough or a sore throat, should avoid such gatherings regardless of mild symptoms. “In normal times, without coronavirus, such symptoms were not alarming and they could go to gatherings or to work, but in the COVID crisis it is essential that we avoid such gatherings because in that way we will avoid the virus spreading.”

He said that all people working with children, especially those working with children at risk, should be wearing face masks.

The minister said that 344 infected people were receiving hospital treatment today, 10 more than yesterday. “This number is growing slowly, so we will have to respond with new measures at our disposal.”

Beros once again appealed to everyone to maintain a physical distance, wear face masks and use hand sanitiser as the most effective way of fighting against the virus.