Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Friday that the epidemiological measures in place had managed to stabilise the number of new coronavirus cases, but stressed that the situation was still serious and new, targeted measures would be introduced to contain the contagion and improve the healthcare situation.

Speaking to the press after a meeting of the parliamentary majority, Plenkovic said they had discussed new measures to curb the spread of the epidemic. “The numbers today are lower than last week, but the situation is still serious and we will introduce additional, targeted measures in the coming days to limit the spread of the contagion and ensure a better healthcare situation.”

He announced special measures for northern Varazdin County as of today after an agreement was reached with County Prefect Radimir Cacic.

Asked why more stringent measures had not been imposed earlier, as advocated by some doctors and epidemiologists, Plenkovic said that the measures imposed were proportionate. “We have come to a situation that the numbers are stagnating, which means that the measures have produced results. We must carry on with targeted measures appropriate to the situation.”

“The measures undertaken have been adequate and appropriate. We are listening to scientists. I am confident that the latest measures will help reduce the number of new cases,” the prime minister said.

He said that the ruling coalition was “firm and stable” and confirmed that the parliamentary majority backed the budget proposal put forward by the government.