Health Minister Vili Beros said on Monday that police would ban or restrict private gatherings in line with the Constitution and acting on reports and that they would not be looking for private events of their own accord.

“Police will definitely not be looking around for private events but I believe that everyone wishing Croatian citizens well will report such gatherings because our goal is to prevent the spread of a viral disease,” Beros told reporters after a government session.

Police will act in line with the Constitution and laws, as in the case of a breach of the peace, a break-in, fire and the like, he said.

As for on-the-spot fines for natural persons found to be violating epidemiological restrictions, Beros said that under the Misdemeanors Act, it will be possible to impose an on-the-spot fine of HRK 250 instead of the prescribed HRK 500.

Asked if the current situation was an extraordinary one requiring the activation of Article 17 of the Constitution since penalties were being introduced, Beros said that it was not.

“This is a new element in the Act on the Protection of the Population Against Infectious Diseases which is very welcome considering the broader context. We are not happy about its introduction, but just look at the situation across Europe and everything will be clear to you,” the minister said.

Asked about associations and religious communities since the new amendments prescribed penalties only for legal entities, for authorised persons in legal entities, natural persons running small businesses and natural persons running other private businesses as well as for natural persons who do not comply with the latest restrictions, Beros said that at the moment no sanctions were envisaged for them.

“We have analysed the circumstances and risks. We have already amended the law, we will be following the situation and adapting to the new circumstances. For the time being, we have estimated that these three elements have the most impact on the spreading of the disease,” he said.

As for complaints by citizens that they cannot reach their family doctors, Beros said the current situation was complex for the entire health system considering the number of new infections and hospitalisations.

“As minister, I am satisfied and thank all medical workers for everything they are doing. The strain is great on everyone. The system is however adapting to the new situation,” he said.