Economy Minister Tomislav Coric said on Thursday that new measures for the enterprise sector would be made today and that most existing COVID-19 restrictions would stay in place, describing plans by some cafe and restaurant owners to stage protests as 'pointless'.

“Today, new measures will be adopted for the enterprise sector in the context of the current epidemiological situation. Depending on the dynamic of those measures, the government will continually monitor the sector and look for funds to help as long as the restrictions are in force,” Coric told reporters ahead of a government session.

Asked if the current restrictions would be prolonged, he said that most of the measures would stay in force.

Asked if he would allow cafe owners to serve takeaway coffee, Coric said that it was one of the details discussed several times by epidemiologists sitting on the government’s advisory council, as well as economists.

“We are fully aware that any relaxation that brings revenue to sectors means a slightly better status in the context of long-term survival. On the other hand, we are also aware of the argument presented by epidemiologists that the current situation is very sensitive, not only for Croatia but the whole of Europe,” he said, mentioning the dangers of new virus strains.

When asked if he was afraid of protest activities announced by some cafe and restaurant owners, who have said that they will either reopen their businesses or take to the streets, Coric slammed such announcements as irresponsible and pointless.

“Our primary concern should be people’s lives and health. That should be a priority to everyone,” he said, adding that, over the past months, “maximum effort had been made to save jobs.”