Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Thursday that the measures announced by the national coronavirus response team should help reduce the infection at this stage, appealing to the citizens to try to prevent the spread of the epidemic through responsible behaviour during the forthcoming Easter holidays.

“We are seeing a rise in numbers both here and in neighboring countries,” Plenkovic said at a regular cabinet meeting while speaking about the coronavarius situation.

“It is of paramount importance that everyone shows a high level of personal responsibility and tries to prevent the spread of the epidemic” during the Easter holidays when family reunions are expected, he added.

He noted that Croatia is among the few countries that has not imposed a curfew or a strict lockdown.

“We are trying to make life as normal as possible and compensate those whose business activities are limited by the restrictions. However, the pandemic situation will be more difficult without each of us showing responsibility,” the prime minister said.

Commenting on the vaccination campaign, Plenkovic said that there are certain difficulties globally with vaccine distribution, and in particular in Europe with the distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Efforts are being made to compensate this with orders of other vaccines to overcome the shortage, he added.

Plenkovic said that the government has achieved the maximum degree of synergy with regional and local government units, strengthening their fiscal capacity and ensuring project implementation and continued dialogue.