Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic, who heads the coronavirus crisis management team, informed the government on Thursday that relaxed COVID-19 protocols would take effect on Friday.

Bars and restaurants can stay open until 2 am.

Also, pre-school children will not have to self-isolate.

There will no longer be restrictions on the number of people allowed at events provided that all the attendants have COVID certificates.

The number of people attending outdoor events has been raised from 100 to 200, and indoors this number is capped at 100. These restrictions apply when attendants have no COVID passes.

Wearing masks is still obligatory in theatres, cinemas, churches where there is no restriction on the number of attendants.

Restrictions are lifted for farmers markets, funerals and wedding ceremonies.