K(o)ronology of the First Week of Three-Phase Relaxation in Four Stages

Here it is, finally, the first 'relaxing' corona week in which we received a three-phase, actually four-phase package of measures for relaxation, or the opening of life, economic, social, cultural, sports, and religious activities. Until now, it was 'no loosening', and now the omnipotent Headquarters has allowed indications of normal living, or a return to some new normal. Elections are just around the corner.

April 23

• The government has accepted the plan for relaxing anti-virus measures. It was presented as 'three-phase', with relaxation moves on three Mondays: April 27, May 4, and May 11. In the first phase, the opening of all stores (except those in shopping centers) and part of service activities was allowed, public city transport was restored, and the operation of libraries, museums, galleries, antique shops, and bookstores was enabled, as well as training for top athletes. All according to a special epidemiological regime. The following Monday, almost the full scope of public and private health operations will open, and all service professions (hairdressers, pedicurists…) will be allowed to work. In the third phase, gatherings of up to ten people and the operation of shopping centers are permitted. Hospitality facilities will open (which will benefit from rigorous epidemiological restrictions), and inter-county public transport will return. The opening of kindergartens and primary classes is also planned, which has sparked significant debate. In the government's PR, they forgot the fourth phase of the program, which should come into effect on Saturday, May 2 – the reopening of churches for believers (and others, except for the one in Sirobuja). And I don't know what I did to upset the Headquarters, as they still won't let me play tennis (singles, to avoid confusion.)

April 24

• Donald Trump became famous for his original cure for the pandemic. He suggested that the coronavirus be treated by injecting disinfectants into patients. Later, he claimed he was being sarcastic, but the only thing is that Americans did not recognize his 'sarcasm'. On the contrary, the number of poisonings from cleaning and disinfecting agents immediately rose in the USA.
• The Croatian Institute of Public Health has issued a series of new recommendations for preventing infection in workplaces and public spaces during the coronavirus epidemic.

April 25

• We celebrated the import of another 68 tons of protective equipment from China, and two days later, another 76 tons. On Monday, 'along with commercially procured goods from companies MEHECO and Sinopharm, there were also several hundred thousand protective masks donated to Croatia by Sinopharm'. That donation is actually a shameful token.

April 26

• The last Sunday when stores (for food and hygiene supplies) were open and the last Sunday without religious gatherings. All this suits two major interest groups – unions and the Church. Coincidence or not, epidemiologists are preparing the ground for a major collective Sunday outing before summer – going to the polls. Indeed, all possible dates seem to lead to July 5.
• The Croatian Institute of Public Health published data on the most vulnerable professions. Among 2049 infected, the most are hospitality workers and traders – 236, followed by scientists, engineers, and specialists (202), technicians, and professional associates (200). However, the most vulnerable are retirees – 490 of them have fallen ill.
• Finally, we awaited the results of the investigation in the Split nursing home: inspections found no shortcomings. This prompted one of my fb friends to comment on equality in the time of corona: 'The director of Daruvar Spa did not close the bar. Dismissed in an emergency procedure. Nine people died in the Split nursing home. No one is guilty'…

April 27

• Public transport has started, but in Zagreb, it is partially operational: according to the Sunday timetable and without trams. Thus, despite a larger number of departures of extraordinary bus lines (in the tram zone), the journey from Dubrava to Črnomerec and beyond lasts at least 90 minutes, if not two hours. The condition of tram tracks and installations is being examined after the earthquake. To be fair, this process could have started before the traffic opening.
• The coronavirus also brought news for the 'Believe it or not' column: on Monday morning, lines were recorded in front of libraries!

April 28

• In Croatia, there are 2047 infected (139 more than the week before), 1232 recovered (431 more), and 63 deceased (16 more). This is fewer new infections and the same number of deceased as the previous week.
• Worldwide, there are 3,081,410 infected (581,864 more than the week before), 931,836 recovered (273,768 more), and 212,337 deceased (40,999 more). There are slightly more new infections than the previous week, and the number of deceased has decreased.

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