Life in Croatia with the Coronavirus

Although Croatia is one of the least affected European countries, it has not been spared. This global epidemic has really affected my life in Croatia. For security reasons, the University of Juraj Dobrila has been closed until further notice. At the time of writing, the idea of setting up e-learning courses remains pending. Our second semester has still not started due to the too high number of students still in their country in view of the measures taken by their country and by the Croatian government in the face of the Coronavirus. Many students (including myself) worry about not being able to validate their ECTS credits this semester, and therefore not being able to apply to the business school and universities of their choice for the next school year. Some students (mostly Czechs) were forced to return to their country of origin. Other students are hesitant to go home for fear that the borders will close and they will be stuck in Croatia. For my part, I made the choice to stay in Croatia during this global health crisis. Indeed, there are only 206 cases of people with the virus in Croatia (at the time of writing) including 6 cases in Pula. It is therefore more risky to return to France which is much more affected by the virus. In addition, the Croatian hospital system is as well developed as in France.

The Croatian government has taken the following measures:

- A 14-day health check for anyone who has stayed or transited in a country where the epidemic is declared;

- The refoulement at the border of symptomatic foreign nationals arriving from countries affected by the Coronavirus;

- Medical surveillance of workers making daily round trips between Croatia and the affected areas in order to transport goods or passengers.

- Negotiating the closure of the borders of Croatia.

The Civil Protection Staff of the County of Istria decided:

To close the city's universities as well as colleges, high schools and kindergartens. and advance the closing time of supermarkets, bars, and nightclubs.

At the time of writing, total confinement has not yet been announced, but it is seriously envisaged by the Croatian Government. However, it is advisable to stay at home.

With the university and most public places closed, days became long. But I knew that if I returned to France it would be the same. So I occupied my days by working on my blog and my university memory, working out at home, cooking croatian dishes and learning Croatian and Italian. I am happy to have made this choice because by traveling to return to France, I would have been largely exposed to the virus, and I would have experienced this return to France as a defeat. It is a truly special experience to live this international health crisis far from those close to you. This experience is very confusing, and a little surreal. I really think I made the right choice, although many people advised me to return to France.