Looking at the 14-day incidence of new coronavirus infections in Europe, Croatia currently (as of Sunday, 12/13/2020) occupies the inglorious first place with 1197.9 new coronavirus infections per 100,000 inhabitants (source ECDC). Luxembourg is in second place with 1196.6 new infections, followed by Lithuania (1177.7) and Slovenia (1019.6).
Germany: Lockdown from Wednesday
To put the numbers in proper perspective: Austria recorded 482.6 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants on the cutoff date, Italy 432.8 new infections and Germany 334.9 new coronavirus infections per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days. The German government on Sunday took this as an opportunity to impose a complete lockdown from next Wednesday until January 10, which will only be relaxed when new coronavirus infections are expected to be below the number 50. Almost all stores will also have to close.
Croatia: Stricter border controls
It remains to be seen whether the measures taken so far are sufficient in view of the festivities around Christmas and New Year. Stricter border controls are currently evident, even EU citizens are only allowed to enter the country with a negative PCR test, no older than 48 hours. However, this regulation does not apply to border crossers.
PCR test also for Croatia returning from abroad
The obligation to PCR test or self-isolation also applies to all Croatian citizens who planned to come to Croatia during the vacations, but also to all Croats who plan to return to Croatia over Christmas from almost all countries in the world to celebrate the vacation in their relatives. New measures are expected in the coming week.
