ZAGREB – Croatia is extending its coronavirus lockdown for another 15 days, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Saturday, but the government looked into whether it was possible to gradually reduce restrictions on the movement.

A month ago, the government closed all shops, bars, restaurants, schools and public transport leaving only food stores, pharmacies and petrol stations.

Croats have been allowed to buy necessary to leave their homes or seek medical treatment, go for a walk, or exercise, but not in a group and to avoid social contact. Many people are working from home.

Croatia has reported 1,832 cases of COVID-19 with 39 deaths. The number of new infections increased to 18 on Saturday, the lowest daily increase since March 17.

The number of new cases has been low in recent times, with 50 new cases on Thursday and 23 on Friday. Last Sunday, health officials confirmed 66 new cases.

“We decided to extend the measures for 15 days, until May 4,” Bozinovic said.

He said that the government is considering the possibility of relaxing some measures to help the economy, while also continuing to protect the health of the citizens.

Such a measure could ease the ban on leaving their homes, but travel would only be possible in their region of the country. Unless people have permits for a specific business or medical reasons, traveling between different areas will be prohibited.

He did not give any time frame for the decision. The government has called for a session on Thursday.

While the government has yet to release its projection of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the International Monetary Fund projected a 9.0% drop in 2020 and the World Bank projected a 6.2% drop, mostly because of it. Country’s reliance on tourism industry.