The Ministry of Health issued Order SND / 257/2020, declaring the suspension of opening tourist accommodation establishments to the public.

The COVID-19 epidemic is expected to peak in the coming week.

Spain’s Prime Minister has announced that a tough week awaits us, which is why increasingly restrictive measures are being taken.

The Government considers that the concentration of people in tourist accommodation implies an increased risk of contagion, especially when they share certain common spaces.

From the Pérez Parras Economists and Lawyers Office, we echo the concern that this measure gives our clients who are in the hotel and tourism management sector.

Economic losses have originated in the last week due to the cancellations of 90% of the reservations by tourists.

As a consequence of these cancellations and decrease in tourism, the sector was in favour of ordering said closure.

This Order establishes the interruption of opening to the public the following:

• Hotels and similar accommodation,
• Tourist accommodation
• Other short-stay accommodation,
• Campings
• Caravan parks and other similar establishments located in Spanish territory.

As an exception, the Order takes long-term stays into account, and the following is decreed:

Tourist establishments hosting clients who, at the time of the declaration of alarm status, were staying in a stable and seasonal manner, are allowed to remain open to the public.

However, it must be ensured that essential activities can be carried out in the terms established by Royal Decree 463/2020.

The closing of the tourist establishments will take place as soon as there are no available clients to be attended to, and within a maximum period of seven calendar days from the entry into force of this regulation.

This Order entered into force on the day of its publication, that is, on March 19th. It will be applicable until the end of the declaration of the alarm status or extensions thereof.

Undoubtedly, our country is not experiencing easy times, nor is the entire world.

From the Pérez Parras Economists & Lawyers Firm in Málaga and Nerja, we consider that right now, good health is the most important issue.

We will however continue to pay attention to all the measures that the Government decrees and to the economic repercussion that will affect our clients.

Therefore, if you find yourself in a difficult situation and would like us to help, please consult our office of Economists & Lawyers in Malaga and Nerja .