Sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts heading to Spain’s coastlines when the lockdown ends will need to prioritize life-saving social distancing measures.
Spain’s nationwide lockdown began on March 16 to combat the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses were forced to close, borders were sealed, and public access to its renowned beaches was eliminated, leaving red flags raised on coastlines. Following the Easter weekend, some restrictions eased, allowing a small portion of the population to return to non-essential jobs.
As additional restrictions are set to relax in May, tourism minister Reyes Maroto stated in an interview with El Pais that the timeline for reopening borders remains uncertain, hinging on the evolution of the health crisis. Consequently, the tourism sector is anticipated to be one of the last to recover from the current situation.
Under the current state of emergency rules, beaches remain closed and swimming is prohibited, even as temperatures rise. Maroto has indicated that social distancing measures will persist into the foreseeable future, necessitating changes in behavior among beachgoers. Consequently, peak summer will see restrictions on crowd sizes, towel placements, and swimming regulations.
“It is critically important to adhere to health guidelines; continuing to wash our hands and maintain social distance is essential, even at the beach,” she remarked. “Until a vaccine is available, our previous normal will not resume. Gatherings must have limits to ensure adequate safety distances.”
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Spain ranks as the second-most visited country globally, trailing only France. Its appealing combination of stunning beaches, rich culture, exquisite food, captivating history, and year-round sunshine attracted a staggering 83.7 million visitors last year.
