Fifth extension of the state of emergency approved

The state of alert approved for the management of the health crisis caused by COVID-19 has been further extended until 7 June for a period of 15 days.

The government argued the need for an additional period, because although the evolution of the health crisis is favourable in all autonomous communities, the threat of a resurgence remains latent and makes it necessary to continue with certain measures, such as freedom of movement, throughout the territory.

This new extension strengthens cooperation with the autonomous communities and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Only the Minister of Health, under the supervision of the President of the Government, is empowered to specify the measures to be applied in the de-escalation process, within a framework of co-governance.

With regard to freedom of movement, this extension determines that, within the framework of the decisions adopted in the de-escalation process, people can move around the province, island or territorial unit of reference in which they are located. Furthermore, the possibility is envisaged that in territories that pass all the phases envisaged in the de-escalation plan, the restrictive measures of the state of alarm may be lifted.

The Government establishes that the limitations to the rights of assembly and demonstration have been declared legitimate by the TCo auto 30-4-20 and have sufficient constitutional coverage as they aim to guarantee physical integrity (Const art.15) and the protection of health (Const art.43).

It is foreseen that the competent education administrations may relax the containment measures and the resumption of face-to-face activities in the non-university education and training field, provided that progression to phase II or later is agreed in a given territorial area.

Finally, it establishes the resumption of the administrative and procedural deadlines suspended by RD 463/2020. With regard to the former, this is done with effect from 1 June. The suspended deadlines will be resumed or restarted. The lifting of the suspension of the procedural periods of prescription and expiry of rights and actions will take effect from 4 June.

Royal Decree 537/2020 of 22 May extending the state of alarm declared by Royal Decree 463/2020 of 14 March declaring the state of alarm for the management of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19.