ARCHIVED - Spanish government to suspend mortgage payments for businesses, the self-employed and those losing their jobs during the coronavirus emergency in Spain

The moratorium will provide a lifeline for small businesses during the coronavirus emergency

As the Spanish government begins to announce measures to reduce the financial and economic impact of the coronavirus emergency one of the steps announced on Tuesday is the suspension of mortgage repayments and rental payments for companies and self-employed workers.

At present the measure is applicable only to these sectors of the population for thsoe found to be in an economically vulnerable situation due to Covid-19, and to those diagnosed with Covid-19 but it has not been ruled out that the suspension of payment could be extended to anyone made redundant as a result of the national emergency at some point in the future. Indications are that the exemption from mortgage and rental payments is likely to be established for a period of between 1 and 3 months. 

The measure is intended to assist workers  who lose their income as a result of the crisis and those self-employed who suffer a drastic fall in their income levels as a result of the economic downturn expected during and after the crisis.

At the moment the cabinet is debating the inclusion of a similar measure for rental payments as well as a proposal to prohibit utility companies fom cutting off water, light and gas in the eventuality that those affected are unable to pay for the services.

At the time of publication further details have yet to be announced, as have other measures regarding the implications of the crisis for business and individuals throughout Spain: further details will be added as and when they become available. It has also been stated that the procedures for initiating “ERTE” temporary redundancy schemes are to be made quicker and easier in order to cope with the huge demand which is already being reported throughout the country.

This signalling of the government’s intentions will come as a huge relief for the “autónomos” or self-employed of Spain, many of whom have suddenly found themselves without work and without income. The measure will probably mean that many of the country’s bars are able to survive the crisis, as owners had expressed worries that during a period of prolonged closure the continuing rental or mortgage payments would lead to their businesses being ruined.

More info will follow during the day.

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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!