Coronavirus: British tourists in Spain told to return home as all hotels shut
Spain's government says it will help foreigners get home - as it records another 102 deaths in 24 hours.
Wednesday 18 March 2020 18:37, UK
British tourists in Spain have been advised to return to the UK as soon as possible because all hotels in the country are closing to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The Foreign Office issued the advice as the Spanish government ordered all hotels and short-stay accommodation, such as campsites and caravan parks, to close from 24 March.
A statement said: "We therefore advise British travellers in Spain to contact their tour operator or airline as soon as possible, to arrange their return journey home before this date."
It comes as many British tourists in countries such as Turkey and Morocco were left stranded after travel bans kicked in.
Spain's foreign minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, said her government would help foreigners get home safely.
The country has the fourth highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world, with cases increasing on Wednesday by 2,552 to bring the total to 13,910.
There were 102 coronavirus deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing Spain's total to 623.
Britons had already been advised against all but essential travel to Madrid, La Rioja, La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro after the government declared a state of emergency on Saturday, with the entire nation on lockdown for 15 days.
Non-essential shops and bars, restaurants, cafes, football grounds and cinemas were ordered to close.
Residents have had to stay at home and are only allowed out to buy food and medicine, or travel to work, health centres or banks.
Travel is only allowed for those looking after the elderly or dependants.
Spain's foreign minister also asked the country's 2.7 million citizens living abroad to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
Ms Gonzalez Laya said they should respect the recommendations of the countries they are in.
Spain has also announced a 200 billion euro (£184bn) package to help companies and protect workers and other vulnerable groups as the country tries to deal with the economic impact.
The White House announced on Wednesday that it was postponing a visit by Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia in April because of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the situation in Italy - the worst-hit country in Europe - does not appear to be improving.
On Wednesday it reported its biggest daily jump in deaths - 475, bringing the country's total to 2,978.
Cases increased 4,207 to 35,713.