312 LEGAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY the court to approve extensions was likely to be an even slower process because of the backlog of cases building up due to some court closures and lack of staff. The new rule extended the maximum extension of time for compliance with court rulings and directions that parties could agree between themselves from 28 days to 56 days. The Practice Direction instructed judges, “in so far as compatible with the proper administration of justice” to “take into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic” when hearing applications for relief from sanctions, extensions and adjournments. In particular, in the light of the pandemic, those representing foreign entities such as accommodation or other suppliers of package holiday components would have good grounds for requesting, or applying for, an extension of time to provide disclosure or witness statements. In some cases, the entire country in which the supplier is located is in lockdown; in many others, all touristic establishments have been closed. It would be entirely unreasonable to expect litigation requiring the input of these establishments to continue as usual, and it is thought that legal representatives would have an overwhelmingly sympathetic hearing if they were to have to apply for an extension, as a result of COVID-19 related delays, necessitated by measures taken to contain the crisis in foreign countries (or indeed within the UK). The new Practice Direction expressly states that it will cease to have an effect, on 30 October 2020; but if the pandemic continues to affect the conduct of litigation beyond that point, it may well be extended further. 2. THE MEASURES TAKEN TO KEEP THE COURTS OPEN As well as attempting to relieve the pressure on litigators by extending time limits for them to comply with procedural and other rules, the UK government acknowledged the strain on the court service as it attempted to continue to conduct hearings remotely. The court service issued and regularly updated guidance on the hearings to be prioritised in the light of the limited court time and resources available. In the case of the civil courts, the highest priority was given to the following: Committals; Freezing orders; Injunctions; Applications in cases listed for trial in the next three months;
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