Germany announces new €10 billion virus package

The German government unveiled a €10 billion ($10.8 billion) economic package on Thursday to pay for additional unemployment benefits and new tax cuts to help businesses affected by the coronavirus.

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The measures come as Europe's largest economy takes it first steps back towards normality with a number of businesses opening up for the first time in a month, and politicians declaring the coronavirus "under control".

Workers forced to stay at home by the pandemic and government measures to contain it will now receive between 70 and 77 per cent of net salary from the fourth month of unemployment, a ten percent increase on previous provisions.

A man wearing a protective face mask walks past a cinema with the words "Stay at Home" on display in Berlin. AFP

From the seventh month, they will receive between 80 and 87 per cent.

Those already unemployed will see their benefits extended for a further three months this year.

The coalition government also announced that VAT on the gastronomy sector — which has been hard-hit by closures of restaurants and cafes — would be cut from 19 per cent to seven percent for one year from July 1.

With many schools closed and expected to re-open gradually, the government also said it would provide financial support to families to purchase a computer for online lessons. Those in greatest need can receive up to €150.

The new injection comes on top of a total programme of support for the German economy of some €1,100 billion, consisting mainly of public guarantees for business loans.