Germany announces further virus relief measures

The German government has launched another rescue package to try to ease the flow of financial aid to small and medium-size companies squeezed by the new coronavirus crisis.

Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said Monday companies that were in good health last year can apply for loans totalling as much as three months of revenue – a maximum of up to 500,000 euros (540,000 US dollars) in total for companies with 10-50 employees, or up to 800,000 euros (863,000 US dollars) for those with more employees.

Liability for the loans will ultimately stand with the government.The government has already rolled out packages potentially offering a total of more than 1 trillion euros in aid to support businesses and shore up the German economy, Europe's biggest.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.The vast majority of people recover.

(Image Credit: AP)