Israel announces aid for businesses affected by COVID-19

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Jerusalem, (Asian independent) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz announced a 2-billion-shekel (US $580 million) aid package to help the businesses affected by the coronavirus.

The package includes grants for businesses whose revenues were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The aim of the plan is to allow an immediate flow of substantial sums of money to self-employed workers and the business sector to help them get through the crisis,” according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Sunday, the government said it was extending the eligibility for unemployment benefits for people on unpaid leave until mid-August.

Israel is facing a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases. On Sunday, the Health Ministry said that the number of active cases has risen to 6,363, the highest since May 2.