Credits for companies, working from home: new government measures against coronavirus

The Catalan government has announced new economic and work measures to mitigate the impact of the covid-19 coronavirus. 

In a press conference on Thursday morning, president Quim Torra and some of his ministers introduced the new measures which include a new finance credit to help companies who may take an economic hit during the coronavirus crisis, insisting companies work from home as much as possible, and the suspension of tourism promotion.

Vice president and economy minister Pere Aragonès announced a €1 billion finance credit in order to assist companies that will take an economic hit due to the covid-19 coronavirus. The credit aims at helping 4,000 small and medium sized enterprises, and the government will assume 75% of the credit risk.

Aragonès also announced an extended deadline for firms to pay the 'tourism tax', a tax that companies that offer accommodation for visitors must pay. 

Also, the health system phone number, 061, will be free to call as of today, as it is now being used as an emergency number.

Work from home

Added to these measures, the minister for work, Chakir el Homrani, said the government will encourage companies to allow staff to work from home. 

The ERC minister called for flexibility in education, and said that the executive will also facilitate work-life balance for families. Some parents are concerned about who will take care of children in the event of a potential closure of schools. 

The business minister, Àngels Chacon, pointed out that the government's aim with these measures is "the survival of companies and guaranteeing jobs." She advises Catalan companies to use the Acció (Catalonia's Trade and Investment agency) website for all information about supply issues and to search for alternative suppliers. 

On top of this, she said  "it makes no sense" to continue with the promotion of tourism at this time, and as such all campaigns will be suspended. 

"The tourism sector is the main one affected by the health crisis," the business minister said.

Torra to attend regional presidents’ meeting

Quim Torra has also stated that he will participate in the conference of regional presidents on the coronavirus crisis, called for Saturday by Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez. Previously, Torra has always rejected taking part in such meetings. 

"There is no political color," the Catalan figurehead said during Thursday morning’s press conference, before adding there is only "responsibility," and that the coronavirus pandemic will "test" the government, society, and people.

Torra added there are no "disputes" or "electoral interests" during this time. "I ask for understanding and solidarity with all, as a Government we will do whatever it takes," he stated.

The president said that by deciding to take part in the meeting with the other regional presidents, he "temporarily" sets aside his policy of not participating in such forums.

The Catalan chief has said that the executive makes decisions related to "health and safety," but also to in an economic sense, to “help companies and workers.”

Torra also said that the option for the government to hold executive council meetings by video call will be provided in case any of its members need to be confined. 

"Many companies are very prepared to be able to work this way, we encourage them to do this," he said, emphasizing that "common sense" is needed and to avoid "concentration and mobility."

"Individual responsibilities are necessary," the president stated.

Spanish government confirmed cases

Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero of the left-wing Podemos party, has tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Podemos is the coalition partner of the Socialists currently in power in Madrid, and Montero’s partner, Pablo Iglesias, also vice president of Spain, has been placed in quarantine. 

Meanwhile, all Spanish government members will be tested following the positive case.

So far in Catalonia, over 180 people have been confirmed as covid-19 cases, while on Thursday evening a new cluster was found in Igualada, a city around an hour inland from Barcelona. 

In all of Spain, there are over 2,100 cases of the virus confirmed. Various preventive measures have been implemented across the country. 

The local Barcelona government will limit entry to some of the city's main public facilities, including cultural centers, libraries, and sports centers.