COVID-19 UPDATE: A further 25 pass away as series of €6.5bn business supports announced
A further 25 people lost their lives from Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland in the last 24 hours, the HSE said this evening.
The total death toll here is now 1,286 while the number of confirmed cases has now reached 21,176 after another 343 were diagnosed.
The total number of deaths in Northern Ireland has reached 376 after 11 more people died overnight, according to Public Health Agency figures.
Meanwhile, the Government has announced a €6.5bn package of new supports to help businesses reopen as Covid-19 restrictions are eased over the summer.
“Today the Government has now agreed further supports to rebuild jobs and rebuild businesses as our public health guidance changes,” Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe said.
“They involve up to €2bn in guaranteed loans to help our small and medium businesses and enterprises.
“Up to €2bn of equity and other investment available to medium and larger companies through re-purposing and changing the role of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund or ISEF. Certainty and support for businesses and up to €2bn of deferred taxes.
“The waiving of €260 million of commercial rates and the new restart fund for micro and small businesses.”
However, over €4bn worth of the supports package cannot be rolled out until a new government is formed, he added.
