Germany to extend COVID-19 aid for firms, short-time work

BERLIN: Germany will extend economic aid for companies hit by the coronavirus pandemic until the end of September to help them get back on their feet once the crisis is over, the government said on Wednesday.

The aid, which companies in Europe's biggest economy can claim if they can prove their revenues have collapsed due to the crisis, had been due to expire at the end of June. "This is an important signal so that all companies can get going again quickly after the crisis," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said in a statement.