Government approves Prime Minister and Finance Minister's plan to provide expanded assistance to self-employed and small businesses affected by the Corona crisis

News for the Israeli economy: The government approved (Friday) a series of relief and economic benefits due to the Corona crisis. Among other things, the NIS 8 billion aid package was approved for small and independent businesses, and an adjustment grant for those aged 67 and over who lost their jobs. Most of the businesses were also opened as of next week. 

Ministry of Health instructions to prevent the spread of the Corona virus in Israel // Courtesy of the Ministry of Health

Under the Financial Assistance Program, a dedicated grant for small businesses whose business turnover is up to NIS 20 million a year has been hit, and have been hit by the crisis, with the aim of helping to cover fixed expenses. The grant will also be given to nonprofits that are defined as eligible public institutions. The grant can reach up to NIS 400,000, depending on the degree of decline in its activity. The grant will be paid by the tax authority as of May.

In addition, a dedicated assistance grant will be provided to self-employed persons whose activity has decreased by at least 25% in March-June. The grant, which goes directly into the bank account, will amount to 70% of the average monthly taxable income, up to NIS 10,500. This group also includes controlling employees.

The government also approved the Treasury's proposal to continue providing the special adjustment grant to those aged 67 and over who lost their jobs following the Corona crisis. Accordingly, in May, an additional grant of up to NIS 4,000 for dismissed from previous months was decided.

In addition, the government approved the request of Minister of Labor and Welfare Ophir Acunis, and all the welfare workers of the ministry will return to full work on Sunday, in addition to the exclusion of welfare workers in the local authorities.

At the meeting, the ministers discussed the easing of opening branches and other stores in the economy. It also appears that restaurants will be able to resume operations, but only for food deliveries and without serving and hosting on site. On the other hand, the malls, major shopping centers and the education system are expected to remain closed even after Independence Day. All branches that open will be required to operate only according to the purple character standard.

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The source said in a statement on Thursday to Israel Today that the guiding principles are the danger of congregation and the fear of contact between people. The factor stated that in malls, restaurants and cafes the gathering is inevitable and therefore their activities will not be renewed in the coming weeks. Hairdressers and apparel stores have inevitable interpersonal contact as well, so special conditions will be required to allow these businesses to open. Discussions at the professional levels continue during these hours. When the discussions and preparations are over, the Ministerial Committee will convene and the decision will be taken. 

In preparation for the debate, about 20 different bodies, from the environment, tourism, education, health, education and sports, contacted the prime minister and the government ministers, with the following easing, which the government also approves exits to nature and green spaces.