Govt extends aid to businesses, cultural sector impacted by Covid-19 measures

The Czech government is extending part of the “Antivirus” aid program through 2020. Companies obliged to close due to measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic will receive money to cover part of their employees’ salaries, including social security contributions, up to CZK 50,000 a month.

Currently, affected companies could have up to 80 percent of salaries paid out or request compensation for employees in quarantine, whose super gross wages may not exceed CZK 39,000. Impacted businesses can also apply to postpone some tax payments until next year. Entrepreneurs will be able to apply for a commercial rent allowance in the third quarter, with the state covering half.

The government is also preparing measures for those in the cultural sector. Under the COVID-culture program, some CZK 750 million has been set aside to help various institutions as well as independent artists of various kinds.

Organizers of cancelled sports events and sports facilities, including swimming pools and wellness centres, will also be entitled to compensation. The aid also covers leisure, educational and training facilities for children and young people aged six to 18. Some 2,000 tour bus carriers will receive some CZK 1 billion in total to cover losses.