Kerala govt announces Rs 20,000 crore package amid coronavirus spread

The Kerala government has announced a Rs 20,000-crore financial package for the state to tide over the present crisis being faced by the southern state in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This includes Rs 14,000 crore to clear all arrears pending in various sectors and a Rs 500-crore health package.

On Thursday, the state has reported one more positive case, taking the total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 28, of which 25 patients are under treatment, said state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

“The state is facing a huge crisis and normal life has been affected. This has impacted the economy. The financial package is expected to revive the economy,” said Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday after a review meeting with the health minister and other officials. He said the fund has to come from the state government and there won’t be any problem in finding the fund.