Urgent measures mulled for firms hit by coronavirus

Athens is considering the suspension of tax obligations and possibly (in case of a further deterioration) of social security contributions for enterprises that suffer losses as a result of the spread of the new coronavirus, according to a government source.

The measures, the same source adds, will apply only to firms and sectors where there are quantifiable effects, noting that the government has tools to gauge the impact of the growing epidemic on a daily basis.

The government's priority, and also the requirement for a firm to apply for the relief measures, is that companies standing to benefit do not lay off any staff.

Concerns in the Finance Ministry are growing about the impact of the coronavirus on the Greek economy. As one competent source notes, "the scenario about limited consequences is not the baseline anymore, as it was just a few days ago. The...