BIG THE NUMBERS

Countries rush to push out aid packages

SPAIN $150B

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced €100B ($150B) in loans and guarantees for companies short on cash, the Financial Times reported. The government said total aid spending would reach €200B ($316B) because of private money added in.

❚ Most of the money is state-backed credit guarantees and unlimited liquidity lines for companies.

❚ €600M ($949M) to the vulnerable who depend on social security.

BRITAIN $584B

Finance Minister Rishi Sunak announced £330B ($550B) in state-backed loans. There is also £20B ($34B) in other aid, BBC reported. All in, this accounts for some 15 per cent of GDP. Details include:

❚ £10,000 to £25,000 ($17,000 to $42,000) in grants for small business in hospitality, leisure and retail.

❚ Three month moratorium on mortgage payments.

❚ The “Business Interruption Loan Scheme” amounts are raised from £1.2M ($2M) to £5M ($8.5M). The government is covering six months of interest payments.

❚ Last week’s U.K. budget included £30B ($50B) in spending on public services, supports for the vulnerable, and tax relief and loans to business.

UNITED STATES US$850B

The Trump administration has announced it wants an aid package in the range of US$850 billion to US$1 trillion. The Wall Street Journal, citing a White House source, said US$250B of this could go in direct payments to Americans. Other outlets have suggested it could be US$500B. News reports suggest package could include:

❚ US$500B-550B in direct payments or tax cuts.

❚ US$200B- 300B in small business assistance.

❚ US$50B-100B in airline and industry relief.

FRANCE $545B

The Financial Times reported that France’s finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, announced €45B ($71B) in tax breaks and direct payments. Another €300B ($474B) in loans was also announced.

❚ €32B ($51B) for one month of deferred social security and corporate tax payments.

❚ €8.5B ($13B) for two months of payments to workers temporarily laid off.

❚ The €300B ($474B) of bank loans is for businesses to avoid collapse because they lack liquidity.

ITALY $39B

On Monday, Italy announced a €25B ($39B) aid package.

❚ Suspends loan and mortgage repayments for companies and families.

❚ Funds business to pay laid-off workers.

❚ Extends parental leave.

❚ Funds to pay for babysitters.

❚ Suspends firings after Feb. 23 €3.5B ($5.5B) for health services.

❚ €10B ($15.8B) for families and workers.