Virus Outbreak: Ministry of Culture’s relief subsidies to start soonFIRST IN, FIRST OUT: Those who filed their applications in March might be able to ask for their funds as soon as this week, Cheng Li-chiun said at a news conferenceBy Lee Hsin-fang and Sherry Hsiao / Staff reportersThe initial payouts from the Ministry of Culture’s initial NT$1.5 billion (US$49.95 million) relief package, which drew 7,658 applications, could be requested as early as this week, the ministry said yesterday. The ministry started to review the applications even before the deadline, and those who filed last month might be able to request funds as early as this week, she said. Businesses could apply for up to NT$2.5 million to cover operational costs, while individuals would be eligible for up to NT$60,000, the ministry said. The ministry earlier this month proposed an expanded relief and recovery package with an additional NT$3.72 billion as part of the central government’s second-phase relief and recovery plan, bringing its total funding to NT$5.22 billion. The application period for the second-phase package would open on April 30 and end on May 20, Cheng said.

Source: Taipei Times April 15, 2020 15:56 UTC