German minister eyes gastronomy rescue fund if lockdown very long

Germany is ready to offer further financial aid to companies if necessary due to the coronavirus and a fund for the gastronomy sector may be needed if the lockdown lasts longer than expected, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Tuesday.

"As Economy Minister, I am saying if contrary to expectations, it lasts a long time until a full opening is possible, we will have to reconsider aid, then we would need something like a rescue fund for gastronomy," he told ZDF television.