USA: ”The US Fed unveils up to $2.3 trillion of additional virus relief for small businesses and local governments”

The Federal Reserve announced on Thursday plans to unleash up to $2.3 trillion in additional economic aid amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The central bank will offer up to $600 billion in loans through its Main Street Lending Program to small- and mid-sized businesses hit by the sudden economic halt. Firms tapping the credit pool “must commit to make reasonable efforts to maintain payroll and retain workers,” the Fed said in a statement.