(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, 09 MAR - Germany announced measures to boost its sputtering economy in the face of the fast-spreading coronavirus, while also calling for the cancellation of large events. With measures taken to halt the virus hitting the economy hard, leaders of Chancellor Angela Merkel's right-left coalition agreed on new aid measures after late-night talks. Rules governing compensation for workers forced to cut working hours because of the crisis will be eased, said the government in a statement after late-night talks. The relaxed criteria will apply from April and will be valid up to the end of the year.

Berlin also pledged to draw up proposals on offering liquidity support for companies hardest hit by the impact of the outbreak. Talks with key representatives of the German economy as well as trade unions will be held shortly on the proposals.

Separately, the government said it will also boost investments by 3.1 billion euros per year between 2021 and 2024. The total hike in investments totalling 12.4 billion euros will be entirely funded by 2019's budget surplus. (ANSA-AFP).