The pandemic also dominates politics. The Lucerne government council has therefore dealt with several issues. One of them is the hardship ordinance of the federal government. This is in the consultation process until November 13th and should come into force on December 1st. The government council has several wishes in this regard. The package, which is estimated at CHF 200 million, should be increased. “The CHF 200 million will hardly be enough to absorb the medium and long-term consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The general economic challenges will tend to increase », explains Finance Director Reto Wyss.
The Lucerne government itself has applied to the Cantonal Council for a license to issue CHF 25 million. This also includes the 8.58 million that the federal government would contribute. The funds are to be distributed mainly as loans and A-fonds-perdu contributions. The criteria for the money to flow at all are currently being defined.
Canton Lucerne relies on mixed forms
A relaunch of the corona loans should also be considered, the government council continues. In order to prevent abuse, the federal government should also take concrete precautions.
At the same time, the Lucerne government wants to be able to remain flexible. It should also be possible to use support measures as a mixed form. “It seems to us to make more sense if support measures can be combined if necessary in order to meet the needs of the company as well as possible,” says Wyss.
Bed capacity is being expanded
However, the government council has taken further measures in the fight against Corona. The Medical Center Lucerne (MCL) in Notwil will go back into operation on November 23. This in view of the increased number of patients in acute hospitals. In a first step, 25 beds will be provided, then the MCL will be expanded.
Additional institutions – including the MCL – are added to the hospital list so that the canton can react quickly to an increasing number of cases. Those who are already on the list will receive additional service contracts. This applies to rehabilitation clinics, for example.
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