Just over $25million has been paid out to Otago and Southland businesses from the Government’s Covid-19 Support Payment.
In February, Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced the targeted payment for businesses struggling in the Omicron outbreak.
To be eligible for three fortnightly payments, of $4000 plus $400 per full-time employee, businesses had to show a 40% drop in revenue over seven days in mid-February.
Figures published by the Inland Revenue Department revealed that in the first two payments Otago and Southland businesses claimed $25.2million for about 3600 staff.
Of that, Dunedin and Queenstown businesses claimed $21.7million for 3088 employees.
Meanwhile, Southland businesses claimed $3.5million for 540 staff.
Nationally, $513million has been paid out in the first two payments.
Mr Robertson has previously said the Government could extend the payment beyond the initial six-week period if needed.
Applications for the third payment close on Monday.
-- RILEY KENNEDY
