With many businesses forced to close as part of State sanctions to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease, hundreds of families have been without an income and struggling to cover their basic needs.

The subsidy was promised in April, but was delayed due to processing issues, the government has said.

The subsidy package totals $99.6 million, with an estimated 298.119 families eligible for payment.

The families will each receive US $100 per month, for up to three months.

Announcing the payments, Berta said she was “pleased to be here.”

“We have closely followed our communities during the State of Emergency, which is eagerly awaiting the $100 that is allocated today,” she said.

Families who have earned less than $500 during the three-month emergency period  are entitled to the payment.

Meanwhile, authorities said families who have not received the subsidy and are entitled to it, should contact the Ministry of State Administration or community leaders.