Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces 5 steps taken by the company to fight coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic is still at large with new cases being reported daily around the world. While the countries where it propagated early are now starting to flatten the curve, there are many other regions where the virus is starting to spread. In these trying times, Google has announced a new $800+ million commitment to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), health organisations and governments, and health workers that are fighting the pandemic on the frontlines.

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5 steps by Google to fight coronavirus

The €726+ million commitment is being divided into five categories by the tech giant. These include:

• $250 million in ad grants: Google is committing ad grants worth $250 million or €226 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) and over 100 government agencies globally to help deliver critical information on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other measures to help local communities. Additionally, the company is providing $20 million in ad grants to community financial institutions and NGOs. This fund will be specifically utilised to run public service announcements on relief funds and other resources for SMBs.
• $200 million investment fund: To support NGOs and financial institutions worldwide, who can support small businesses with capital, Google is announcing a $200 million (€181 million) investment fund. 
• $340 million in Google Ads credits: These ad credits will be available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. They will receive a credit notification in their Google Ads accounts and it can be used by the end of 2020 across Google’s ad platforms. 
• A pool of $20 million in Google Cloud credits: Aimed at providing relief for academic institutions and researchers, the Google Cloud credits will enable institutions to leverage the company’s computing capabilities and infrastructure. This can be used to study potential therapies and vaccines, track critical data, and identify new ways to combat COVID-19. One can apply for credits on the Google for Education website.
• Direct financial support and expertise: Google is also working directly with companies to ramp up the production capacity of personal protective equipment (PPE) and lifesaving medical devices. 

In addition to these five commitments, Google has also increased the gift match Google offers every employee annually to €9000 from €6,800.

Image credits: Google

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