Giovanna Dabbicco is Researcher at the Italian National Statistical Office (ISTAT). She was formerly Adjunct Assistant Professor of Planning and Control in Public Administrations at University of Roma Tre, Italy.Marco Bisogno is Associate Professor in Accounting at the University of Salerno, Italy.Josette Caruana is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Malta.Johan Christiaens is Professor in the Department of Accounting, Corporate Finance and Taxation at Ghent University, Belgium.

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Government Finance Statistics for 2020 and beyond.- 3. A comparison of Measures taken by governments worldwide.- 4. The performance of COVID-19 expenses in various sectors of national economies.- 5. The impact of COVID measures on public sector balance sheets.- 6. The effect on international accountancy standards setters.- 7. How can IPSAS’ existing guidance be revised in exceptional financial situations.- 8. Conclusion.

Giovanna Dabbicco is Researcher at the Italian National Statistical Office (ISTAT). She was formerly Adjunct Assistant Professor of Planning and Control in Public Administrations at University of Roma Tre, Italy.Marco Bisogno is Associate Professor in Accounting at the University of Salerno, Italy.Josette Caruana is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Malta.Johan Christiaens is Professor in the Department of Accounting, Corporate Finance and Taxation at Ghent University, Belgium.

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Government Finance Statistics for 2020 and beyond.- 3. A comparison of Measures taken by governments worldwide.- 4. The performance of COVID-19 expenses in various sectors of national economies.- 5. The impact of COVID measures on public sector balance sheets.- 6. The effect on international accountancy standards setters.- 7. How can IPSAS’ existing guidance be revised in exceptional financial situations.- 8. Conclusion.

Giovanna Dabbicco is Researcher at the Italian National Statistical Office (ISTAT). She was formerly Adjunct Assistant Professor of Planning and Control in Public Administrations at University of Roma Tre, Italy.Marco Bisogno is Associate Professor in Accounting at the University of Salerno, Italy.Josette Caruana is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Malta.Johan Christiaens is Professor in the Department of Accounting, Corporate Finance and Taxation at Ghent University, Belgium.

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Government Finance Statistics for 2020 and beyond.- 3. A comparison of Measures taken by governments worldwide.- 4. The performance of COVID-19 expenses in various sectors of national economies.- 5. The impact of COVID measures on public sector balance sheets.- 6. The effect on international accountancy standards setters.- 7. How can IPSAS’ existing guidance be revised in exceptional financial situations.- 8. Conclusion.