Gov’t elaborates on emergency package for COVID-19 affected ones

VGP – The Government elaborated on a package of measures to support millions of people and businesses affected by COVID-19 during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The Cabinet meeting on April 1, 2020. Photo: VGP

The package, drafted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, targets a range of beneficiaries for the next three months, making it the unprecedented package in the country.

Specifically, over 1.13 million people with meritorious services to the revolution would receive VND 500,000 (US$ 23) each per month from April to June, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.

The Government will put aside VND 6,470 billion to support 4.3 million social protection beneficiaries, Dung said.

Targeted benificaries of Goverment’s support package

About 984,000 poor and near-poor households would monthly receive VND1 million (US$ 43) each in the April-June period.

In addition, over 1 million contract laborers would get VND 1.8 million (US$ 78) each in the next three months if their work contracts are suspended.

Employers would be allowed to borrow money at zero percent interest rate to pay salaries for their employees.

PM Phuc affirmed that the Government would give a priority to those who are seriously affected by COVID-19 outbreak and guarantee transparency and openness in the implementation of the package.