Hanoi has disbursed more than VND608 billion (US$26.4 million) to support 515,515 people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the municipal Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

The department has also dispatched inspection teams to supervise the aid payment. Most of the aid recipients said they were thankful for the timely support and that the aids have been delivered to the right people, according to reports from the inspection teams.

“My wife and I earn a living from an iced tea shop on the sidewalks. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had to close our shop several times, making it harder for us to afford our two children, thus, I'm very touched since this assistance comes at the right moment,” Tran Dinh Diep, a veteran, told Hanoitimes.

People in Yen Nghia ward, Ha Dong district receive governmental aid. Photo: Oanh Tran

According to the Hanoi Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the city's districts have delivered support to the eligible people in accordance with regulations.

However, as the policy to support people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented and due to urgency of time, therefore, the aid delivery has not been smooth, the department said.

In addition to financial support from the government and the city, many districts have mobilized private funds to support non-public teachers and poor people to stabilize their lives.

In April 2020, Vietnam’s prime minister signed a decision to roll out a relief package worth VND62 trillion (US$2.7 billion) to support vulnerable people directly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.