Children whose mothers were infected with COVID-19 while pregnant are supported with VND1 million each. (Illustrative photo: VGP)
According to local statistics, as of August 31, there were 11,822 F0 children and 27,334 F1 children. The pandemic has seriously affected children both physically and mentally, because many children have to study online for a long time, have reduced sources of nourishment, and even many children are left without a father, mother or other caregivers. The caretaker is cared for by a parent who has to be treated, isolated, or dies due to COVID-19 infection.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs asked the centrally-governed City and Provincial People's Committees to direct relevant local agencies to strictly implement regulations and standards ensuring safety, preventing and controlling COVID-19 infection for children; prioritize treatment and care for children infected with COVID-19 at medical facilities; care for children's mental and psychosocial health; coordinate with the Vietnam Children's Fund to timely simplify procedures and create maximum favorable conditions for children of the above categories to receive support policies.
Carrying out support in Ho Chi Minh City, where the number of children infected with COVID-19 is the highest in the country, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs said that for children who are F0, the city will support food costs of VND80,000 per child per day for the treatment period. In addition, children will also be supported with VND1 million each.
The Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs also said that children orphaned due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be considered for a monthly allowance. In particular, children are also provided with free health insurance cards, tuition fee reduction and exemption.
The benefit period is up to under 16 years old. If they are 16 years old but are studying culture, vocational training, professional secondary school, college or university with a first degree, they will continue to enjoy the policy until the end of their studies, but must not exceed 22 years of age.
Districts and Thu Duc City are encouraging people to care for and support children whose parents have died from COVID-19 in difficult circumstances with VND3-5 million each and other necessities./.