Soldiers help people to carry their belongings during the move. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

HCM City – More than 2,000 people living in extreme poverty have been temporarily moved to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 and ensure social order during social distancing.

Many were living in shacks on the banks of canals, others cramped in small homes or boarding houses. But they all have been given support and new accommodation as the City authorities attempt to reduce the number of coronavirus cases. 

More than 2,000 people in poor living conditions are being temporarily moved to new places to prevent the spread of COVID-19. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

The residents, which includes the elderly with health problems, have moved from wards 12 and 27 into the Thanh Đa Hotel and an apartment block in Bình Thạnh District. 

They will each be given an allowance of around VNĐ500,000 (US$21.9), and food will be made available. The citizens will also have access to vaccinations. 

People will receive VNĐ500,000 (US$21.9) per person and also be provided with food. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

Staff prepare meals for residents. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

Đinh Khắc Huy, chairman of Bình Thạnh District’s People’s Committee, said the local authorities decided to relocate people after examining apartments and asking for feedback.

This action not only ensures that people will be supported and received medical care, but will also minimise infections and fatalities.

The relocation work was being carried out over three days.

Mã Thị Minh Thảo, a resident living in a boarding house in Ung Văn Khiêm street, is happy with the move.

Thảo said: “After moving here, our family also receive meals, drinks, other essentials stuff and VNĐ2 million (US$87.7) in cash. It was so surprising.”

Currently, around 600 people have moved to Thanh Đa hotel and Apartment 1050. The 30 square metres rooms are fully equipped with electricity and water which is designed for three to four people.

The remainder of the people being moved should all be in their temporary accommodation later today.

This is a pilot model and if successful, will be implemented in the future in other Districts which are densely populated, vulnerable to disease outbreaks, and have residents with low income. 

Social welfare policy launched for homeless

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has signed a dispatch giving shelter and providing social welfare to the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dispatch has been sent to authorities of provinces and centrally-run cities as well as the Ministers of Public Security and of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

It said the pandemic has rendered many people homeless and jobless, and their movement puts them at risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus.

The PM requests localities to instruct police and other competent forces to gather such people in shelters for COVID-19 testing and transfer them to welfare facilities so that welfare and pandemic prevention measures can be implemented in line with regulations. – VNS