Following recent approval by the Da Nang government, the Da Nang Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) will donate 1,000 cash gifts valued at VND 500,000 each to Da Nang citizens who are living in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Da Nang Committee of VFF Chairman Ngo Xuan Thang said on Wednesday morning that the cash donations demonstrate the sympathy and support of the people and government of Da Nang for HCMC residents, including their compatriots, in the fight against the deadly virus.

The finanical support from Da Nang will go to the Association of Da Nang Compatriots in HCMC to help Da Nang citizens affected by the crisis.

Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh on Thursday morning sent a letter to the Da Nang Compatriot Association in HCMC to show the sympathy and support of the local government for Da Nang citizens there.

In his letter, Chairman Chinh said the government and people of Da Nang have kept close watch on the COVID-19 situation in HCMC, especially their compatriots amid the complex developments of the pandemic. In addition, he expressed his hope that HCMC people, including Da Nang citizens there, would go through difficult times, and the situation of coronavirus outbreak will be brought under control in HCMC soon.

Chairman Chinh also affirmed that the Da Nang government would create the most favourable conditions for its citizens in HCMC to return home.

According to the Da Nang Compatriot Association in HCMC, Da Nang citizens who register for assistance for their return home free of charge will receive VND 500,000  each in financial support, and get COVID-19 tests and medical care at no cost to them.

The Da Nang Compatriot Association in HCMC plans to bring home 300 Da Nang citizens who are the seniors, sick people, the singles and children from HCMC in early next week.

Returnees are required to get tested negative for the virus before departure from HCMC, and stick to prevention measures against COVID-19 during their journey back to Da Nang.

They must make a commitment to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Da Nang, and can choose either hotels or the government- arranged accommodation for quarantine. They will pay for hotel quarantine, or will be exempt from accommodation fees in the government- arranged quarantine facilities and only pay for food during their quaratine period.

The Da Nang Compatriot Association in HCMC will help covering the food costs for those who need help during their compulsory quarantine period in Da Nang. Besides, 1,000 first Da Nang citizens who register for assistance to return home will get VND 500,000 each from cash donations by the Da Nang government.

Reporting by LAM PHUONG – XUAN DUNG – Translating by H.L