Ministry of Finance has begun disbursing allowances for individuals working in the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The finance ministry said USD 188,221 has been disbursed to 220 frontline workers. The ministry revealed the amount given to each worker consists of the total allowance allocated from March 7 to June 30.
Furthermore, the finance ministry stated efforts are ongoing to issue the allowance to remaining frontline workers. The ministry said it is currently verifying and approving data before releasing the allowance for additional frontline workers.
The allowance is given after classifying frontliners into three main categories. As such, the first category includes high-risk workers such as doctors and nurses, as well as laboratory technicians who are testing COVID-19 samples and staff who transport COVID-19 patients from one place to another. Staff listed under the first category will receive an allowance of USD 32 per day.
The second category includes medium-risk workers who work in direct contact with individuals who serve COVID-19 patients. Such individuals would receive an allowance of USD 16 per day.
The third category includes low-risk workers such as staff from the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC). Such individuals would receive USD 13 per day.
Political appointees and individuals under medium-risk and low-risk categories who currently earn wages above deputy minister level would not be eligible for the allowance despite working on the frontline. Also, frontline workers who receive an additional allowance from their employer will not be eligible for the allowance issued from the government.