Ministry of Finance has disbursed USD 9.6 million as COVID-19 front-line allowance. The latest data from the finance ministry shows the USD 9.6 million was disbursed to 11,625 front-line workers as of May 24.
The government introduced the COVID-19 frontline allowance in May 2020 to incentivise frontline workers exposed to different levels of risk associated with the COVID-19 health protection efforts which include doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and any health worker that is required to be in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.
The frontline workers have been grouped into three risk categories, which determine the value of allowance paid out. High-risk workers are provided a daily allowance of USD 33 if the nature of their work requires direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Medium risk workers are provided a daily allowance of USD 16 if the nature of their work requires direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Low-risk workers are provided a daily allowance of USD 13 upon logging in more than 6 hours of work at the National Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) each day.
The authorities are seeking more volunteers to join their workforce as many frontline workers have been working continuously for over a year. The authorities have announced seeking people to work in COVID-19 facilities and in HEOC while everybody is eligible for a monthly allowance depending on the scope of work.