Ho Chi Minh: Caritas' offers aid in latest lockdown

Since last week, the Vietamite government has imposed new restrictions, closing most shops. The Catholic community is supporting families in difficulty.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Since July 9, the Ho Chi Minh City government has imposed a new lockdown after a new wave of Covid-19: yesterday, 2,008 new cases were recorded throughout the country, ending a week in which the average number of daily cases was just under 1,500. 

In an attempt to limit the number of cases, all shops, except those selling basic necessities, were closed. The local Caritas organisation has mobilised to help families in difficulty because of the new restrictions: benefactors have donated tonnes of rice, eggs, fruit and vegetables which have been redistributed among the poorest families and in centres where people are isolated.

Through the 'Spreading love' programme, 500 kg of rice were donated to the 14 poorest counties of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh. Other families have been given food vouchers to 'spend' in their own parish kitchens. Volunteers also bring food and medical equipment to disabled or elderly people who cannot leave their homes.

Speaking to AsiaNews, some members of the local Caritas organisation explained that they respect the rules of distance during their activities: "The epidemic is spreading rapidly. Contact between volunteers and those receiving aid are difficult and at risk. But we are ready to help those living in difficult conditions by respecting the Vietnamese authorities' distancing principles in order to prevent contagion".   

• vietnam
• ho chi minh
• saigon
• caritas
• volunteering
• covid-19
• coronavirus
• pandemic
• contagions
• lockdown
• restrictions
• donations
• food
• poor