SUVA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Tonga's government announced on Thursday a 60-million-Pa'anga (25.2-million-U.S. dollar) economic and social stimulus package as part of its efforts to fight the COVID-19.
Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said the package will provide short-term financial assistance for all sectors of the economy, including tourism, aviation, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transport, security, and law and order.
The new package could change over the next three months depending on the course COVID-19 takes in the island nation.
The health sector will receive over 30 percent of the funding. There will be an increase in the welfare scheme for the elderly, those with disabilities and poor households. The elderly and disability allowances of 100 Pa'anga (about 42 U.S. dollars) per person for COVID 19 plus March and April monthly allowances will be paid out next week.
Meanwhile, Vanuatu's government also has announced a 4-billion-Vatu (33.6-million-U.S. dollar) stimulus package to support the country's economy during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the two South Pacific island nations.
