Corona Crisis: Colombia Helps Cleaners, Maids and Construction Workers First

Colombia’s government is planning to spend $120 million to help millions of people who are financially struggling in the South American nation during the coronavirus lockdown.

According to President Ivan Duque, three million people not part of any government welfare programs – from cleaners and maids to street vendors and construction workers – will be receiving a one-time cash transfer equivalent to about 12% of the minimum monthly wage. Another 2.6 million Colombian families as well as 206,000 youths that are all part of a government program will also receive an additional payment this month.

Duque announced that the financial assistance is intended to “weather these storms without hunger in our country” in a statement on television.

As well as the poor and struggling, the 9 million victims of Colombia’s 52-year war – which ended 4 years ago – will also be receiving help, through the government’s decision to move up scheduled war compensations from later this year to as early as this month.