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Representatives from different religions attending the Covid-19 Donations Launching ceremony on May 27. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Fatherland Front

Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019, religious practice across Vietnam has been affected. Most religions in Vietnam have so far reported followers, dignitaries, and monks as coronavirus patients or mortalities.

In late April, a Christian congregation called Revival Ekklesia Mission based in HCMC’s Go Vap District had sparked a major outbreak that infected 653 people and spread to 21 affiliate districts and 15 localities. HCMC and nearby provinces have since battled the worst resurgence yet, with daily count reach 5 digit-number for days.

Given the complicated pandemic development, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs has called for all religious organizations to strengthen anti-pandemic measures, especially the suspension of spiritual activities requiring gatherings like praying. Such physical practice should be held online instead to minimize possible exposure, according to the committee.

It also asked leaders to file immediate reports of new cases to local authorities for prompt zoning, contact tracing and suspension. Religious places should update pandemic situations and disseminating anti-preventive protocols to followers.

A Helping Hand

While implementing strict pandemic preventive measures in line with the government’s regulations, religious organizations across Vietnam also offered support to hard-hit hotspots.

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Tu prepares food for the "Tuong Nguyen Charity Kitchen", which will be sent to medical personnel at field hospital and needy people at quarantine areas. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Fatherland Front

Buddhist monk Thich Thien Nhon, chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, has called on followers to continue donating medical supplies and equipment for HCMC and other stricken localities as the pandemic worsens. The Buddhist monk also acknowledged the contribution of followers to the Vietnam Vaccine Fund and their charitable works at quarantine and locked-down areas.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has reportedly sent 10 multi-purpose ventilators worth nearly US$ 300,000 alongside money and daily essentials to 6 provinces and cities, including HCMC, Binh Duong, Long An. Several churches are used as quarantine centers and field hospitals.

In HCMC, 690 Buddhists volunteered to support medical personnel taking care of Covid-19 patients at city’s field hospitals.

Many followers volunteer to join the Covid frontline. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Fatherland Front

Meanwhile, Vinh Bishop’s Palace has donated over US$ 131,700 and 60kg of foodstuff to HCMC, Phan Thiet Bishop’s Palace has sent 10,000 liters of fish sauce and 15 tons of dragon fruits to the epicenter. Followers of 7 religious organizations in Hanoi last April had donated 56 blood units reserving for Covid-19 patient treatment.

Many other religious organizations also sent their support in form of finance, food, or human resources to southern provinces. Such contributions represent each religion’s noble gesture, values and responsibility to the society.

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