Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Chinese authorities have introduced policies and measures to respond to the epidemic and help people get through difficult times. Here we list some of the policies and measures that have been rolled out.

1. Treatment bills of infected patients subsidized

Apart from confirmed patients, suspected patients are also able to get subsidies to cover medical costs related to the novel coronavirus, according to a policy announced by the Ministry of Finance, the National Healthcare Security Administration and the National Health Commission on Jan 27 to supplement the previous one issued on Jan 22.

Financial aid will be offered to confirmed and suspected patients alike after payments by medical insurance, serious illness insurance and assistance programs, while those who are treated outside their place of residence will not be limited by existing reimbursement policies.

2. Employees should get paid during quarantine

Employees who are infected with the novel coronavirus, suspected patients or close contacts of the infected should still get paid while being quarantined and treated or under medical observation, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Jan 24.