Tai'an, East China's Shandong province, rolled out a series of measures on Feb 4 to help enterprises cope with ongoing virus prevention and control efforts, according to the local government.

The circular has introduced a total of 12 support measures, including rental reductions and exemptions and other forms of financial support.

The municipal finance department will set up an emergency fund of 100 million yuan ($14.3?million) to provide support for enterprises having difficulty repaying loans in the short term.

Officials said the city is instructing financial institutions to loosen requirements on obtaining and repaying loans and asking them to increase credit support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Those having difficulties with repayments will have their loans extended or renewed, according to the circular.

For enterprises that are a part of the city's social insurance scheme, 50 percent of the unemployment insurance premiums they paid in the preceding year may be refunded, provided that they do not lay off employees.

Financial institutions will assist small and medium-sized enterprises by lowering interest rates, waiving overdue interest, and adjusting repayment terms.

In addition, an innovation and entrepreneurship carrier organized by the government will reduce rents for small and micro-sized enterprises for a period of three months during the epidemic, according to the circular.