Zhejiang introduced a raft of policy measures this week to help its market tide over difficulties and stabilize expectations in the wake of recent COVID-19 outbreaks.

The 53 measures, which were formulated by the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and a variety of governmental departments, are focused on Zhejiang's service industry, which is one of the largest sources of employment for the province.

The measures are related to matters such as rent reduction and exemption, fiscal and tax concessions and financial support. According to the new policies, small and micro enterprises and individual businesses in places classified as medium- and high-risk COVID-19 areas will be entitled to rent exemption for six months in 2022. Those located in low-risk areas stand to receive rent exemptions for three months.

Other measures include providing employees from catering companies with free nucleic acid tests and dishing out subsidies to certain airlines.

Municipal governments within Zhejiang have also introduced their own measures to help the service industry overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic.