Nansha community's response to novel coronavirus

All sectors of Guangzhou's Nansha district have taken action since the outbreak of the virus pneumonia epidemic.

As of Feb 3, members of the local united front had donated 2.83 million yuan ($404,067.6) as well as anti-epidemic medical supplies valued at about 1.4 million yuan, according to local authorities.

In addition, the district's chambers of commerce at all levels have encouraged enterprises to support their efforts through reduction or exemption of rents. Many small and medium-sized owners have also actively participated in this action.

The Guangzhou branch of Haixiang Property Management (Beijing) Co exempted one million yuan of rent for more than 160 merchants at the 19th Chung Fisherman's Wharf.

"Though the flow of customers has been greatly reduced, I have no choice but to keep opening the store due to the short shelf life of fresh foods," said a lady surnamed Guo who owns a fruit and vegetable shop by the wharf.

She was very surprised at the favor, and felt relieved that she could lower her costs burden by nearly 4,000 yuan. About one fifth wharf merchants are in the same situation as her.

The staffs of the property company also disinfect the public area regularly and take the residents' temperatures at least twice  a day.

Chen Yanfen (1rd, L), a staff of the Haixiang Property Management Co, is taking temporature for a wharf merchant. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

A group of landlords in a local village also spontaneously reduced the rent in February for over 10 Hubei-based tenants who have returned to their hometowns to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Bantou village has the largest number of migrant workers in Nansha Street who come from Hubei province, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak. There are currently more than 200 Hubei people, of whom 34 are just returning from their hometown.

At present, all the 34 people's temperatures are normal, and no confirmed or suspected case has been found, said Li Zhiquan, Party branch secretary of the village.

A man surnamed Hu has been working and living in Nansha for years. His wife had returned to Hubei earlier to prepare for Spring Festival, while he has stayed put because of the deadly disease.

Hu told his wife about the rental reductions and exemptions in February so his wife could rest on vacation and didn't need to rush back.

"It was gratifying to hear the news. I feel this is a battle involving the whole people. We will win!" said Hu, adding that he and his family are quite optimistic and have confidence in the government and medical staff.