Workers are busy at a manufacturing plant in Haimen. [Photo/WeChat account: dongzhouchengshi]

Haimen, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, recently rolled out a series of measures to help local startups cut costs and resume operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The 10 measures took effect on Feb 22 and will last until March 24.

According to the measures, startups that rent state-owned properties can be exempted from rent fees in February and March.

The local government will offer subsidies to startups to cover social security fees for skilled workers with an annual income of no less than 120,000 yuan ($17,304), as well as R&D workers and designers with a master's degree and an annual income of no less than 200,000 yuan.

Local human resources companies, vocational schools, and colleges are also encouraged to introduce workers to startups. Institutions that introduce more than five workers to local startups can receive 500 yuan per head. If a worker receives employment for more than six months, the institute can receive another 1,000 yuan in subsidies.

The measures also require two government hotlines (0513-81262133, 13485195977), which provide 24-hour services to help companies and skilled workers solve problems amid the outbreak.