As of 24:00, February 27th, Guangdong had confirmed 1 new case, pushing the total number of infected patients to 1348.

Dongguan reported 1 case on February 27th.

In response to the recent spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) through some countries and regions, Guangdong is instituting tightened entry quarantine for all arrivals, including Chinese citizens. Anyone entering Guangdong needs to report their health condition and agree to undergo medical observation if necessary.

The 34th press conference on Guangdong's fight against the COVID-19 was held in Guangzhou today.

(Photo: Cao Yaqin)

Guangdong today released measures to reduce social insurance premiums for enterprises struck by the epidemic.

From February to June, small medium enterprises (SME) and individual industrial and commercial households insured in the form of units shall be exempted from endowment insurance, unemployment insurance and work-related injury insurance fees. The social insurance premiums for large enterprises and other companies shall be reduced by half from February to April.

"Under the policy, Guangdong will cut 74.8 billion RMB social insurance fees for SMEs," said Que Guangchang, Director-General of the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province. "An enterprise is expected to enjoy a saving of more than 2 million yuan."

Yang Chaofeng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Finance of Guangdong Province, indicated that as of February 27th, Guangdong had spent 9.947 billion yuan to cover patients' medical expenses, and purchase medical equipment and supplies.

In addition, Xiao Yingbo, Deputy Director-General of the Guangdong Provincial Tax Service, reminded journalists that institutions and individuals can handle tax-related business via web portals.

"At present, 90% of the business can be handled online," Xiao said.

Author: Hannah, Steven

Editor: Simon, Keane