A number of companies in Haimen district, Nantong, including local construction giant Zhongnan Group, have taken measures to entice their employees to stay in Haimen for the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

Zhongnan Group issued a letter to its employees on Jan 22, in which the group advised all staff members to stay during the holiday to reduce the possibility of being infected with COVID-19.

It has also called on its staff to take strict personal protective measures and avoid unnecessary gatherings.

Subsidiaries of the group are advised to offer flexible vacation policies and subsidies, as well as to arrange festive activities for employees who remain in the district.

A local medical equipment manufacturer has also responded to the local government's call for avoiding the holiday travel rush.

"We have prepared New Year gifts and will arrange New Year's Eve meals for employees from outside the city who will stay in Haimen," said Zhu Liuliu, head of the company's administrative department.

To date, most of its over 60 employees from outside the city have agreed to stay in Haimen for the holiday.

Officials also revealed that more than half of the employees from outside the city in Yuelai town, where the company is located, have made the same decision.