The General Office of the State Council issued a document on Feb 10 concerning measures to improve the working conditions of medical workers on the front line against the novel coronavirus and to care for their physical and mental health.

The measures, from the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the Ministry of Finance, are necessary to support frontline medical personnel in epidemic prevention and control work.

The document called on government departments to improve the working and resting conditions for medical staff. This includes renovating hardware facilities in medical care and health institutions, and offering sufficient protective facilities and gear.

Renovation should focus on creating a sound environment in doctor’s offices, duty rooms and break rooms.

Medical workers also deserve good logistics services, as they need sufficient sleep and nutrition to serve patients in the best state.

To ensure medical staffers are physically strong in battling the virus, time should be reasonably split between their work and rest. Shift schedules must consider their physical limits in a scientific way.

The document also stressed minimizing in-hospital infections with essential protective supplies and materials.

In addition, it also paid attention to the mental health of medical workers, recommending psychological crisis intervention and counseling if necessary.

According to the document, financial support will be offered to medical workers, in the form of temporary work subsidies, merit pay for overtime, especially to outstanding performers, and higher anti-virus health allowances.

For frontline fighters with financial difficulties, volunteers or specially appointed people should aid their families to reassure them during the fight.

Anyone who harms medical personnel contributing to the epidemic prevention and control will face investigation and punishment in order to maintain orderly health care activities, said the document.