BEIJING — Chinese authorities had allocated 25.94 billion yuan ($3.71 billion) by Feb 13 to improve working conditions of medical staff fighting the novel coronavirus, said a finance official Feb 14.

Ou Wenhan, assistant minister of finance, made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing, adding that the money was used to purchase medical equipment and protective materials and upgrade facilities in medical institutions.

Each frontline medical and epidemic prevention worker would receive a subsidy of 300 yuan or 200 yuan per day according to different risk levels, which would be fully covered by the central fiscal, said Ou.

Highlighting the efforts to protect the lawful rights and interests of the medical personnel, Ou said medical staff infected with novel coronavirus pneumonia will receive compensation for occupational injuries.

Medical teams and individuals who have made outstanding contribution to the fight against the epidemic should be commended and awarded promptly, said Ou, adding that the subsidies and bonuses that the frontline medical workers obtain should be exempt from individual income tax.