University offers subsidies for affected students

As many universities in China debate when to resume classes due to the coronavirus outbreak, Chongqing University has set up a fund to help affected students through subsidies.

According to the university announcement, those who are infected, or students who have parents confirmed with novel coronavirus pneumonia,will be granted a one-time 3,000 yuan ($430) subsidy. Each student suspected of being infected will be offered 2,000 yuan. As for students with financial difficulties from Hubei province, the hardest-hit region amid the outbreak, they are eligible for 1,000 yuan. Other students demonstrating financial need can be granted between 1,000 and 2,000 yuan, depending on various circumstances.

Students with financial difficulties from Hubei do not need to file any applications as the university will access lists from its database and transfer money to their bank accounts directly.

As of Tuesday, the university had granted 238,000 yuan to 238 Hubei students enduring financial hardship and are registered in the database .

Apart from the subsidies, Chongqing University is conducting research about students' travel history after the epidemic broke out and has given out 60,000 surgical masks to students. The university also has opened hotlines to offer psychological and subsidy consultations.