(Yicai Global) Feb. 5 -- Chinese hospitality companies, including Jinjiang International Holding and Huazhu Group, have scrambled for solutions to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak by cutting fees, as well as by accommodating medical staff and people under quarantine.

Jinjiang International has reserved 322 hotels across China with over 81,200 rooms to be used for staff accommodation or quarantine during the epidemic, the Shanghai-based firm told Yicai Global.

The coronavirus outbreak, which started spreading from Wuhan in December, has halted many consumers' Chinese New Year travel plans. Hence, many hotels have closed their doors due to an occupancy rate of less than 4 percent, according to Yicai Global's findings.

The government could further ease hospitality companies' plight by promoting rental subsidies, social security deferrals, tax support, and interest-free loans, Sun Jian, general manager of BTG Homeinns Hotel Group, told Yicai Global. The Shanghai-based firm has teamed with other companies to offer their employees self-imposed quarantine accommodation in 60 hotels in seven cities.

Huazhu's franchising fees have been erased in Hubei province and halved in other cities, founder and Executive Chairman Ji Qi, said to Yicai Global.

Chengdu's Shangri-La Hotel has kicked off takeaway food service and the city's Shimao YuLuxe Hotel has started selling reasonably priced fruit and vegetables to serve its guests better. 

Editor: Emmi Laine