People worried

After 35 consecutive days with no new infections, six COVID-19 cases were reported in Wuhan on May 9 and May 10, all in the same neighborhood. People were worried, and Ren's business, which was slowly picking up, took a hit again.

"I lose money when I open up, but I lose more if I don't. This is the dilemma I face, as do the other owners of small private businesses in the area," he said.

"I was worried about my health when the outbreak in the city was severe, and now I am worried about my livelihood. The pressure is just too much, because my family depends on the restaurant. It will certainly be a tough year for all people in Wuhan, not just myself."

On April 18, the city authorities issued a directive to help small and microbusinesses get through the tough times, with tenants of State-owned properties receiving a three-month rent exemption and a reduction for a further six months.

Most owners of small and microbusinesses, including Ren, rent from private property owners, who have the option of helping their tenants, or not.

On April 21, a State Council executive meeting decided to ease the rental pressure for such businesses. Property leasers offering rental exemptions or reductions were given a tax cut as encouragement for private property owners to help businesses such as Ren's.

"I have to pay about 10,000 yuan ($1,408) a month in rent, which is the biggest expense for my business. I spoke to my landlord, and he agreed to an exemption for February and March after hearing that he would receive a property tax cut. I really appreciate this. Something is better than nothing," Ren said.

He has already paid rent up to next month, but if he cannot pay it on time for the second half of this year, he will face losing his business. Ren, who employs four people, including his sister, said: "I will let four families down if I can't carry on. The clock is ticking."