A total of about 8 million yuan ($1.14 million) was specifically earmarked by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to support the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus in residential communities in Inner Mongolia, according to the information released by the commission on Feb 1.

The funds -- comprising of 4.11 million yuan from the Party committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Inner Mongolia and 3.89 million yuan donated by Inner Mongolia's State-owned enterprises -- will be used to buy medicines and materials for epidemic prevention and control.

The funding is mainly targeted at the residential communities where the State-owned enterprises are located, the residential communities housing employees of State-owned enterprises and the residential communities that are supported by State-owned enterprises.

In addition, every residential community receiving assistance is required to establish a volunteer team to provide epidemic prevention services and conduct prevention guidance and supervision.

The move is expected to provide strong guarantees to solve the problem of insufficient community anti-virus funds and materials, as well as a shortage of personnel.

Officials said it will play an important role in strengthening community governance.