Starting this month, more than 1,000 medical workers in Hebei province, who were sent to Wuhan, Hubei province, to help stop COVID-19, can go to movie theaters free for a year, according to Hebei Film and Television Group.

"This is to show our respect for their contribution," said Wang Shengjun, chairman of the group.

Wang said medical staff members can get free admission at more than 100 cinemas across the province until Aug 21 next year. Their companions can buy tickets at a discount.

During the period, the medical workers can watch movies as many times as they like.

Some other medical personnel who didn't go to Wuhan but also fought on the frontlines of the pandemic, will also get free tickets.

More than 100 cinemas from 11 cities in the province have volunteered to provide free tickets to the workers, and the number is increasing.