Spring Festival travel discouraged to curb coronavirus spread

The Chinese government encourages people to stay put during the upcoming Spring Festival to better prevent and control COVID-19 and pledges to guarantee the supply of daily necessities during the week-long holiday, said officials from six government departments at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

A press conference is held in Beijing on Jan. 27, 2021, to brief the media about the circular on ensuring services and supplies to people who stay for the Spring Festival holiday. [Photo by Jiao Fei/China SCIO]

With sporadic COVID-19 cases in northern China, the country recently rolled out a circular to discourage traveling and encourage people to stay in the city where they work and live for the Chinese New Year.

According to the circular, all residents in high-risk areas for COVID-19 shall stay at their current locations; travels from medium-risk areas will require permission from local epidemic prevention and control authorities; those in low-risk areas are advised to avoid unnecessary travels.

Meanwhile, efforts will be made to ensure that daily necessities are never out of stock, and that important goods are well supplied at stable prices, the officials said, adding that express delivery and postal services will continue during the holiday.

The officials also said that some local authorities have come up with incentives to encourage people to stay put during the holiday, and those who work during the Spring Festival should enjoy overtime pay according to relevant laws.

In addition, the Chinese government are encouraging libraries, museums, and theaters to offer more cultural activities online, and outdoor facilities such as parks and stadiums should stay open during the holiday. Meanwhile, all these establishments must strictly follow epidemic prevention and control measures. For example, cinemas and theaters in low-risk areas are required to fill no more than 75% of their capacities.

China is anticipating 296 million railway passenger trips during the Spring Festival travel rush, according to the national railway operator. The figure is up 40.6% from the 2020 level and down 27.8% from the 2019 level.