Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year, national health body suggests

People are advised to stay in their city of work and reduce travels for Chinese New Year holiday as precautionary measures against the COVID-19 spread, National Health Commission said Saturday.

Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission, said at a news conference that the prevention and control of the pandemic still face challenges, especially with the approach of the Chinese New Year in February, which will see large people migrations across the country, an increasing number of people returning from abroad, as well as the increase of gatherings and imported cold chain goods.

To reduce the risk of disease spread, Zeng said staggered travel and online consumption should be encouraged and guided during holiday period. Schools should also optimize and stagger the timing of winter holidays and the start of the spring semester.

As a large volume of trips are expected ahead of the Chinese New Year in February, migrant workers are advised to stay in their city of work to reduce the movement of people as much as possible, he said, adding that the flow of traffic should be strictly controlled.

All kinds of public places, such as conference events and scenic tours, should strictly comply with the relevant local regulations and the requirements for the control of people flow.

Zeng said to detect and report infections in a timely manner, the scope and frequency of nucleic acid testing should be expanded, imported goods should be strictly detected and the protection for personnel who work at high-risk posts should also be strengthened.

Hospitals and other medical institutions should also carry out regular inspections, allocate adequate equipment and personnel and enforce management of fever patients.

All localities also need to strengthen emergency response to gatherings and organize practical exercises and training in disease control, medical care and testing, he said.

Governments will also need to ensure that the vaccination is carried out in a standardized and safe manner and properly monitor and report suspected abnormal reactions to vaccination, he added.