China has rolled out a series of
guidelines to ensure the well-being of people who had been asked to
avoid traveling during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday. All
residents in areas at high risk of COVID-19 shall stay at their current
residing localities to prevent spreading the epidemic, said a recent
circular released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China
Central Committee and the State Council. Travel
from medium-risk areas will need permission from the local epidemic
prevention and control authorities. Those living in low-risk areas shall
be advised to avoid traveling unless necessary, the circular said. According
to the circular, all localities, especially large and medium-sized
cities, are asked to guarantee stable supplies of necessities and
energy. It demanded smooth logistics and transport services to meet the
needs for shopping, recreation, and entertainment of people who stay
where they work during the holiday. Efforts
should ensure that those who work during the holiday enjoy due overtime
payments and rest under the relevant laws, it added. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 12 this year.
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