China’s eastern province of Zhejiang urged caution over the upcoming Lunar New Year amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, with measures including reducing crowds, testing requirements and mask mandates.
The province, home to around 65 million people, reported 1,088 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, up from 192 a day earlier. The majority of the cases were linked to an outbreak at a factory in the city of Hangzhou, the provincial capital.
Zhejiang’s health commission advised residents to reduce gatherings during the holiday, which starts on January 22, and to avoid non-essential travel. People entering the province from other parts of China will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of arrival.
The commission also urged people to wear masks in public places and to avoid visiting crowded areas. It encouraged people to celebrate the holiday online or in small groups.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is China’s most important holiday and is typically a time for family reunions and travel. However, the holiday has been overshadowed by COVID-19 concerns in recent years, with travel restrictions and other measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
Zhejiang’s measures are similar to those being implemented in other parts of China, as the country battles a surge in COVID-19 cases following the easing of strict pandemic restrictions in December.
On Sunday, China’s National Health Commission reported 53,285 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total since the pandemic began. The vast majority of cases were mild or asymptomatic, but there have been concerns about the potential for severe cases and deaths to increase, especially among the elderly and vulnerable.
The Chinese government has urged people to get vaccinated and boosted, and has increased the availability of antiviral drugs and medical resources. It has also stepped up efforts to monitor and contain outbreaks, including by increasing testing and tracing.
Despite the rise in cases, China has not imposed a nationwide lockdown and has instead opted for targeted measures to contain outbreaks. However, some local governments have implemented stricter measures, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, in areas with high numbers of cases.
The Lunar New Year holiday is a major test for China’s COVID-19 strategy, as it is a time when millions of people travel and gather. The government is hoping that the measures it has put in place will be enough to prevent a major surge in cases and allow people to celebrate the holiday safely..
