Editorial
Millions of Chinese are spending the Chinese New Year where they work
Staying local will benefit us, our families and the entire country. After all, everyone will have a good time only when everyone else is safe
Editorial  ·  2021-02-08  ·   Source: NO.6 FEBRUARY 11, 2021
This Spring Festival will be very different due to many reasons.
In response to the government's call for prevention and control of novel coronavirus infections, millions of Chinese are spending the Chinese New Year where they work, instead of returning to their hometown as they did in the past.
Since the reform and opening-up policy was adopted in 1978, following the economic and social development, the movement of population across cities and regions has accelerated. Many people leave their hometown to work in more developed areas but return home every year to celebrate the most important festival with their family.
However, the recent novel coronavirus cases in some cities in winter came as a warning that the festival travel season, described as the largest population movement in the world, may create conditions for the spread of the virus. Therefore staying put wherever one is represents the best possible choice.
The Chinese have a strong civic sense and understanding of the overall situation. The call by the authorities for people to stay "local" during the holiday, though not mandatory, has therefore been widely followed and many will spend the holiday where they work.
However they will try to recreate the home atmosphere wherever they are by eating the food and following the customs they have at home.
To ensure the "remainers" enjoy their holiday, the government has called for ensuring an adequate supply of goods. Wholesale markets, rural markets, supermarkets, e-commerce platforms and logistics firms have been asked to continue operations and retail outlets will stay open for at least eight hours a day during the holiday.
People can reunite with their parents and children virtually through video chats. In addition, the Central Government has asked local officials to visit migrant workers' elderly parents and children left at home to ensure their wellbeing.
Some businesses have offered bonuses to their employees to stay put while some communities are organizing celebrations for migrant workers. All of this will make the Spring Festival of 2021 unique.
Staying local will benefit us, our families and the entire country. After all, everyone will have a good time only when everyone else is safe. 
(Print Edition Title: Celebrate Where You Are) 
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