China's "great migration" refers to the annual mass movement of people in the country who travel home to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families. This year, however, the migration has been overshadowed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the National Development and Reform Commission, an estimated 3 billion trips will be made during the holiday period, which lasts from January 28 to March 8. This represents a significant increase from the 2.98 billion trips made during the same period last year, although the country is still grappling with the coronavirus.
The Chinese government has implemented several measures to try and curb the spread of the virus during the holiday period. These include mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and the use of QR codes for contact tracing. In addition, the government has encouraged people to celebrate the holiday at home or in small groups, rather than traveling long distances to be with their families.
However, these measures have not been enough to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country. For example, the city of Shijiazhuang, located in the northern province of Hebei, has seen a sharp increase in cases in recent weeks. The city has gone into lockdown, with all outbound transportation suspended and residents required to stay in their homes.
Despite the risks, many people in China are still planning to travel during the holiday period. Some are motivated by a desire to be with their families, while others are looking to escape the colder weather in the north. The migration is also driven by the fact that the Lunar New Year is the only time of year when many people in China can take time off work.
The "great migration" is a major event in China, and its impact is felt not just in the country but around the world. With millions of people on the move, the holiday period is typically a busy time for transportation systems, with crowded trains and planes, as well as increased traffic on the roads.
This year, the "great migration" is taking place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already had a major impact on the country and the world. While the Chinese government has taken steps to try and curb the spread of the virus during the holiday period, the risk of further outbreaks remains high. It is important for people to follow public health guidelines and to be mindful of the risks of traveling during this time.
We understand that the desire to be with our families during the holiday period is strong, but it is important to consider the risks and to follow public health guidelines. If you are planning on traveling, please take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. Remember to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and frequently wash your hands.
Sources:
"China expects 3 billion trips during 2021 Lunar New Year holiday season", National Development and Reform Commission, January 4, 2021, https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xwfbh/gjxwfbh/202101/t20210104_972141.html
"Shijiazhuang city enters lockdown amid a surge in Covid-19 cases", South China Morning Post, January 6, 2021, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3123160/shijiazhuang-city-enters-lockdown-amid-surge-covid-19-cases
"China's great migration starts under the shadow of Covid", BBC, January 22, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55767539
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