Photo: China Daily

Beijing will issue shopping coupons for residents who answer the government's call to stay in the capital during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls in Feb 12 this year.

Usually, hundreds of millions of Chinese head to their hometowns to unite with families by trains and planes during the festival. To prevent and control spread of virus, the central government has been encouraging the public to spend the holiday where they are.

The Beijing government has carried out measures to ensure those who stay in the city enjoy the holiday, said government spokesperson Xu Hejian at a news conference.

Supermarkets, major commercial complexes and vegetable markets will operate normally during the festival. Museums, theaters and parks will open with reservation requirements and flow limits in place, he said.

In addition, mobile phone users in Beijing will be eligible for receiving 20G free data packages for use in the city during the festival.