A bullet train runs through Pingyi County in Linyi City of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 19, 2021. Photo:Xinhua

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council recently issued a guidance to ensure the well-being of people who remain in cities where they work rather than traveling home for the Spring Festival holidays to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

The circular requires that people in high-risk areas should spend their holiday in working places, so as to minimize the people’s movement and prevent the spread of the virus, while people in medium-risk areas better stay in their principle residence unless it’s necessary to leave upon approval. People living in low-risk areas are encouraged to stay in as well.

People from government organs, public institutions and state-owned enterprises should take the lead in celebrating the holiday in working cities. In principle, people who really need to travel should not travel to medium- and high-risk areas, according to the circular.

In particular, large and medium-sized cities should make arrangements in advance and make adequate preparations to ensure that daily necessities are sufficient for people staying in.

It asks local governments to make full preparation for meeting the service demands of people staying for Spring Festival holidays.

It asks to ensure people’s basic needs of shopping, entertainment and leisure during the Spring Festival to the greatest extent possible.

The circular stressed to protect the legitimate rights and interests of people staying, such as giving higher salaries as an extra bonus to retain the workers. Local authorities are advised to create a favorable atmosphere for the Spring Festival holiday celebration for all.