Despite all-out endeavors to bring the latest upticks in novel coronavirus infections under control, large numbers of new cases continue emerging in the provinces of Hebei and Heilongjiang.

As the Spring Festival holiday draws closer, something must be done so that the monthslong travel peak does not amplify the risks.

After the pandemic upset many people's holiday plans during the last Lunar New Year holiday, people are eager to make up for last year now that most parts of the country seem safe.

After all, being able to return to hometowns from places of work for family reunions and sit down with loved ones at the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner table means a lot to most Chinese.

But the large-scale cross-regional seasonal human migration, during which all forms of public transport are packed to capacity, comes with very high risks of accelerating and expanding the virus' spread.

The appeals being made by central and local authorities for people to avoid cross-region travel during the holiday are sensible and necessary, because they are based on science and firsthand experience. All citizens should take the advice seriously and make informed, responsible decisions accordingly.

This is not only about protecting ourselves and our families, but also about staving off a clear and present danger to our immediate and broader communities.

Considering the additional alert and corresponding restrictions being reinstated in more and more places, neither travel nor family reunions will be as enjoyable or convenient as they normally are. Heeding the call not to travel unless necessary is simply the best option for most people this holiday season.

Responding to government calls for migrant workers to refrain from long-distance travel home, some companies are offering incentives for their non-local employees to stay for the holiday.

But since the pandemic situation varies from area to area, and every person has his or her own situation, it is important to make sure the appeals to people to stay where they work do not become mandates. At the end of the day, it has to be a voluntary choice on the part of workers.

For migrant workers who do spend the holiday away from home, both governments in their places of work and their employers must make sure their extra work is compensated in accordance with the Labor Law, which stipulates extra pay. Beyond that, they should make every effort to guarantee these workers don't feel abandoned during the most festive time of the year.

Authorities in their places of origin, while calling on them to not return, should also try their best to guarantee their concerns back home are properly taken care of, so that they can rest assured that their families are okay without physically returning home.

Everyone has a part to play in keeping the virus at bay.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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