BEIJING, Feb. 4, (Xinhua) -- China's annual Spring Festival travel season has begun, with around 1.1 billion trips about to be made to all corners of this massive nation. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, how will China guarantee a smooth and safe journey for travelers?
Normally, this would be the busiest time for China's transport system, as people travel home for family reunions around the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in China.
But this year, far fewer passenger trips are expected.
To curb the spread of the coronavirus, China has strengthened epidemic control, advocating off-peak travel and encouraging people to stay put during the holiday.
"Based on the principle of isolating the virus but not our hospitality, we try to provide convenience to travelers. In the places where passengers frequently use or touch, we've increased the disinfection frequency. We're also collecting environmental samples regularly to ensure the safety of passengers," Hou Lei, the Operations Management Department Manager of Beijing Daxing International Airport told Xinhua.
"Once inside the airplane we will kindly remind them that you have to wear the mask throughout the flight, reduce walking the cabin, take your assigned seats," said Xie Xintong, a purser of China Southern Airlines.
"For the cabin announcement, we also provide the most up-to-date COVID-related regulations to passengers as well. For the lavatory, cabin crews will disinfect the lavatory after 10 uses or every two hours. And during the stopover, we will disinfect the whole cabin by spraying. And after the whole flight, a thorough cleaning will be performed at night," she added.
"I'm very glad to see these epidemic control measures. The measures are great. I feel safe," a passenger said in an interview.
According to China Railway, nearly 300 million railway trips will be made during this year's travel season. Still, this figure is down by nearly 28 percent from 2019's pre-pandemic level, as many people are choosing to stay put this year, out of concern over the coronavirus.
The usual hustle-and-bustle at the Beijing West Railway Station has been replaced by shorter queues and less-crowded waiting halls. But just like at the airport, rail passengers also need to wear a mask and have their temperatures checked before entering the train station.
The station has also strengthened its ventilation. There are machines providing free masks for passengers in need, and there are one-meter lines on the ground and signs in the waiting hall to remind people of social distancing.
Just like at the airport, there are not many passengers.
That may remind people of the country's initial outbreak in January last year, when Beijing's streets seemed to become empty almost instantly, with the very few people outside always wearing a mask.
Even now, over 12 months later, and during the biggest holiday of the year, the measures the government has taken serve as a testament of the resilience of China's governance system and the selflessness of its people.
"The epidemic control measures protect everyone. It's great. It's for the safety and health of everyone and for us to safely reunite with our families," said a passenger at the train station.
"I support all the measures. I'm a Chinese citizen and this is what I should do. I think the measures are useful and good for all," said another passenger.
"No matter whether it's ensuring the travel safety for passengers or creating a comfortable and convenient environment for them, it represents the core concept of putting people and life first. It also manifests our principle of people's railway serving the people," said Song Tingting, vice director of Beijing West Railway Station.
This year's Spring Festival travel season is like no other before, with the pandemic putting China's transportation network to the test.
But due to the huge efforts being made by staff at transport hubs around the country, families all over China can rest assured, knowing that their loved ones will arrive safe and sound as millions travel to reunite for what is the biggest celebration of the year.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
