A
record-breaking nine billion inbound and domestic trips are predicted to take
place in China during the 40-day travel rush for the Chinese Lunar New Year
(Spring Festival) period. The official public holiday in China will run from
28th January to 4th February. Boosted by factors such as the recent expansion
of the visa-free transit policy. This represents a nearly 7% increase
year-on-year. Celebratory gatherings are also expected to attract crowds in
major cities globally. To ensure the health, security and wellbeing of
employees during this festive period, International SOS, is encouraging
organisations to prioritise their workforce’s health and safety.
Dr
Echo Li, medical director for China at International SOS said, “With the recent
increase in the risk of infection from respiratory viruses, particularly given
the upcoming holiday season and increased social gatherings, it is advisable
for employees and their families to prioritise vaccination before travelling
and to stay informed of health risks and medical alerts/travel advisories at
their destination.”
Yingyan
Zhang, senior travel risk manager at International SOS added, “While enjoying
the Spring Festival celebrations worldwide, individuals should be mindful of
the increased security risks associated with large crowds. Precautions such as
safeguarding personal belongings and remaining vigilant against potential
pickpocketing and scams are crucial. Additionally, it is essential to be aware
of potential crowd surges, to adhere to crowd control measures and to maintain
a heightened level of situational awareness throughout the festivities.”
To
help organisations ensure the health and safety of their employees during the
Spring Festival holiday period, International SOS has issued the following
advice to communicate clear travel guidelines, regularly review and update
travel safety policies and procedures to reflect evolving global health and
security situations, provide specific guidance on avoiding overcrowded areas
and emphasise the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations, address
potential health risks.
It
is crucial to be aware of potential health risks, particularly respiratory
infections, as these can spread easily in crowded environments and during the
winter months.
It
has also advised to empower travellers with resources and decision-making
tools, provide travellers with access to reliable travel information resources,
such as government travel advisories, reputable news sources, weather alerts
and local emergency contact numbers, equip them with the knowledge and tools to
make informed decisions about their travel plans and to respond effectively to
unexpected situations.
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