The Shenzhen COVID-19 prevention and control authorities recently issued a circular urging people currently residing in the city to spend the upcoming Spring Festival holiday locally to prevent spreading the epidemic by engaging in the usual travel rush.

Mr. Xin is an online car-hailing driver originally from east China’s Shandong province. He said: "My family won't go back to my hometown due to the epidemic. I think we should observe anti-epidemic measures, not make trouble."

"I would rather stay here," said Mr. Zhong, a food delivery man. "We are in a critical time of fighting the epidemic. And I can make more money during the holiday. I wish to go home next year for a happy celebration."

Mr. Xu is a native of the Chaoshan area in the southeast part of Guangdong province. He planned to enjoy the Spring Festival in Shenzhen and only visit his hometown when the epidemic situation gets better.

A lady surnamed Li explained: "My hometown is in Huizhou city of Guangdong province. We long for a family reunion, but staying safe is far more important. "Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Luohu could also be fun. We plan to see lanterns, watch movies and tour Taojin Mountain," she added.

Ms. Yang is a sanitation worker. She has no plan to leave for her hometown at this time because she has to work through the holiday.

Ms. Tian is a civil servant. A native of Henan province, she has established her own family in Luohu. Staying in Shenzhen and visiting parks and the beach is part of her plan for the holiday.

Programmer Mr. Guo is another stay-at-home. "I will remain here this holiday. I've already sent my parents some New Year gifts."

All residents in areas at high risk of COVID-19 shall stay at their current residential localities to prevent spreading the epidemic, according to a recent circular released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

Any travel from medium-risk areas will need permission from local epidemic prevention and control authorities. Those living in low-risk areas are advised to avoid traveling unless their journey is absolutely necessary, the circular said.

According to the circular, all localities, especially large and medium-sized cities, are asked to guarantee stable supplies of necessities and energy. Efforts should ensure that those who work during the holiday enjoy due overtime payments and rest under the relevant laws, it added.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 12 this year.