China’s rural areas urged to be vigilant ahead of Lunar New Year migration

A man wearing a face mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus wheels a suitcase across a pedestrian bridge in Beijing (Maek Schiefelbein/AP)

China is concentrating its pandemic prevention efforts in the rural areas as officials urge people to not travel home for the Lunar New Year festival while the country combats its most serious latest outbreak of Covid-19.

Authorities said on Wednesday local clinics and hospitals in villages need to strengthen their vigilance for any new Covid-19 cases, and local governments must take responsibility at every level, from county to town to village.