China wants to minimise Covid risk during travel rush

A man wearing a face mask with his luggage moves on an escalator at the West Railway Station in Beijing (Wayne Zhang/AP)

China wants to minimise the possibility of a major new Covid outbreak during this month’s Lunar New Year travel rush following the end of most pandemic containment measures.

The Transportation Ministry has called on travellers to reduce trips and gatherings, particularly if they involve elderly people, pregnant women, small children and those with underlying conditions.