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Coronavirus, the crisis that threatens the Lunar New Year 1:09
(CNN Spanish) - While the outbreak of Wuhan's coronavirus continues to be uneventful and alerts for its spread spread around the world, the longest and most important celebration of the Chinese calendar begins in many Asian countries. The Lunar New Year is this Saturday, January 25, but restrictions on the respiratory virus already affect more than 30 million people in 11 cities in China. In addition, several celebrations have been canceled and many will be unable to travel to visit their families.
- READ: The Lunar New Year is everything in China, so canceling the coronavirus celebrations is very important
How is the situation just before the rat year begins? This is what you should know.
Massive travel restrictions
They were decreed with travel and transportation restrictions in 11 cities in China to control the spread of the coronavirus. Wuhan, where the outbreak began, is under effective closure, with all public transport inside and outside the city suspended. The measures affect more than 30 million people in Wuhan, Ezhou, Huanggang, Chibi, Xiantoa, Zhijiang, Qianjjiang, Huangshi, Xianning, Yichang and Suizhou. The restrictions include the closure of railway stations, bus stations, intercity transport links and preventing private vehicles from driving on some roads.
Wuhan, set apart in the middle of the celebration
This Thursday, many people faced long lines at the Wuhan high-speed train station, trying to leave before the trains stopped running due to the restriction measures. However, for those who remain in the city there is a feeling of restlessness. Jan Renders, a 29-year PhD student in Wuhan, told CNN that many stores are closing for the Lunar New Year holiday, so people had already stocked up on supplies. "Of course, people are not sure if the stores will return to normal soon," he said. However, health authorities have said that the city has sufficient supplies and reserves of food, as well as medicines and basic products.
- LOOK: PHOTOS | This is what Wuhan looks like now, the place where the coronavirus originated
Cancellation of celebrations
In Beijing all large-scale celebrations of the Lunar New Year were canceled, including traditional fairs and activities around the temples.
The main celebrations in Hong Kong were also suspended to deal with the coronavirus. For its part, the Tourist Office of Macao informed that all activities and festivities of the Lunar New Year were canceled.
Closures of tourist attractions
Measures to try to stop the coronavirus have also spread to tourist attractions. The scenic area of the Great Wall of Juyonggang, the closest part to Beijing, was closed this Friday, along with the National Museum of China, the Ming Tombs and the Yinshan Pagoda Forest. The same happened with the Beijing National Stadium, known as Bird's Nest, according to Reuters. In addition, Forbidden City will be closed for an unspecified time.
- READ: Wuhan coronavirus: is it safe to travel?
Disney Shanghai and McDonald's also close their doors
The coronavirus also caused the temporary closure of the Disney Shanghai theme park as of January 25, as a measure to "prevent and control the outbreak of the disease and to ensure the health and safety of our guests" and employees, "the park said. it's a statement. In that regard, he noted that he will reimburse guests for admission fees, hotel reservations and other entertainment tickets purchased in advance. The company did not clarify when it would open the park again.
For its part, McDonald's said in a statement that it will suspend operations in five cities in China: Wuhan, Ezhou, Huanggang, Qianjing and Xiantao, all in Hubei Province. Nor did he inform when their doors will reopen.
Facial masks begin to run out in Hong Kong
As part of the precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the use of facial masks is recommended. In Wuhan, for example, it is mandatory to take them in any public space in the city, including hotels, restaurants, parks, cafes and shopping centers. However, in Hong Kong they begin to run out. Many pharmacies and stores in the city are running out of this supply, as residents buy them in bulk before the Lunar New Year.
coronavirus Wuhan coronavirus
