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Wuhan employers encourage workers to stay put during holiday
By Hu Chao, Meng Mingwei
01:53

China has advised people to stay put during the country's Spring Festival holiday to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many companies are encouraging employees not to travel this year, launching their own initiatives to ensure a safe and fun holiday.

CGTN visited the Dongfeng Honda, a major car manufacturer in Wuhan, capital city of central China's Hubei Province, and talked to one of its employees, 25-year-old Gong Changfa.

Gong has been working for Dongfeng Honda as a production line worker for four years. This year is the first time that he won't travel home for the Spring Festival, which in Chinese tradition is a time for family reunion. 

Workers receive gifts at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

Workers receive gifts at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

His hometown is in another city in the province, not far from Wuhan. But he still chose not to go home. "I spent every Spring Festival holiday with my family since I was born. But this year I'll follow the government's advice and not go home," said Gong.

The 25-year-old also explained why he made the choice. "Because the pandemic hasn't ended, only when movement of people is reduced can we better curb the spread of virus," he said.

Gong also sees the bright side to the decision. He plans to celebrate the festival with his girlfriend and colleagues. He said he will "take this chance to experience the festive atmosphere in Wuhan and visit local tourist sites, and also use some time to read books and gain more professional knowledge."

Gong Changfa makes a video phone call with his father during a work break at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

Gong Changfa makes a video phone call with his father during a work break at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

This year, around 90 percent of the company's 12,000 employees will stay in Wuhan over the holiday, but they're making sure everyone is well taken care of. 

"We've provided them with packages of snacks and anti-epidemic supplies. The canteen will serve free meals throughout the day during the holiday. We'll also hold some online activities," said Wu Shaowei, a head of one production line of Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan.

During the Spring Festival holiday, the company's sports venues, gym and other entertainment rooms will also remain open for employees.

The manufacturer produced 850,000 vehicles last year, breaking a 17-year record. During this year's festival, its factories will halt production for an annual routine overhaul.

A production line at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

A production line at Dongfeng Honda in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, February 4, 2021. /CGTN

The Dongfeng Honda Automobile is among many enterprises in Wuhan to encourage their migrant workers to stay put for the festival.

The Wuhan municipal labor union has offered 13.5 million yuan ($2 million) to address the needs of a number of local companies and employees who are in a difficult situation.

The union has brought them festival packages of various foods and anti-epidemic supplies and also encouraged companies to offer subsidies to employees who choose to stay.

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