As we welcome and enter the Chinese Year of the Tiger, International SOS has urged organizations and their employees to remain aware of the potential health risks from the pandemic and apply measures to reduce that risk.
Chinese Lunar New Year officially falls on 01 February 2022 this year. While in mainland China, the New Year holiday runs from 31 January 2022 to 06 February 2022.
International SOS emphasized the need to monitor the changing landscape, carefully consider individual circumstances, and adhere to all local requirements and restrictions to protect employees and the wider community. Organizations are also advised to pay particular attention to the psychological health of their employees, especially those who are unable to travel to be with family and friends at this important time of the year.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, a potential rise in transmission associated with gatherings during the Chinese New Year holiday has not diminished. In addition to the risk to health from COVID-19 itself, there also could potentially be sudden restrictions on movements in the event of an outbreak, which would, in turn, would put a strain on healthcare systems and other essential services. If undertaking essential travel, it is important to monitor the situation, pay attention to possible additional health and security risks, and to have a plan of action in place to manage logistical disruptions,” according to Dr. Irene Lai of International SOS.
The world’s leading health, travel, and security solutions provider also shared tips on safely celebrating the Chinese New Year. The organization stressed that people should carefully consider the need to travel and a potential “worst-case scenario” if they cannot complete their planned trip.
Those who still plan to pursue their travel plans should monitor the travel restrictions and testing and quarantine requirements for each point of departure, transit locations, final destination, and return, which could change at any time.
Travelers should also pre-download the local COVID-19 apps required to validate their status at their destination. The documentation used to enter a country or province may not be the same proof required to enter public venues. They should also ensure that their COVID-19 proof of status (test, vaccination, recovery) is in the accepted local format. International SOS further advised travelers to have a complete vaccination course with a booster.
The organization also emphasized the importance of social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding crowded areas, and minimizing face-to-face contact with others. It also stressed proper hygiene practices such as using hand sanitizers, avoiding touching the face, and maintaining the best possible health.
“The impact of restrictions related to COVID-19 on mental health is significant. Many employees have been stationed away from their families for longer than expected and entering the third year of the pandemic, and they are still facing difficulties in traveling home. Organizations should strengthen their Duty of Care and support their employees with additional mental health resources, including through telemedicine consultation services,” Dr. Lai added.