250 Million Chinese Migrant Workers Move to Major Cities... Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] It is expected that 250 million Chinese migrant workers will move from their hometowns to large cities where their workplaces are located by next month. The Chinese authorities are on high alert regarding this situation.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 16th, the Ministry of Transport estimates that more than 300 million migrant workers will travel back to the cities after visiting their hometowns during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Among them, 80 million have already returned to their workplaces. It is projected that 120 million will return by the end of this month, and 130 million will return after next month.

Migrant workers refer to people from rural areas who move to cities with abundant job opportunities to live. Rather than settling permanently with their families in expensive large cities, they often earn money for a certain period and then return to their hometowns. Generally, migrant workers quit their jobs before the Lunar New Year and go back to their hometowns, then return to the cities afterward.

The Chinese authorities, concerned that the large-scale population movement could lead to the spread of COVID-19, have decided not to sell standing tickets on trains frequently used by migrant workers. Only up to half of the seats will be sold to ensure wider spacing between passengers. All train compartments will be designated as isolation areas to accommodate patients showing suspected COVID-19 symptoms.