As the 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, signaling a surge in both international and domestic travel, it is imperative to consider the health and safety implications associated with the festivities. While the joy of the holiday season takes center stage, International SOS, a leading global health and security risk services company, has issued essential travel safety tips for the New Year period. The organization emphasizes the need for companies to provide comprehensive health and safety support to their employees and families, ensuring effective risk management, employee well-being, and business continuity.
Anticipating a historic travel peak, the Ministry of Transport of China forecasts approximately nine billion domestic trips during the 40-day New Year travel period (25 January to 5 March). This surge includes travel for family visits, leisure, and celebrations, setting the stage for unprecedented traffic levels. Concurrently, outbound travel bookings have seen a notable uptick compared to the previous year, hinting at the upcoming peak in international travel.
Dr. Echo Li, Medical Director of Assistance Centre at International SOS, highlights the resurgence of cross-province and cross-regional travel, particularly driven by the popularity of winter sports and warm-weather destination holidays. In response, travellers are advised to be vigilant about extreme weather changes, dressing appropriately to combat cold waves and other harsh conditions. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to provide remote medical support services and mental health assistance for their employees.
Yingyan Zhang, Senior Travel Risk Manager at International SOS, underscores the importance of security awareness during holiday travel. Vigilance is crucial, especially regarding extreme weather, criminal activity, and crowd-related accidents. The increasing prevalence of security incidents globally, particularly those involving large crowds resulting in stampedes and injuries, emphasizes the need for heightened security measures. Zhang advises on addressing security threats such as fraud and petty theft, which tend to be more pronounced in crowded locations.
Geopolitical shifts, socio-economic turbulence, natural disasters, and diverse threats underscore the necessity for heightened risk awareness and preparedness for potential emergencies. Organizations are urged to prioritize pre-trip measures, maintain situational awareness, and establish clear communication mechanisms for real-time alerts and timely support in unexpected security situations. As the Lunar New Year festivities beckon, a proactive approach to health and safety ensures a joyous and secure celebration for all travellers.
International SOS offers valuable health and safety tips for the Chinese New Year Holiday:
- Preventing Common Diseases: To ward off respiratory diseases, practice good personal hygiene, ensure adequate rest, and engage in moderate physical exercise. Vaccinations can further reduce the risk of viral respiratory infections. Prioritize gastrointestinal health and avoid overeating or excessive alcohol consumption to prevent related diseases.
- Prevention of Injury: If engaging in higher-risk sports or activities, assess the risk rationally and use protective gear to minimize the chance of accidental injuries. Falls, a common cause of injuries, can be prevented by exercising caution when walking on slippery roads and ice.
- Road Safety Awareness: Stay informed about traffic regulations, road and weather conditions, and driving habits in the destination country.
- Attention to Extreme Weather: Stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions for potential disruptions. Travelling to the Northern Hemisphere may expose you to increased risks of cold waves, while the Southern Hemisphere may experience frequent heavy rainfall.
- Avoid Cultural Conflicts: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites where appropriate attire may be essential. Steer clear of activities that could be considered offensive.
- Prioritize Health and Security Risks When Travelling Abroad: With climate change intensifying infectious diseases, monitor the risk of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus transmission at your destination. Stay informed about local medical resources and avoid areas of social unrest.
- Maintain Flexibility in Travel Plans: Be prepared for unexpected situations and keep departure, return dates, and routes as flexible as possible. Crowded airports, stations, and roads may cause delays, so allocate extra time for travel.
- Enhance Mental Health Resilience: Recognize that travel-related stress, anxiety, or post-holiday blues may affect employees during and after the holiday. Organizations should provide access to employee assistance programs or mental health professionals to proactively address potential issues.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity.
In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation’s reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural
security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
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