# 4251
Returning home in Asia during the time of the lunar New Year is practically a cultural imperative, particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Korea.
Chunyun – or China’s Spring Festival Travel Season - is often described as the largest yearly human migration on the planet.
While the actual date varies each year (it is based on the Lunar Calendar), Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February.
This year, the Chinese Lunar New year falls on February 14th, and with it comes a cultural ethic for millions who have moved to the big cities or away to school to return home to visit with their families.
These travelers will spend a few days in their home village or town, and then travel back to the city where they work or live.
With an influenza pandemic ongoing, this is an opportunity for the virus to hitch a ride to remote areas of China and other parts of Asia that have been relatively untouched by the illness.
And that has authorities in Beijing worried.
Today, China’s state run media has announced the following advice from the Chinese government regarding travel during this pandemic.
China advises less travel ahead of Spring Festival amid flu fear
www.chinaview.cn 2010-01-14 01:03:24
BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health on Wednesday advised children, old people and other vulnerable groups to stay put for the upcoming Spring Festival in a bid to prevent an A/H1N1 outbreak.
Usually a large number of Chinese people, mostly migrant workers and students, travel back home for family reunions in time of the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 14, resulting in a highpeak of mass transportation.
Pregnant women, children, the elderly, obese people and those with chronic diseases were advised not to frequent crowded places and see doctors as soon as possible if experiencing respiratory symptoms, the ministry said on its official website.
The Chinese mainland reported 51 deaths from the A/H1N1 influenza in the week from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, with 2,173 new cases confirmed.
