Tomorrow is Tomb-Sweeping Day, when the Chinese engage in traditional practices as they remember their ancestors. This year, the holiday falls towards the end of China's battle with a deadly pandemic that has rocked the country and taken the lives of 3,000 people domestically.

In light of this tragic reality, the General Office of the State Council has announced a nationwide moment of remembrance in honor of all of the lives that were taken by COVID-19, and, in particular, the medical workers who sacrificed their lives on the frontlines of the fight.

At 10am on Saturday, Apr 4, all flags will be lowered to half-mast and official vehicles, trains, ships, and anti-aircraft alarms will sound their horns for three minutes. If you are in an office or public space during that time, it would be respectful to stay silent throughout the three-minute period.

Nationwide moments of remembrance are largely unprecedented in China, with the last one taking place on May 19, 2008, in honor of the victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

As the battle against the virus continues in China and around the world, the Beijing government has also advised residents not to return to their hometowns, despite the tradition of going home to sweep relative's tombs on the holiday. Of course, anyone who does leave Beijing will have to be tested for infection and quarantined for 14 days upon return. The government is apparently taking all preventative measures against a second wave as Beijingers who had been confined to Wuhan are finally allowed to return.

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Image: Deccan Herald