For many people in China, this is the only time they will get to see their families this year. It's the only public holiday long enough for people to go all the way home if you live a long way away. It's like Christmas in the West.

People will be concerned about their health and will know that enjoying yourself at a time of a health crisis is secondary.

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I can't remember a time of such disruption during China's biggest holiday. The government will be aware of this. But what they are more aware of is that with the Sars outbreak in 2003, it was criticised for not doing enough quickly enough.

They don't want to be seen saying "carry on with the New Year celebrations" when there is a crisis going on. They would rather cancel events and make sure this crisis is in control rather than face the criticism.