A muted Chinese New Year in the region

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a dampener on Chinese New Year festivities all over East and South-east Asia. To curb the spread of the coronavirus, governments across the region have restricted inter-district travel, cancelled or postponed market fairs, and stepped up quarantine requirements for incoming residents and travellers. With family reunions traditionally central to the holiday, many - even the elderly - are learning how to use video-conferencing to speak with relatives in different countries, among other arrangements. Aw Cheng Wei, Danson Cheong, Claire Huang, Katherine Wei, Chang May Choon, Tan Hui Yee, Shannon Teoh and Arlina Arshad look at how territories and countries in Asia are celebrating Chinese New Year amid the pandemic.

A shop selling flowers and lanterns in Kuala Lumpur. In Malaysia, Chinese New Year goodies have been on sale for weeks. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
A worker in Mentakab, Pahang, with props used in traditional lion dances. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
A mall decoration to mark the Year of the Ox. PHOTO: REUTERS
Ms Grace Sameve decorating her house in Jakarta ahead of Chinese New Year. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GRACE SAMEVE
The normally bustling Yuyuan Bazaar in Shanghai looked much quieter than usual last Wednesday. The Chinese authorities are discouraging travel within the country to reduce Covid-19 transmission risks. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Shoppers looking at Chinese New Year decorations in Hong Kong. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Malaysians are unlikely to travel to their home towns for Chinese New Year as infection rates have failed to drop, despite the reimposition of a movement control order - which bars inter-district travel - more than a fortnight ago.

Still, Chinese New Year goodies have been on sale for weeks, while restaurants have started distributing takeaway and delivery menus for reunion dinners.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 01, 2021, with the headline A muted Chinese New Year in the region. Subscribe