China Lunar New Year Holiday 2026

[Commonground]

South Korea
9,600 medical facilities to remain open over Lunar New Year holiday
February 12, 2026

Korea will keep an average of nearly 9,600 clinics and hospitals open each day during the Lunar New Year holiday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Thursday.

Health officials advised people to seek care at nearby medical facilities and to call 119 immediately if they experience severe symptoms.​

The Health Ministry said it will run an emergency medical response system from Saturday through Wednesday to ensure people can access treatment throughout the extended holiday period.

Officials advised people with mild symptoms to visit local clinics or smaller hospitals, where doctors can provide treatment and determine whether a transfer to a larger facility is necessary. If doctors suspect a serious condition, patients can be transferred to a larger hospital.

Residents can check which medical institutions and pharmacies are open through E-Gen, the government’s emergency medical services portal, the E-Gen mobile app and the Emergency Smart app. Information is also available via the Health Ministry’s call center at 129 and local government hotlines at 120.

Local governments will post details on their websites, and authorities plan to send emergency text alerts and provide guidance through disaster broadcasts.

The Emergency Smart app allows users to input symptoms and receive recommendations on whether to visit an emergency room. For less severe cases, it suggests nearby clinics and offers basic first aid information. The app also provides location-based details on clinics, emergency rooms and after-hours pediatric hospitals. It is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.​

Health officials said anyone experiencing serious symptoms — including difficulty breathing or sudden numbness in the arms or legs — should call 119 immediately. Emergency responders provide consultations and determine whether patients need transport to an appropriate emergency medical center.

A total of 416 emergency medical institutions nationwide will operate 24 hours a day during the holiday, the ministry said.

The ministry and the National Emergency Medical Center will run a 24-hour situation room to monitor emergency cases and inspect regional response systems, including on-call medical institutions. Public health center rapid response teams and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams will remain on standby in case of mass casualty incidents or other emergencies.​

Adults should also seek emergency help if they experience paralysis or numbness on one side of the face, difficulty speaking due to tongue paralysis, a sudden severe headache or persistent severe chest or back pain.

Sudden intense abdominal pain or numbness in the limbs also warrants an emergency call, officials said.

For children, guardians should call 119 if a child’s lips turn purple or if the child has a severe headache accompanied by a seizure. Severe coughing or gasping for breath, visible chest retractions or severe diarrhea or vomiting that prevents fluid intake and causes unusual lethargy also require emergency assistance.

Officials urged particular caution for infants younger than 3 months.


This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.​

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...main-open-over-Lunar-New-Year-holiday/2522853

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[Commonground]

Hong Kong
Thursday, February 12, 2026​

DH reminds public to remain vigilant against infectious diseases and food poisoning to stay healthy during Chinese New Year​​
With the Chinese New Year holidays approaching, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 12) reminded the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene and adopt appropriate measures to guard against infectious diseases and food poisoning, both locally and when travelling abroad. The public should avoid travelling or participating in gatherings when feeling unwell.

Seasonal influenza and other respiratory diseases
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Although the influenza activity in Hong Kong is currently at a low, influenza activity still remains at a relatively high level in many popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as some areas in North America and Europe. Moreover, the overall influenza activity has increased again in Korea and Japan recently, with the major circulating virus strain having changed from the earlier influenza A (H3) to influenza B. People who will travel should pay attention to the influenza situation at their destinations before departure.

"With the increase in cross-border travel and the number of incoming visitors, the risk of influenza transmission will also increase. Moreover, based on past experience, Hong Kong's winter influenza season typically occurs in the first quarter. With the persistent cold weather and the possibility of a change in circulating virus strains, it cannot be ruled out that the influenza activity will increase again later. Receiving seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is still one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death from infection. The public should receive vaccination as soon as possible regardless of staying locally or planning to travel abroad, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body for sufficient protection against the influenza virus. All individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications, should act promptly if they have not yet received an SIV, including those who contracted influenza in the past few months, in order to safeguard personal health," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

Regarding other respiratory diseases, although COVID-19 activity is currently maintaining a low level, there are generally periodic upsurges in the COVID-19 activity level approximately every six to nine months. It has been over seven months since the end of last periodic upsurge of COVID-19 activity. There may be another periodic upsurge in Hong Kong in the next few months. Members of the public should receive a COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner to reduce the risk of serious illness and death due to COVID-19. Under the current Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, individuals aged 6 months or above are eligible for free initial vaccine doses. High-risk priority groups can receive booster doses for free at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously.

In addition, the activity of the respiratory syncytial virus is maintaining a high level in many regions in North America and Europe.

To prevent respiratory diseases, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene. Members of the public with respiratory symptoms, even if the symptoms are mild, should wear a surgical mask, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. They should maintain hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask.

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE), norovirus infection and food poisoning
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"Norovirus food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters have significantly increased recently. Members of the public, especially pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should stay vigilant during Chinese New Year meal gatherings, avoid consumption of raw oysters or partially cooked bivalve shellfish. In general, the norovirus is more active in winter (around December to March). As the norovirus is highly contagious, individuals may become infected after being exposed to even a small amount of it. The norovirus can be transmitted through various means, such as eating contaminated food, contacting the vomit or excreta of infected persons, and contacting contaminated objects, leading to the possibility of a large-scale outbreak," Dr Tsui said.

In addition to food poisoning, the norovirus can also cause AGE. Norovirus activity in neighbouring areas, including Japan and Korea, has also been increasing. Norovirus activity in Korea has surpassed the levels seen in the same periods of the past few years. Locally, the number of AGE outbreaks has continued to increase since early January this year. There have been 40 AGE outbreaks recorded so far this year (as of February 11), involving 306 persons. According to the CHP's sentinel surveillance data, the AGE activity level has also shown an upward trend recently in Family Medicine Clinics, private medical practitioner clinics and child care centres/kindergartens.

"To prevent food poisoning, apart from maintaining personal hygiene, all food should also be thoroughly washed and cooked before consumption. Before handling food or eating, and after using the toilet, members of the public should wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. Since alcohol is not effective in killing the norovirus, alcohol-based handrubs are not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water," Dr Tsui said.

Mosquito-borne diseases
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Six dengue fever cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far this year. All of them were imported cases. The patients had travelled to the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam during the incubation period. Regarding chikungunya fever (CF), Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, all of which were imported from the Seychelles.

"Although the northern hemisphere is currently in the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. The public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, travellers should wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed parts of the body and clothing. Travellers returning from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong," Dr Tsui said.

Measles
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Measles outbreaks in North America (namely the United States, Canada and Mexico), and Southeast Asian regions (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination coverage rate in recent years. There have been over 730 cases recorded in the United States so far this year, significantly higher than the same period last year. Furthermore, the number of measles cases in Japan has also risen significantly, with 23 cases recorded as of February 4, compared to only one case in the same period last year. The number of measles cases recorded this year in Singapore and Australia were higher than the same period last year. Most overseas cases mainly affected people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. This shows the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.

"Pregnant women and women preparing for pregnancy who are not immune to measles or rubella, as well as children aged under 1 year who are not due for the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella-combined vaccine under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme are advised not to travel to places with outbreaks of measles. The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If such symptoms appear after returning from measles-endemic areas, people should wear surgical masks, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and contact with unvaccinated people, especially those with weak immune systems, pregnant women and children under 1 year old, and should consult their doctors as soon as possible," Dr Tsui said.

Nipah virus infection
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Nipah virus infection is an emerging zoonotic disease. The natural host of the virus is the fruit bat. It can affect various animals, including pigs, horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs. According to the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO), two confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection have recently been recorded in the North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal State, India, and one in Rajshahi, northwestern Bangladesh respectively.

The WHO has assessed the global public health risk posed by Nipah virus as low. Nevertheless, if travel to Nipah virus-affected areas is unavoidable, contact with wild animals or sick farm animals, especially bats, farmed pigs, horses, domestic and feral cats should be avoided. Furthermore, members of the public should thoroughly wash and peel fruits before consumption and avoid eating fruits with signs of bat bites or found on the ground. Drinking raw date palm sap, toddy or other juice should be avoided.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
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The affected areas of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome primarily include the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring countries. Over 85 per cent of the confirmed cases were reported by Middle East countries or exported to other countries directly from the Middle East. Members of the public travelling to the Middle East should avoid visiting farms, barns or markets where there are dromedary camels, as well as contact with patients and animals, especially dromedary camels. Moreover, travel agents organising tours to the Middle East should refrain from arranging visitors to ride dromedary camels or to participate in any activities involving direct contact with dromedary camels.

"Members of the public returning to Hong Kong after travelling abroad should consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, rash or gastroenteritis symptoms, and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The CHP will continue to monitor the situation of infectious diseases locally and abroad and provide timely updates to members of the public to keep them informed about the development of infectious diseases and help them prepare for precautionary measures," Dr Tsui said.

The public may visit the DH's Travel Health Service webpage for the latest information on infectious disease outbreaks in various parts of the world and the preventive measures.​

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...uenza-reports-2025-2026?p=1029463#post1029463

 

[Commonground]

United Nations
17 February 2026
Secretary-General's message on the Occasion of the Lunar New Year

Statements | António Guterres, Secretary-General

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Happy Lunar New Year.

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we celebrate a symbol of energy, success, and the courage to forge ahead — qualities our world urgently needs as we confront conflict, inequality, and the climate crisis.

This season of renewal reminds us that, together, we can build a safer, more inclusive future.

Let us continue to advance our shared commitment to peace, dignity, and sustainable development for all.

May the spirit of the horse bring you health, happiness and prosperity.
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https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg...ls-message-the-occasion-of-the-lunar-new-year


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[Commonground]

Taishan District, New Taipei, Taiwan​
[Translated. typo in article. They mean February 11, not January]

Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital Activates Lunar New Year Contingency Plan to Ensure Service Amidst Emergency Overcrowding

To prepare for the potential surge in medical visits during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital announced today (January 11th) that it has completed its overall medical capacity assessment and deployment in advance. The hospital will fully activate its "Lunar New Year Integrated Emergency and Inpatient Response Mechanism," including cross-departmental hospital beds and influenza-like illness clinics, to ensure that the public can still receive timely, safe, and stable medical care during the holiday.​
-snip-
Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital will also open an "influenza-like illness clinic" from Lunar New Year's Eve (January 16th) to the third day of the Lunar New Year (January 19th), providing a medical option for those experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, muscle or joint pain, and chills. This aims to effectively divert emergency room patients, shorten waiting times, and prioritize emergency resources for severe and urgent cases.

Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital stated that, in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Lunar New Year medical incentive measures, it will continue to maintain outpatient, emergency, and inpatient medical capacity, while simultaneously strengthening infection control and manpower allocation to ensure stable and uninterrupted medical services during the Lunar New Year period.

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260211701067-431401

 

[Commonground]

translated
Taiwan

Kaohsiung is facing a critical shortage of flu vaccines! Only a thousand doses remain at public expense. Elderly and young children should get vaccinated before the Lunar New Year for safety

• 2026.02.10

​With the Lunar New Year approaching, Kaohsiung City has only about 1,000 doses of its last batch of publicly funded influenza vaccines remaining. The Health Bureau urges high-risk groups, including the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated before the holiday to develop immunity early. The Health Bureau has also prepared medical capacity for the holiday, providing 24/7 emergency services and opening special infectious disease clinics from New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare and tiered medical services.

The Health Bureau points out that publicly funded influenza vaccines are available on a walk-in basis, with contracted clinics offering only same-day appointments. The public is advised to check the list of contracted clinics and their stock availability before going for vaccination. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide sufficient protection, and high-risk groups should get vaccinated as early as possible to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

To meet the medical needs during the Lunar New Year holiday, the Health Bureau has coordinated with 23 emergency hospitals throughout the city to provide 24/7 emergency services. From New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year, 46 hospitals, primary care clinics, and health centers (424 in total) have opened special infectious disease clinics, providing a total of 1,113 visits.

Among them, there were 492 outpatient visits on New Year's Eve, 164 on the first day of the Lunar New Year, 192 on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and 265 on the third day of the Lunar New Year. The service area covers Qishan, Meinong, Liugui, Jiaxian, Shanlin, Neimen and three indigenous districts, taking into account the medical rights of urban and rural residents as well as those in remote areas. It provides medical services for suspected infection symptoms and prescribes and dispenses public-funded influenza and COVID-19 antiviral drugs.​

The Health Bureau reminds doctors that from now until February 28th, individuals belonging to the seven high-risk groups and exhibiting flu symptoms can be prescribed publicly funded antiviral flu medications without the need for rapid testing, thus maximizing treatment time and reducing the risk of severe illness.

Meanwhile, the Health Bureau urges citizens to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places during the Lunar New Year period, wear masks when in contact with the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe flu symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cyanosis, or hypoxia. The public can call the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 or the Health Bureau's epidemic prevention hotline 07-7230250 for relevant information.​

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260210701770-431401

 

[Commonground]

[translated]
Taiwan
2/20/26

The number of flu and diarrhea visits to hospitals has decreased on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Director-General Lo Yi-chun warns of a potential resurgence of influenza B after the start of the school year. With only three days left in the Lunar New Year holiday, the peak of the flu epidemic in Taiwan usually falls on the second day of the holiday. This year, only 3,966 people sought emergency room visits on the second day, the lowest in nearly four years!
-snip-
CDC Director-General Lo Yi-chun reminds the public that influenza B is gradually replacing influenza A, currently sharing a roughly 50/50 ratio. He anticipates an increase in influenza B cases after the resumption of work and school. Taiwan has approximately 80,000 doses of vaccine remaining, estimated to be used up by March. The public is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to take precautions against the virus when traveling during the Lunar New Year period.

continued: https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260220700245-431401