KUALA LUMPUR: Some youths have opted to work during the Chinese New Year holiday instead of returning to their hometowns for fear of spreading Covid-19.
Several, when met recently, said they were not even returning for the reunion dinner.
For instance, Brendan Wong, 23, who works in the pharmaceutical industry, said he would be at work instead of returning to Penang next week.
"I'm afraid that I might bring the virus home. I'd rather play it safe and remain where I am," he said.
A staff member at a shopping mall here, who only wanted to be identified as Janice, said she would work during the holiday.
"I will return to my parents' home only on the third day of the Chinese New Year celebration. If they are coming over to my place, I will ask that they do a self-test for Covid-19."
The 24-year-old said she had yet to attend mass at her church due to the pandemic.
A retail worker, Lisa, 20, stressed the importance of adhering to the standard operating procedures, such as practising physical distancing and wearing face masks.
Unlike Janice, Lisa is hesitant to have her family members carry out self-tests before making house visits.
"We have a family chat group. So everyone can update their (Covid-19) status there."
Sherrine, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, however, said she would return to her hometown to celebrate the Chinese New Year with her family.
Sherrine said her family members would not need to do self-tests as they had received their Covid-19 booster shots.
"Yes, I will be home in Johor Baru for the reunion dinner," she said.
"During the holiday, I plan to remain at home most of the time because it is not safe to go out and meet people (due to the pandemic)."
