Millions of Chinese people are still crowded on crowded trains to return to their hometowns to celebrate the New Year despite the spread of Wuhan pneumonia.

China's national railway operator said on Tuesday that more than 100 million trains had departed since people began flocking to their hometown to celebrate the Chinese New Year 10 days ago, otherwise known as "spring fortunes," described as the world's largest annual migration. Chinese people will take Tet holiday from January 24 to January 30.

However, this year's "spring" took place amidst strange pneumonia stemming from the corona virus that is spreading in many major Chinese cities, after the first case was discovered on December 31. 2019 in Wuhan city, Hubei province.

6 people died and nearly 300 others became infected. Thailand, South Korea and Japan also reported positive cases with the corona virus. However, this new strain of virus is completely new, named nCoV. One of the corona viruses has caused SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (respiratory syndrome of the Middle East).

China confirmed there is evidence that the virus can be transmitted from person to person, raising concerns as people crowded on the long journey back home. However, Li Yang, 28, decided to leave Beijing for Inner Mongolia, because the last time she went home was 5-6 years ago.

"When I saw the news, I felt a bit nervous, but I did not take any precautions other than wearing a regular mask. Even when I stay in Beijing, I still have to go to public spaces," Li said.

A financial officer surnamed Guo said that she and her friends also reminded each other to wear masks as a precaution. "We are not sure there is any other way we can protect ourselves, but everyone has to go home to celebrate the Chinese New Year," Guo said.

Chinese health officials said yesterday they were expanding the advanced inspection process with all passengers from Hubei province, not just Wuhan, where the disease originated. All passengers traveling from Wuhan will also be required to fill out a medical clearance.

About 3 billion trips are expected to take place during the return home trip of the Chinese people. The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that it has implemented surveillance and disinfection measures in crowded passenger areas such as railway stations to ensure safety for this year's "spring".