BEIJING — As many students heed the country's call to stay put during the upcoming Spring Festival to prevent COVID-19 spread, Chinese universities are expected to see the number of students spending the holiday on campus quadruple that for the previous years.

Universities have been asked to carefully implement anti-virus measures, ensure students' well-being, and provide for their study and leisure needs during the holiday, said Wang Dengfeng, a senior official with the Ministry of Education, at a press conference on Jan 31. 

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, is an important occasion for family reunions, and falls on Feb 12 this year.