China's State Council on Monday announced plans to extend the Lunar New Year holiday to Feb 2 as a key measure to control the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The Lunar New Year holiday, which started Jan 24, was originally set to end on Jan 30.

The holiday will be extended to Feb 2, the ninth day of the first lunar month of the lunar calendar.

The decision was made to strengthen the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus outbreak, effectively reduce meetings and mass gatherings, curb the spread of the epidemic, and better protect the lives and health of the people,

According to the State Council notice, the start of the spring semester for all colleges, schools and kindergartens across the country will be suspended. The Education Department will issue separate notices about starting times.

Employees who cannot take vacation due to epidemic prevention and control duties, shall arrange compensatory leave in accordance with the provisions of China's labor law.

Wages and salaries for unused holidays shall be guaranteed in accordance with relevant policies.