Marriage registration services cancelled over infection concerns

Seventeen marriage registration centers across Shanghai will cancel registration services on February 2 to prevent the spread of infection linked to a new strain of coronavirus, civil affairs authorities announced on Saturday.

The date 2020-02-02 is believed to be an auspicious date due to it is rare symmetry, and 2020 sounds like "love you, love you" in Chinese.

Moreover, it is the ninth day of the lunar month in the Chinese lunar calendar; nine sounds similar to "long" in Chinese, bearing the auspicious meaning of a long-lasting marriage.

These factors make this year's February 2 an extremely popular date for those who want to say "I do."

Marriage registration centers in Shanghai originally decided to work overtime on February 2 to satisfy an expected avalanche of demand because the day is a Sunday. Registrations were several times normal by Friday since January 15 when they became available, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau said on Saturday.

The cancellation aims to prevent the spread of infection, the bureau said.

The bureau also reminded couples to make health a priority and avoid other popular marriage dates such as Valentine's Day.