Authorities in Shanghai said they are trying their best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents amid growing public discontent after 11 days of strict Covid restrictions.
Only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission are allowed on the streets. Many residents are beginning to worry about food and drinking water, as well as obtaining products such as infant formula.
Some have complained on social media about having to wake up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, but finding them sold out within seconds.
Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables. Shanghai has sufficient reserves of staples such as rice and meat, but issues have cropped up in distribution and last-mile deliveries because of epidemic control measures, Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong told a news conference today.