An extended lockdown was imposed in Shangai on Monday, restricting free movement for the city's entire population of 25 million.
The strict rules imposed by the lockdown have affected residents' access to food and water, with the government having to deliver vegetables, meat and eggs.
The extension of the lockdown however, has put a strain on delivery services and the distribution of supplies by the government itself.
The delivery capacity is also decreased given that, among the delivery personnel, many are located in locked-down areas.
Some areas of the city are reported to be completely cut off. One local said on Weibo:
"Please solve the problem of insufficient delivery capacity as soon as possible."
Another person wrote that this is the "first time in my life that I have gone hungry".
Day 17 of my Shanghai Covid lockdown and food remains the priority
— Jared T Nelson (@JaredTNelson) April 4, 2022
As usual, I woke up at 6am to try ordering deliveries
I have 10 apps that I cycle through repeatedly from various stores/platforms for several hours trying to find anything
No success by this method again today
On Wednesday, city officials noted that there are indeed problems with food deliveries, although Shanghai has enough supplies of noodle, grain, rice, meat and oil.
Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Liu Min, said:
"It is true there are some difficulties in ensuring the supply of daily necessities."
Shanghai's Vice Mayor, Chen Tong, said on Thursday that the city would attempt opening food stores and wholesale markets while allowing more personnel out of locked-down areas.
He said:
"We have been holding meetings overnight to try and figure out solutions."
[Based on reporting by: BBC]
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