Chinese officials promise groceries for residents under strict lockdown

Chinese officials promised to deliver groceries to residents of Xi’an, which is currently under the strictest lockdown of any major Chinese city since the start of the global pandemic, The Associated Press reported. 

China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson said Thursday that it has contacted nearby provinces to help ensure adequate supplies of everyday necessities for people under the lockdown.

The house deliveries include a box of 15 eggs, a five-pound bag of rice and some green vegetables. Residents could expect either chicken or pork in their deliveries as well. 

Using social media platform Weibo, some residents have complained that they have not received the same deliveries in their communities, with some expressing worries they won’t able to obtain fresh vegetables and meat, according to the AP. 

Authorities this week tightened restrictions in the city so residents can’t leave their homes to buy groceries. They previously were allowed to do so every two days.

Xi’an, an ancient capital with 13 million people, is also sealed off, meaning presidents can’t leave without special permission, the AP reported. 

The city has also reported 155 new locally transmitted virus cases and a total of 1,000 new cases in the latest outbreak on Wednesday. 

Chinese authorities have reported a total of 101,890 virus cases and 4,636 COVID-related deaths since the start of the global pandemic, the AP noted.