Locked-down Chinese city Xi'an with 13 million people faces hunger... shortage of delivery workers

Food and Essential Goods Delivery Workers Also Quarantined, Residents Suffering from Lack of Supplies
Food Supply Regardless of Family Size... Large Families Experiencing Hunger

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The population of 13 million in Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China, where the city lockdown has continued for the ninth day, is suffering from a shortage of daily necessities such as food ingredients. Due to a shortage of delivery personnel, daily necessities such as food ingredients are not being delivered to locked-down residents in a timely manner, causing residents to suffer.

Photo by Global Times capture

China's state-run Global Times published an article titled "Xi'an Strengthens Food Supply Amid Slow Delivery Reports" on the 31st. The media reported that after posts from residents about food shortages appeared on social media such as WeChat (China's version of Twitter), Xi'an authorities and distribution companies are stepping up efforts to increase delivery personnel and accelerate the delivery of daily necessities.

The Global Times quoted Xi'an officials saying that suppliers are delivering goods directly to communities, and volunteers and delivery workers are striving to deliver daily necessities. The media indirectly suggested that Xi'an residents are experiencing shortages of daily necessities.

The Global Times pointed out that as quarantine measures in Xi'an have been strengthened, delivery workers are unable to enter residential areas, hindering smooth supply of goods. The media added that many delivery workers are in self-quarantine, and unauthorized vehicles are not allowed to operate.

A driver for a distribution company told the Global Times, "I have been quarantined at home since last Monday, and the entire team is in the same situation," adding that separate measures are needed to allow drivers to return to work.

Another resident appealed, "We can order food online, but delivery workers leave the food at the village entrance," and said, "The problem is that there are not enough personnel to deliver goods from the village entrance to the front of the house."

There are also complaints that the authorities are supplying uniform food regardless of family size.

Xi'an resident Mr. Wang said in an interview with the Global Times, "The authorities are supplying a fixed amount regardless of family size," and added, "A student who lacks food is providing online tutoring to another family's student in exchange for food."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.