Xinhua
Shanghai has been working hard to boost the supply of daily necessities for its population of 25 million, which has been living under closed-off management since late March due to a resurgence of COVID-19.
The stringent requirements of closed-off management have resulted in a supply crunch, which authorities have been seeking to ease in various ways. Among the key moves in recent days has been the re-opening of selected retail businesses providing food and other necessities to the local population.
“I had freshly baked bread for the first time since the closure,” said Zhou Ying, who lives in the downtown area.
Zhou’s bread was supplied by a bakery called “THE CUE” that re-opened recently, bringing more delicious staple foods to the residents of surrounding communities.
“THE CUE” has sold nearly 1,000 bread items over three days, mostly baguettes, rye sourdough, cranberry toast and croissants — a favorite with children. Nearby residents place their group orders using smartphones, with a minimum consumption of 300 yuan (about 47 U.S. dollars) and another 50 yuan for delivery. The bakery staff, who live in the store and take COVID-19 tests every day, deliver the bread themselves.
“We are also members of the community, and any infection would bring risks to our customers,” said an employee called Ken. “We cherish the opportunity to return to work,” he said.
