Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in China, where some 21 million people generally enjoy a good living. This is partly due to its thriving electronics and IT industries, although it is also a popular holiday destination. But this peaceful illusion was shattered by a hard lockdown following a fresh COVID-19 outbreak. Today, we visit Chengdu where people still go shopping daily despite this restriction.
How Some People Still Go Shopping Daily in Chengdu
Chengdu became the latest China mega-city to enter lockdown on September 2, 2022. While the infection numbers may be small by western standards, the Asian giant is clearly still determined to clamp down firmly. Even though its citizens may have shown some ‘rare public dissent’ according to BBC China News.
Every one of those 21 million citizens must stay at home, and undergo testing until further notice. People may not leave or enter the city, school openings are pended, and all flights grounded. However, residents with negative tests may still go shopping ‘to buy necessities’ they need.
BBC China reports health authorities ‘blame an extremely complex and severe situation’ on mass gatherings ‘during warm weather at a pair of swimming and entertainment venues’. Therefore it seems evident the virus could spread rapidly without these control measures in place.
Meanwhile Shopping Patterns Continue As Before
Brick and mortar shopping is a hobby for many city dwellers in Chengdu. No wonder China Global Television Network’s reporter-on-the-spot Guo Tianqi reports its citizens prefer buying things every day, as opposed to stocking up.
Tianqi reported a ‘hustle and bustle in food markets in Chengdu’ on September 4, 2022. However, the once busy main roads have gone quiet he adds. Perhaps this is because only one infection-free family member may leave their home at a time. Does this mean they take it in turns in Chengdu, where people still go shopping daily regardless?
However, Tianqi only purchased some vegetables, beef and fruit this time. ‘They were fresh, and the prices were the same as usual, so I’m not going to stock up on groceries,’ he admits. City authorities have taken measures to ensure food markets have adequate stocks on hand. Nonetheless, this cannot be an easy time for 21 million residents.
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