China: confined, the city of Xi'an faces food supply difficulties

An employee delivers food to residents of a residential complex closed following the Covid-19 epidemic in Xi'an, central China, December 29, 2021. VIA REUTERS - STRINGER

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In Xi'an, the anger of residents is growing.

For eight days, the problems have been increasing since the city has strengthened its containment measures.

The 13 million inhabitants have not even been allowed to go out to shop for two days.

And the logistics do not follow: many complain on social media of running out of food. 

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Hungry residents, students trembling with cold in hotels requisitioned to isolate them and patients who are denied access to hospitals in the city.

The stories coming from Xi'an, in central China, are reminiscent of the situation experienced by the inhabitants of Wuhan, almost two years ago, at the very beginning of the pandemic.

The wealthy metropolis of 13 million inhabitants has recorded

since December 9.

It has not been seen much elsewhere, but China applies a policy of zero tolerance to the virus.

► To read also: China: the zero tolerance strategy in the face of Covid-19 undermined by the variants

On Wednesday, December 29, officials from the municipality admitted that " 

 " had led to disruptions in the food supply to the population.

The improvisation of the authorities singled out

For residents, the problem stems in particular from the suddenness of the tightening of restrictions.

While they had been stranded at their home for five days but could go shopping, the inhabitants were suddenly banned from going out on Monday, December 27.

They didn't have time to stock up for the most part.

Online, many denounce the improvisation of the authorities despite two years of “zero Covid” strategy.

Even more worrying: these drastic measures were taken in response to cases of the Delta variant.

Omicron, even more contagious, is not there yet.

► See also: Covid-19 in China: strengthened health restrictions in the city of Xi'an

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• China

• Coronavirus

• Confinement

• Food