Locals have been lining up in front of pharmacies to buy face masks since mid-January as officials confirmed that the virus could be transferred among people.
Source: Business Insider
Some photos of insanely long lines for face masks have gone viral on social media.
Source: Business Insider
A shortage of protective face masks has been reported in Wuhan and other Chinese cities, as well as in countries like Australia and on online retail platforms like Amazon.
The lockdown happened just before the Lunar New Year, also called "Spring Festival," the most-celebrated festival in China and many other Asian countries.
The 15-day holiday mean that demand for supplies was already high, as households prepare family banquets and invite friends and relatives over to celebrate.
The city's traffic bans and fears around the deadly virus further prompted citizens to stock up on necessities and groceries.
Shelves are reportedly clearing quickly after supplies arrive, though there hasn't been a shortage of food in general.
Source: Reuters
Authorities have reportedly told farmers to step up food production and opened roads for delivery trucks to meet the daily needs of millions of residents.
Source: Reuters
Residents are required to wear face masks outside. Some are fully protected with glasses and gloves.
Source: CNN
Zhongbai, a major supermarket chain with locations dotting Wuhan, is a key shopping destination for residents in the city.
Jingdong, a major online retailer in China that has its own delivery operation, has continued to provide speedy service in Wuhan during the lockdown.
Source: Weibo
