As China’s zero-Covid rules ease, demand surges for rapid tests and medication
- E-commerce sites struggle to keep up with consumer demand for test kit and remedies, media report says
- Hospitals across the country preparing for expected influx of cases
In the past week, the country has largely abandoned PCR test requirements for public places and offices but some people still needed to be tested, such as people working in crowded environments, medical facilities and homes for the elderly.
According to the National Health Commission, these people can now do a rapid test at home and report any positive results to health authorities.
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Since the easing, sales of drugs and rapid tests have increased more than 10-fold compared to the same time in October, according to Chinese media reports.
On e-commerce platform JD Health, the number of test kits sold grew by 344 per cent week on week in the seven days from November 28, state broadcaster China National Radio reported on Friday.
Sales of fever, flu, cough and antibacterial medication were also surging, and customers wanting to buy rapid test kits on online shopping platforms, such as Meituan and Dingdang Health, face waits of up to six days.
JD Health said it was working with kit manufacturers to ensure a stable supply of the products, while some pharmaceutical firms were planning to expand their production capacity, according to the report.