On-demand service giant Meituan launches urgent deliveries as Shanghai extends Covid-19 lockdown
- Meituan executives made the announcement during a rare appearance at a government briefing, along with Shanghai officials
- A shortage in food supply has become one of the most pressing issues for the city of 25 million since the lockdown began last week
Executives from the company made the announcement during a rare appearance at a government briefing, along with Shanghai officials and medical personnel.
“As a hi-tech internet retail firm based in Shanghai, we are taking multiple measures to provide residents with food supplies,” said Meituan vice-president Mao Fang.
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Covid wave paralyses Shanghai’s food deliveries
The company has introduced urgent deliveries to the districts of Yangpu, Songjiang, Baoshan, Xuhui and Putuo, with services to be rolled out to the remaining districts in due course, Mao said.
A shortage in food supply has become one of the most pressing issues for people living in Shanghai since the city of 25 million entered into a two-phase lockdown on March 28 with no end in sight.
While the city has received donations of fresh produce from across the country, many residents still reported difficulties in getting their hands on groceries and other daily necessities.
Some people have resorted to setting alarm clocks for the early morning to place orders right after online platforms restock, but soaring demand has repeatedly crashed websites and apps, according to local media reports.
Meituan has faced challenges in sorting goods and delivering the escalating orders on time, Mao said.