Lanzhou protects food supply in face of COVID-19

A senior official from Lanzhou, Gansu province, promised to ensure people's food supply while sparing no effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Yang Dezhi, deputy mayor of Lanzhou, said the government has strengthened the procurement of food, including vegetables, rice, flour, grain and edible oil and ensured timely replenishment in previous weeks.

"Supplies of grain, edible oil, vegetables and related products for daily life are sufficient, and prices are stable in the city," Yang said at a news conference in Lanzhou on Thursday.

He also promised to create an overall plan to ensure a green channel for emergency supplies and ensure the efficient operation of the city's supply system.

Lanzhou reported 15 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 41 asymptomatic carriers on Wednesday, ending the day with a total of 462 confirmed cases and 1,654 asymptomatic carriers in the latest outbreak.

Zhang Xiaochun, deputy director of the city's Chengguan district, said more than 700 police officers, along with 50 police drones, are being dispatched every day to help maintain good social order in the fight against the pandemic.

Effective measures will be introduced to combat rumors, hoarding, price gouging and other illegal market activities to ensure the price stability of daily necessities in the coming weeks, she added.