Residents of the provincial city of Wuhan have called for help and shared their worries of food shortages. And some are on the "verge of tears,'' after the Chinese city at the center of the deadly new coronavirus was locked down at 10:00 am today.
So far 17 have died in Wuhan.
Flights and trains out of Wuhan were cancelled. Public transport was also suspended as authorities told residents not to leave in a bid to control the spread of the virus.
The search term "Wuhan is sealed off" had been read at least 510 million times on Weibo as of the morning today. There are some 214,000 discussion posts.
Some residents said they were on the "verge of tears" as they read news of the lockdown, adding that their families' lives were "threatened constantly and the target of online abuse.''
"We consciously avoid going out, disinfect diligently and wear masks," wrote one user in a social media post.
"But there is a lack of food and disinfectants, and we need more resources. We hope everyone can understand that we are feeling as though it is the end of the world. We really need everyone's help".
Some called on the government to provide more resources to Wuhan, saying there were not enough masks to buy and that food prices were rising.
One user said: "Could the government help to resolve the issue of resources? Can we control food prices?"
The number of confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the new Sars-like virus is over 570, according to China's National Health Commission, with most in Wuhan.
One video being shared on social media showed a bride in a nearby city wearing a surgical mask, and saying that all the guests who had visited Wuhan for work had been seated at the same table.
The Pneumonia Epidemic Control Headquarters of Wuhan said the highway will remain open, CGTN reported. When public transport services will resume will be announced later.
This is the first public announcement made by the group was formed on Wednesday under the command of Major Zhou Xianwang.-AFP/The Standard
