CHEAP RIBS
Hu Yanfang, who was supervising the unpacking of boxes of protective equipment and food at her housing estate in Wuhan, had a different take.
The lockdown on residential compounds like hers was recently eased and she feels optimistic that the government has the crisis in hand.
"It's much better now," said Hu, who heads the compound's residents committee.
Her voice cracked with emotion as she recounted how she had worked through the past two months to support her neighbours and sanitise the compound. She thanked the government for sending ample supplies of protective gear like masks.
"It makes me feel like our country is strong - just look at countries like Europe," she said, referring to the surging infection and death numbers in countries like Italy and Spain.
"The government helped us to get these," she said, as slabs of pork ribs arrived in the boot of a taxi. They were to be sold to residents at less than half the usual price.
Another resident, Yu Tianhong, agreed with Hu as she queued for ribs.
"This shows how the government is giving support and love to those of who stayed at home. It's not just about the meat and the money. This makes us feel like someone is concerned about us," she said.
($1 = 7.0880 Chinese yuan)
