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| Food supplies bolster confidence in SARS war |
| CCTV.COM 2003-05-12 10:05:42 |
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As people become better informed about SARS, life in Beijing is gradually coming back on track. Panic purchasing in the city is over. There is a sufficient supply of daily necessities.
In a typical grocery shopping market in western Beijing, just more than a couple of weeks ago, the price of vegetables soared to at least twice their usual prices and such basic supplies as grains and cooking oil were running out of stock. According to a sales person from the market, people's panic about SARS during the early stages of its outbreak in Beijing led to that food buying rush.
The market manager said, "The residents were panic buying to stock up on staple food, such as flour, rice, meat and vegetables. Because they had no idea about how SARS would develop."
However, the panic purchasing did not last long. It quickly came to an end when Beijing Municipal Government pledged to the public that there would be plenty of food available for however long the epidemic lasted.
The market manager added, "Our main food suppliers are from neighboring Hebei, Shandong, and Northeastern provinces. Everyday now, we have fresh food supplies."
Vendors at this market said their sales volume had decreased since the outbreak of SARS. But things have been getting better as local residents become less panicky about the disease.
Sources from the Beijing Agriculture Commission said that there are more than 500 farms on the outskirts of Beijing with a total area of 670,000 hectares. They are able to supply more than 40 million eggs a day. This, in addition to food sources from other provinces, ensures a reliable food supply for the city.
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Editor: Inner Wu CCTV.com
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