Stores under pressure to keep shelves stocked

When I visited a community supermarket this morning at 10 am, a salesperson told me all the bread was gone and they have had to restock the instant noodle shelves many times, though they still have plenty in storage.

In another supermarket, all the vegetables were gone and the salesperson said a big crowd rushed in when he opened the store. People were waiting in a long line in front of the cashier, with instant noodles and eggs in their carts.

The salesperson told me they will replenish their stock later that day, but fresh vegetables would not be available until the next day.

In a farmers market, I saw more people than usual. Every stand was busy. The prices of vegetables are much higher, too. Half a kilogram of artemisia, one of Wuhan people's favorite greens, sold for 20 yuan ($2.90). The same amount of spinach cost 8 yuan and it was 10 yuan for flowering Chinese cabbage.

Nobody was complaining.

I also visited some pharmacies. The owners told me that masks had been sold out for many days, and since the city has been quarantined they don't know if there will be any supply. They are also waiting for supplies of vitamin C and cold medicines.

A friend told me it was only a rumor that gas stations would soon be closed, but my friend filled his tank anyway after lining up for 30 minutes.

According to Wuhan authorities, supplies of food and medications in the city are substantial."Residents, please remain calm," they said in an announcement.

In my community, public areas including elevators have been sanitized. Some communities have started to monitor people's temperatures at entrances.

As a Wuhan resident, I try not to be influenced by rumors.

If everyone could pay more attention to the real world around them instead of messages in the online world, I think the panic will subside.

It is not really great news living in Wuhan now, but at least I have my home and my family. I am worried about the visitors and migrant workers who have been stuck in the city because of the traffic control. They have no one to go to in this difficult situation. We should support them.

Peng Yining contributed to this story.