Millions Of Anxious Chinese People Rush To Stock Up On This Food Item

As millions of people in the Asian nation turn to alternative remedies to combat a deadly outbreak of Covid-19 infections brought by by the government loosening (in some cases completely abolishing) restrictions, business is soaring for China's lemon producers. One farmer told Bloomberg that "the market is very much on fire" and that sales had increased from just five to six tonnes per day earlier to 20-30 tonnes per day over the previous week. The farmer, who would only give his last name, Wen, cultivates lemons on 130 acres in Sichuan, which supplies 70% of China's lemons. 

The unexpected increase is primarily attributable to Beijing and Shanghai, two major cities where foods high in vitamin C, which raise immune levels, are highly desired.

Another farmer from the same area, Liu Yanjing, claimed that the price of lemons had doubled during the previous four or five days.

As a result of the rush, Liu claimed he is now working 14 hours every day.

Lemon prices have increased from two to three Yuan (about $12) for 500 grammes. According to local media, sales of other fruits, such as oranges and pears, are also climbing. Yellow peaches in cans are very popular. According to one food shop chain, sales increased by 900%. 

Many of these farmers were concerned since previously strict regulations had caused tonnes of fresh produce to pile up as a result of shipping restrictions.

Hope it lasts, people have just realised that lemons are excellent, remarked Liu.

In what seems to be another another instance of how an unprepared populace is coping with the rapid move from the "zero Covid" policy, the flip to lemons occurs as pharmacies in cities run out of cold and flu medication.

Epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding tweeted on Monday to issue a warning that more than 60% of the nation's population of more than 1.4 billion will likely contract an infection within the next 90 days as a result of the abrupt change in policy, which has literally unleashed an avalanche of infections and fatalities."millions of deaths are likely to have occurred. This is only the beginning, "Tweeted him.

Since testing is no longer required, the Chinese government announced this week that it would stop disclosing thorough information on fresh cases since "figures no longer reflect reality."

Since November 23, China has reported no Covid deaths in Beijing.

Feigl-Ding posted a video showing bodies being heaped at a hospital, and The Wall Street Journal described similar scenes at a crematorium in Beijing. 

Many of China's 1.4 billion people are still at risk due to poor vaccination rates, inadequate vaccinations, and a lack of funding for emergency care.