(Yicai Global) March 31 -- Retailers have become the backbone of daily provisions supply to Shanghai’s millions of residents during the Covid-19 outbreak, especially in the recent panic buying spree. Yicai Global spoke with Ji Linfeng, a supermarket manager in the city, during a typically long and busy day.

6 a.m.: Ji wakes and freshens up for the day ahead, after sleeping at the supermarket.

6.30 a.m.: Ji and other staff, who also sleep overnight at the store, begin stocking shelves.

Fresh vegetables arrive and are put out after the previous produce almost sold out within an hour or two.

10.30 a.m.: Ji holds a daily meeting with departments.

12.30 p.m.: Ji takes just a 15-minute break for lunch.

After lunch, Ji gets back to work, restocking shelves, cleaning up, and dealing with customers.

2 p.m.: Staff busily pack customers’ orders at the back of the supermarket.

4 p.m.: Ji coordinates the unloading of big cold-chain trucks bring produce to replenish the store’s warehouse.

5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m: Ji makes deliveries to nearby communities in his own car.

10 p.m.: Though the store has closed, Ji waits up for overnight deliveries so products are ready for the next day.

After 2 a.m.: Ji returns to his office after washing. But before sleeping, he checks in with suppliers and staff about the next day’s plans and work schedule.

Editor: Peter Thomas