Residents in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan province, are busy stocking up necessities as local authorities announced Wednesday night at a press conference that Zhengzhou will launch a “five-day anti-pandemic war” from Friday, during which a total of 6.88 million residents in its eight districts are required to take nucleic acid tests every day and reduce activities. Photo: VCG

People and vehicles are packed at an outdoor market in Zhengzhou on Wednesday. Home to nearly 13 million people, the city has been battling with repeated Covid outbreaks, reporting 153 symptomatic cases and 521 asymptomatic cases for Wednesday. Photo: VCG

A man carries bundles of vegetables on a road in Zhengzhou on Wednesday. During the five-day lockdown, residents in high-risk areas are required to stay at home, and those in other areas are not to go out unless necessary. Photo: VCG

A couple pulls a cart loaded with vegetables in Zhengzhou on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

A truck loaded with radishes on the roadside attracts citizens in Zhengzhou on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Zhengzhou residents buy vegetables from a vendor on Wednesday. Zhao, 28, told Caixin that she has spent nearly 200 yuan ($28) on necessities for the upcoming five-day lockdown, including vegetables, fruits and fast food. Photo: VCG

College students prepare to board a train at Zhengzhou East Station on Wednesday. Many universities are beginning their winter vacation earlier than usual as cases rise in the central Chinese city. Photo: VCG