Hubei creates unmanned 'epidemic supermarket' in 5 hours - Observatory of Public Sector Innovation

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Innovative response

A special 'epidemic supermarket' has been created by the teams Hubei Zhongbai Storage and Taoxianda (Ali) in less than 5 hours, which is completely unmanned - no shop assistants, cashiers, or even people re-shelving. This allows far reduced human contact in day to day life, reducing the transmission of the virus.

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

Supermarkets are key infrastructures in a pandemic. However, they also are hubs where people can meet and therefore transmit disease. This innovation therefore reduces the chances of transmission via decreasing the amount of human contact.

Organisations/institutions involved

Hubei Zhongbai Storage and Taoxianda (Ali),

China (People's Republic of)

Relevant URL(s):

https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1657661172343479531&wfr=spider&for=pc

Level(s) of government:

Local government
Private Sector

Issues being addressed:

Public service delivery under new circumstances

Date Submitted:

20 March 2020

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