For Potato Auntie, alockdownwinter wasn’t as cold as it might have been, thanks to her community that stood by her.

Potato Auntie, as she’s affectionately known, lives with her family in the Mingtianhuacheng residential complex inZhoupuTown in the Pudong New Area.

The discovery of two COVID-19 cases last week prompted the community to quarantine all its residents for 14 days from November 20, not long after her husband had driven home a truck laden with four tons of potatoes.

“We had planned to sell the potatoes inChongmingDistrict the next morning. Unexpectedly, after we finished dinner, we saw a group of medical workers in white protective outfits downstairs,” she said. “That night, our community was listed as a medium-risk area, and alockdownwas imposed.”

It was a huge blow as the family relies on the potato trade to make a living.

“Medical expenses have cost us more than 2 million yuan (US$304,000) and we manage to survive by selling potatoes,” she said. “In particular, there has been a run of rainy days and potatoes could easily sprout.”

The community responded to her plight, allowing her to set up a stall near the entrance to the residential complex, and business has been brisk.

“Some neighbors bought tens of bags of potatoes and some helped me promote sales,” Potato Auntie said. “They said they were supporting me. I’m really touched.”

Residents bought nearly half of her potatoes and, yesterday, the township government said several local government department canteens had agreed to buy the rest after quarantine ends.

Community residents have been tested twice so far, with all results negative. A third round will take place on December 2 and if they are negative lockdown will end, according to the township government.