WUHAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The overall daily distribution of living materials by e-commerce platforms in central China's virus-hit Hubei Province has surged to 5,000 tonnes from less than 600 tonnes in early February, local authorities said.

Qin Jun, director of the provincial commerce department, said on a Wednesday press conference that e-commerce enterprises have made great efforts to ensure supplies in the early and middle stages of the epidemic, despite the shortage of manpower and logistics capacity.

Small catering businesses, convenience stores and green groceries in low and medium-risk areas across the province are required to open in an orderly manner, he added, noting that commercial complexes in virus-free communities will be encouraged to resume operation with preventive measures taken.

Qin also noted that Hubei will increase support for e-businesses, ensure and expand the individualized demands of its residents for living materials.