Thousands of people requiring supplemental oxygen at home in Shanghai purchase them from private companies.

But many family members scrambled to secure oxygen cylinders for those requiring them after a major supplier suspended production earlier this month. Production was disrupted at Shanghai Shenwei Medical Gas Company after employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the company resumed operations on April 13, delivery workers are now racing to provide this vital lifeline to many on time.

Reporters: Li Zhimi; animation: Fu Xiaofan; editors: Lü Xiao and Bibek Bhandari.