BEIJING -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has issued a circular urging local departments to support commercial enterprises with epidemic control and prevention conditions to resume operation.

Noting that more and more people are returning to city after the Spring Festival holiday, sending the demand for daily necessities spiking in large and medium-sized cities, the MOC called on the wholesale markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and groceries to resume to work as soon as possible.

Measures should be taken to ensure enterprises' purchase, transport and delivery of goods go smoothly, the circular said.

It also stressed efforts to monitor the dynamics of market supply and demand in a bid to forestall panic buying, stock-out and price hikes.

As the battle against the novel coronavirus enters a critical stage, the ministry urged enterprises to take effective epidemic control measures and equip their workers at the frontline with protective gear to guarantee a safe operation.