per a friend who is able to post through the bowels of a site that shall remain nameless. That hasn't stopped panic buying of all disinfectants, masks, gloves, and other protective gear. She mentioned cops in full hazmat gear, I told her that would last until May, it's miserable in hot weather.

The economic difficulties might be partially due to quarantine, but that's only been for a couple of weeks. More likely it's due to Carrie Lamm's hamfistedness and the resulting protests. Nothing puts a damper on business like riots and teargas.

Some embarrassing material was leaked on Lamm, speculation is that Beijing has had enough of her antics, although they usually prefer to leak sex scandal or financial shenanigans. This was just stupidity, but I guess they'll go with what they can get. No one is optimistic that her replacement will be any better.