Zhoushan, a city in East China's Zhejiang province, plans to open 10 pharmacies with 24-hour takeaway services this year. 

On June 17, the first such pharmacy opened on Chengnan Road in Dinghai district. 

The move is an effort by local authorities to prevent against further infections after the COVID-19 outbreak. 

An official from the Dinghai branch of the Zhoushan Municipal Bureau of Market Supervision said that customers can place orders on the online platforms of pharmacies or on third-party delivery platforms like Meituan and Eleme.

The around-the-clock pharmacies are meant to serve people in urgent need of medicine at night. After physical stores close, consumers will still be able to place online orders, and delivery will be arranged as soon as the pharmacy opens the next day. 

Pharmacies with 24-hour takeaway services will be allowed to sell nonprescription medicines and first and second-class medical devices. 

In addition, pharmaceutical services will be also available, and the contact information of pharmaceutical professionals will be posted online.

A series of regulations regarding the qualifications of pharmacies and delivery management have also been put in place.

By the end of June, five such pharmacies are expected to open in Zhoushan, and by the end of October, the number will increase to 10.