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The impact of public health policies on online food delivery services in China

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  • Zhao, Hongying
  • Liu, Luning

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of global COVID-19 lockdown policies on online food delivery services. Sales data from 195 Chinese cities, the impact of lockdown policies on food delivery was evaluated using a time-varying difference-in-differences approach, focusing on the effects at the start and end of the lockdown. The results indicate that lockdown policies significantly reduced the demand for online food delivery services, with sales decreasing by approximately 20.8 %. After the lockdowns were lifted, demand began to recover, but it did not return to pre-lockdown levels. The study found significant variations in the impact of lockdown policies across cities, likely due to cultural factors, pandemic severity, economic conditions and city hierarchy. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the interaction between public health policies and the online food delivery service industry, offering empirical insights for policy-making and corporate strategies during health crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Hongying & Liu, Luning, 2025. "The impact of public health policies on online food delivery services in China," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:100:y:2025:i:c:s0038012125000928
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102243
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    1. Yuxiao Ye & Li Wang & Shenyang Jiang & Yu Xiong, 2025. "Lockdown and restaurant closures: evidence from large-scale data in China," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.

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