WUHAN — A volunteer project has attracted more than 10,000 applicants in Wuhan, epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Central China's Hubei province, shortly after its kick-off.

Authorities announced the recruitment on the morning of Feb 23 to help Wuhan residents, who are required to stay home as part of the epidemic prevention and control methods, buy crops and vegetables in downtown areas. The volunteers will also be running errands for them.

"I saw the recruitment in our community's chatting group," said Zhou Qing, a college teacher. "I knew that there is a shortage of hands in the community, so I applied."

Masks, gloves and in some cases protective suits, are available for the volunteers, said Zhou Lin, a community official.

Since the outbreak, more than 50,000 people have volunteered to work in residential communities, said Chen Qiangsheng, with the city's publicity department.