Converting S visa to Z working visa.

Hello, currently I'm in shanghai with a spouse resident permit (S1 visa). Recently I got an offer from one university in shanghai as an Associate Professor, and I got an A-type work permit last week. Yesterday, I went to "local exit and entry administration" to change my resident permit type. They said I should leave china, get a Z visa then enter china for the next assessment.

My main concern is that due to Covid the Chinese embassy in my country is not operative, so I don't know how to handle it. I appreciate it if you provide some suggestions. Thanks in advance.