Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Industry Ministry has donated one thousand medical oxygen cylinders and regulators to West Sumatra provincial government and another 200 units to Andalas State University Hospital to anticipate the third COVID-19 wave.
"It is a precautionary measure to avoid medical oxygen shortage, which happened when the second wave of COVID-19 hit Indonesia several months ago," Special Staff of the ministry, Febri Hendri, said here on Tuesday.
The cylinders given to the provincial government are of various capacities, such as 6.7 liters, 15 liters, 40 liters, and 47 liters, he informed.
Meanwhile, the ones provided for the hospital are of 40 liters and 47 liters capacity, he said.
Currently, the number of COVID-19 cases have increased again in several European countries, he noted.
Hence, the government has carried out a number of attempts to anticipate transmission of the virus from overseas by increasing vaccination coverage, strengthening the health protocols and the use of masks, as well as preparing oxygen cylinders to avoid scarcity, he said.
"Amid the second wave of COVID-19, the industrial sector was also affected since their stock of oxygen -- which was used as raw material in production -- had to be disbursed to treat COVID-19 patients. We are trying to prevent it now," Hendri explained.
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Furthermore, the ministry has distributed around 7,600 oxygen cylinders to five provinces in Sumatra Island to prepare them in case there is a spike in infections, although it is not expected to happen, he said.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi lauded the ministry for its assistance and attention to the province.
He admitted that during the second wave of COVID-19, the province faced difficulties in providing medical oxygen.
Fortunately, by coordinating with neighboring provinces, such as Riau province, West Sumatra was able to meet the oxygen demand at that time, he said.
"We hope that the third wave of COVID-19 will not occur. However, we must take anticipatory steps. These medical oxygen cylinders aid will help our preparations," the governor added.
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