Shortage of oxygen cylinders triggers panic in Vasai-Virar

MUMBAI: A

shortage of oxygen

was reported in

Vasai-Virar

region on Monday with families of critically ill patients running around for oxygen cylinders. The chaos began with former mayor Rajiv Patil circulating an audio message saying

oxygen cylinders

were in short supply and would last only for three hours.

Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation reported two deaths on Monday, while five were reported on Thursday. Patil attributed these deaths to the lack of oxygen cylinders. Though civic officials did not confirm if it was true,

Nalasopara

MLA Kshitij Thakur said he has sought a report from the civic medical officer. He said the deaths were reported froma private Covid hospital in Nalasopara.He admitted to a shortage, but said 10 tonnes of oxygen were supplied by Monday evening. Cases have been rising in the region with 492 fresh cases added on Monday. The active cases are 5,968.