Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360].
After the U.S. government announced that it has begun sending aid in the form of medical supplies and vaccines against COVID-19 to India to help the Asian country cope better with the second wave of the disease that has caused millions of infections and thousands of deaths, the state of California has joined the efforts.
On Monday afternoon, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will send oxygen equipment to India to help save lives.
"When communities around the world need help, California steps up. As we surpass 28 million vaccinations and continue to have the lowest positivity rates in the country, we must approach this moment with compassion by helping those most affected by this pandemic," said Newsom.
He added, "Everyone deserves quality medical treatment for this terrible disease, and California will answer the call and help the people of India who so desperately need it.
Thus, California will send 275 Oxygen Concentrators, whose units are capable of producing 10 liters per minute of oxygen delivered directly to patients through a mask; 440 oxygen cylinders; 240 high-flow oxygen regulators for H-tanks; and 210 pulse oximeters.
In addition, a deployable oxygen concentrator system, capable of producing 120 liters per minute of oxygen and generally used to fill large cylinders.
The state government said the distribution of these life-saving supplies is being coordinated through the U.S. Agency for International Development and will be provided directly to health care providers and front-line workers.
India reported nearly 350,000 new cases on Sunday, the highest total number of cases recorded in a single day in one country.
"California's contributions are part of a broader U.S. effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 in India," the government said in a statement.
It should be noted that on Sunday, President Joseph Biden's administration pledged to provide more medical aid to the country, including raw materials for the production of vaccines, test kits, ventilators and personal protective equipment.
"California is in a position to distribute these life-saving supplies because of the early and aggressive actions taken by Governor Newsom to combat COVID-19, which has resulted in the lowest positivity rates nationwide and more than 28 million vaccines already administered in California," officials explained.
And they added that even as it provides these needed supplies to India, California still maintains a robust statewide stockpile to respond quickly to any additional outbreaks that may occur within the state.
