*The Lagos State Government has disclosed the state need of 70 six-litre cylinders per day recently increased to 350 six-litre cylinders is projected to more than double to 750 six-cylinders before the end of January 2021

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

As the second wave of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic rages in the country, the number of virus patients needing oxygen to survive has risen fivefold in Lagos State, Nigeria’s biggest city and commercial hub.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in an e-mailed statement Tuesday, January 19, 2021, said the demand for oxygen had risen from 70 six-litre cylinders per day to 350 six-litre cylinders in the Yaba Mainland Hospital, Bloomberg report said.

Sawon-Olu stated: “This is projected to more than double to 750 six-cylinders, before the end of January 2021.”

Oxygen cylinders

The rise in Coronavirus cases in recent weeks was reported to have forced the state to reopen previously closed isolation centres where the illness is being treated.

The governor noted that all malaria symptoms should now be first treated as a case of COVID-19 “unless and until proven not to be one.”

Sanwo-Olu’s statement indicated Lagos State has initiated discussions with vaccine manufacturers.

He said: “In the meantime, we are developing a strategy that will articulate the criteria, guidelines and regulatory framework for providing and monitoring vaccinations in Lagos.”