Brazil´s City of Pará Collapses due to Lack of Oxygen; Six Have Died Over Past 24 Hours

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – At least six people have died in the last 24 hours from asphyxiation in the municipality of Faro, Pará, according to the city’s municipal government.

The healthcare system in the city collapsed due to lack of oxygen, beds and medicines for patients undergoing Covid-19 treatment. The municipality is on the border with the state of Amazonas. The most alarming situation is in the Nova Maracanã community, where at least 34 patients are hospitalized. It also affects the neighboring cities of Terra Santa (PA) and Nhamundá (AM).

This morning Mayor Paulo Carvalho was able to purchase 20 oxygen tanks in the city of Santarém (PA). In addition to Santarém, Faro also typically buys oxygen supplies in Manaus, Amazonas. “Both cities are in crisis. Demand is higher than quantity because production is compromised,” says Carvalho, referring to the crisis at White Martins, a hospital oxygen supplier in western Pará.

Foreseeing the surge in cases of the disease, the local city hall increased the number of beds, from six to 30. According to physician Yordanes Peres, of the Faro Basic Health Unit, the oxygen received today will only guarantee two days of treatment for hospitalized patients. “We are experiencing a crisis, while trying to save lives. We are working 24 hours for this,” he explained.

Last week, the government of Pará banned boats from the state of Amazonas from sailing on Pará territory. According to Governor Helder Barbalho, the border was closed to prevent Covid-19 contagion.

In a statement, the State Secretariat of Public Health (SESPA) reported that two companies in Pará are in charge of oxygen supply, White Martins and Air Liquide. White Martins alone currently produces 58,000 m3 per day, enough to supply the whole state. The SESPA also clarifies that it is the municipal Health Secretariats’ responsibility to maintain contracts and to acquire the product for local supply.