The number of people infected with Covid-19 in Maungdaw, Arakan State, is increasing and they reportedly need oxygen and food.

“The challenges are getting enough oxygen and ensuring food for the Covid-19 patients. There is help for the virus patients, but not as much government support as before,” Dr. Nu Kaythi San, medical superintendent of the Maungdaw District People’s Hospital, told DMG.

The oxygen plant at Maungdaw District People’s Hospital can only produce three large oxygen cylinders per day and the excess required oxygen is being ordered from Sittwe. Still, oxygen rationing is taking place.

“The hospital’s oxygen plant can only produce three cylinders of oxygen a day and there is not enough, so we have to order from Sittwe. Oxygen can only be used for one day for a coronavirus emergency patient,” said Dr. Nu Kaythi San.

She added that 10 large oxygen cylinders a day might be enough for the Covid-19 patients in the hospital.

In addition, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) used to provide support for feeding the Covid-19 patients, but now it is difficult to feed patients due to reduced support.

Beginning with an uptick in cases nationally toward the end of May, Myanmar has been grappling with a third wave of coronavirus infections that threatens to dwarf the previous two. The number of confirmed third-wave cases in Arakan State reached 372 as of July 2, with three fatalities statewide.

A total of 167 cases of Covid-19 were recorded as of July 4 in Maungdaw Township, where Covid-19 cases have been reported since early June. Seven of those patients have been discharged from the hospital, and two have died.