The following release was posted on CGA’s website.
Medical oxygen is an essential part of patient care during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the compressed gas industry is working diligently to safely and reliably supply health care systems in the U.S. and Canada. CGA member companies are certainly aware of and actively addressing spikes in medical oxygen use in COVID-19 hot spots. Each member is committed to deploy all available resources to respond to the increased demand for medical oxygen and to proactively communicate with health care providers as we fight this pandemic together. Healthcare is a top priority for CGA member companies.
There are several aspects to oxygen supply which are being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. These include: hospital supply system capacities, the availability of cylinders and other equipment needed to store and transport medical oxygen, and medical oxygen production and distribution capacities. The rapidly changing and unprecedented demand for medical oxygen in areas where COVID-19 is surging is an additional factor.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CGA member companies have taken significant measures such as sourcing additional medical gas cylinders, converting cylinders and containers to medical oxygen use, where possible increasing production and distribution capacity, and when necessary prioritizing allocation of oxygen to medical use to meet growing needs in the U.S. and Canada. These companies continue to monitor and respond to the rapidly changing situation. CGA member companies are using their considerable resources to meet the medical oxygen needs of the communities where they operate.
It is critical for healthcare facilities to work with their suppliers to help them respond to their growing needs and configure appropriate safe and sustainable use, on site storage, and delivery capacity.
