Merida’s government is offering free oxygen tank refills to anyone with a prescription.
The refill center is located in front of the José Marti library in Parque de las Américas, García Ginerés.
The demand for concentrated oxygen has skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Persons infected with COVID-19 who present difficulty breathing often use oxygen tanks to help relieve stress on their pulmonary system.
The center is refilling tanks with a capacity of up to 700 liters, or 2 cubic meters, with a PSI (pressure) of 2,000.
The free service emulates similar programs in other cities. In Mexico City, free oxygen refill centers were swamped as long lines circled blocks.
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During its first day of operation, the refill center in Mérida only had six people show up. Workers said it was likely that demand would increase as more people heard about the free service.
Workers at the module inspect the tanks before filling them to check for leaks and possible contaminants.
On the open market, the refilling of oxygen tanks can cost anywhere from 200 to 600 pesos, depending on the size of the tank.
The oxygen refilling module is open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is scheduled to operate for approximately two weeks, though this period may be extended.
