Microsoft provides 125 oxygen concentrators to Noida Authority
What's the story
Tech giant Microsoft India has provided 125 oxygen concentrators to Noida Authority to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the Noida City of Uttar Pradesh. Noida Authority CEO Ritu Maheshwari said that the contribution made by Microsoft as part of its corporate social responsibility will help in the fight against the pandemic. Here are more details.
Oxygen concentrators
These will be given to hospitals in Noida, rural areas
"Noida Authority has been seeking support from private players in the fight against COVID-19 and Microsoft India has provided 125 oxygen concentrators of five-liter capacity each," according to an official statement. "These concentrators would be distributed to hospitals in Noida and in rural areas as required and in coordination with the district administration," it added.
Background
Google, Microsoft had earlier pledged to extend support to India
Amid the deadly second wave of coronavirus, people in Gautam Buddh Nagar had been recently grappling with a shortage of medical resources like hospital beds, oxygen, and medicines. Notably, Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, and Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, had earlier pledged to extend every help possible for India to fight against its current COVID-19 crisis.
Rural areas
Rural areas seeing an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases
Reportedly, the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh have witnessed an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. With a dwindling healthcare infrastructure, the Allahabad High Court had earlier directed the state government to ensure the provision of sufficient medical resources including oxygen. Earlier, the Central Government had also asked the state governments to ensure enough supply of healthcare resources.
Data
UP recorded 8,673 fresh COVID-19 infections on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the state recorded 8,673 fresh COVID-19 cases and 255 COVID-19 related deaths, thus pushing the total tally to 16,64,350 COVID-19 cases and 18,072 COVID-19 related deaths. With active cases standing at 1,36,342, the state has recorded 14,83,492 recovered cases so far.