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Oxygen thefts mount as Mexico reports record COVID-19 deaths

Virus Outbreak Mexico oxygen tanks
Posted at 9:54 AM, Jan 21, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-21 12:54:25-05

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Thefts of oxygen are mounting as Mexico posted a record one-day confirmed COVID-19 death toll of 1,584.

Thefts of oxygen occurred Tuesday in central and northern Mexico, while the Defense Department says four doses of coronavirus vaccine were stolen at a public hospital in Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City, probably by a hospital employee.

Mexico has received only about 750,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and several people have been caught cutting lines to get doses reserved for front-line medical personnel.

Authorities launched a campaign urging people to return rented oxygen tanks they no longer need, amid a shortage of the cylinders.