In the time of coronavirus, donating blood is essential
Yes, the only people in the streets should be essential workers, but you can be essential too by donating blood.
Trude Gareeko from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) stressed that ever since the lockdown became a reality less people are donating blood.
She therefore appeals to donors from all blood groups to continue donating blood to prevent blood stocks from running critically low.
“The number of people donating blood significantly declined since the national lockdown started. People now only leave their houses to purchase essential products. They are also refraining from staying in public places for too long,” Trude explained.
She further emphasised it is important for healthy donors to continue donating blood.
“We need blood and plasma products every day to support people in hospitals, cancer patients, people with blood diseases and those in need of blood transfusions and surgeries.
“SANBS will also face challenges after the lockdown as we had to cancel blood drives,” she said.
Trude highlighted that it is safe to donate blood.
In addition to the usual hygiene practices, SANBS is implementing further measures to help protect donors.
“The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure the people who utilise their facilities are protected. They are assessing donors at all entry points to their facilities and mobile sites. They have also equipped all sites with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based wipes. The donors are first priority and we want to keep them safe,” said Trude.
The donor centre at the East Rand Mall remains accessible. Their operating hours will be from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends. Donors are advised to use entrance three.
Mobile drives will be set up at large grocery stores to accommodate more donors. The public will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
