Covid-19: Blood donor centres will remain open during lockdown

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) welcomes the necessary measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, last Monday evening, to save lives and slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

This should not discourage members of the public from donating lifesaving blood as we tackle this global health pandemic as a nation during this difficult period when our country needs us the most.

As an essential service within South Africa, the SANBS, therefore, appeals to donors from all blood groups to continue donating blood to prevent blood stocks running critically low.

All of the donor centres will remain open with extended operating hours to accommodate social distancing measures.

The extended operating hours will be between 8am and 7pm on weekdays and 8am and 2pm on weekends.

Shopping mall donor centres remain accessible, and mobile drives will be set up at large grocery stores to accommodate more donors.

Appointments can be made directly with your nearest donor centre to avoid queuing at the donor centre.

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The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that the people who utilise the facilities are protected.

SANBS will assess donors at all entry points to its facilities and mobile sites.

All sites are equipped with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based wipes.

“Our trained health-care practitioners operating in the field have been equipped with the necessary information to identify symptoms that may indicate Covid-19 infection, and should a donor not be feeling well or exhibit any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection, they will not be permitted access to our facilities,” said Dr Jackie Thomson, SANBS medical director.

“While travel to our various donor centres will be considered essential travel, our regular donor deferral periods will still apply.”

Additionally, as precautionary measures and to ensure the safety of blood and blood products during this time, the following deferrals remain in effect:

• People who have travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa will be deferred for 21 days.

• People with confirmed cases of coronavirus infection will be deferred for 28 days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms.

• People who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable coronavirus cases will be deferred for 21 days from the last date of contact.

Importantly, as is normal practice when donating blood, SANBS encourages donors to delay donation if they are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection until they are in good health.

We can all play our part to save a life by donating blood.

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