Blood donation to continue as an essential service

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) welcomes the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 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 its donors 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, and placing the lives of our fellow South African at risk.

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

Their extended operating hours will be between 8am to 7pm on weekdays, and 8am to 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.

The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that 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.

“Our trained healthcare practitioners operating in the field have been equipped with the necessary information to identify symptoms that may indicate Covid-19 infection, and should any 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 the various donor centres will be considered essential travel, their 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, the SANBS encourages donors to delay donation if they are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection until they are in good health.

During this difficult time, let us heed the call of our President: “In the days, weeks and months ahead, our resolve, our resourcefulness and our unity as a nation will be tested as never before. I call upon all of us, one and all, to play our part. To be courageous, to be patient and above all, to show compassion.”

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