The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling out to donors to help it avoid a crisis. SANBS Lydenburg is currently experiencing a critical shortage in blood supply.

Silungile Mlambo, SANBS chief marketing officer, said this current shortage poses a real danger to the healthcare system. “Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, tertiary institutions and corporate stakeholders to host blood drives.”

According to Mlambo, as a result of this the blood stocks have dropped significantly. “We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals and are in dire need of blood donations locally as well as countrywide. Our group O blood stocks have dropped and we are appealing to all to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who need it most,” explained Mlambo.

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Blood group O is considered the universal blood group because anyone, regardless of blood type, can receive it. It is through planned blood drives at companies, institutions and communities that the SANBS can achieve its collection target.

“We are appealing to the public to make venues available to us for mobile blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public and large enough to ensure social distancing can be practised.”

Mlambo said SANBS is also appealing to willing and eligible donors to visit their nearest mobile blood drive or fixed donor centre.

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Blood donation is still safe during this time and persons confirmed with Covid-19 infection. “Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from date of complete clearance of symptoms. Individuals who have had close contact with anyone with confirmed or probable Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from the last date of contact.

Anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms on the day of donation will be deferred for seven days,” she said. SANBS Lydenburg is at Lydenburg Shopping Centre, 53 Kantoor Street. Contact it on 013-235-3612.