Ballito residents urged to continue donating blood during lockdown

North Coasters are encouraged to keep donating blood in order to maintain the essential supply of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

The situation is dire and, according to SANBS spokesperson Sifiso Khoza, stocks are less than a handful of days away from running dry.

“We have enough blood at the moment to last four days – this is a very scary situation,” he said, reminding people of the need to keep donating.

Khoza said strict safety measures were in place to ensure that donors and staff were protected.

“We are assessing donors at all entry points to our facilities and mobile sites.

“We have also equipped all sites with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based wipes,” he said.

Today (Tuesday), donors can donate blood at the Ballito Library from 10am to 6pm this evening.

“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 a donor not be feeling well, or exhibit any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection, they will not be permitted access our facilities,” said Dr Jackie Thomson, SANBS Medical Director.

While travel to any of the donor centres will be considered essential travel, 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, we encourage donors to delay donation if they are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection until they are in good health,” said Khoza.

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