Donating blood is an essential service – here’s what you need to know
To prevent blood stocks from running critically low during the lockdown, SANBS appeals to all donors to continue donating blood.
You will still be able to donate blood during the 21-day national lockdown. Shavani Sewpaul, Donor Relations Practitioner at SANBS Newcastle, said while the organisation welcomed the necessary measures announced by President, Cyril Ramaphosa, the public should not be discouraged from donating much-needed blood.
“Donating blood is essential at a time when our country needs you the most,” said Sewpaul. “To prevent blood stocks from running critically low during this period and subsequently putting the lives of our fellow South Africans at risk, we appeal to all donors from all blood groups to continue donating blood – we are an essential service.”
All donor centres will remain open with extended operating hours to accommodate social distancing measures.
These are the times you can donate:
Monday to Friday – 8am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday – 8am to 2pm.
“Appointments can be made directly with your nearest donor centre to avoid queues,” added Sewpaul.
As additional precautionary measures to protect donors, the following deferrals will be in effect:
- People who have travelled to affected countries outside 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.
“We encourage donors to delay giving blood if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection until they are in good health,” emphasised Sewpaul. “Let us all heed the call of the President – ‘In the days, weeks and months ahead, our resolve, our resourcefulness and our unity as a nation will be tested as never before. Be courageous, be patient and above all, show compassion.’ We can all play our part to save a life by donating blood.”
ALSO READ: Make donating blood your New Year’s resolution
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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