SANBS: Who will be allowed to donate blood now and who will be deferred
If you are a blood donor, take note.
As the situation with the Covid-19 outbreak is still developing, so are the responses of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to this novel virus.
In a statement, the organisation said it is continually adapting its operations, per expert advice and relevant changes are made as and when the need arises.
New research findings have since informed the latest changes introduced within its operations for the safety of donors and staff members. This includes the adjustment of precautionary donor deferral periods.
ALSO READ: Donating one pint of your blood can potentially save up to three lives
The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that people who utilise its facilities are protected. In addition to thoroughly assessing donors and staff at all entry point to its facilities, it has also equipped all sites with supplies of alcohol-based antiseptic sprays and wet wipes.
To ensure the safety of staff and donors, persons confirmed with Covid-19 infection or at risk will be deferred from donation as follows:
* Individuals who have travelled overseas will be deferred for 28 days from date of return from these countries.
* Individuals with confirmed diagnosis with coronavirus 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 coronavirus infection will be deferred for 28 days from last date of contact.
* Anyone exhibiting flu-symptoms on day of donation will be deferred for 7 days.
The SANBS stresses the importance of staying home and delaying donation if donors are feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath).
Donor centres remain operational across the country. The situation with the outbreak is still developing and the organisation will keep the public informed.
Feel free to speak to qualified staff at donation centres or call the Customer Services Centre on 0800 119 031, if you have any questions or concerns.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
