It is vitally important that blood donors continue to donate during the current national lockdown. This is according to Marike Gevers, corporate public relations officer for the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS).
The WCBS experienced an initial decline in blood donations since the start of the national lockdown, but donations have since recovered, according to Kim Strutt, clinic coordinator of the WCBS.
If blood donations were to drop severely, then the WCBS may not be able to supply blood to every patient that needs it, says Kim Strutt, clinic coordinator of the WCBS. Photo: WCBS
According to Strutt, donors were not sure if it was safe to donate blood or if donors would be allowed to travel to blood donor clinics. This affected WCBS’ donations in the early stage of the lockdown, she said.
“Blood donation is seen as essential travel during the lockdown, so donors are able and encouraged to come out to donate,” said Gevers. “The WCBS need 700 units of blood per day to supply the Western Cape with a sustainable blood supply.”
If blood donations were to drop severely, then the WCBS may not be able to supply blood to every patient that needs it, said Strutt.
Blood donation is considered essential travel during the lockdown. Infographic: WCBS Facebook
Donors should rest assured that WCBS maintains sanitation standards, in line with the Covid-19 guidelines, said Aishah Salie, promotions supervisor of the WCBS. According to the WCBS website, Covid-19 cannot be transmitted through blood transfusions as it is a respiratory virus.
“WCBS is following strict hygiene protocols at our blood donation clinics,” Salie said.
According to Michelle Vermeulen, public relations and planning manager of the WCBS, the WCBS is grateful to all donors who have ensured that WCBS could supply safe and sufficient blood to patients in the Western Cape.
The WCBS urges the public to continue donating blood during this period to ensure a steady supply of blood. Able donors are encouraged to donate at clinics near them.
Instructions for donors to follow should they need to prove that they are going to a blood donation clinic. Infographic: WCBS Facebook