The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) would like to appeal to all our healthy donors to please continue to donate blood. The WCBS would like to assure donors that donating blood is safe. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion as respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or transfusion. Blood donor screening, which includes travel self-deferrals, are already in place to prevent individuals who may be at risk of clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. The WCBS does not test for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The WCBS is currently experiencing a critical shortage of O- and B+ blood groups. The WCBS would like to urge healthy donors who belong to all blood groups to continue to donate blood to ensure that the blood stock levels are adequate at all times in the Western Cape. “We anticipate added pressure on the blood supply during Easter, Ramadaan and the winter months and the added effects of the Coronavirus could see the number of eligible donors decrease in the following few months”, says Michelle Vermeulen, Promotions, PR and Planning Manager for the WCBS.
If donors suspect any risk of infection they must please contact the NICD hotline on 0800 029 999. The WCBS urges donors to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath), you are requested to delay donating blood until you are in good health.
Should you require any additional information or if you would like to find a blood donation clinic close to you, please contact the WCBS on 021 507 6300 or visit the website www.wcbs.org.za for more information.