SANBS encourages blood donations amid coronavirus concerns

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has urged healthy donors to continue with blood donations, despite the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, SANBS explained the coronavirus cannot be transmitted through blood transfusion, as respiratory viruses are generally known not to be transmittable by donation or transfusion.

“Blood donor screening services, which include travel self-deferrals, were already in place to prevent individuals who may be at risk of clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. The SANBS does not test for Covid-19,” the statement read.

Healthy blood donors from all blood groups are encouraged to continue donating blood to ensure bloodstock levels remained adequate across the country.

“We anticipate added pressure on the blood supply during Easter, Ramadan and the winter months,” said SANBS spokesperson Silungile Mlambo .

READ: How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect your pets and animals?

SANBS has advised donors who suspect they might have contracted the virus to contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline on 0800 029 999 and get tested.

Donors should take precautionary measures to ensure their safety and that of other 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,” Mlambo added.

Should you require any additional information or if you would like to find a blood donation clinic close to you contact 0800 1190 31 or visit www.sanbs.org.za

• The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999 with any suspected cases of corona, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.

* 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).

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts  (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za

or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:

Follow us: