Protest action unrest affecting blood donor centre operations

SANBS is aware of the mounting unrest in the country during this especially difficult third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.

As a result, these pockets of violence and instability may potentially affect SANBS mobile blood drives and donor centres negatively.

Some scheduled blood drives may need to be cancelled or postponed to more suitable dates and times.
SANBS anticipates this will continue to negatively affect blood collections for as long as they continue as it will not be able to collect sufficient blood units that were scheduled for this time.

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With the rising Covid-19 infection rates, SANBS anticipates added pressure on blood stocks in the coming weeks.

“The safety of our donors is important to us and we implore everyone who is willing to visit our donor centres to exercise increased vigilance to ensure their own safety,” said Terrence Pillay, SANBS donor relations practitioner.

“We strongly advise continuing to visit our donor centres to donate blood only if it is safe to do so. Where protest action has had no effect, our operations are continuing as normal and all measures are being taken to protect our employees, donors and all stakeholders.”

Donors in affected areas are urged to take caution and delay donation until it is safe to do so.

The SANBS condemns vandalism and the destruction of property. We call for calm and remind everyone of the importance of working together to ensure that we save lives. #TrustedToSaveLives

— The SANBS (@theSANBS) July 12, 2021