The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) welcomes the necessary measures
announced by the President, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday evening, to
save lives and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
This should not discourage members of the public from donating lifesaving blood as we
tackle this global health pandemic as a nation during this difficult period when our
country needs you the most.
As an essential service within South Africa, the SANBS therefore appeals to donors from all
blood groups to continue donating blood to prevent blood stocks running critically low and
placing the lives of our fellow South African at risk.
All of our donor centres will remain open with extended operating hours to accommodate
social distancing measures.
Our extended operating hours will be between 08:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to
14:00 on weekends. Shopping mall donor centres remain accessible, and mobile drives will
be set up at large grocery stores to accommodate more donors. Appointments can be
made directly with your nearest donor centre to avoid queuing at the donor centre.
The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that the people who utilise our
facilities are protected. We are assessing donors at all entry point to our facilities and mobile
sites. We have also equipped all sites with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based
wipes.
“Our trained healthcare practitioners operating in the field have been equipped with the
necessary information to identify symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 infection, and
should a donor not be feeling well, or exhibit any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection, they
will not be permitted access our facilities,” said Dr Jackie Thomson, SANBS Medical Director.
While travel to our various donor centres will be considered essential travel, our regular
donor deferral periods will still apply. Additionally, as precautionary measures and to ensure
the safety of blood and blood products during this time, the following deferrals remain in
effect.
