As the winter chill starts intensifying, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is anticipating critical blood supply shortages.

Blood donation is still safe during this time and persons confirmed with Covid-19 infection or at risk will be deferred from donation as follows:
•Individuals who have travelled overseas will be deferred for 28 days from date of return from these countries.
•Individuals with confirmed diagnosis with Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from date of complete clearance of symptoms.
•Individuals who have had close contact with anyone with confirmed or probable Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from last date of contact.
•Anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms on day of donation will be deferred for seven days.
The imminent shortages pose a real danger to the healthcare systems in our country.

It is important to note that individuals are not at risk of contracting Covid-19 through the blood donation process, or via a blood transfusion since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmittable by donation or transfusion.

Parysenaars can donate blood at the Reformed Church Hall in Parys from 11:00 until 18:00 on
Tuesday, 14 July and
Tuesday 16 July.