Covid-19: Blood donor centre remains open during lockdown period
The SANBS has put precautionary measures into place for people who wants to donate blood during the 21 days of lockdown.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) centres will still be open and operating during the 21 day lockdown period.
Ms Dot Prinsloo, donor relations practitioner of SANBS’ branch in Secunda, said the situation with the outbreak is constantly changing and the blood service will keep residents informed on all issues affecting donors and recipients.
Ms Prinsloo said it will be safe for donors to donate blood and as the SANBS is an essential service, residents will be allowed to visit the donor centre to donate blood.
“At the SANBS we are closely following guidelines issued by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) which promotes healthy personal hygiene practices, both in our offices and at our fixed and mobile donor centres,” said Ms Prinsloo.
“We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of fellow citizens.
“If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath, you are encouraged to delay donation until you are in good health.”
The SANBS has put precautionary measures into place for people who wants to donate blood during the 21 days of lockdown.
The following people will not be allowed to donate blood:
* People who have travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa
* People with confirmed cases of coronavirus infection
* People who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable coronavirus cases
Ms Prinsloo said the virus cannot be contracted through blood and individuals are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus if they donate blood or through blood transfusion.
She also said diagnostic testing for the coronavirus is not conducted on blood samples thus blood tests cannot detect the virus.
“Diagnostic testing for the coronavirus is done by taking throat swabs and sputum samples,” said Ms Prinsloo.
“For this reason, we do not conduct testing for the coronavirus our donor centres.”
If the SANBS detects any other infections in donors’ blood that is a cause of concern, they will contact the donors to inform them and advise on appropriate steps to take.
If you feel you are at risk or fear that you may have been infected with the coronavirus, contact the NICD toll-free hotline at 0800 029 999 or 0800 111 131.
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