Covid-19: SANBS urges public to continue donating blood
JOBURG – SANBS donor centres will remain open with extended hours to accommodate social distancing measures.
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The public is encouraged by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to continue donating blood even during this difficult time in South Africa.
“As an essential service within South Africa, the SANBS 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,” the organisation said.
SANBS donor centres will remain open with extended hours to accommodate social distancing measures. “Our extended operating hours will be between 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends. Shopping mall donor centres remain accessible, and mobile drives will be set up at large grocery stores to accommodate more donors.”
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Should you wish to donate, appointments can be made directly with the nearest donor centres to avoid queuing at the donor centre.
SANBS medical director Dr Jackie Thomson said, “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.”
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