ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Australians Need To Keep Donating Blood During Coronavirus Pandemic

Australians Need To Keep Donating Blood During Coronavirus Pandemic

There have been around 800 appointment cancellations every day and the Red Cross needs 14,000 donations by Easter to prevent a shortage.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

The Australian Red Cross has put a call out to healthy Australians to keep donating blood amid the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been around 800 appointment cancellations every day and the Red Cross says it needs around 14,000 donations by Easter to prevent a shortage.

Obviously if you have Covid-19 or have been told to self-isolate then it's understandable that you would need to cancel your appointment.

However, because Australia hasn't been put under lockdown like other places around the world, you're still able to go out into the community (as long as you practice social distancing).

PA

That means, if you can donate blood, please do.

The Red Cross released a statement, saying: "While the World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, it is important to note there is no evidence that coronavirus is transmissible by blood transfusion, and our strict screening process means we don't allow people who are unwell to donate blood.

"Although the risk to blood safety from coronavirus is low in Australia, we are preparing for the possibility that the virus may spread in the Australian community and the impact this may have on the number of donors available to give blood.

PA

"We are asking existing blood donors to keep their appointments if fit and well and invite new donors to come forward to help us meet the needs of Australian patients."

There are new rules for who can't donate blood: those who have been overseas in the last 28 days and anyone who has been in contact with someone who has been overseas in the last 28 days.

If you have the coronavirus, you won't be able to donate for three months.

People with a runny nose used to be able to donate plasma, however they will be deferred until they're okay.

PA

The Red Cross added: "We're implementing social distancing in our centres wherever possible.

"Whenever we can, we'll make sure donors are at least 1.5 metres away from all other donors. In some centres, we've rearranged the furniture to make this possible."

There was an overwhelming response to calls for blood donations in the wake of the Australian bushfire crisis.

However, donors have to wait 12 weeks in between visits to a clinic.

So anyone else who is able to donate, who is healthy and falls under their parameters to donate, please call up your closest clinic and book in an appointment.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, coronavirus, Australia