THE South African National Blood Service is an organisation whose purpose is “Trusted to Save Lives” therefore, amid the COVID-19 National State of Disaster, blood drives will continue.
SANBS stated in a press release that, “Our operations in terms of blood drives and blood banks issuing products, are continuing as normal, and all measures are being taken to protect our employees, donors and all stakeholders.”
According to Maryke Harris, Donor Relations Practitioner, SANBS PE East Branch, “We encourage individuals to please support the blood drives if they are able to donate blood. The aim is to prevent a secondary disaster in that blood stocks might decline as a result of the cancellations coming through daily.”
SANBS also stated that it is their social responsibility to take all necessary steps to try to prevent the spread of the corona virus.
“To ensure that the people who utilise our facilities are protected, we are assessing donors at the doors and at access points into mobile sites. SANBS donation sites are regularly disinfected with alcohol. We have also equipped all our clinics and mobile site entrances with antiseptic sprays and alcohol wipes.
“Importantly, we are also encouraging and educating donors to delay donation if they are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection until they are in good health. In addition, we request donors who have travelled to countries with known cases to delay their donations for at least 21 days,” said Harris.
All visitors to SANBS will be assessed via a questionnaire for COVID-19 exposure. International visitors will not be allowed entry into our premises if they travelled during the past 14 days and have not tested negative for the virus. – REPORTER
