Red Cross sees ‘significant drop’ in blood donations as coronavirus spreads

Coronavirus is creating a significant drop in blood donations, the American Red Cross said.

The Red Cross said that over the past week, blood centers across the U.S. have seen a “significant drop in donations due to COVID-19.” They are urging people who are healthy and able to donate to do so now.

“Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those who need it, but because of COVID-19, fewer people are donating,” the Red Cross said on Twitter. “And as coronavirus spreads, fewer people may be eligible to donate blood going forward.”

Employees are wearing gloves, wiping down touched areas after every collection, using sterile equipment and preparing the arm with aseptic scrub, the organization said.

Additionally, the Red Cross added new regulations on if someone can donate blood while coronavirus spreads. If a person has traveled to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, Italy or South Korea, he or she cannot donate for 28 days. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been in contact with it are also not able to donate.

Blood transfusions can help people dealing with cancer, birth delivery complications, severe infections or going through surgery, the organization said.

“If you’re healthy, your blood donation is needed. Donating blood is safe and people should not hesitate to give,” the Red Cross said. “As concerns about coronavirus continue, donating blood is an important way that you can help others stay healthy.”

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Red Cross sees ‘significant drop’ in blood donations as coronavirus spreads."