OTTAWA — Canadian Blood Services is seeking to reassure donors that it’s safe to give blood, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Isra Levy of Canadian Blood Services says there has been a jump in appointment cancellations across the country.
He says donations dropped about 20 per cent late last week, and he’s worried.
He says Canada is just a few days away from having a critical blood shortage.
Levy says it is still safe to donate, since only healthy people are allowed to come into clinics.
He says about 400,000 Canadians donate on a regular basis and, since blood is perishable, it’s essential to have a constant, fresh supply.
Hospitals may be delaying some surgeries, he says, but there is still a demand for blood with trauma cases and cancer patients who require regular transfusions.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2020.
The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press
