Donate blood, it's safe to do so

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Western Province Blood Transfusion Services' Marlize van der Merwe says the province's blood stocks are extremely low.

The outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in many questions about the risk of exposure and the effect of the virus on blood.

The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) appeals to all its healthy donors to continue to donate blood. The service assures donors that blood donation is a safe and sterile procedure.

The Coronavirus cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion as respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or transfusion.

Residents of Mossel Bay can donate blood as follows:

Thursday, 16 April - 12:00 to 17:00 at the caravan the the Mosselbaai Mall, opposite Food Lover's Market.
Tuesday, 21 April - 12:00 to 17:00 at the caravan at the Caltex Garage in Flora Road, Dana Bay.
Thursday, 23 April - 10:00 to 15:00 at the caravan opposite Entrance 2 at the Langeberg Mall, Mossel Bay.

Duration: Donation usually takes 30 minutes.

Remember to eat balanced meal four hours before you donate blood. If you need more information, call the WCBS on 021 507 6300 or email info@wcbs.org.za.

Gomita Lamine drawing blood from Liesel de Kock. Photo: Jannie du Plessis