Coronavirus Concerns Could Potentially Impact Blood Donations

Around the nation people are canceling their appointments to give blood in fear of being exposed to the virus.

DULUTH, Minn. – The number of Coronavirus cases in the U.S. is continuing to rise including two in Minnesota.

now there are concerns that the spreading of the virus could potentially create an urgent need for blood donations.

Staff at Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth say they have noticed people are canceling their appointments to give blood in fear of being exposed to the virus.

Some loyal donors are continuing to give blood in the Northland, but with growing Coronavirus concerns the center is worried donations could be impacted.

“It’s important to continue to donate because blood is a community health resource. If people who are healthy and well are not donating blood then we are not able to provide hospitals with the blood products that they need to support patients,” said spokesperson Wendy Capetz.

Memorial Blood Centers conduct health screenings of each donor.

It is used to help determine if a person is eligible to give blood by checking their health history including looking into exposure to illnesses such as the Coronavirus.