Coronavirus: Extra safety measures in place as people still urged to give blood

NHS Blood and Transplant service said the additional precautions included donors being triaged so only people with no risk factors could enter the donation area and extra cleaning.

"We need people in South Yorkshire who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak," said a spokesperson.

"We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority. 

"We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area."

Blood donations sessions are still going ahead and donor centres are open.

"We’re asking donors in South Yorkshire to follow the latest advice on our website and app, and the advice from the Government," said the spokesperon.

"We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.

"Donations have dropped, though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations. We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months.

"Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there."

To make an appointment to donate or for more information, call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit www.blood.co.uk