According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted COVID-19. No cases of transfusion-transmission were ever reported for the other two coronaviruses that emerged during the past two decades (SARS and MERS-CoV).

Routine blood donor screening measures that are already in place – which may include travel deferrals – should prevent individuals with clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. 

TRBC does have a sanitation policy in place. However, to ensure donor safety in this uncertain time, the staff has been instructed to be extra vigilant, sanitize donor areas, screening rooms, and chairs, after each donor departs.

All blood drive sponsors/hosts should continue to hold blood drives. Please remember that in times of disaster or public health crises, it is the blood on the shelf that saves lives. Healthy donors must continue to donate to maintain an adequate blood supply.

ALL healthy individuals are encouraged to make an appointment to donate. If the outbreak of coronavirus continues to spread, additional challenges may arise, which could potentially reduce the number of eligible donors which is why those healthy individuals are encouraged to donate now.

If you are not able to give, encourage others to do so!