By Bejay Browne.
The Cyprus Blood Bank has appealed for blood donations as they hit an all time low.
“In these difficult times our country and all humanity is going through, blood bank staff call for social solidarity and altruism,” they said in a statement.
Although there is a movement ban people are still permitted to leave their homes to donate blood.
The government has provided an exception for the movement of people for the purpose of donating blood (text 8998 and option 1 or fill in the relevant form).
“This alone demonstrates the need to ensure the uninterrupted flow of blood donors and the continued supply of blood derivatives,” the blood bank said. Blood is needed for surgeries, thalassemic, pediatric and hematologic patients, it added.
Staff at donation facilities are stringently following the new procedures in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyone who has been abroad in the last 28 days must not go to the blood centres, nor should people with symptoms of flu or illness, respiratory problems, or people who have been in contact with a known case of coronavirus (Covid-19.)
Cyprus usually has a high rate of blood donors and is one of the few countries where all blood needs are covered by voluntary blood donations. Around 9 per cent of the country’s population are already registered as blood donors.
Locations where blood donations will take place are available on the Facebook page: Cyprus Blood Establishment/Blood Donation.
Blood Bank : 22 809098
